Connect Magazine_Spring 2023_SCD South : simplebooklet.com

President’s MessageEvery day we are faced with new opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others and across our diverse communities. CommonSpirit Health is getting a fresh start under the new leadership of Wright Lassiter III, who recently visited the Southern California Division for the ﬁrst time. We have set our goals, and with the dedication of our incredible team, I know we will do everything we can to achieve them.This edition of Connect magazine focuses on the heart - from the award-winning cardiac services we provide, to the love and inclusion exhibited by our employees, physicians, and volunteers. The heart keeps everything else going. You - our people - are the heart of the Southern California Division. All of our successes are because of your commitment.You are the part of this team that keeps our hospitals moving along. I want to remind you all to focus on your well-being and make sure that you check in on your colleagues. It’s okay to not be okay. I encourage you to take personal time to pause and to recharge. The thing that I love most about Dignity Health is we’re like one big family - we always have each other’s back. You are a valued member of the Dignity Health family. With appreciation,Inside this issue:3 High Reliability Organization Tips for Success4 It’s a Small World After All6 Mental Health Beneﬁt for You and Your Family7 Angel of Glendale Memorial: A Family of Service 8 Cuddles of Love: Retired NICU Nurses Soothe Newborns with Cuddles10 Healing with Music, Love and Prayer 11 Music for the Mind, Body & Soul12 The Best Medicine is a Happy Home14 The Cath Lab Team at St. John’s Hospital Camarillo Doesn’t Skip a Beat15 Six-Word Stories16 Building Stronger Hearts Together18 Dignity Health + Univision: Encouraging Heart Health to the Hispanic Community 19 Kudoboard20 LA Galaxy Shares Love of Soccer with Youth Programs22 In the NewsDid you know?You can stay in touch and up-to-date by following us on social media.@DignityHealthSoCal@DignityHealthSC@ DignityHealthSouthernCaliforniaJulie J. SprengelPresident & CEOSouthern California DivisionCommonSpirit HealthCareer 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.

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3Dignity Health Southern California DivisionQuality, Safety, and Experience -At the Heart of Everything We DoNicholas Testa, MD Chief Physician Executive Southern California Division CommonSpirit HealthAcross the Southern California Division, our High Reliability journey has not only improved our patient safety, but the steps we have taken made a signiﬁcant impact on our quality and experience. The combined efforts of every member of our team continue to improve our delivery of care. Each year, CommonSpirit Health establishes a Clinical Scorecard with various areas for improvement. Last ﬁscal year, thanks to your dedication towards excellence, the Southern California Division was the highest performing Division across many of CommonSpirit Health key quality and patient safety measures, including:• 50 fewer surgical complications, which is a signiﬁcant step towards our goal of zero harm.• A focus on the care of our septic patients, saving 86 more lives, representing 86 more people who returned to their families. • 437 fewer unnecessary blood product transfusions, reducing the risk to the people entrusted to our care. Through successful collaboration and enhanced communication between nurses, physicians and all members of our care teams, you improved the care we provide for nearly 6,500 patients. With our patients and their families as our focus, we will continue to achieve amazing results. Thank you for your continued commitment to patient safety and ensuring all of our hospitals in the Southern California Division provide the highest quality of care.Clinical Scorecard AwardsScan the QR code to watch a special message from our executive team, outlining the Southern California Division successes in quality performance–all achieved thanks to your hard work and commitment. Surgical ComplicationsSepsis Risk-Adjusted MortalityBlood Management50 fewer post-operative complications of sepsis, hematoma/hemorrhage or respiratory failure86 lives saved by following evidence-based practices for patients with sepsis.437 fewer unnecessary blood products transfused Highest Performing Division in Patient Safety Measures

