Author: murrayhospital

Industrial Training Services Donates $5,000 to Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House

Posted on January 3, 2023 by - Donor Stories, The Foundation

Industrial Training Services of Murray recently presented a $5,230 donation to The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital in support of the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House. This donation was given in memory and honor of one of their employees, Kellie Connell.

“We are so thankful to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House for taking such great care of our Kellie in her final days,” said Stephanie Balmer, ITS President & CEO. “We chose the hospice house to be this year’s fundraiser recipient at our annual ITS User Conference and raised $5,230 to help support their daily operational needs. Our team and clients were able to celebrate Kellie’s memory with an evening full of fellowship and laughter. How blessed this community is to have a facility that provides the utmost care to their patients and loved ones to experience end-of-life care in a peaceful, meaningful way.”

Pictured from left: Kayla Huggins, Marketing Officer, Mary Beth Lyons, Executive Assistant, Jay Connell, Stephanie Balmer, President/CEO, Susan Sammons, Owner, Sherri Boyd, Hospice Director, Susan Darnell, RN, and Stephanie Hunter, Hospice Coordinator.

MSU Trombone Studio Donates Meals to MCCH Employees

Posted on January 3, 2023 by - The Foundation

The Murray State University Trombone Studio recently held a BBQ fundraiser catered by Dustin Wells, a local music teacher and MSU Music Education Alumni for students to hear performances by top tier trombone teachers and performers. Individuals could donate their meals as part of the fundraiser. The trombone studio donated nearly 50 meals during Homecoming weekend to staff at Murray-Calloway County Hospital to show appreciation for the care they provide to the community.

MCCH Hosts MSU Health Fair for Faculty & Staff

Posted on January 3, 2023 by - General News

Murray-Calloway County Hospital’s Health Promotions recently collaborated with Murray State University to host a health fair for all MSU faculty and staff. Free screenings offered included osteoporosis heel scans, glucose and cholesterol, blood pressure, waist circumference, and additional educational material to support our community.

Pic 1: Representatives from our physician practices and departments included the following:

Left to right: Jadi McBride, Murray Pediatrics and Women’s Health of Murray, Whitney Villanueva, Murray Medical Associates, Melissa Dodd, Murray Urology and Oncology and Hematology of Murray, Chris Kemmerzell, West KY Gastroenterology and Murray Cardiology, and Gina Hill, Murray medical Associates.

Free Named September Employee of the Month at MCCH

Posted on January 3, 2023 by - Employee of the Month

Photo 1 – Pic L to R: Chelsea Free, Billing Coordinator pictured with Jerry Penner, CEO

Photo 2 – Chelsea Free, September Employee of the Month pictured with her business office team and administration.

MURRAY, KY – Murray-Calloway County Hospital recently named Chelsea Free, Business Office Billing Coordinator as the September 2022 Employee of the Month.

Comments from fellow employees:

We have consolidated positions because of her work ethic. She is currently working as the billing coordinator. We have been able to consolidate her current position into one from two billers we previously had. She has integrity in her work and takes it seriously. This is not just a job for Chelsea. She is invested in the success of MCCH. She will always reach out when she knows we are down people and offer to help. She also takes time to educate other employees on processes and policies when they don’t understand. She will wear any hat and will take on anything that is asked of her without asking why or how. I believe this is the kind of employee that makes their employer a success.

Chelsea is a fabulous employee, huge asset to our department and is so deserving of this award and recognition. Chelsea is an outstanding co-worker that makes a positive impact on our team. She is a hard worker who always goes above and beyond the goals set for our department. Chelsea is also very patient and helpful to new staff when they come aboard and takes the initiative to help anyone out daily. She is definitely someone to look up to on a professional level as her work skills, organization and determination all stand out as she is very passionate about her job and wants this hospital to succeed as a whole.

 For more information, contact the Marketing Department at 270.762.1381.

Meditation Garden at The Regional Cancer Center will be Named in Recognition of the Rileys

Posted on November 3, 2022 by - General News, The Foundation

MURRAY, KY – The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital recently received a donation from Roy and Jennifer Riley of Murray, KY to support fundraising efforts for the Enduring Hope Campaign and toward the meditation garden at the new Regional Cancer Center that is currently under construction and expected to be complete late spring 2023.

The Rileys have been generous supporters of helping in the fight against cancer through various efforts including: Roy’s current participation in the Men in Pink campaign, helping share their story in Jennifer’s fight against breast cancer, and most recently by donating funds toward a new meditation garden for patients undergoing treatment.

Jennifer says being able to donate to the program is incredibly special. Jennifer’s journey began when she was diagnosed in November of 2020 after a routine mammogram followed by an ultrasound. She then had to undergo a biopsy and results showed it was Stage 3 breast cancer. Jennifer did not have the gene for breast cancer and she had zero family history.  However, she was 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Jennifer began her journey with a lumpectomy and then had an additional surgery because there was cancer still showing in the margins. She underwent chemotherapy known as the “red devil” and then 12 weeks of another chemo called Taxol. Due to an autoimmune disease, Jennifer experienced complications and became hospitalized on three different occasions. In addition, she completed radiation treatments and continues today with hormone treatment due to having a hormone positive cancer.

