Featured Post from ChristianaCare

Food is Medicine: ‘It’s Not Just About Food–It’s About Friendship

Apr 19, 2024

4 min

Michelle L. Axe, MS, CHESErin Booker, LPC

Kim Solomon’s kitchen showed all the signs of a good lunch in the making – chopped veggies on the counter, a few dirty dishes in the sink and two people laughing as they cooked.


“Don’t worry, we’re going to clean all this up,” ChristianaCare community health worker Michelle Torres, BBA-HM, said as she sliced tilapia for the heart-healthy fish tacos she was making with Solomon.



“I’m not worried about the mess, especially when it tastes this yummy,” Solomon said as she watched Torres place the raw fish – coated with panko crumbs, spices and an egg wash – into the air fryer.


A few years earlier, Solomon’s lunch would have been something quick from the pantry after cooking for her sons or helping a neighbor. But after dealing with the life-threatening effects of high blood pressure, she is learning – with Torres’ help – how to prioritize her own nutrition and health.



Solomon is one of more than 225 patients enrolled in the Delaware Food Farmacy, a ChristianaCare partnership with Lutheran Community Services that provides weekly deliveries of locally sourced produce, meat and other foods, along with one-on-one support from a community health worker.


Delaware Food Farmacy participants report lower A1C blood glucose levels, healthier blood pressure readings and reduced body mass index.


Dishing out good health


“It took me getting very sick to finally make my own health a priority in my life, and that’s a humbling experience,” said Solomon, who lives in Bear, Delaware.


“This is not just about food – it is about friendship, and Michelle’s support really gives me motivation. It keeps me excited to hear her voice and know that she’s there for me.”


Kim Solomon (left) finds prioritizing her own nutrition and health can be delicious, as she prepares panko-crusted tilapia for fish tacos with community health worker Michelle Torres.


ChristianaCare is expanding efforts to reduce food insecurity among patients in an ongoing commitment to ending disparities and in recognition that access to nutritious food is critical to overall health.


In addition to the Delaware Food Farmacy, over 100 Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP) patients are participating in Healthy Food, Healthy Hearts, a 12-week program that delivers fresh groceries to under-resourced Medicare patients with complex health needs.



“Our focus is empowering people to maintain their health by giving them the resources they need for whole-person care, including healthy food and education related to meal preparation and living with a chronic health condition,” said Erin Booker, LPC, chief biopsychosocial officer for ChristianaCare.


“Through our work with our community partners in the Food Farmacy program in Delaware and our Healthy Food, Healthy Hearts program in Maryland, we are acknowledging the intersection of nutrition and health care and the importance of creating a more equitable food system.”


Food is Medicine

Both programs operate on the Food Is Medicine model, which recognizes that nutritious foods are essential for good health – and they must be accessible in the community, particularly in under-resourced areas.


Studies have shown that evidence-based, tailored food interventions can lead to improved health outcomes and better use of health care services among participants while also reducing food insecurity, said Michelle Axe, MS, CHES, program manager of Food and Social Care Initiatives for ChristianaCare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated in 2023 that food insecurity results in nearly $77 billion in excess health care spending.


Veggie power: Much of the food in the Food Farmacy is sourced locally through a cooperative agreement with Delaware’s Department of Agriculture and the Farm-to-Community Program, which connects local farms with organizations distributing food to the community.


Among Food Farmacy graduates, 26% report a decrease in food insecurity and 18% said they experience less anxiety.


“With these programs, we’re offering participants an opportunity to make a change in their life, not only for them as individuals, but for the entire family,” Axe said. “This is about more than food.”


From farm to table


Getting health care professionals to prescribe healthier food options – and then making it possible for the patients to obtain them – helps close the gap between medical nutrition and financial health, said Rob Gurnee, executive director of Lutheran Community Services.



“Providing food – that’s our core competency,” Gurnee said. “What really makes this program different and incredibly valuable is that ChristianaCare can funnel the right people into the program and then maintain these relationships to help patients make changes that are sustainable. Together, we utilize the strengths of our organizations with the goal of improving health outcomes.”


Each week, Delaware Food Farmacy participants select from a menu of fresh produce, lean meats and fish, whole grains, low-fat dairy, snacks and other healthy items, all of which fall under the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.


Fresh-picked: With Delaware Food Farmacy, patients are getting local produce that is typically picked within 24 to 48 hours.


Much of the food distributed through Delaware Food Farmacy is sourced locally through a cooperative agreement with Delaware’s Department of Agriculture and the Farm-to-Community Program, which connects local farms with organizations distributing food to the community.


Solomon’s refrigerator is filled with local produce, eggs and lean meats from the Food Farmacy program, but it’s Torres who keeps Solomon on the path to good health with her encouraging personality and a tasty supply of easy-to-make recipes.


A recipe for healthy eating: Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Kim Solomon’s review? “Yummy.”


“She’s there to support you and help you understand it’s going to be OK,” Solomon said. “She goes above and beyond every time. We need more Michelles in our world.”