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4 CONNECT Spring 2023It’s a Small World After AllWhat began as a simple voyage across the country turned into a frightening series of events that would leave Paul Watkins, President/CEO of Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center, with feelings of uncertainty, shock, and total panic.It was late October of 2022 and Paul had boarded a cross-country trip to Virginia with his wife, daughter and other family members. They were headed to his niece’s wedding and were excited to participate in the festivities for this joyous celebration.At ﬁrst, their red-eye ﬂight, which would make a brief stop in Boston, seemed ordinary. They’d all get some rest before a fun-ﬁlled weekend. Yet just one hour into the ﬂight, everything changed. Just about to close his eyes, Paul was startled by his daughter Christa’s distressed voice, as she frantically called out for help. Her husband, Chris, had suddenly slumped over in the seat next to her. Paul rushed over to see what had happened as the ﬂight attendants caught wind of the emergency.An overhead announcement called for any and all medical professionals to help, while Paul attempted to stabilize his son-in-law. Soon, two good Samaritans – in the form of a trauma nurse named Summer and a family medicine physician named Dr. Giusti – ran over to assist.When Summer and Dr. Giusti took Chris to the back of the plane to run an IV and administer oxygen to him, they determined he had experienced a series of seizures, something he had never had before.“At some point, the pilot wanted to speak with the doctor and the nurse for updates, and I could hear the nurse quickly say, ‘You need to land this airplane,’” says Paul. “So we landed in Wichita, Kansas, in the middle of the night and my son-in-law was taken to the nearest hospital.”Just before leaving the aircraft, it seemed like the appropriate time for introductions. While thanking Summer and Dr. Giusti for their selﬂessness and willingness to help, Paul learned something that left them all in disbelief.“While introducing ourselves, the nurse tells me her name is Summer Cervantes and that she is the Trauma Nurse Coordinator at Northridge Hospital,” recalls Paul. “So when I asked her if she worked with Trauma Surgeon Dr. Saad, it completely took her off guard. She wondered how I knew that. I explained that I too worked at Northridge Hospital and what my role there was.”Chris and Christa Diaz, accompanied by their daughter Davis, made it in time for a family wedding after Chris experienced a medical emergency on the plane.

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5Dignity Health Southern California DivisionOf course, Summer was awestruck to learn he was the hospital’s president, so the ﬁrst thing she told him was, “Please don’t ﬁre me! I’m always late on my training modules, but I promise I’ll get better at that.”As if that wasn’t coincidence enough, the family medicine doctor introduced herself as Dr. Rebecca Giusti, Professor of Family Medicine at Western University, and she shared that four of her residents were currently doing rotations at Northridge Hospital.While all of these revelations were taking place, Chris was being treated at a nearby hospital, where it was conﬁrmed that he had indeed experienced multiple seizures on the plane, despite having no history of such episodes. Just before dawn, Chris turned a corner and was stable enough to be discharged. He was advised to follow up with his primary physician and a neurologist upon his return home, but otherwise, was given the green light to rejoin his family and make it in time for the wedding.“I truly believe everything happens for a reason and that I was put on that plane to treat Chris, someone I had never met before,” remarks Summer. “Being an emergency and trauma nurse for nearly 11 years, I did what I knew how to do and didn’t think twice about offering to help in every way I could.”Clearly, a stroke of luck had touched that ﬂight on that quiet October night, reminding everyone that the world really is so small.“Being an emergency and trauma nurse for nearly 11 years, I did what I knew how to do and didn’t think twice about offering to help in every way I could.” — SUMMER CERVANTES | Trauma Nurse Coordinator, Northridge Hospital Medical CenterIn Her Spare Time When Summer isn’t busy saving lives in the Emergency Department, she enjoys hiking, spending outdoor time with her husband and playing with her sweet dogs.In His Spare Time Outside of his role as Northridge Hospital’s President/CEO, Paul is an avid reader, loves to travel and has a passion for building things (particularly home projects). After helping Chris on the ﬂight, Summer and her husband reached their destination in Acadia National Park in Maine where they enjoyed hiking and spending time outdoors.Paul is pictured here in 2022 with boxes of medical supplies that were donated to Ukraine to help those injured during the war. (Photo cred: Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News)

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6 CONNECT Spring 2023Mental Health Beneﬁt for You and Your FamilyAt CommonSpirit Health, we value your physical, mental and emotional health, and offer a variety of programs to support your well-being journey. Lyra is our new mental health beneﬁt that connects you and your eligible dependents and household members to mental and emotional health care that is effective, convenient, and personalized.Lyra’s online platform allows you to sign up in just a few clicks, ﬁnd the right coach or therapist for your needs, and quickly book an appointment. You can ﬁnd high-quality, conﬁdential care with Lyra in three easy steps:1. Scan the QR code to register or visit commonspirit.lyrahealth.com using your work or personal email address.2. Answer a few questions to get matched with high-quality providers.3. Meet with your provider virtually or in person to start your journey.Lyra formally replaced all of our Employee Assistance Programs on January 1, 2023It’s easy to get registered! Simply scan the QR code.

