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December 27, 2007: HOSPITAL RECEIVES GRANT FROM NORTH ROCKLAND LIONS CLUB
The North Rockland Lions Club has awarded $3,600 to the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation, a portion of the proceeds from the 2007 Robert E. Byrne Golf Outing, which recently took place at the Phillip J. Rotella Golf Course in Haverstraw. The donation will support the physical rehabilitation hospital’s GolfAbility program.
In presenting the check, Frank Monaghan, President of the North Rockland Lions Club states, “The North Rockland Lions Club is dedicated to providing community service. We are very proud of our long relationship with Helen Hayes Hospital.” Cary Smolen, Chair of the 2007 Robert E Byrne Golf Outing says, “ We are very pleased to support the hospital’s GolfAbility program, which helps individuals with disabilities to participate in the sports and activities so many of us enjoy.”
The year 2007 was GolfAbility’s seventh season. GolfAbility is an instructional program to teach the basics of golf, and promote golf as a rewarding leisure activity, to individuals with disabilities and mobility impairments. It encourages individuals with disabilities who have never considered golf to take up the game, and also prevents golfers from giving up the game due to injuries, orthopedic impairments, cardiopulmonary disease, stroke and other conditions. GolfAbility hosts workshops and golf outings from May through September, under the direction of hospital physical and recreational therapists and LPGA pro Joyce Fried.
Helen Hayes Hospital is the largest and most comprehensive physical rehabilitation hospital in New York State, helping individuals with disabling illnesses and injuries to rebuild their lives. The Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation supports the mission and strategic objectives of the Hospital through the development of resources and community awareness.
November 28, 2007: HOSPITAL HOSTS ART EXHIBIT
Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw is hosting an exhibit featuring the work of photographer James Kaval and the painter Jonathan Murray. The exhibit will be on display in the hospital Atrium during the month of December, 2007
James Kaval will be exhibiting a collection of photographs of “CROW HOUSE - Rockland 's ghost of the past.” Mr. Kaval worked as a stringer for the Journal News before attending the Rochester Institute of Technology, from 1974 to1978, where he studied photography both as a science and a fine art. He is currently the artist-in-residence at Crow House, the residence of late Rockland artists Henry Varnum Poor (1888-1970) and Anne Poor (1918-2002). Crow House was and in some respects remains the epicenter of the artistic life of Rockland County. Mr. Kaval’s passion is uncovering and preserving historic architecture, especially photographically.
He recently stated, "Inspiration at Crow House simply requires you to go wherever it leads. Crow House gave me these images, which show you what it is and what it once was, with perhaps its last breath. Its fate, now, is up to the broad community of art lovers. The images, however, belong to Rockland County, as Crow House does." Mr. Kaval added, "As far as my photography is concerned, I'm not looking to change history, I'm just here to record it before it disappears."
The artist Jonathan Murray began his art career in tenth grade while attending high school at Newburgh York Free Academy in Newburgh, New York. A car accident soon after graduation derailed his plans and brought him to Helen Hayes Hospital for rehabilitation. Now, thirty –five years later, he is proud to exhibit his work for the hospital’ patients, staff and the community to enjoy.
The exhibit at the physical rehabilitation hospital is open to the public on a daily basis and is free of charge. For additional information, call the Public Relations office at 786-4225.
October 25, 2007: ARTIST LIRON SISSMAN TO EXHIBIT AT HHH
Oil paintings and limited edition prints by award-winning artist Liron Sissman will be featured in a solo exhibit in the Atrium of Helen Hayes Hospital, on Rt. 9W in West Haverstraw, NY. The exhibit will be on display from November 2st through November 30th and is open to the public free of charge. For additional information about this exhibit please call: 201-952-1666 or 845-786-4225. For additional information about Liron’s works please visit: www.liron.com
About Liron:
Liron’s oil paintings have been featured in more than 40 shows in New York City and throughout the Northeast, won multiple awards, and are widely collected by corporate collectors and by individuals in the U.S. and abroad. Liron’s artwork was recently the subject of a 40 minute TV program. Liron is a full-time painter and is listed in Who’s Who in America and in Who’s Who in American Art.
About Liron’s Paintings:
Liron paints nature both flowers and landscapes metaphorically. “Every painting is a self portrait. I do not paint flowers.” The artist uses form, color, and often texture to convey emotions. Flowers in Liron’s paintings are visual metaphors conveying relationships. Having no faces of their own, her flowers represent an image that viewers of diverse backgrounds can identify with. Overcoming superficial dissimilarities, they serve the artist as portraits of universal appeal.
