Connect Magazine_SCD South_Fall 2023 : simplebooklet.com

President’s MessageJulie J. SprengelPresident & CEOCalifornia DivisionCommonSpirit HealthGreetings Southern California team, Summer has come and gone – I truly hope everyone was able to take some time off, relax, reset, and reconnect with friends and family. As you know by now, CommonSpirit Health recently announced the formation of One California Division. I am grateful to be the President for the California Division, and I am excited for what our future holds, as the largest Division in CommonSpirit. As we embark on a new Fiscal Year, as the new California Division, I want to reﬂect on the successes of this past ﬁscal year. The Southern California Division collectively met all of its patient experience, quality/safety, employee engagement, and ﬁnancial goals for the year. This would not be possible without your continued commitment to making the Southern California Division the best it can be.When you ﬂip through the pages that follow in this issue of Connect, I hope you are proud to work for Dignity Health. I continue to be amazed by the living examples of our core values - compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence and collaboration. I hear stories regularly about how our teams have gone above and beyond to help patients, their loved ones and each other. Your commitment, your drive and your humankindness is what makes me proud.Earlier this year, Wright Lassiter III, CEO of CommonSpirit Health, visited the Central Coast and spent time getting to know the Southern California Division. He met with the Division leadership team and each of the hospital presidents to hear why we matter to our unique communities. We were the last stop on his national tour, and I like to think he saved the best for last. Thank you for all you continue to do for our patients, their families and one another. With gratitude,Did you know?You can stay in touch and up-to-date by following us on social media.@DignityHealthSoCal@DignityHealthSC@ DignityHealthSouthernCaliforniaCareer OpportunitiesThe power of humankindness moves with our employees–no matter where they serve in our CommonSpirit Health family. To see career opportunities offered throughout the system, click on the “My Dignity Health” icon located on your desktop. Then click on the “Careers” tab. This publication is written and produced by the Dignity Health SoCal Marketing & Communications Team. If you have a story idea or suggestions for submission, please send directly to Tracie.CheesemanGipson@CommonSpirit.org.“If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren’t willing to do.” — MICHAEL PHELPS, AMERICAN OLYMPIAN Wright Lassiter III, CEO of CommonSpirit Health, joined the Southern California Division executive leadership team and hospital presidents for a two day conference on the Central Coast.

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3Dignity Health Southern California DivisionThe Continuous Journey of High ReliabilityNicholas Testa, MD Chief Physician Executive Southern California Division CommonSpirit HealthAcross California we are all continuing on our High Reliability journey as we strive to become the safest hospitals in the country. Being highly reliable is something we commit to each and every day and our lofty goals are accomplished through incremental steps forward. The key is that we never stop and we maintain a culture of accountability. For our organization to be successful, it requires every staff member and physician to be an accountable team member and constantly refresh and revisit the High Reliability tools we have prioritized. “Being an Accountable Team Member” means helping co-workers catch unintended errors before they reach our patients, and also expecting to receive the same support. This 200% accountability reduces the probability of making an unintended error to 1 in one million.Graduate Medical Education (GME)The Southern California Division is strengthening its GME Program through new and existing relationships with Touro University in Vallejo, CA, and the More in Common Alliance, a historic partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine and CommonSpirit Health. These partnerships help address the health inequities in many of our communities and enhance representation from those communities among physicians who train there.Expanding our program offerings further diversiﬁes opportunities to help attract and retain talent across CommonSpirit. FAST FACTS • 7 Hospitals across the Southern California Division• 29 accredited programs• Offered to 500 total residents• 133 new GME residents started in July 2023Crosscheck & CoachCrosscheck by offering to double check a team member’s work, pointing out environmental hazards, and identifying unintended errors. Encourage safe behaviors by providing positive feedback 5 times as often as negative feedback, using the lightest touch possible. Be open to feedback by saying, “Thanks for the crosscheck!”CUSS with KindnessUse CUSS with Kindness to respectfully communicate a concern when efforts to crosscheck & coach are met with resistance. This tool can also be helpful if you feel hesitant to speak up to someone you perceive to be in a position of higher authority.Concern - “I am concerned”Uncomfortable - “I am uncomfortable”Stop - “This is a safety issue”Supervisor - “I need to speak with my supervisor”Report Problems, Errors, and EventsWe are all responsible for ensuring the safety of our patients and each other. Share any process problems with your supervisor. Report any errors or events to your supervisor immediately, and submit a report.Be an Accountable Team MemberDemonstrate a personal commitment to ourselves, our team members, and our patients.