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7Dignity Health Southern California DivisionAngel of Glendale Memorial A Family of Service For Palig Karaminassian, a registered nurse on the medical-surgical ﬂoor of Dignity Health – Glendale Memorial Hospital & Health Center (GMHHC), choosing a career that involved helping others was a given. “My father is a pastor and my mother is a devoted pastor’s wife and school teacher, and they are both steadfast in their commitment to service,” says Palig. “Growing up, I saw the way in which they made a difference in people’s lives, working selﬂessly for the greater good of the community – preaching at various ministries, teaching bible study classes, and leading youth groups. I knew at a young age that I wanted to pursue a similar route, one where I had a chance to help others, and somewhere along the way I stumbled upon nursing.”Born in Syria and raised in Lebanon, Palig graduated from nursing school and began working at a community clinic. While in Lebanon, she met her husband, fellow GMHHC colleague Chaplain Sarkis Karaminassian. “Our families knew each other and encouraged the relationship. We did long distance for a while and shortly after getting married, I moved to the United States to be with him,” she says. This past November marked their 11th wedding anniversary. Palig smiles and notes, “Now we’re both at the same hospital serving together.” And while serving alongside her husband makes Palig feel good about their life’s purpose, she is making a lasting impression all on her own. She recently received the DAISY award after being nominated by a grateful patient who called her the ‘angel of Glendale Memorial.’ The patient said Palig isn’t just a nurse, but an extraordinary human being who treated her with the utmost kindness and compassion when answering questions, keeping her informed of her treatment and discharge, and staying by her side when she felt physically ill and mentally drained. The patient continued, “I’ve had my share of hospital stays…I’ve had some good nurses over the years, but Palig has stolen my heart.”Palig shares that before joining GMHHC a little over eight years ago, she worked at a nursing home. “It was nice having the same patients because we had more opportunities to build relationships. But I love my job at the hospital. It’s fast paced and I get to touch more lives. They come to us in pain. Seeing them make a full recovery and excited to go home is a great feeling because now they have something to look forward to when they leave here.”In Her Spare Time Palig enjoys playdates and trying fun new activities with her two daughters, 6-year-old Areen and 4-year-old Sevan. They are pictured here with Palig after their Armenian Christmas dance program.Among those who attended Palig’s recent DAISY Award presentation was her proud husband Chaplain Sarkis.

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8 CONNECT Spring 2023Cuddles of Love Retired NICU Nurses Soothe Newborns with CuddlesWhen Heidi Smits, RN, and Judy Schaefer, RN, retired from their nursing roles in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) in Oxnard, they were both sure of one thing—that they would return to SJRMC as baby “cuddlers.”And just as they promised, Heidi, who retired just last year, and Judy, who retired two years ago, are now part of a special group of volunteers–cuddlers–whose role is to provide infants in the NICU with lots of cuddles delivered with love. “Throughout my career in the NICU, I always said I wanted to be a cuddler. I looked forward to one day being able to just sit and hold the babies,” said Heidi. “Being a cuddler is worth so much to me. It is like free therapy.”Much like Heidi, cuddling was always something that Judy hoped to do. Judy shared that as a NICU nurse, she was always on the clinical care side, which involved performing tasks like drawing blood or delivering treatments that were not the most comfortable for the babies but essential to their health. Whereas now, as a cuddler, she can care for the little ones with a simple dose of a comforting touch.Retired NICU nurse Judy Schaeffer cuddling a newborn.