Why Flowers? “The fragility of flowers, coupled with their ephemeral beauty, intriguing delicacy, and striking colors attract sensitivity and amplify the drama. The fleeting existence of flowers triggers urgency.”
Liron’s landscapes, like her flowers, are not merely intended to reflect nature but rather to project an inner reflection, a metaphorical journey. “In life we catch glimpses of our ideal. At times it is right behind the corner, so visible it is believable, almost reachable. Our proximity translates into a sweet promise.” Liron’s landscapes are dominated by a body of water seen through trees. Using water as a symbol of life, serenity, and that promise, the artist’s trees may either represent a barrier or they may yield to define a path. Most often they partially obscure, connoting a hurdle as they provide a glimpse.
I admire the intensity of emotions found in the works of the Expressionists. Like them, I too mix my soul with my paints. However, I strive to be subtle in my expression of the intense."
October 1, 2007: HOSPITAL TO HOST STROKE SEMINAR
Helen Hayes Hospital will present a free educational seminar program called You Don’t Need Another Stroke to inform stroke survivors, family members and caregivers about how to help protect against a future stroke. The program will take place on Wednesday October 17, 2007 from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon at the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw.
The seminar is program is designed to provide stroke survivors with information to help them become effective partners in their own recovery. It will include an educational video and will be facilitated by Alyssa Hecht, CTRS. Educational materials will be distributed to all attendees.
According to the American Heart Association, there are approximately 5.5 million stroke survivors in the United States today. People who have had a stoke face up to a nine times greater risk of having another stroke and are at more than double the risk of having a heart attack versus the general population.
The event is free of charge and registration is not necessary. For additional information, call 845-786-4200.
July 18, 2007: HOSPITAL RECRUITS VOLUNTEERS
Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw is currently recruiting volunteers to assist in various capacities at the physical rehabilitation hospital.
New volunteers are being accepted to staff the Gift Shop. Flexible hours are available and no previous retail experience is required. Gift Shop volunteers enjoy a pleasant environment while contributing a valuable service to hospital patients. All proceeds from the Gift Ship support patient programs and services.
Volunteers are also being sought for various clerical opportunities within the hospital. Working side-by-side with hospital staff, volunteers will provide valuable assistance with office responsibilities in a range of capacities.
All new hospital volunteers receive a full orientation to the hospital, as well as to the Gift Shop or department they will be working in.
Helen Hayes Hospital is New York State’s largest physical rehabilitation hospital, helping individuals recover from traumatic injuries and disabling diseases. For additional information on Helen Hayes Hospital or volunteer opportunities, or to register to volunteer, call 845-786-4225.
JULY 13, 2007: HOSPITAL CONTRACTS TO SERVE MILITARY PERSONNEL
Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw has been designated as an approved provider of specialty physical rehabilitation services for military personnel. The rehabilitation hospital has been selected by Health Net Federal Services, the managed care program contracted by TRICARE, the provider of healthcare services to U.S. service personnel.
The designation will enable Helen Hayes Hospital to care for military personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, including those with brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and other disorders. The hospital will also be able to offer treatment to all veterans and retired service personnel requiring rehabilitation care.
“As a national leader in physical rehabilitation, we are truly honored to be able to offer our services and comprehensive expertise in rehabilitation to the members of our military so they may make the fullest possible recovery from their injuries,” states Magdalena Ramirez, Helen Hayes Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our experienced rehabilitation teams will provide the medical and nursing care and physical, occupational and speech therapy services these men and women need to regain their mobility and independence.”
Founded in 1900 as one of the country’s first free-standing public rehabilitation hospitals, Helen Hayes is the largest and most comprehensive physical rehabilitation facility in New York State. The combination of a highly skilled staff, the latest technology and a comprehensive continuum of services make the hospital ideally situated to care for the polytraumatic needs of returning military personnel. Located on a beautiful campus overlooking the Hudson River, within 30 minutes of West Point, the hospital is also situated in a region with a long military history and a large population of military personnel.
“We are particularly proud of our traumatic brain injury program, which could benefit many soldiers,” states Dr. Glenn Seliger, director of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation services. “ From coma recovery to intensive acute rehabilitation care, to outpatient therapy, a transitional rehabilitation service and support groups and follow-up day programs, we have been very successful in restoring cognitive, vocational, social and physical skills to our patients with brain injury.”