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4 CONNECT Fall 2023For the past century, Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center has been a trusted hospital committed to meeting the health care needs of the greater Long Beach communities. Our dedicated caregivers continue to provide expert primary, preventive, emergency and specialty care services. St. Mary’s rich history reﬂects the strength and inspiration of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word who established the ﬁrst Catholic hospital south of Los Angeles in 1923. At a cost of approximately $160,000, the hospital had 70 beds with an emergency room, laboratory, pharmacy and operating room. The Sisters’ dedication was shown in 1933, when an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 shook Long Beach, destroying the hospital, convent, and chapel. Knowing of its vital importance to the community, the Sisters rebuilt the hospital with help from William Reid, the chairman of Hancock Oil.The new hospital opened in 1937 and expanded to include many of the services that exist today. In 1949, the addition of the North Wing, more than doubled hospital capacity. Then in 1974, the Bauer Tower opened with all private patient rooms, a larger emergency department, new intensive care unit and heart care unit, and maternal child health services.In 1986, the Sisters opened the CARE Center, the nation’s ﬁrst managed care network for persons living with HIV and AIDS. The hospital continues to grow with a full continuum of care that meets the preventive, curative, supportive and rehabilitative needs of the city’s diverse population.1923 Dedication ceremonies of St. Mary Hospital, Long Beach, circa 1923. Originally built in 1907 by Dr. T.O. Boyd, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word purchased the 70-bed hospital from Dr. Boyd for $160,000. 1933 On March 10, 1933, a massive earthquake destroys the old hospital, chapel and convent alike, along with much of the city. A remaining stucco building is soon converted into a temporary hospital with 25 beds, and the original hospital building is razed. 1937 The move from St. Mary Hospital’s “temporary” four-year home to a four-story, brick-faced steel and concrete building is celebrated with an open house. The new hospital admits its ﬁrst surgical patient. 1936 A one-year $300,000 fundraising campaign headed by William J. Reid, chairman of Hancock Oil, breaks ground for a new St. Mary Hospital. 1949 Thanks to the support from the community, a $2 million expansion allows for the hospital’s new “North Wing,” increasing the capacity of St. Mary to 253 beds and 75 bassinets. 1959 St. Mary Hospital performs the city’s ﬁrst open heart surgery using a heart pump. 1962 – St. Mary Hospital’s Emergency Department passes the 10,000 visits mark and births top 3,000. St. Mary Medical Center – Your Health, Our Mission, 100 YearsThe St. Mary Centennial Story 19231933 1936 1937 1949 1959 19624 CONNECT Spring 2023

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5Dignity Health Southern California Division“As our beloved hospital prepares to celebrate 100 years of service, I ﬁnd myself reﬂecting on the strength and courage of our founding Sisters,” says Carolyn Caldwell, President and Chief Executive Ofﬁcer. “Their mission of healing has carried this hospital well into today’s reality, empowering it to remain a relevant and vital part of greater Long Beach.”St. Mary remains a world class medical center at the forefront of health care advancements, from pioneering medical breakthroughs to implementing leading-edge technologies. Today, we are a 360-bed nonproﬁt hospital offering a full-continuum of acute hospital care services, including a Level II Trauma Program, Surgical Weight Loss Program and Robotic Surgery.“There is so much to be grateful for at our hospital and we look forward to celebrating our centennial in the coming months,” says Caldwell. “Our hope is that St. Mary’s healing ministry will continue to thrive for another 100 years as it meets the growing health care needs of our community.”1970 Ground is broken for the Bauer Hospital/St. Mary Hospital, after philanthropists Evalyn and Modestus Bauer commit $4 million to the $10 million expansion project to meet the growing needs of the community. The St. Mary Medical Center Foundation is formed with a 50-member fundraising Board of Trustees and a 100-member Hospital Board to serve as liaisons with the greater Long Beach community. 1974 Bauer Hospital – St. Mary Medical Center opens, featuring the most modern Intensive Care facilities on the West Coast. 1975 St. Mary Hospital, a quality medical services provider for the community, becomes St. Mary Medical Center. 1986 The nation’s ﬁrst managed-care network for HIV-positive patients is launched at St. Mary; CARE (Comprehensive AIDS/HIV Resource & Education) is heralded as a model for HIV programs nationwide. 1991 A growing population sees our crowded Emergency Department expand and become a Level II Trauma Center. 1996 St. Mary Medical Center becomes a part of Catholic Healthcare West (renamed Dignity Health in 2012), continuing the Sisters’ ministry of service.2011 Community outreach now includes Comprehensive AIDS Resource Education (C.A.R.E.) Program and Clinic, St. Mary Sabina Sullivan Women’s Health Center, Low Vision Center, The Families in Good Health Program (FiGH), and Senior Center. 2023 Today, St. Mary Medical Center celebrates 100 years of serving the greater Long Beach area. St. Mary is now a 360-bed nonproﬁt hospital offering a full-continuum of acute hospital care servicesSt. Mary Medical Center – Your Health, Our Mission, 100 Years1970 1974 1975 1986 1991 1996 201120235Dignity Health Southern California Division