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9Dignity Health Southern California DivisionThe Baby Cuddler Program at SJRMC was developed by the hospital’s Volunteer Services and the NICU department in a joint effort to bring comfort to infants whose parents couldn’t be at their bedside at all times. For families with other children at home, work or their own medical needs, the Cuddler Program helps put parents at ease knowing that their baby is being held and soothed by a trained cuddler when they are not there. Cuddling also provides infants with a physical connection that is key to their social-emotional development. “We have so much love and appreciation for our cuddlers,” says Sara Ramos, NICU Manager at SJRMC. “It’s reassuring to know that we have wonderful volunteers like Heidi and Judy who are among 10 cuddlers who nurture our NICU babies while the team focuses on their medical needs.”And while the Cuddler Program beneﬁts the babies, Heidi and Judy can attest that they beneﬁt too.For Heidi, retirement came too soon. She didn’t prepare for what life would be like without seeing the babies or her colleagues. Now, as a cuddler, she gets the best of both worlds. She gets to love on babies and also has the opportunity to see her friends and coworkers. “We are a tight-knit group in the NICU,” Heidi shares. We have been through a lot personally and professionally, so connecting with them is always nice.”Judy echoes that sentiment. “It’s nice to see people I worked with,” she says. “When you work in situations where cooperation can make or break an outcome, you depend on each other. You can’t do it by yourself. It takes a team effort, and the NICU team at St. John’s does it so well; it’s like a sisterhood.”Of course, they also missed caring for the NICU babies once they retired. In particular, they missed seeing the innocent look in their eyes. So when it came to whether or not they would volunteer, there was no question about it. “The best thing I could do for myself and the babies was to become a cuddler,” says Heidi. “The babies are so precious, and it is a relaxing experience.”It’s safe to say that when Heidi and Judy are around, there is never a shortage of cuddles.Sara Ramos, NICU Manager, hands a baby to Judy Schaeffer for cuddling.Heidi Smits cuddles a NICU patient at SJRMC.In Their Spare Time Heidi Smits, RN: In her free time, Heidi enjoys repurposing old furniture. Judy Schaeffer, RN: When she’s not cuddling babies, Judy enjoys the art of hula dancing.Cuddler Program Beneﬁts • Premature babies and newborns who require a stay in the NICU beneﬁt greatly from being cuddled. • Research shows that touch therapy can promote weight gain in preterm infants, reduce stress and increase immune function.

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10 CONNECT Spring 2023Healing with Music, Love and PrayerCristina Quijada has comforted hundreds of patients with her gift of song and her ability to speak words that soothe the soul. A music minister at Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center (SBMC), Cristina combines music, prayer, and relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery to comfort patients.Since starting in this role in 2004, Cristina says it has been the most rewarding job. She had been a stay-at-home mother and wanted to get back in the workforce. “I prayed to God and asked him to bring me a job that served people and served Him,” she recalls. “Two days later, I was contacted about this role.”Cristina shadowed the music minister at the time and fell in love with the work she witnessed. She accepted the job and 19 years later, her love for the role has only deepened. Today, she provides a joyous space for families welcoming babies into the world, a peaceful space for patients in their ﬁnal moments, and a time of reﬂection for patients at all stages of life in-between.“It’s an honor to be present in these patients’ lives–to hold their hand and guide them to a peaceful state no matter where they are in life,” she explains. Cristina has combined her faith, background in social work, and angelic singing voice to help SBMC patients manage their pain by helping to slow down their heart rate and alleviate their tension.Although Cristina sees patients with various diagnoses, she most often spends time with Palliative Care and Oncology patients who want to try something that no medication nor procedure can provide. A memorable moment she recalls is frequently visiting a 23-year-old man who was diagnosed with a painful and terminal cancer. “He had a hard time managing his pain and would rock back and forth in his bed, but after working together, I could see he had found some relief. For a moment, his mind would go somewhere else,” she shares.The patient told Cristina he loved gardening in his backyard and spending time with family. Using guided imagery, she described the family gatherings, the garden, the sensation of touching the grass, and smelling the earth to transport him to his favorite place. “When he relaxed to the point of falling asleep, his mom and I would smile at each other because we knew he was feeling peaceful,” says Crisitna. “His courage throughout his journey was incredible.”Cristina says that patients like him teach her what it is to be strong.“This is a tough job, but I truly believe it’s my calling. I thank God for giving me the strength and ability to be at the bedside of those who are sick,” she says. “I have the best job on the planet.”In Her Spare Time Cristina enjoys spending time with her family and cooking. Together they like to learn how to make cuisine outside of the Latino culture, ensuring they do it well and authentically.