Along with the traumatic brain injury program, Helen Hayes Hospital is also widely acclaimed for rehabilitation services for spinal cord injury, amputation, stroke and other disabling conditions. The hospital is owned and operated by the New York State Department of Health and is affiliated with the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System.
July 12, 2007: HELEN HAYES HOSPITAL FOUNDATION GALA SCHEDULED
The annual Helen Hayes Hospital Gala, a benefit for the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw, will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at the Pearl River Hilton in Pearl River, New York. Sponsored by the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation, the theme of this year’s Gala is “Island Breeze.” Two individuals will be honored with the Helen Hayes MacArthur Award at the event,
Receiving the 2007 Helen Hayes MacArthur Award at this year’s Gala will be acclaimed actress Ellen Burstyn and President of Rockland Community College, Cliff Wood. Past recipients include John McLoughlin, Montel Williams, Christopher Reeve, Rosie O’Donnell, Dikembe Mutombo, Lily Tomlin, Arthur Ashe, John Hockenberry, and Edward James Olmos.
The Gala is held annually to honor the achievements of individuals who help and inspire other people to live their lives to their fullest potential. This commitment is shared by the staff of Helen Hayes Hospital, who work each day toward the singular goal of helping patients achieve maximum independence. The presentation of the Helen Hayes MacArthur Award is a highlight of the Gala evening. The Award was established by the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation to honor the hospital’s namesake, First Lady of the American Theater Helen Hayes MacArthur.
The Gala is the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation’s major fund-raising event. Tickets are $300 and opportunities for sponsorships and advertising space in the Journal are currently available. In addition, donations are being accepted for raffle prizes. For additional information about the Gala, contact the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation Office at 845-786-4365.
June 25, 2007: HOSPITAL TO ACCEPT USED NEEDLES
Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw will be accepting used needles, lancets and syringes from Rockland County residents on Tuesday, July3, 2007 from 10:00 AM until Noon and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the hospital’s loading dock. This service is part of the Rockland County SHARPS Disposal Program, operated by a coalition of county hospitals and nursing homes, and is free of charge.
Any Rockland resident who uses SHARPS in the home is eligible to participate in this county-wide program. This includes individuals with diabetes or other medical conditions, such as cancer or allergies, requiring medication by injection.
The SHARPS Disposal Program is an environmentally responsible method to dispose of unwanted needles, lancets and syringes, which are a potential danger to sanitation workers and the environment when disposed of improperly. Residents must place the used items into an approved container, which may be obtained from a surgical supply house or pharmacy. When the container is full, it should be closed and brought to one of the collection sites.
SHARPS are collected every month at a designated hospital or nursing home. For additional information on the SHARPS Disposal Program, a schedule of collection sites, or the drop-off at Helen Hayes Hospital, call the Department of Health at 845-364-2615.
June 7, 2007: HOSPITAL CONDUCTS RESEARCH INTO STROKE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
participants being recruited
Helen Hayes Hospital is conducting several research studies examining new ways to prevent recurrent strokes and new treatments for stroke recovery. Individuals who have had a stroke are being recruited for participation.
Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes (SPS3) is a† multicenter clinical trial being funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The research seeks to determine how to best prevent a second stroke in someone who has experienced a small subcortical stroke. Such strokes often occur at a younger age than other types of stroke and they can cause arm or leg weakness, as well as mild to severe memory loss, mood swings and impairment in judgment. Hypertension is the leading cause of these strokes and the study will also examine how to best control this risk factor.
Individuals who have had a small stroke within the previous few months are eligible to participate. Study participants will be evaluated and followed by a neurologist and cardiologist at Helen Hayes Hospital and may receive free anti- hypertensive medication, if needed, as well as aspirin and study medication. A total of 2,500 individuals are being enrolled in this study at over 60 sites internationally. For additional information, or to be screened for participation, call Laura Tenteromano, R.N., C.C.R.C. at 845-786-4854.
Helen Hayes is also continuing to recruit participants for another stroke prevention study that has been underway for a few years. Brothers and/or sisters who have both had ischemic stroke are being sought so researchers may examine genes that may increase the risk of having such a stroke. The brothers and/or sisters need not live near each other as the study requires only a single blood test. This study is funded by the NIH in conjunction with the Mayo Clinic. For additional information, call Laura Tenteromano at the number above.