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6 CONNECT Fall 2023Marathon Runner Thanks His Lifesaving Team A heart attack can strike anyone at any time – even for an avid marathon runner. Consider Glen Phillips who was out for a run on a mountain trail in Elysian Park just a few blocks from home when he started to feel the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. “I remember getting dressed, going for the run - and the next thing I knew, I woke up in the hospital,” Glen recalls. Fortunately, two good Samaritans passing by saw Glen collapse and rushed to his aid. “He walked on by and a little voice in his head told him to come back and help me,” says Glen. One helping hand called 9-1-1 while the other performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Glen was rushed to the STEMI Receiving Center at Dignity Health - Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center (GMHHC) where the medical team sprung into action to save his life. Led by Dr. Onkarjit Marwah, Cardiologist, and Dr. Emeen Kiureghian, Emergency Medicine, the medical team performed an angioplasty and put in stents to unblock Glen’s clogged arteries. He was then placed in a hypothermia-induced coma in the Intensive Care Unit. Within just two days, Glen miraculously walked out of the hospital unassisted, ready to take on life again.“I’m grateful beyond words for the collective efforts of Dr. Onkarjit Marwah and his team at Glendale Memorial Hospital, the Los Angeles Fire Department and its top-notch team of paramedics and emergency staff, and of course the two good Samaritans,” Glen shares. “My cardiac arrest illustrates the vital role CPR can play in saving a life — it could be the life of a stranger, or a close family member, your spouse, your parent, or your child. I encourage you, if you aren’t already certiﬁed in CPR, sign up today. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for multiple groups of people working together quickly and efﬁciently to save my life.” Eternally grateful, Glen returned to the hospital a few short weeks later to personally thank those who saved his life. The heartwarming ceremony was held at GMHHC where the physicians, paramedics and hospital leadership gathered to receive medals of appreciation. The recipients honored were Jill Welton, Hospital President; Dr. Sameer Bajaj of GMHHC’s ICU; Dr. Emeen Kiureghian; Dr. Onkarjit Marwah; Fireﬁghters/Dispatchers Jason Dupree and Tony Temple; Paramedics Tyrone Hurst and Hilarion Meza; Fire Engineers Eric Fisher, Captain, Kristin Crowley, Chief, and Ryan Kendall.Visit dignityhealth.org/Glendale/heart to watch Glen’s story.The L.A. City Fire EMS crew with Dr. Sameer Bajaj, ICU Medical Director; Jill Welton, Hospital President and CEO; Dr. Onkarjit Marwah, Cardiologist; Glen Phillips, marathon runner; and Dr. Emeen Kiureghian, Emergency Medicine (center, l-r).Glen Phillips (center) with the medical team and Dr. Marwah (far right) who performed an angioplasty shortly after he collapsed on a local running trail.

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7Dignity Health Southern California DivisionMARKETING UPDATEBehavioral Health Quizzes Offer Personalized Support for Mental Health The Southern California Marketing Team promotes both the Dignity Health Brand and our Southern California Division hospitals to support strategic growth efforts while also connecting our community to beneﬁcial and lifesaving medical care and services.Recently, Dignity Health - Community Hospital of San Bernardino (CHSB) launched two new Behavioral Health Quizzes–one for depression and one for anxiety–that provide individuals with personalized recommendations for care. The quizzes help assess individuals’ unique symptoms, concerns, and treatment preferences to provide them with personalized feedback on the level of care they need. This tailored approach provides helpful information to patients and access to the excellent outpatient program at the hospital for continuum of care. The ultimate goal of this innovative tool is to provide those in need and guide them on their journey towards healing.Since deployment, the Behavioral Health Quizzes have reached thousands of people, resulting in dozens of people who are actively interested in care. Three-Month Result Highlights• Depression Quiz: 91% of users have clicked on a call to action since March• Anxiety Quiz: 72% of users have clicked on a call to action since March• Average monthly website visits increased by 207% for the same three- month period when compared to last year after content was refreshed• Digital ads popped up 249,062 times, with 2,006 click throughs to visit the CHSB websiteHealing Mental Health with Humankindness.Designed with your comfort and healing in mind, the Behavioral Health Services program at Community Hospital of San Bernardino is regarded as one of the ﬁnest of its kind in the area. Our compassionate care teams are ready to help you heal.Postcards were sent to community members in the Inland Empire encouraging them to take a Behavioral Health Quiz if they felt anxious or depressed. Scan this QR code to take a Behavioral Health Quiz or to learn more about the mental health services. The Behavioral Health Quizzes were accessible on CHSB’s Website. The quizzes ask questions about life’s challenges.Social Media ads inviting viewers to a Behavioral Health Quiz 7Dignity Health Southern California Division

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8 CONNECT Fall 2023A Healing StrokeBeing pregnant for the ﬁrst time is an experience every mother will remember forever. Between the excitement, the nerves, the anticipation, the growing belly and the miracle delivered at the end of the journey, it’s unlike anything life has to offer. Yet for a volunteer at Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center (NHMC) named Doris, her ﬁrst pregnancy was memorable for an entirely different reason.In 2002, 29-year old Doris Hernandez-Morales, was the Director of Math, Engineering and Sciences at American River College and nearly ﬁve months pregnant. While the ﬁrst half of the pregnancy was relatively smooth, she began developing a persistent and severely painful headache like never before. Doris was told it was a migraine attack. Its debilitating nature made it difﬁcult to work and function at a high level.“I remember feeling this intense rush of pain all over my head and thinking, ‘I almost never have headaches, let alone one this bad,’” recalls Doris. “A nurse recommended I head back home, since it hadn’t subsided for nearly four days, so I decided to give my body some rest.”What happened after she returned home, however, forever changed Doris’ life. While in the bathroom, she suffered what’s known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), a temporary blockage of blood ﬂow to the brain. She was able to call out for her husband, Martín, who immediately tended to her and called 9-1-1. But by the time the ambulance had arrived, Doris suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke, the last event she remembers before the countless hours spent saving her life at a hospital in the Sacramento area.“It turns out, I had an undiagnosed congenital condition called a Brain Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), which I obviously never knew about,” remarks Doris. “But thanks to the love of my life – Martín – and the incredible doctors and therapists, it wasn’t only me who survived, but more importantly our baby boy.”Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center (NHMC) Volunteer, Doris Hernandez-Morales is always eager to meet and connect with patients at the Center for Rehabilitation Medicine.