One of the difficult things she experienced during her journey was having to attend her treatments and appointments alone due to the pandemic and Covid restrictions. Jennifer was thankful for the cancer center which allowed her to do treatments close to home. The comfort of seeing familiar faces and people she knew gave her some peace during such a scary time.

Living on the lake and being surrounded by nature and water helped create a peaceful and therapeutic environment for her. When she heard about the meditation garden, she knew that was a perfect fit to help provide some comfort for patients undergoing treatment. Infusions can last anywhere from an hour to multiple hours, so having a view of a beautiful garden creates feelings of peace, calm and well-being.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer, and too many lives have been lost to this terrible disease,” said Jennifer Riley. “We are so fortunate to have this leading cancer center here in Murray. We hope this donation inspires others to give to a center that will take care of families for years to come. As a patient, I wanted to give back to an organization that gave me new life. We know there are people before us who gave, and it is our turn to pay it forward.”

The meditation garden is strategically located just out front of the infusion bay windows for patients to enjoy while receiving treatment. The infusion bays will allow patients to have a choice of having privacy during their treatments or be in a community environment. The hope is for patients to experience respite from the rigors of cancer treatment and to enjoy emotional, spiritual and physical benefits associated with nature. Spending time in the garden may promote:

  • Physical activity and social interaction
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Relief or distraction from symptoms
  • Enhanced capacity for healing
  • Feelings of peace, calm and well-being

The Enduring Hope campaign continues to raise money for this new $12 million Regional Cancer Center which will bring the oncologists, social workers, pharmacy, and infusion area under one roof. The centerpiece of the new Regional Cancer Center’s equipment will be a state-of-the-art linear accelerator that can deliver stereotactic radiation therapy.

“We are giving back because they saved Jennifer’s life. We owe a debt of gratitude to the hospital, to the nurses, to Dr. Ghanem and other physicians because they did a great job for Jennifer. This is the least we can do to help make sure that we have excellent facilities right here at home to help the next person who is facing the same thing that Jennifer had to walk through,” said Roy.

 The Rileys know this investment will pay off for years to come.

There are many opportunities available for individuals to make personal contributions, various naming opportunities for different areas and rooms within the new facility, and availability for business or corporate partnerships to contribute.

“We are deeply grateful for Roy and Jennifer’s generosity,” said Jerry Penner, CEO at MCCH. “Because of their generosity, patients will be impacted by the healing effects of a meditation garden that will provide hope and comfort during their cancer journey.”

For more information on how you can support the building of a new Regional Cancer Center in Murray, please contact Lisa Shoemaker, Senior Philanthropy Officer at 270.762.1291.

The Murray-Calloway County Hospital is the only nonprofit healthcare facility in our county. The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital is a 501C3. All donations are tax deductible according to Federal and State laws.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Welcomes Dr. Callie Dowdy to West Kentucky Surgical

Posted on November 3, 2022 by - General News

MURRAY, KY – Callie Dowdy, MD, Vascular and General Surgery, has recently joined West Kentucky Surgical at Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

Dowdy is originally from Murray and a 2006 graduate of Murray High School. She has returned to the area after completing her Vascular Surgery Fellowship at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.

She was a 2015 graduate from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, where she graduated in the top 25% of the class and where she also completed her General Surgery Residency in 2020. She received a BS in Chemistry as well as a BA in English Literature from the University of Richmond in Virginia.

During her educational path, she received several awards and recognitions including:

  • Three-time 1st Place Winner: Delaware Valley Vascular Society Clinical Science and Case Presentation Competition
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
  • Gold Humanism Honor Society
  • Inaugural Member – UKCOM Western KY Rural Medical Training Initiative

She has been published and presented at national conferences on several vascular surgery topics, including aortic surgery, renal and visceral vascular disease and venous disease. She is interested in medical education and won several Certificates of Excellence for Medical Student Education as a resident.

Dr. Dowdy will provide vascular and general surgery services. Her specific interests include limb preservation, carotid surgery including minimally invasive treatment options, open and endovascular aortic surgery, dialysis access, complex wound care and vein disorders.

She is delighted to be back “home” with her husband, Andrew Parker, who is also a Murray native. In her spare time she enjoys camping, hiking, good food and spending time on KY Lake with her family. She will join the medical community at MCCH alongside her father, fellow surgeon Craig Dowdy, MD and her sister, clinical psychologist Abby Dowdy, PsyD.

Dowdy will be located at West Kentucky Surgical at 300 South 8th Street, Suite 401 East. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call West Kentucky Surgical at 270.753.2444.