The principal investigator for these studies is Jason Greenberg, M.D., Director of Stroke Rehabilitation Services at Helen Hayes Hospital. A graduate of Swathmore College, Dr. Greenberg received his medical degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. He recently joined Helen Hayes Hospital from Wake Forest University, where he spent over a decade working in acute stroke neurology and stroke rehabilitation. His work has been widely published in a number of professional journals and books and he has served as a reviewer for the Journal of Neurological Sciences, the Journal of Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair and Stroke. At Helen Hayes Hospital, Dr. Greenberg leads a team of nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists and other professionals whose goal is to maximize the recovery of individuals with stroke.
Stroke is the nationís third leading cause of death and approximately 10% of survivors experience another stroke within one year.† Stroke causes paralysis, as well as impairments in speech, memory, judgment, sensation and coordination.
March 1, 2007: HOSPITAL APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBER
Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien has been appointed to the Board of Visitors at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, according to Magdalena Ramirez, Chief Executive Officer.
Sister Mary Eileen is President of Dominican College in Orangeburg, New York and a member of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt. Under her aegis, Dominican College has grown from 1100 to almost 2000 students. Her dynamic educational vision has led to the creation of special graduate programs in nursing, occupational and physical therapy, as well as a popular Weekend College. Today, the College serves as a regional leader in the training of highly skilled healthcare professionals.
Sr. Mary Eileen began her educational career as a junior high school, and subsequently as a high school mathematics teacher. She went on to serve as principal of St. Luke School in the Bronx for five years before joining Dominican College in 1977. In 1978, she assumed the position of acting president of the College, before being appointed President by the Board of Trustees in 1979. Sr. Mary Eileen earned her doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from Fordham University and holds Masters degrees from both Teachers College of Columbia University and Manhattan College.
Along with her educational accomplishments, Sr. Mary Eileen has dedicated herself to congregational and civic leadership. Her community of the Sisters of St. Dominic elected her President of the Congregation, a position she held for six years. In addition, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Rockland Business Association, Leadership Rockland, St. Dominic’s Home and has co-chaired Rockland County’s annual “Forty Under Forty” initiative. In 2006, the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation presented Sr. Mary Eileen with its Helen Hayes MacArthur Award in recognition of her work in helping others reach their full potential in life.
Helen Hayes Hospital is the largest and most comprehensive physical rehabilitation hospital in New York State, helping to restore mobility and independence to individuals with physical disabilities and chronic disabling diseases. The hospital is operated by the New York State Department of Health and is affiliated with The NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System.
February 1, 2007: HOSPITAL OFFERS HAND THERAPY
Three highly skilled and certified therapists care for outpatients at two centers
Helen Hayes Hospital is pleased to announce that three members of its occupational therapy staff have earned the designation of Certified Hand Therapist. The three specialists treat patients through the hospital’s two Outpatient Occupational Therapy Centers: at the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw, and at a satellite Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at Nyack Hospital in Nyack, New York. The three certified therapists are: Lisa Dominick, MS, OTR/L, CHT, Anabel Gomez. OTR/L, CHT and Helen Kadin. OTR/L, CHT.
There are currently only 4,538 Certified Hand Therapists in the entire world, with 85% of them being occupational therapists and the remainder being primarily physical therapists. To become certified, a therapist must have a minimum of five years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy, and must pass a comprehensive exam. In order to keep the certification, hand therapists must demonstrate continued professional development and be recertified every five years.
Hand therapy involves rehabilitation of the upper extremities, from the shoulder down through the elbow, wrist and hand. Therapists evaluate and treat patients with the goal of restoring function, preventing further complications and reversing progression of disability. Certified Hand Therapists can help individuals with a range of disorders, including: tendon or nerve lacerations; fractures or dislocations; rotator cuff disorders; cumulative trauma/repetitive stress injuries; tumors or cysts; vascular disorders; inflammatory and degenerative arthritis; and nerve injuries. As many patients are recuperating from surgery, Certified Hand Therapists are also very knowledgeable in wound care.
The Certified Hand Therapists at Helen Hayes have access to and utilize a range of equipment and techniques, including: fluidotherapy; paraffin wax; warm water pool; assistive devices; splinting; and a computer-based upper limb exerciser to help patients recover full use of their arm and hand.
