Volunteers Give Help, Heart

Volunteers Glenda Bolton, Dorothy Alexander and Mimi Wadas
stand in the hospital’s outpatient surgery center.

"The greatest benefit is helping others. Doing something for others makes me feel better about myself," says Dorothy Alexander, a volunteer at Franciscan Physicians Hospital.

Alexander began volunteering in mid-February, hoping to meet other people. "I got to the point that I could no longer work and I had too much time on my hands. I called Mary Higgins and she set up the orientation for me to be a volunteer. I'm helping out twice a week and hoping I can be here more."

Higgins, director of mission services, kicked off the hospital's volunteer program, which has 42 members thus far, in February. "I'm very excited about the new volunteer program within our hospital. I have enrolled so many great and capable people who are highly motivated to provide assistance and be a part of our Franciscan team. They're helping create new ways to serve Munster and the Northwest Indiana community," states Higgins.

Volunteers provide a variety of essential services. A range of age, history and educational background bring numerous benefits to the hospital.

Glenda Bolton is among those who contribute. Bolton, who assists twice weekly at the hospital, is a retired sixth-grade school teacher from Cedar Lake. "I just retired from teaching and wanted to help out," Bolton says.

"As a teacher, I naturally enjoy the interaction and when I assist with patient escorting, I get the exercise I need. It’s really nice to help out and spend time with other people."

Benefits to volunteers don’t outweigh those received by the hospital. Since its inception, the volunteer program has offered the hospital numerous advantages. "Volunteers have been essential for us as patient representatives, greeters in the surgery lobby, transporters and information providers, among other various positions that are valuable to the operation of this facility," says Higgins.

Hospital president Barb Greene acknowledges the importance of each individual. "Within our facility, we've garnered a community of caring and devoted employees whose focus is solely on the patient and their care. Since February, our volunteer program has quickly melded into that community. My appreciation of these individuals is great and I look forward to the expansion of the program."

To join the volunteer program or for more information, call (219) 922-5897.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital Cares for Kids

MUNSTER | Dec. 19 marked the last St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home fundraising luncheon at Franciscan Physicians Hospital in 2011. Luncheons were held throughout the month of December.

As part of annual support efforts for the children, hospital employees raised $4,000, with all proceeds going to the home. Contributions came from luncheons, payroll deductions and donations.

“My staff is always very considerate towards the children of the Carmelite Home. Supporting them has been a part of our facility’s mission for some time, but we all see the importance now more than ever with the budget crisis they’re facing,” says hospital president Barb Greene.

Physicians and staff generally give presents at Christmas time, but with state funding cuts leaving the home in desperation, a collection was taken instead.

Sister Maria Giuseppe, provincial superior of the Carmelite Home, states “funding cuts have been our biggest struggle over the last year. State funding covers about 70% of our costs, which leaves quite a gap in providing for the children we care for.”

July 2, 2013, will mark the one hundred year anniversary of the E. Chicago Carmelite Home location. Further budget cuts are anticipated in the coming year.

“We cannot express our appreciation to Franciscan Physicians Hospital and the Franciscan Alliance for caring about our children in this great time of need,” says Sr. Giuseppe. “We thank them for allowing us to continue Christ’s ministry in our community.”

To support the Carmelite Home in E. Chicago, send a donation to 4840 Grasselli St., E. Chicago, IN, 46312, or come by in person.

Further support to the Carmelite Home and the community at large will continue to come from Franciscan Physicians Hospital, now a wholly owned, not-for-profit member of the Franciscan Alliance. The hospital, located at 701 Superior Ave. in Munster, holds a number of supportive outreach programs throughout the year.

To learn more, visit online at www.franciscanphysicians.org.

Brandy Egnatz, Service Excellence Member, gives the $4,000 check to Sr. Maria Giuseppe

November & December Health Education Classes!

Franciscan Hammond Clinic invites you to join them for a host of health education classes held at the specialty center, 7905 Calumet Ave., Munster. Unless specified, all classes are held in the 3rd floor meeting room.

November Classes

Diabetes Support Group: The Latest Technology

Thursday, November 10th at 6 p.m.
Ever wonder how that pizza affected your blood sugar? Fingersticks and A1C testing give only part of the picture. Join Julie Knepper, Diabetes Clinical Manager, as she discusses how Continuous Glucose Monitoring identifies glucose patterns that help your healthcare provider fine-tune your diabetes treatment. Register in advance to be eligible for door prizes.

Weight Management Class

Monday, November 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Are you considering weight reduction surgery? The Franciscan Hammond Clinic has an ongoing weight management class for those interested in weight loss through bariatric surgery. The class meets each second Monday of the month and is free of charge to participants. A one time fee of $25 is accessed for the book and supplies. Physician referral is required.

December Classes

Healthy Holiday Cooking and Baking

Thursday, December 8th at 6 p.m.
Lighten up for the holidays! Learn how to modify your favorite recipes to make them healthier to eat. Join Registered Dietitian JoAnn Franczek as she shows you how to create fun, easy and healthful appetizers and find easy ways to lower calories on your dessert table. Attend to sample her sugar-free holiday cookies and delicious dips. Please register in advance!

Weight Management Class
Monday, December 12th at 6:30 p.m.
Are you considering weight reduction surgery? The Franciscan Hammond Clinic has an ongoing weight management class for those interested in weight loss through bariatric surgery. The class meets each second Monday of the month and is free of charge to participants. A one time fee of $25 is accessed for the book and supplies. Physician referral is required.