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11Dignity Health Southern California DivisionMusic for the Mind, Body & SoulMusic has the uncanny ability to evoke wistful memories of our past, soothe our state of mind or even get us dancing. Its universal impact transcends culture, ethnicity, and all other factors that deﬁne us. In fact, studies show the extraordinary effect it can have on the human endocrine system, minimizing the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and increasing the “feel-good” hormones known as endorphins. One example that demonstrates the power of music is found at Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) in the form of 38-year old Ezroy Cameron, who has volunteered at CHMC for over a year. Ezroy, a freelance professional composer, uses his love of music to improve the experience of all who walk through the hospital’s doors.Having ﬁrst learned to play the piano at the early age of 4, Ezroy’s passion for music has grown with each passing year. Eventually, his path led him to CHMC, where he has played every Thursday morning for the past 14 months, lending a positive vibe to an oftentimes stressful environment for patients and visitors alike.Stationed at the piano in the main lobby, Ezroy plays a diverse array of songs from multiple genres, with his three favorites being Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” and Eroll Garner’s “Misty.”“I’m so blessed to have found something I love to do and in a sense, this is my way of giving back to the community,” says Ezroy. “Volunteering and service have become a mission of mine, and if I can brighten the day of even one person at California Hospital, it will fulﬁll me to my core.”Sometimes, a visitor will stop by and let Ezroy know how happy they were to hear him play the piano. Other times, a patient being wheeled out of the hospital will send a warm smile his way. But one time that particularly stands out to him was when someone waiting in the lobby mustered the courage to ask him to play “All of Me” by John Legend, one of his favorite pieces.It’s moments like these that leave Ezroy feeling like he has spread even a small ripple of positivity to the local community, while healing the mind and spirit of those who lend an ear to his music.Alongside his father, Donnell Cameron, Ezroy helps Glendale Presbyterian Church with their live recording and audio needs every Sunday.Ezroy Cameron volunteers his time every Thursday morning at CHMC to play the piano for patients and visitors in the main lobby.In His Spare Time When Ezroy isn’t playing piano, he enjoys riding his motorcycle, exploring nature, and diving into books that intrigue him.

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12 CONNECT Spring 2023The Best Medicine is a Happy HomeRainbows and colorful murals decorate the walls of the Children’s Subacute Center at Dignity Health – Community Hospital of San Bernardino (CHSB) reﬂecting the cheerfulness of the staff who work there. The center is home to several children with long-term conditions who require medical care 24 hours a day, but who more importantly, require love, attention, and a family—something Shorneice Johnson helps facilitate year round.Shorneice has worked for Community Hospital for a total of 13 years. Her ﬁrst three years, she worked as a Certiﬁed Nurse Assistant (CNA) in the Home Health department at the main hospital before transitioning to her present position as the Activities Coordinator at the Children’s Subacute Center.“I always hoped I was going to work here and one day it just happened,” recalls Shorneice. She explained that transitioning from a nursing role to the activities coordinator has allowed her to spend more time with the children on a personal basis. “The center is home to about 30 patients, ages 0 to 21, with conditions ranging from difﬁculty breathing to being in a vegetative state—some children were born with these conditions while others may have suffered an accident. Regardless of the state of their health, the staff at the center work hard to improve their quality of life and provide them with a loving family environment that does not see them solely based on their condition. Shorneice plans festive celebrations for holidays like Halloween for the patients living at CHSB’s Children’s Subacute Center.

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13Dignity Health Southern California Division“Even though our children appear different and some may not be able to verbally or physically express their feelings, we are able to understand them by getting to know the different looks in their eyes,” shares Shorneice.Eyes that light up when the center celebrates holidays like Easter, Halloween, and most recently, Christmas. In December, the children’s parents and siblings were invited to a holiday pajama party where Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch stopped by to take pictures and distribute gifts. Many of the patients were dancing and singing along during performances given by a local church choir and dance group, while others were just happy to spend time with their family at the festive gathering.Over the years, Shorniece has developed relationships with hospital staff, local community organizations, churches, the San Bernardino Uniﬁed School District, and politicians who contribute their time and resources to celebrate with the children and their families at holiday parties. They often provide gifts, prayers, entertainment, education and most importantly, love and kindness. “It’s celebrations like these that bring a home atmosphere to our patients’ lives but also provide comfort for the parents because they see their child is in caring hands,” explains Shorniece.Parents are welcome to join the children for the activities held at the center such as story time, movie day, game time, birthdays, music therapy by Maritrie Garrett, nature walks, arts and crafts, water days in the summer, and the children’s favorite, pet therapy. “They just love the dogs because they are so affectionate towards the children,” says Shorneice. In addition, Shorneice facilitates the San Bernardino City School District staff Laurine Quarry and Lori Shook who assist the children with their education goals.Although Shorneice has ensured that the children have an extensive list of activities and events to participate in, her ultimate goal is “to make these children feel like they’re at home and to be in a happy and loving environment.”“Everyone here is dedicated to our children’s wellbeing and happiness,” she says. “I’m absolutely honored to help make hope happen one child at a time.”The staff at the center serve as a family to the children who call it home.The children always look forward to pet therapy visits at the center, which is home to approximately 30 children. Speech Therapist Swathi Velkuru engages in water play activities at the center to bring normalcy to the children’s lives.In Her Spare Time Shorneice likes to get artistic and express herself through acrylic paintings, like this one. Her favorite things to paint are nature and landscapes. Oftentimes, her children join her to paint, in addition to going to amusement parks, the beach and educational outings to spend quality time together.