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9Dignity Health Southern California DivisionBrain AVMs occur when a tangle of blood vessels irregularly connects arteries and veins in the brain disrupting blood ﬂow and oxygen circulation. They are so rare that only 1 in 100,000 people are ever diagnosed with this condition. In Doris’ case, she was still ﬁve months pregnant and told she would likely never walk or speak again. When she ﬁrst heard the prognosis, her immediate reaction was a shake of the head, knowing she would do everything in her power to ﬁght for her quality of life.While Doris amazingly delivered a healthy boy named Emilio, whom she calls her “miracle baby,” she was diagnosed with aphasia (inability to speak) and complete paralysis on her right side. She spent the next three years dedicating extensive time to speech and physical therapy, yet her medical insurance discontinued its coverage since Doris was showing little to no improvement in either area.It would have been completely understandable had Doris thrown in the towel after years of trying with little success, not to mention being unable to continue her therapy due to her insurance company’s decision. But Doris has never been one to relent. Instead of feeling down on herself, she took the binder of activities her therapists had provided her and continued to do every exercise she could from home.Through an unbelievable display of determination, willpower and faith, she persisted with her self-therapy and dedicated her recovery to Martín and her “miracle baby” Emilio. Nearly six years after her stroke, Doris spoke her ﬁrst words, saying “Hi baby” to her husband, who cried the moment he heard them.Up until then, Emilio, who was a kindergartener, had never heard his mother speak. Soon, Doris began to speak in fragments, which eventually turned to sentences, and ultimately a near return to her former linguistic capacity. In fact, she relearned many of the basic language fundamentals alongside Emilio, even learning to write left-handed, since her right side continued to be undermined.In 2022, when life had taken her and her family to Los Angeles, Doris found herself wanting to help other stroke survivors as a volunteer.“When Doris ﬁrst came to us a year ago, I marveled at her story and her ability to defy all the odds stacked up against her,” says Karen Sabatino, Manager of Volunteer Services and the Gift Shop at NHMC. “She is a true blessing to our patients, connecting with them on a level that is indescribable and helping them during the most difﬁcult time in their lives.”Each week for the past year, Doris volunteers in the Rehabilitation Department at NHMC, helping stroke survivors and those rehabilitating from other medical conditions through her compassionate spirit, empathy and positivity.“Just one look at Doris and you’ll see a ray of sunshine,” remarks Karen. “It’s mind-blowing how positive and inspirational she is after having gone through all that she has. We really are lucky to have her at Northridge Hospital.”Although she may never regain sensation nor functionality to her right side, Doris – now a mother of 21-year old Emilio and a 13-year old – remains optimistic as always, dedicated to raising awareness about strokes while keeping patients focused on the path ahead. Twenty-one years ago, it took a dedicated team of doctors and therapists to save her life; now, Doris is in the unique position to offer a healing hand to those who need her touch and understanding.In Her Spare Time When she isn’t volunteering at NHMC and spending time helping others, Doris enjoys taking trips with her family and listening to music, especially Salsa.

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10 CONNECT Fall 2023Boot Camp for New DadsAims to Decrease Infant MortalityRecognizing higher rates of African American infant mortality in California, Dignity Health - Community Hospital of San Bernardino partnered with San Bernardino Fatherhood to host Boot Camp for New Dads* – a one-day, three-hour workshop for new and expecting dads. Held at the Health Education Center (HEC) and facilitated by San Bernardino Fatherhood’s Executive Director, Ryan Berryman, the Boot Camp invites veteran fathers to share their experiences and encourages new or expecting “rookie” dads to ask questions in a supportive environment. “Our goal is to develop a culture where both parents are involved and work as a team,” explains Ryan. “Having a strong family culture leads to stronger communities, which in turn leads to stronger cities, states and a stronger country.” In addition to learning about changing diapers and safety, dads learn how to support new moms by recognizing symptoms of postpartum depression or baby blues. “Getting dads to be more aware of women and their bodies during and after pregnancy helps nurture the mom and in turn beneﬁts their baby,” says Ryan.To further promote maternal health, the HEC offers educational classes, such as breastfeeding and infant CPR. The center also hosts monthly diaper drives for the community, which is where Ryan connected with HEC Director Faviola Garcia-Robes and agreed to join forces to host the bootcamp.“The HEC also hosts Car Seat Safety Checks in partnership with CHP,” says Faviola, “We’re always looking for programs and ways to promote and improve child and maternal health, and this bootcamp was a perfect addition.”The program recognizes that parenting education goes beyond the bootcamp, which serves as a gateway to get fathers to participate in a 24/7 Dad Program. Recognized by the State of California as an impactful intervention, the program educates men on the tools, behaviors and attitudes needed for fathers to help their children thrive. These include self-awareness, self-care, fathering, parenting and relationship skills. Participants are also given guidance on maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship with their child’s mother. “Programs like Boot Camp for New Dads and 24/7 Dad create stronger families and healthy communities,” Ryan explains. “Research shows that when fathers are involved, kids do better in school, have fewer behavioral problems and infant mortality decreases. There are so many positives in the community when fathers do well.”*Recognizing higher rates of Black infant mortality in California, the Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) was launched in 2018 to address the causes of this disparity and best practices. Under the PEI, San Bernardino Fatherhood was contracted by the San Bernardino County, Public Health Department to provide fatherhood services. Community Hospital’s Boot Camp for New Dads encourages fathers to share their experiences in a supportive environment.