To register, call (219)836-5800 or 1-800-279-8700
Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m.- Noon.
Register for any of the classes online at www.franciscanhammondclinic.org!

Helping Those Who Help Those In Need

Employees and physicians at Franciscan Physicians Hospital worked to raise $8,050 for the St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home, a residential treatment center for abused, neglected, and abandoned children in East Chicago.

The Carmelite Home recently endured significant state funding cuts, limiting the number of children they are able to care for. This treatment center, which previously took in as many as 105 children, is now caring for only 35. These funding cuts have moved children from the Carmelite Home to foster care throughout the region and have left diminished resources and financial obligations a still prominent struggle.

Janet Rolley, Service Excellence Committee chair,
Sister Maria Giuseppe, Carmelite Home administrator,
and Barb Greene, Franciscan Physicians Hospital president.

Efforts to raise money included week long events like dress down Friday, a Mexican Fiesta, bake sale, department basket raffle, movie basket raffle and breakfast rounding cart. Physician donations were also taken to contribute to the fundraising event.

Barb Greene, president of Franciscan Physicians Hospital, notes that she is proud of her staff and physicians and she is proud to be part of an organization that encourages helping those less fortunate. “My staff all has large hearts and are very generous. They are moved to help those in need. They are genuine people and I am proud of their efforts here. Christ’s ministry continues through the work of their hands.”

Pictured: 7 of the 8 East Chicago Carmelite Home Sisters pose with
Janet Rolley and Barb Greene after receiving the $8,050 check.

The fundraising campaign was headed by the hospital’s Service Excellence Committee. Janet Rolley, chair of the Service Excellence Committee, states “I am very humbled by the generosity of our staff and doctors. They saw a need and gave unselfishly. I am appreciative of the donations businesses made to help us in our efforts to raise funds for the Carmelite Home. Some businesses donated money, others were able to donate items or give us reduced pricing." Special thanks go to the businesses that donated/reduced prices on items for our fundraising efforts.

These businesses include:

• Gus Bock’s Ace Hardware, Dyer
• Accents on 45th
• Albanese Candy
• All That Glitters
• Baum’s Natural Foods
• Butterfingers
• Calumet Bakery
• Costco
• Howard & Sons
• Jewel-Osco
• La Chiquita
• Pepsi Co.
• Schilling Lumber
• Strack & Van Til
• The Charley Horse
• The Great Frame Up
• Typsy Cake
• The Liquor Stop
• Tipsy Cake
• Howard’s Meats

Pictures of the Fundraiser

Left: Hospital employees enjoy a Mexican Fiesta luncheon. All items were bought or donated with all proceeds going toward the cause!

Bake sale items were displayed throughout an afternoon for employees to purchase.

Hospital departments made baskets, which were raffled off on Friday afternoon.

An Economic Anchor to our Community

As we inch past the half-way mark of 2011, it's important that we pause and reflect on the impact our organization has had on the local economy and our community.

First, we are proud of the high quality, efficient health care we provide to our community. Our hospital stands ready to care for you with open doors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Every year, we serve thousands of individuals and endeavor to keep our community healthy, strong, and vibrant. This record of service is, and will always be, our most valuable contribution to the community.

Less often recognized is the hospital's contribution to the local economy, such as the people it employs and the impact of it's spending. Franciscan Physicians Hosiptal plays a vital role in the economic vitality of the community. It is a major source of employment and purchaser of goods and services, while providing health care that allows people to be productive citizens.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital:

• Provides well-paying consistent employment
• Stimulates the local economy with the purchases of goods and services
• Improves infrastructure with capital expenditures and physical improvements
• Pays real estate taxes
• Makes donations to local charities
• Contributes over $6 million annually in Social Accountability and Outreach Programs
• Works with neighborhood civic and cultural groups
• Ensures safety during an emergency or disaster
• Attracts visitors to the area, including vendors, patients, physicians, and students who utilize services in the community

We think it is important to recognize the role our hospital plays in supporting the local and state economies. Our resolution for the approaching year is to continue growing, keep families healthy, improve quality of life, and continue to be a stable economic anchor working hand in hand with our community.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital's Economic Benefits (2009) are determined by the Indiana Hospital Association. They are:
Jobs provided: 240
Economic Impact:
Supply Purchases: $23,975,000
Capital Spending: $2,456.000
Total Impact: $44,860,000
Employment: 169
Total Payroll: $11,048,000
Money spent by employees on groceries, clothing, mortgage, rent, and other expenses: $18,429,000
FPH annual spending: $14,373,000
In 2009, FPH spent $1,472,000 on buildings and equipment
Capital spending at FPH generates approximately $2,456,000 for the local economy.
In 2009, FPH spent $241,971 on renovation and landscaping, all contracted locally.
2009 Hospital Stats:
Inpatients: 895
Outpatients: 7,276
(All numbers based on 2009 estimates by the Indiana Hospital Association).

As you can see, hospitals provide much more economic vitality to the local community than meets the eye. Franciscan Physicians Hospital offers these figures to provide awareness of how much they influence the community and surrounding areas. For more information and our complete online health library, visit: http://www.franciscanphysicians.org/Index.aspx?tabindex=0&tabid=1.