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14 CONNECT Spring 2023The Cath Lab Team at St. John’s Hospital Camarillo Doesn’t Skip a BeatAt Dignity Health - St. John’s Hospital Camarillo (SJHC), meeting the health care needs of the tight-knit community has always been at the heart of every decision. So when the vision to build an expanded hospital began to take form, there was no question that the new hospital would include a cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab)—the ﬁrst and only one in Camarillo. Fast forward four years and the cath lab that was once a blueprint sketch has transformed into the hub for Electrophysiology (EP), where the specially trained cardiac team treats heart rhythm disorders, one heartbeat beat at a time.“The EP Program is the ﬁrst of its kind in the Camarillo area,” says Ali Sovari, MD, Medical Director of Electrophysiology Services and the Cath Lab at SJHC.”The program provides our patients and community access to the highest level of cardiac services with the newest, leading-edge technology for heart rhythm disorders with the beneﬁt of being close to home.”EP is the science of diagnosing and treating the electrical activities of the heart. Teams that specialize in EP treat irregular heartbeats that are the result of abnormal electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat too quickly, slowly or irregularly such as atrial ﬁbrillation (A-ﬁb), the most common type of heart arrhythmia.Prior to having a cath lab at SJHC, Camarillo residents had to go outside of the community to seek care for rhythm disorders. Now, patients can be assessed, diagnosed and treated all in one place.Since opening its doors, the EP team at SJHC has treated more than 400 patients. “I hope to never need cath lab care, however, being a Camarillo resident and a St. John’s employee, I am glad we offer such important services,” says Amy Carrillo, Contracts Coordinator. “I have full conﬁdence in the EP team.”And while the cath lab has been instrumental in offering EP services in Camarillo, at the heart of the EP program lie an exceptional group of professionals whose specialized skills and commitment to making sure the patients receive the best care is unparalleled. A-Fib Facts: • More than 454,000 hospitalizations with AFib as the primary diagnosis happen each year in the United States.• AFib causes about 1 in 7 strokes.• The risk for AFib increases with age. And advancing age increases the risk for high blood pressure, which accounts for about 1 in 5 cases of AFib.Source: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdiseasePictured from L to R: SJHC EP team Dennis Paican, RN; Alex Frailich; Natalie Sims; Ali Sovari, MD; Sonja Fejarang, and Paul Naumo

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15Dignity Health Southern California DivisionSix-Word Stories Dignity Health Southern California’s team members and leaders are passionate about fulﬁlling our vision and mission. In just six-words, they sum up their dedicated efforts to improve the lives of our patients and communities. At Dignity, we offer meaning-making.– SAMUEL SCRIVEN, DIRECTOR OF MISSION INTEGRATION California Hospital Medical CenterGiving our community a healthier future. – CHRISTIAN STARKS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY HEALTH St. Bernardine Medical CenterEmergency medicine with love and compassion. – DENISE RICHARDSON, DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT St. John’s Regional Medical CenterWorking towards health equity for all. – PAMELA FLORES, PROGRAM COORDINATOR, COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health CenterElevating the human experience with Dignity– MIRIAM MELGAR-ATANAYA, SR. DIRECTOR OF PATIENT EXPERIENCE, MISSION INTEGRATION AND SPIRITUAL CARE SERVICES Northridge Hospital Medical CenterCardiology - compassion doesn’t skip a beat!– CATALINA MALDONADO, RN, CARDIAC REHABILITATION St. Mary Medical Center Humankindness all the time, every time! – CHRISTOPHER CONTRERAS, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Community Hospital of San BernardinoDedication, determination, passion: equals compassionate care. – ISABEL CADENA, CATH LAB LEAD TECH St. John’s Hospital Camarillo