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11Dignity Health Southern California DivisionBuilding the Fiber of a Downtown LA Community At an early age, Vickie Kropenske was encouraged by her grandmother and her family to pick a career of service to others. Flash forward to 2023, Vickie now has over 30 years of experience helping vulnerable children and families at Hope Street Margolis Family Center at Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center. As its only Director, Vickie has helped Hope Street evolve from a two-staff-member clinic that served 100 people in its ﬁrst year, to a program with 150 staff members who serves over 5,000 people annually. “There’s concern about access to care and equity and this is how to improve it– over the long term by embedding community voice and involvement in services,” states Vickie. “Hope Street has become a platform and mechanism for strengthening the resources within the community.” Hope Street opened its doors in Downtown Los Angeles as a community beneﬁt program for those living in surrounding marginalized communities. In collaboration with UCLA, its goal was to transform the lives of families living at or below the poverty line by providing early childhood education, child welfare, behavioral health services, parenting education, physical health, social services, and after-school and summer programs.“As a result of providing these opportunities to our Hope Street families, we have infants who are now teachers and social workers, amongst other careers,” shares Vickie. “It’s heartening to be a catalyst, and proof that the work we do here contributes to the infrastructure and ﬁber of the community.”Hope Street Director Vickie Kropenske says it’s heartening to see the accomplishments of the program’s Alumni and Volunteers. She notes the importance of support, including funds raised at the annual Champions for Children Luncheon, which raised over $355,000 for the afterschool and Summer of Science programs.California Hospital Medical Center Family Medicine residents visit children at our early childhood centers where they discuss annual wellness checkups. Residents demonstrate how checkups are performed with the children by using the stethoscope, thermometer, and the doctor’s light.Hope Street’s Family Literacy program serves both parents and children concurrently. While parents attend English as a Second Language and job readiness classes, their young children receive comprehensive early care and education. This dual-generation model enables parents to more successfully pursue their education and career goals. Hope Street’s annual Summer of Science program facilitates over 50 activities and ﬁeld trips, inspiring more than 120 children to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) subjects and careers.

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12 CONNECT Fall 2023A Daily Dose of Hot WheelsChildren often dread a visit to the doctor–whether it’s the fear of a needle, being told that they need medication or simply the unknown. When the trip is to the Emergency Department (ED), the level of anxiety and apprehension may be heightened even more.At Dignity Health – St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC), one member of the team has made it his mission to make pediatric patients at the ED feel a little less fearful and a lot more cheerful. The secret to his success lies in the form of a small toy that many of us spent countless hours playing with as children and continues to be extremely popular to this day. It comes in endless varieties, colors, sizes and shapes and is easy to take just about anywhere. The toy is known as Hot Wheels and the staff member’s name is Mike Barnard, Respiratory Therapist at SJRMC for the last 30 years.Over the last ﬁve years, Mike has donated over 5,000 of these toys to pediatric patients at the SJRMC ED, oftentimes hand-delivering them and spending time to lift their spirits. “I consider myself fortunate to bring even just a little bit of joy to the kids coming through our ED who are obviously experiencing a stressful situation,” says Mike. “I really don’t think I’m doing anything extraordinary. I ﬁnd it’s just a simple distraction from the commotion. It actually makes my entire day knowing that their hospital visit is even a small fraction less nerve-wracking.”Mike makes weekly trips to the store to purchase a handful of Hot Wheels, which not only consist of cars and trucks, but also include skateboards and even wheelchairs. When he is too busy to make it to the ED himself, he places his purchases in the storage closet so that his colleagues can have them at their disposal for distribution.One Hot Wheels recipient was 12-year old Marcus Cooney who visited the Emergency Department at SJRMC for an arm injury. “During his visit, he received a totally unexpected surprise,” recalls Leeza Donate, Marcus’ mother. “As we were waiting for the doctor, Mike stopped by just for the sake of giving Marcus a Hot Wheels car to cheer him up. It was so amazing to see the look of excitement on my son’s face knowing that even for just a moment, his spirits had been lifted.”“It truly is incredible what Mike has done for these kids over the years, spending time on his breaks, before and after shifts and even on days off,” says Mark Denham, Director of Respiratory Care Services at St. John’s Hospitals. “There really isn’t a selﬁsh bone in Mike’s body. Those who know him have seen him put everybody else in his life ﬁrst, even at the expense of his own rest.”Most recently, the St. John’s Senior Leadership Team nominated Mike as the LA Galaxy “Hero of the Match,” a prestigious honor that is awarded to one staff member at each of the Dignity Health hospitals in Southern California.“I was astonished to hear that I had been selected as the Hero of the Match for small acts of kindness that I wouldn’t even think twice about,” remarks Mike. “There are so Mike Barnard poses with a collection of nearly 100 Hot Wheels toys that he recently purchased to distribute to pediatric patients in the ED at SJRMC.