Connect with:
Michelle L. Axe, MS, CHES

Michelle L. Axe, MS, CHES

Community Health Program Manager

Michelle Axe is a Community Health Program Manager overseeing the departments food and social care initiatives.

Food as MedicineSocial CareStrategic PlanningDigital Transportation
Erin Booker, LPC

Erin Booker, LPC

Chief Bio-Psycho-Social Officer

Erin Booker, LPC, is the Chief Bio-Psycho-Social Officer at ChristianaCare.

Behavioral HealthCommunity HealthStrategic CollaborationsCommunity EducationCommunity Partnerships

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from ChristianaCare

2 min

Kert Anzilotti, M.D., Appointed President of the Medical Group of ChristianaCare

Kert Anzilotti, M.D., MBA, FACR has been appointed president of the Medical Group of ChristianaCare. Anzilotti has served as interim president since June 2024. He will also continue in his role as system chief medical officer of ChristianaCare. As president of the ChristianaCare Medical Group, Anzilotti will seek to improve every aspect of care for every person the Medical Group touches. He will focus on the optimization of care delivery, strategic visioning, network development, clinical technology implementation and leveraging medical informatics. Anzilotti will continue to develop new care models that transcend settings, promote value-based care and improve the patient experience across the clinical enterprise. Among his priorities are the adoption of population health measures, the embedding of health equity into care delivery and workforce development, further expansion of access points for patients and the continuous enhancement of patient and caregiver experience. “Dr. Anzilotti is exceptionally qualified to lead the Medical Group of ChristianaCare,” said Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare. “His passion for our mission and vision for the future strength of our Medical Group is unwavering. Since joining ChristianaCare in 2011, Dr. Anzilotti has earned a well-deserved reputation as a thoughtful and collaborative leader.” Anzilotti has served in numerous leadership roles at ChristianaCare, including as chief medical officer, acute care; chair of the Department of Radiology; medical director of Imaging Services; and physician leader of the Neurosciences Service Line. He also previously served as Interim President and CEO for the eBrightHealth ACO with responsibility for physician leadership and network operations. He is board certified in Neuroradiology. “Over the many years I have been at ChristianaCare, I have had the privilege of witnessing the dedication and compassion of my Medical Group colleagues as we served together with love and excellence,” Anzilotti said. “I am honored to lead this incredible, dynamic group that is reshaping the future of care, ensuring everyone we serve can achieve their best health.” Anzilotti earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He earned his MBA at the University of Delaware, completed the Managing Health Care Delivery Course at Harvard Business School and graduated as Physician Executive Fellow in the Health Management Academy, GE Fellows Program. The Medical Group of ChristianaCare consists of over 2,200 dedicated doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other caregivers. This highly skilled team delivers exceptional care through ChristianaCare’s community-based primary care and specialty care practices serving Delaware and surrounding states. Additionally, the Medical Group collaborates with ChristianaCare hospitalists to ensure seamless continuity of care for our patients, from primary care to hospital care and back again.

3 min

ChristianaCare and Partners Launch Delaware’s First Nurse Anesthesiology Program

Wilmington University, in collaboration with ChristianaCare and the support of Anesthesia Services, P.A. (ASPA), announces the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University, Delaware’s first nurse anesthesiology program. This innovative, full-time, 36-month offering leads to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, preparing graduates to sit for the National Certification Exam and become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). A CRNA (or nurse anesthetist) is an advanced practice registered nurse who administers anesthesia and provides related care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. The program will offer students over 2,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience in high-acuity environments across various surgical specialties, supported by partnerships with ChristianaCare, ASPA—the largest anesthesia group in Delaware—as well as other health care organizations. Students will refine their clinical skills and decision-making in state-of-the-art simulation labs while engaging in diverse clinical settings. Led by experienced practitioners and educators, the curriculum integrates anesthesiology-specific coursework with advanced nursing practice, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of clinical practice and systemic health care challenges. “We are proud to partner with ChristianaCare and ASPA to launch this transformative program,” says Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “At Wilmington University, our caring, student-centered approach prioritizes academic excellence and personal well-being. While this initiative addresses Delaware’s critical need for anesthesiology professionals, we will focus equally on fostering an environment where students can excel and grow into compassionate, skilled leaders in the evolving health care field.” “ChristianaCare is excited to partner with Wilmington University and our colleagues at ASPA in this much needed program to help address Delaware’s growing need for highly qualified CRNAs,” says Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare. “By providing advanced training and education in anesthesiology services, we are helping to develop the next generation of health care experts who will serve our community with high-quality, safe care.” The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 38% growth in nurse anesthetist employment from 2022 to 2032, driven by increased demand for health care services like elective surgeries. Delaware’s health care system faces similar challenges due to a shortage of anesthesiologists and CRNAs, with many nearing retirements. With 15 programs in neighboring Pennsylvania unable to accommodate all qualified applicants, the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University aims to bridge this gap, providing essential local training to meet the growing demand in the workforce. “With an emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, our graduates will be exceptionally equipped to provide high-quality anesthesiology services in diverse health care environments,” says Wilmington University Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Denise Wells. “This collaboration aims to cultivate a local pipeline of skilled registered nurses who will advance their careers as CRNAs, contributing to Delaware’s workforce and the surrounding region.” “Anesthesia Services, P.A. has been leading and innovating anesthesia care delivery in Delaware for the past 37 years,” says ASPA Board Chair Li Maceda, M.D., MBA. “This joint partnership with ChristianaCare and Wilmington University allows us to combine our expertise and resources to train the next generation of anesthesia providers for the communities that we serve and exemplifies our commitment to invest in the future advancement of perioperative care.” Dr. Jacqueline Mainwaring was recently named inaugural director of the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University. “I am excited to be part of this groundbreaking initiative that will provide critical care nurses in our state with the opportunity to advance their careers and become leaders in anesthesiology care,” says Dr. Mainwaring, also an associate professor. “We are committed to creating a high-quality program that prepares our graduates to excel in today’s complex health care landscape. This program will not only address the shortage of anesthesiology professionals in Delaware and the region but will foster a learning environment that emphasizes student well-being, clinical excellence, and interprofessional collaboration.” Leaders of the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University, currently in Capability Review, are pursuing initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Please note, no students can be enrolled until initial accreditation has been awarded. Below is contact information for the COA: Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) 10275 W. Higgins, Suite 906 Rosemont, IL 60018 Phone: 224-275-9130 Email: accreditation@coacrna.org www.coacrna.org

