CHRONICLE July 2017 Medical Center Leads the Way in Combatting Opioid Epidemic Richmond University Medical Center’s Emergency Department and Center for Integrative Behavioral Medicine continues to lead the way in combatting the nationwide opioid overdose epidemic which has struck the Staten Island community especially hard. As part of these ongoing efforts, two new initiatives were announced in June to increase awareness and utilization of Narcan, also known as Naloxone, which is utilized for emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. Effective June 1st, the medical center has made available Narcan kits through its Emergency Department (ED) and on Thursday, June 15th, began offering free Narcan kits and training to the public at the Center for Integrative Behavioral Medicine at 1130 South Ave. Additional training sessions are expected to be held on a monthly basis The efforts were announced at a press conference held at the medical center on June 6th attended by community health leaders. “Richmond University has been in the vanguard of combatting the opioid overdose epidemic within our community,” stated Daniel J. Messina, Ph.D., FACHE, President & CEO of Richmond University Medical Center. “Our aggressive approach continues with the Pictured, from left: Michael Matthews, Ileana Acosta, Dr. Daniel J. Messina, introduction of free Narcan training for the public, along with our ability President & CEO, Dr. Frank Fazio, Rosemarie Stazzone, COO/CNO, Dr. Joel Idowu. to dispense Narcan, with appropriate education, to those who need it in our Emergency Department. I am grateful for the dedication of Richmond University’s emergency and behavioral medicine departments who have worked tirelessly on this issue, along with the support of Borough President Oddo and our other community partners.” Borough President James Oddo, who was represented at the press conference by Dr. Ginny Mantello, Health & Wellness Director, said, “One of the tools at our disposal to prevent people from dying from opioid overdoses is the distribution of naloxone kits and appropriate education so they are available for high risk individuals. Simply stated, it works and literally brings people who are dying back to life. Thank you to Richmond University Medical Center for taking this step that will save lives. Of course, our work is not over once that naloxone save is made; it may save the person’s life, but he or she is still facing a battle against addiction and needs help to avoid future overdoses and winning back a healthy and productive life. There are many good people and organizations in our borough engaged in this fight, but it is clear that without naloxone we wouldn’t even have a chance to help many in their quest out of addiction because they would be dead.” As a registered provider with the New York State Department of Health, Richmond University Medical Center’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program has begun identifying patients to receive Narcan kits: patient who come into the Emergency Department due to a suspected overdose, patients with an opiate or other substance abuse problem will be offered a Narcan kit prior to discharge, ED staff will consider providing education to the family of the patient with a substance use history and will assist in obtaining a Narcan kit. A PUBLICATION FOR EMPLOYEES, PHYSICIANS, TRUSTEES AND VOLUNTEERS OF RICHMOND UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER President’s Update Patient Satisfaction Message from the President & CEO A Note of Thanks Daniel J. Messina, Ph.D., FACHE, LNHA Dear Friends, I hope this note finds you enjoying the early The following Grateful Patient letter was addressed to days of summer. Alla Adler, RN, Nurse Manager of SLB-6: Have you ever heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first Dear Ms. Adler, impression?” Please accept this letter of commendation for the That axiom has been attributed to Will care that Jonathan Costello, RN, afforded my Rogers and Oscar Wilde, but likely originated husband, Corrado, during his hospital stay on March with an ad campaign for Botany Suits back in 21 – 28, 2017. the 1960s. To add, my husband was readmitted in April and While its origins are subject to debate, the truth of that message applies Jonathan stopped in to see him even though my to our daily interactions here at Richmond University. husband was not assigned to Jonathan as a patient As we strive to improve patient experience it is important to remember on the second admission. that visitors often form their opinions from initial interactions. At Richmond As a way of background information, my husband University we want to display positive attitudes; caring, compassionate, underwent an amputation and was instructed to friendly, personal, professional, trusting—when dealing with patients and remain in bed with his foot raised. For a person who visitors. It is essential to establishing and maintaining confidence in the is used to moving about freely and independently, this care we provide. was a test of mind and spirit. There are some simple steps we can follow to make that positive first While he tried his best to remain upbeat and I stayed impression: with him as much as I could, Jonathan’s care and Always be friendly and helpful. Make people feel welcome with a noted interest made the difference between feeling proper greeting, smile and warm body language. Greet people you pass like just another patient and knowing that professional in the hallways. If you see someone looks confused, offer directions or staff were partnering with him in his recovery. get help. Never let someone in need feel ignored. This is my personal thank you to Jonathan. I hope Maintain professionalism. Look and act the part by dressing that any consideration that can be afforded him for his professionally and wearing an ID badge. Be aware of actions like chewing professionalism and care is granted considerable gum while talking. Be professional on the phone and realize the measure. importance of a caller’s time when putting them on hold. Very truly yours, Go the extra mile. Let patients and visitors enter and exit an elevator Emilia first. Use elevator time to engage visitors. Be aware of the impression we make when driving, parking or walking on campus. Let’s treat every interaction with our patients and visitors like its our first and make it a lasting impression. Remember, the power of one – you make a difference! Medical Staff News Medical Staff Holds Annual Summer Reception On June 9th, Richmond University Medical Center’s Medical Staff hosted its annual Medical Staff Summer Reception at the Vanderbilt at South Beach. Two distinguished members of the medical center's community were honored: former Borough President James P. Molinaro and Dr. Publius Martin. Former Borough President James Molinaro is a long-time trustee of the medical center and in November 2015 it was announced that the hospital's new Emergency Department would be named in his honor. Mr. Molinaro served Staten Island as Borough President from 2001 through the end of 2013. His political career began when he joined the New York State Conservative Party in 1964. Mr. Molinaro rose quickly within the ranks of the state’s Conservative Party, winning the election in 1974 as Chairman of Richmond County, and subsequently as Vice Chair of the state party. In 1989, he was elected Executive Vice Chair of the New York State Conservative Party. Before becoming Borough President, Mr. Molinaro served for 12 years as Deputy Borough President to former Borough President Guy V. Molinari (1990-2001). Mr. Molinaro also served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Guy V. Molinari, representing New York’s 14th Congressional District. In addition to work, Mr. Molinaro, a Fort Wadsworth resident, has dedicated himself to health care-related charitable works in memory of his late wife. In 1991, a new dialysis unit at Bayley Seton Hospital was dedicated in memory of Carol E. Molinaro. Mr. Molinaro was the first Chairman of the Board of St. Elizabeth Ann’s Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, and in 2000, St. Elizabeth Ann’s opened the James P. and Carol E. Molinaro Health Care and Rehabilitation Center Atrium. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, Dr. Publius Martins began his affiliation with our institution in 1978 when he began his medical internship at St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center – Staten Island Region. This was followed by a two year residency in Medicine during which time he received the Intern of the Year Award. He then became Chief Resident in Medicine and then went to Brown University for a Fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine. In 1984, he returned to our hospital and served for a time as Associate Director of Medicine and was also Co-Director of the ICU. Dr. Martins also holds a lifetime certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. He began his private practice on Staten Island in 1984 and has continued to be an integral part of our institution. During this time, he also served as Director of both the Pulmonary Laboratory and the Blood Gas Lab. Dr. Martins is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College and a member of several professional societies, including the American College of Physicians, the American College of Chest Physicians, the New York State Medical Society, and the Richmond County Medical Society. He has also been named by New York Magazine as one of the “Best Doctors in New York.” While the Chronicle is issued once a month, you can find out about the latest happenings at Richmond University Medical Center, in real-time via our Social Media pages. 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