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13Dignity Health Southern California Divisionmany other more deserving members of our hospital team that really merit recognition on this level, but I really am humbled.”While Mike has treasured the innumerable moments he’s shared with patients in the Respiratory Care Department, the thrill he gets when he hands a Hot Wheels toy to an unsuspecting child in the ED and sees the surprised delight in their eyes is second to none. He shares, “My true passion is giving back to others, and I hope I continue to get the opportunity to do so.”Mike Barnard, Respiratory Therapist, gives pediatric patient, Marcus Cooney, his choice of a Hot Wheels car.Kudos to everyone recognized throughout the Southern California Division, including these outstanding employees from St. John’s Hospital Camarillo’s Practice Transition Accreditation Program whose post reads:“Way to go PTAP!!! Camarillo Campus thanks our education team for all their hard work”Want to recognize a coworker on Kudoboard? Scan your hospital’s QR code and get posting.SBMCSJRMC & SJHCSMMCCHMCCHSBGMHHCNHMCKudoboard is a quick and easy way to recognize your team’s excellence, a heartfelt moment, or a coworker for showing humankindness.13Dignity Health Southern California DivisionKudoboard CornerIn His Spare Time When he isn’t busy saving lives and giving back in any way he can, Mike enjoys playing the guitar, ukulele and piano, along with golf, billiards, swimming and bodysurﬁng.

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14 CONNECT Fall 2023When a blizzard trapped people inside their homes in the San Bernardino Mountains last winter, one of our own was among them. Danielle Follweiler, Emergency Department Manager, at Dignity Health - St. Bernardine Medical Center (SBMC), lives in Crestline, where residents’ homes and cars were buried under 7-10 feet of snow for weeks. Some lost power and heat. Others lost their homes when their roofs caved in or gas lines exploded due to snow impact. Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency, and immediately, rescue missions were coordinated by the California National Guard, the San Bernardino Fire Department, and volunteer groups. They evacuated vulnerable residents in need of care, and delivered food and supplies to others. But it takes time to shovel through the snow to reach everyone. “Those who could dig their way out were unable to go to the local grocery store because its roof had collapsed under the snow, making it a total loss,” recalls Danielle. “There was another store in Arrowhead, but it was 15 minutes up the mountain on Highway 18, which remained closed.” Fortunately for Danielle, she and her husband Jeremy and their children, ages 6 and 4, were prepared. “We have a generator and an overstock of food and essentials, which we shared with our neighbors,” she says. “But there were many people, including those vacationing here, who were trapped.” As a manager in the ED, Danielle is familiar with thinking quickly on her feet—even while working from home during the disaster. That skill set, along with her desire to help others, kicked in. She reached out to SBMC leadership via text to inquire about donations for the community.Doug Kleam, SBMC President (left) and Daneille Follweiler, ED Manager, load a bus full of essentials for people stranded in the St. Bernardino mountains during a winter blizzard.14 CONNECT Fall 2023A Bus Load of Kindness

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15Dignity Health Southern California DivisionDoug Kleam, SBMC President and CEO, immediately gave full support to hold a food and essentials drive. The Communications team also created a ﬂyer to distribute, which employees shared with their families and communities at large. Meanwhile Jeremy, who is a bus driver for the Rim of the World School District, got clearance from his transportation director who provided a bus to collect the goods. After a maintenance crew dug the bus out of the snow, Danielle and Jeremy left their home for the ﬁrst time in 12 days and headed for SBMC. There, they were met by the Security Team and hospital staff who helped ﬁll the bus with food and essentials–from pet food to hygiene items to boxed milk for those who had no refrigeration. An elementary school even donated a $300 Stater Brothers gift card, and cash was given to purchase shovels and propane. Adding to the effort, a Sparkletts delivery person saw the bus being loaded, and added cases of water.“The response was overwhelming and more than we thought possible, both in the immediacy of the response as well as the volume of items that were collected,” says Kathleen McDonnell, SBMC’s Director of Mission Integration. “Our employees understand and believe in our mission to care for our community, especially those who are vulnerable. Not everyone could get up the mountain to help, but we could join together to gather much needed supplies.”Once the bus was fully loaded, Danielle and Jeremy made three stops on the mountain–Crest Forest Fire Station #28, the Masonic Lodge in Twin Peaks and Sandals Church in Arrowhead–all ran by locals and volunteers. “The residents were so surprised. They said, “What’s all of this?” remembers Danielle. “They were so grateful for the donations, they started crying.” A couple of days later, a plow came to unbury the couple’s cars, and Danielle was able to return to work and thank everyone for pulling together to help her community. “It was a powerful and moving experience to have our SBMC family pull together and accomplish so much in a short period of time,” says Danielle. “Together, we truly made a difference in the lives of those in our community.” Danielle and her husband Jeremy were overwhelmed by the hospital staff’s efforts to help their community. Local residents in the St. Bernardino mountains were grateful to receive supplies when a 10-foot wall of snow prevented them from leaving their community.A Bus Load of Kindness