“Restoring someone’s hand function is tantamount to restoring their ability to function independently on a daily basis,” reports Lori MacLeod, OTR/L, Director of Occupational Therapy at Helen Hayes Hospital. “Our Certified Hand Therapists enable a patient to regain the full use of their hand and arm so they can return to work, sports or leisure activities, or simply feed, bathe, or dress themselves. It is a credit to the hospital and a tremendous service to the community to have this level of expertise on staff,” she states.
January 18, 2007: REHABILITATION HOSPITAL TO SPONSOR BRAIN INJURY SYMPOSIUM
Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, New York will sponsor a two-day educational conference, “A Symposium on Traumatic Brain Injury: a multidisciplinary approach to managing trauma, restoring function and re-entering the community” on April 13-14, 2007. The program is open to nurses, therapists, case managers and other healthcare professionals who work with individuals with brain injury, or are interested in the field of brain injury.
The Symposium focuses on maximizing the recovery of individuals with brain injury, emphasizing a collaborative and multidisciplinary team approach to care. Presentations will cover utilization of the latest treatment modalities in trauma management, medical care and rehabilitative therapies, and community reintegration. Conference participants will be able to select from 15 different presentations in three program tracks. Speakers include physicians, physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists, nurses, and neuropsychologists who specialize in brain injury.
The Symposium will feature presentation on the following topics:
Trauma & acute injury management
Virtual reality therapies
Neurological testing & neuroanatomy
Adapted driving
Neuro-optometric management of sensorimotor vision disturbances
Early ambulation with body-weight support
Saebo Flex treatment
Neuropsychological evaluations
Brain injury & behavior
Repairing the brain after TBI - research initiatives
The TBI continuum of care in recovery
Transitioning home
Patient panel discussion
Respiratory issues
Dysphagia in TBI
Continuing education credits will be granted. For additional information, or to register, call 845-786-4225, or visit the hospital’s web site at www.helenhayeshospital.org.
Founded in 1900, Helen Hayes Hospital is one of the nation’s premier physical rehabilitation hospitals. It offers an extensive continuum of care and an array of specialty services to individuals with traumatic brain injury, enabling them to resume active and healthy lives.
January 16, 2007: DEBRA WEISS DANCE COMPANY TO PERFORM AT HELEN HAYES HOSPITAL
The Helen Hayes Hospital Performing Arts Series is pleased to present the Debra Weiss Dance Company’s new show, Let’s Dance, on Saturday February 10 at 2:00 p.m. in the atrium of the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw. The event is free of charge and open to the public.
The group will dance to live drumming and Native American flute. Audience members will be invited to play percussion instruments and dance in the finale. The beautiful costumes, streamers, dance and music will transport viewers to another time and place.
Let’s Dance is offered in the spirit of a community drum circle and dance. Traditionally, drum circles have brought people together to create harmonious, joyful rhythms. The energy of the drum circle is healing, unifying, and energizing.
The Debra Weiss Dance Company has been producing professional performances since its founding in New York City in 1983. Its work has been funded by New York State Council on the Arts, New York Foundation for the Arts, Rockland County, and corporate, foundation and individual sponsors. In 1994, Debra Weiss, Artistic Director and Choreographer of DWDC, won the Lawrence Epstein Choreography Award, a national honor.
This free performance is made possible by a Community Investment Grant from Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.
January 2, 2007: HOSPITAL APPOINTS HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
Helen Hayes Hospital has announced the appointment of Kathleen Martucci to the position of Director of Human Resources. She will be responsible for overseeing all personnel and labor relations matters and operations at the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw.
Ms. Martucci brings to her new assignment a wealth of experience garnered during a career spanning more than thirty years in the human resources field. She joined Helen Hayes Hospital in 1976 and has served in a range of capacities in the Human Resources Department, most recently as Director of Personnel. In addition, she has taken an active role in a number of important hospital initiatives, including serving as a founding member and board president of the hospital’s very successful child care center which recently broke ground for a new facility.
Ms. Martucci earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Dominican College and has gone on to complete a number of advanced programs in the field of human resource management.
“We look forward to incorporating Ms. Martucci’s expertise and knowledge of our hospital into ensuring that Helen Hayes continues to attract and retain the highly qualified staff which we are widely recognized for and which enhances our reputation for excellence in rehabilitation medicine,” comments Magdalena Ramirez, Chief Executive Officer.
Ms. Martucci is a resident of West Haverstraw, New York, where she resides with her son and daughter. |