3 min

‘Game-Changing’ Adaptive Radiation Therapy Program Will Enhance Treatments for Cancer Patients at ChristianaCare

Patients undergoing radiation therapy for certain types of cancer at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute will be the first in Delaware to benefit from a cutting-edge treatment system that increases accuracy and precision, enhances patient comfort and minimizes side effects. ChristianaCare expects to begin scheduling patients in early 2026 to receive treatment with the Varian Ethos™ system equipped with HyperSight. The innovative radiotherapy system leverages artificial intelligence and the fastest on-table imaging in the field to enhance precision and increase the likelihood of effectively treating tumors. “As leaders in cancer treatment and care, we continually strive to stay at the forefront of medicine for our patients, and this new technology is a game-changer,” said Thomas Schwaab, M.D., Ph.D., Bank of America endowed medical director of ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute. “Adaptive radiation therapy enables members of the patient’s treatment team to create a new treatment plan every day in real-time based on the patient’s needs and anatomy in that moment as well as any changes observed during their therapy.” In traditional radiotherapy, a plan is established at the beginning of treatment and followed through the treatment course. Adaptive radiotherapy allows for real-time modifications to the plan based on periodic assessments while the patient is on the radiation table. Human anatomy changes quickly through normal bodily function even during treatment. In the context of radiation therapy, even slight shifts or alterations in the body while being treated can significantly impact effectiveness. The advanced technology in the system enables real-time imaging on the radiation table to be completed in seconds, rather than minutes – a dramatic improvement that transforms targeting accuracy and patient comfort. “This advancement will allow us to deliver personalized treatments, enabling radiation oncologists to make necessary treatment decisions even more quickly and accurately,” said Lindsay Romak, M.D., radiation oncologist at the Graham Cancer Center. “This will provide clinically meaningful benefits for patients who require radiotherapy for a wide range of cancers, including those of the prostate, bladder, abdomen and head and neck.” Artificial intelligence powers patient treatments Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to capture and analyze rapid images in real time, the technology quickly detects changes in the patient’s anatomy and tumor size, shape or position. Using real-time imaging data, the system automatically suggests adjustments to the treatment plan to account for these changes, which is key to achieving better patient outcomes. The system also uses artificial intelligence when determining the distribution of the radiation dose, ensuring the tumor receives the optimal amount of radiation. This streamlines the workflow making the entire process of adaptive radiotherapy more efficient. "The integration of artificial intelligence into our treatment processes underscores our dedication to incorporating the most innovative treatments for our patients. With this technology, our patients can anticipate shorter treatment times and potentially fewer sessions, significantly enhancing their overall experience,” Laura Doyle, Ph.D., chief clinical physicist at the Graham Cancer Center said. Adaptive radiation therapy is covered by Medicare and most insurance carriers. The system will be located in the radiation oncology suite at the Graham Cancer Center. Equipment installation is expected in the fall of 2025 with patient use starting in early 2026. ChristianaCare’s Radiation Oncology Department is recognized by the American Society of Radiation Oncology Accreditation Program for Excellence. Its radiation oncologists are leaders in adapting the very latest imaging and treatment advances into clinical practice. The team also helps write the standards for best practices in care delivery and teaches other doctors and health care professionals in this specialty. With this latest advancement, ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute continues to solidify its position at the forefront of cancer care in Delaware and beyond, underscoring its commitment to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

View all posts
Powered by