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16 CONNECT Fall 2023NURSING UPDATECommonSpirit Health Launches National Nurse Residency Program in SoCalNurse residency programs are effective in recruiting and retaining new graduate nurses for a myriad of reasons. These structured programs recognize the unique needs of new nurses and address these needs comprehensively, resulting in increased retention rates and a more satisﬁed nursing workforce, as evidenced in the literature. Program beneﬁts include: (1) providing a smooth transition; (2) enhancing clinical competence; (3) creating a supportive environment; (4) offering professional development opportunities; (5) improving job satisfaction; and (6) facilitating long-term career planning. We are extremely grateful to begin the National Nurse Residency Program (NNRP) at two of our LA-area hospitals. Our nurse residency preceptors are a vital component of these programs as they contribute to the development of competent and conﬁdent nurses, support the delivery of high-quality patient care, and facilitate the seamless transition of our nurses in the clinical setting. Their guidance, mentorship and expertise are invaluable in shaping the next generation of nurses and ensuring the overall success of the nursing profession.Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC) in Long Beach welcomed 32 new grad nurses on June 12, 2023. Pictured above was the ﬁrst cohort in the Southern California Division to go-live with the NNRP. Professional development is a key component for clinical competence, while also fostering meaningful personal and professional growth opportunities. “We are on an exciting journey to expand the skills and training across CommonSpirit Health with the implementation of our National Nurse Residency Program,” states Gloria Carter, MSN, RN, CENP, Chief Nursing Ofﬁcer, SMMC. “I ﬁrmly believe our Nurse Residency program positions us to be a major contributor to the recruitment and retention of the nursing profession. It will build a foundation for a career that encourages life-long learners.”The second hospital in Southern California to start the NNRP was Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) in downtown Los Angeles (pictured above, right). On July 10, CHMC welcomed nine new graduate nurses (ﬁve Med/Surg, four Telemetry). A total of 17 preceptors were trained to support the NNRP. “The national nurse residency program provides a standardized, evidence-based approach to facilitate transition to professional nursing practice that we know improves patient safety and supports the nurse in an increasingly complex care delivery system,” offers Trudy Johnson, MA, RN, NEA-BC, FNAP, Chief Nursing Ofﬁcer, CHMC. “We know the pandemic was a difﬁcult time to complete clinical practice hours and hope this program will help the new graduate nurse adapt and gain conﬁdence in their critical thinking and decision-making skills to provide the best care possible, with humankindness.” Ron YoloChief Nursing Ofﬁcer Southern California Division

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17Dignity Health Southern California DivisionA supportive family caring for patients.– VERONICA PEREZ, PATIENT REGISTRATION LEAD California Hospital Medical CenterExtending others the art of empathy.– EVELYN AVILEZ, PATIENT ACCESS REPRESENTATIVE Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health CenterProviding a helping hand when needed.– DIANA EPITACIO, PATIENT ACCESS COORDINATOR Northridge Hospital Medical CenterAn organization that’s committed to humankindness.CARMEN RUIZ, PATIENT REGISTRATION SPECIALIST St. Bernardine Medical CenterDedication, motivation, devotion, endearment, delighted, grateful.ALEXANDRA LEON, PATIENT REGISTRATION REP St. Mary Medical CenterWe strive to assist our community.SANDRA RIVERA, ADMITTING SUPERVISOR St. John’s Regional Medical CenterKindness, determination, friendship, compassion, enthusiasm, collaboration.– MARCELA CUEVAS, PATIENT REGISTRATION SPECIALIST Community Hospital of San BernardinoSix-Word Storiesfrom our Admitting DepartmentsFrom door to door, our admitting team members are an integral part of a patient’s journey with our care team. Their bright and smiling faces are what greet our patients at ﬁrst, setting the tone for the rest of care to follow. We thank you for your tireless and continued dedication to our patients, their families and our communities. NURSING UPDATECommonSpirit Health Launches National Nurse Residency Program in SoCalSteering committees are being created at each site to implement the NNRP at the local level. “The leadership teams across the Southern California Division have been incredibly supportive as the hospitals transition to the National Nurse Residency Program,” states Karen Magnani, MSN, RN, PCCN, WCC, Director Nurse Residency Programs, Southern California Division. “This is an exciting time for CommonSpirit. We are recruiting, attracting and training the best nurse residents into our ministry.”All Out with Pride “All Out with Pride” was the 2023 theme at the LA Pride Parade, and we were excited to participate for the second year in a row. We are proud of nearly 100 team members who showed their true colors and joined us in Hollywood. Our mission has always been to provide compassionate, inclusive care to all. That’s why we’re proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ community. No matter who you are, or who you love, you are always welcome here!17Dignity Health Southern California Division

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20 CONNECT Fall 2023LA Galaxy Health Care Heroes of the GameChristopher Contreras, Business Development Director Community Hospital of San BernardinoChristopher is the deﬁnition of “team player”. He continuously goes above & beyond to ensure the success of his colleagues and the hospital without blinking an eye. He is very dependable, trustworthy and conscientious. No matter what or how many projects he’s juggling, he always ﬁnds time to volunteer at hospital events. His creative thought process enables him to think outside the box, and we rely on his ingenuity on a daily basis. He is our “go to” guy, and Community Hospital is very fortunate to have him on the team.Trinidad Duran, Physician Engagement/Clinical Informatics Northridge Hospital Medical CenterTrinidad has been an integral part of the NHMC team. He has spearheaded the free produce distribution that serves over 300 families in our communities each month, helping support nearly 12,000 community members with fresh produce while distributing over 100,000 pounds of food in the process. This opportunity reﬂects our partnership with the American Heart Association, providing health and wellness to the communities we serve and fulﬁlling our mission of serving the vulnerable through innovative ideas. Trinidad has proven to be a leader and huge advocate of community health.Veronica Huerta, Infection Preventionist Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health CenterVeronica has been in health care for 14 years, but an international soccer fan all her life. Over the past two years she has helped improve the patient experience and outcomes as the champion for safe steps to take in preventing hospital acquired infections. Thank you for Veronica - for being a health care hero and for being a lifelong soccer fan.Ofﬁcer Akeisha Stewart, Security Supervisor California Hospital Medical Center Akeisha is the epitome of a servant leader. From the way in which she interacts with every staff member, patient, and family member, to the way she pushes the barriers in her own professional career. Her ability to act under pressure has resulted in safety catches for our patients and the entire hospital. In a time in our society when violence is prevalent, even within hospitals, Akeisha works hard to ensure the staff and patients at California Hospital feel safe and secure.