Altrai Donates $2,000 to Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House

Posted on November 3, 2022 by - Donor Stories, The Foundation

MURRAY, KY – Altria Client Services recently presented a $2,000 donation to The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital in support of the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.

White says, “I hope we can do this every year. Hospice was great during my grandfather’s passing.”

Pictured from left: Lisa Shoemaker, Senior Philanthropy Officer and Cody White, Grower Representative for the Region

Murray-Calloway County Hospital Announces Men in Pink Campaign Kick Off

Posted on November 3, 2022 by - General News

MURRAY, KY – The 2022 Men in Pink campaign will kick off on September 27 revealing the 11 men who will spend Breast Cancer Awareness Month raising money to support the Regional Cancer Center at Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

Men in Pink is a campaign with key community individuals who are willing to support fundraising efforts for the new Regional Cancer Center with a focus on educating the community about the importance of early detection and breast cancer awareness.

The current Regional Cancer Center is approximately 20 years old and needs new equipment, as well as, the space to house all of its patients’ treatment needs so they won’t have to walk outside to go from one office to the next and will bring the oncologists, social workers, pharmacy, and infusion area under one roof. The building project is expected to be finished late next Spring 2023. The Regional Cancer Center will continue to offer radiation oncology and infusion therapy treatments from Dr. Zuhair Ghanem. The Center represents a major investment in technology offering the very latest in cancer treatments. This new equipment will increase accuracy and patient comfort while reducing the treatment time. If a cancer can be treated by radiation, then it can be treated here. If chemotherapy is required, specialized oncology nurses- under the direction of a medical oncologist- administer treatments in a comfortable, soothing environment. A meditation garden is in the plan and will be strategically located just out front of the infusion bay windows for patients to enjoy while receiving treatment.

Jerry Penner, CEO of MCCH, said he is excited that the Men in Pink committee has again chosen to keep the money here because he believes that Murray and Calloway County residents deserve to have the highest-quality cancer treatments available without having to exhaust themselves traveling between home and a different city. He reminded attendees that the target opening for the new Regional Cancer Center in spring 2023 is “not far away.”

Fundraising efforts will continue for the center with naming opportunities available and each of the Men in Pink will be spotlighted in a Facebook telethon later in October. Last year’s event raised slightly over $100,000.

Each of the men will have their own Facebook pages to collect donations, and additional donations can be given on the Men in Pink of Calloway County Facebook page.

There are many opportunities available for individuals to make personal contributions, various naming opportunities for different areas and rooms within the new facility, and availability for business or corporate partnerships to contribute.

For more information on how you can support the building of a new Regional Cancer Center in Murray, or to set up a meeting to discuss the project more, please contact Lisa Shoemaker, Senior Philanthropy Officer at 270.762.1291.

The Murray-Calloway County Hospital is the only nonprofit healthcare facility in our county. The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital is a 501C3. All donations are tax deductible according to Federal and State laws.

Rudolph Named July Employee of the Month at MCCH

Posted on November 3, 2022 by - Employee of the Month

MURRAY, KY – Murray-Calloway County Hospital recently named Kathy Rudolph, RN, in Perinatal Services as the July 2022 Employee of the Month.

Comments from a fellow employee:

Kathy takes the initiative to do things on our unit. She has recently helped me with finding discrepancies in the medication scanning and updated our hemorrhage cart without being asked to do it. She works hard as one of our charge nurses and makes sure the unit runs smoothly everyday she is there. We can always count on Kathy if we are in need to come in and help on the unit. She is a true asset to Perinatal Services and MCCH.

Murray-Calloway County Hospital and The Center For Rehab and Sports Medicine Recognize Falls Prevention Awareness Week

Posted on November 3, 2022 by - General News

MURRAY, KY – Falls continue to be a national public health concern. Join Murray Calloway County Hospital Rehab Services Department September 18 – 24 for Falls Prevention Awareness Week, as we raise awareness on preventing falls and reducing falls risk.

A simple fall can change your life. If you fall, you could break a bone, like thousands of older adults do every year. A break can be the start of more serious problems such as permanent disability and loss of independence.

According to the national Institute on Aging, more than one in four people age 65 years or older who fall each year. Many people think that falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they are not. Most falls can be prevented. Lower your risk of falling by using these tips:

  • Talk with your health care provider about your fall risk and medication side effects
  • Make your home safer by using night-lights, installing grab bars in the bathroom, remove tripping hazards and secure carpet to the floors.
  • Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses.
  • Find a good balance and exercise program to stay strong and flexible.
  • Talk to your family members to enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.
  • Take the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free CheckUp to get a personalized over view of your falls risk and ways to remediate your risks so you can stay healthy and protected. Go to https://bit.ly/Falls-CheckUp and answer twelve easy questions to see how you can maintain your independence and stay falls free.

If you are concerned about falling, for yourself or a loved one, contact your health care provider for a referral to the Center for Rehab and Sports Medicine for a professional fall risk assessment. Call 270-762-1854 for more information