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21Dignity Health Southern California DivisionDanielle Follweiler, Emergency Department Nursing Manager St. Bernardine Medical CenterAfter being stranded in the San Bernardino Mountain area during the snowstorm, Danielle contacted the hospital to make arrangements for a food and medical supply collection. She and her husband then drove down in a school bus to collect the donations and dropped them off at various distribution centers to help the residents who were stranded in the mountains. Danielle is always ﬁnding ways to help others and exempliﬁes what humankindness is!Andrea Utley, Director of Care Coordination St. Mary Medical Center Andrea consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to improving patient care through innovative and effective care coordination strategies. She says having the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day is her favorite part about the role. She also nurtures and develops her team members through mentorship and ongoing support, and has fostered a culture of continuous learning and growth. Mike Barnard, Respiratory Therapist St. John’s Hospital Camarillo/St. John’s Regional Medical Center Mike is one of the most caring and compassionate caregivers to ever grace St. John’s Hospitals. His team says he gives and gives and gives and never expects anything in return. He is the epitome of humankindness. Thank you, Mike, for all the lives you have positively impacted through your compassionate care.Mental Health BoostDuring Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Dignity Health joined the LA Galaxy, Cal Hope and the LA County Department of Mental health for a special Mental Health Awareness Month. The event featured LA Galaxy captain Javier “Chicharito” Hernández (left), who spoke to high school boys’ and girls’ soccer teams from all over Southern California about the importance of preparing oneself mentally as an athlete. The speaker panel also included Dominique Hamler, Director of Nursing and Behavioral Health Services from Glendale Memorial Hospital (right), who shared practical ways to boost mental health.The LA Galaxy and Dignity Health teamed up to honor health care heroes during home games of the 2023 LA Galaxy season. LA Galaxy is honored to partner with Dignity Health and grateful for all of our health care heroes. Congratulations and thank you to all of our heroes!

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22 CONNECT Fall 2023California Hospital Medical CenterHospital President Alina Moran, and Hope Street Margolis Family Center were featured in El Aviso Magazine in a story about Hope Street’s history and commitment to empowering its community by offering health, education and recreation programs.Community Hospital of San BernardinoRicardo Whyte, MD, Psychiatry, was featured on 102.7 KIIS-FM in a segment that shared ways to prevent and overcome job burnout. Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health CenterDominique Hamler, Director of Nursing and Behavioral Health, was featured on ABC Channel 7 News where she discussed the recent increase in mental health issues and shared ways to cope with anxiety and depression.In the News The Dignity Health Southern California Division communications team tracks breaking news, and quickly responds by inviting physicians to offer insight on a health topic discussed in the media. By doing so, we show that Dignity Health is a knowledgeable community resource for health and wellness.

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23Dignity Health Southern California DivisionSt. Mary Medical CenterCarolyn Caldwell, CEO/President, and Dr. Wally Wazni, Medical Director of Community Health Education and Neuroendovascular Surgery, were recently featured in Random Length News in an article highlighting a community health screening and education event the hospital hosted during Stroke Awareness Month.Northridge Hospital Medical CenterPamela Davis, MD, Dignity Health Medical Group Medical Director, was featured in the Catholic Health Association online publication in a story about the Medical Safe Haven program at Northridge Hospital, which helps identify victims of trafﬁcking in health care settings and provides them with trauma-informed care.St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo Barry Wolfman, President/CEO, and Dr. Raj Bhatia, ICU Medical Director and Pulmonologist, were featured in the Citizens Journal and Paciﬁc Coast Business Times publications in a story about the newest robot at SJRMC known as the Ion, which will help physicians diagnose lung cancers earlier and less invasively.St. Bernardine Medical CenterHospital President Doug Kleam was featured in the Fontana Herald News in a story highlighting the “A” Hospital Safety Grade the hospital received from the Leapfrog Group for prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors.

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330 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 400Glendale, CA 91203Wellness Support for Our Employees10 Free Life Coaching or Therapy Sessions Every CommonSpirit employee is valued and appreciated, and your well-being matters. If you would like emotional and mental health support, you can access 10 coaching or therapy sessions per person, per year, at no cost to you. Lyra will match you to the right care for your needs that is effective, convenient and personalized. What’s more, Lyra is available to all employees, your eligible dependents and household members. Lyra also provides work-life services to help you work through personal life obstacles. These services include legal, identity theft, ﬁnancial and dependent care services.Questions? Call the Lyra Care Team: (877) 312-1884To get started, scan this QR code to register for your 10 free life coaching or therapy sessions.