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16 CONNECT Spring 2023Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and almost half of Americans are at risk for it. Heart disease is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of heart conditions, one of which is heart failure. Research suggests roughly 6.2 million U.S. adults have heart failure. While heart disease is a wide category, several elements impact heart failure. Veronica Guerrero, licensed vocational nurse (LVN) who helps oversee the Congestive Heart Failure program at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC), says, “Across the country, hospitalization readmission rates for those with heart failure remain high. At SMMC, we have a robust program to ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. The goal is speeding recovery and reducing hospital readmissions for heart failure patients.”Veronica, who has been with Cardiology since joining SMMC 12 years ago, travels over 40 miles every day to get to work, but she doesn’t mind the drive. “Simply put, I love my job and love what we do,” she says. “These patients come to us at their worst. To see them heal and reclaim their lives by way of the services we offer is rewarding.”Catalina Maldonado is the Cardiac Rehabilitation nurse on the unit, which is a full-service, monitored Building Stronger Hearts TogetherThe “Girls Rule the World” team, which included Veronica and other Cardiology team members, get their steps in during the Presidential Wellness Challenge.

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17Dignity Health Southern California Divisionfacility that includes exercise training, education and counseling. She works closely with Veronica on referrals and says, “Veronica is a great asset to the team who always goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She helps our patients so much.”No deliverable is outside Veronica’s scope of work to help a patient—whether it’s signing up patients for Medi-Cal, ﬁnding helpful resources for those who are underserved, or ensuring they have access to healthy meals through programs like CalFresh, a nutrition program for California residents with low income.“Keeping your heart healthy involves a multidimensional approach: healthy diet, exercise, reducing stress, and avoiding habits like smoking,” she explains. “If I can help our patients achieve some of these goals, I am going to try my best.” And when she can’t, she ﬁnds someone who can.Ricky Oropeza, 52, is a father of three from Puerto Rico and former SMMC patient. His heart problems began in 2012, and he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2014. His health and personal life had taken a turn for the worse. He knew he needed to ﬁght to stay alive, but he was watching his family fall apart. In 2018, Ricky went into cardiac arrest and was told he needed a new heart.“With Veronica’s encouragement, I remained patient and positive. As I embarked on the journey to get listed for a heart transplant, she was there every step of the way. She is my guardian angel and I am her number one fan,” says Ricky.While SMMC doesn’t host an organ transplant program, Ricky received the gift of life on October 8, 2022, at a different medical institution thanks to people like Veronica who were willing to provide guidance throughout the process. Known as “the man who walks the hallways listening to salsa music,” Ricky now mentors other transplant patients and families as they navigate their own challenges. He even had the opportunity to ride the Donate Life ﬂoat in the 2023 Rose Parade, an honor bestowed on a select few who represent millions of people touched by organ, eye, and tissue donation.While Veronica is happy to see her patients thrive, she emphasizes the best course for overall health is preventative care–something she and her coworkers put into practice. Case in point: last year, Carolyn Caldwell, SMMC President and CEO, joined the SMMC Foundation to launch its inaugural Presidential Wellness Challenge. The goal was to inspire employees to lower their risk of heart disease or a stroke by adopting lifestyle changes and healthier daily habits by way of team-building efforts. Veronica and members of the Cardiology team embraced the challenge, naming themselves team “Girls Rule the World.”Among the healthy habits promoted in this challenge was stair climbing, a quick and effective way to boost the cardiovascular system while increasing the number of steps taken each day.To encourage stair climbing, the stairwells at SMMC were beautiﬁed. “Art has been shown to help lower heart rate and reduce anxiety,” explains Carolyn. “We reached out to local artists in the community and they agreed to help with our Wellness Challenge by painting inspiring images, including seascapes, rainbows and a monarch butterﬂy. What better way to inspire our staff to take the stairs instead of the elevators than by having amazing murals lead the way?”Veronica says the challenge was a great idea, not only because it was great for morale, but also because she and her colleagues still incorporate some of the healthy habits they adopted.In fact, she says, “I’m looking forward to the challenge again this year!”Ricky Oropeza admires the Donate Life ﬂoat, as he and fellow ﬂoat honorees prepare to walk in this year’s 134th Rose Parade.

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18 CONNECT Spring 2023MARKETING UPDATEDignity Health + Univision: Encouraging Heart Health to the Hispanic Community In an effort to increase awareness of heart health to the Hispanic community, Dignity Health SoCal partnered with Univision to launch a cardiac campaign. The goal was to highlight various cardiac care services and drive trafﬁc to the cardiac care website. The host, Maria Nava, and two Dignity Health physicians, Dr. Jose Arciniega and Dr. Antonio Zamorano, provided tips in Spanish on how our Hispanic audience could start taking easy steps towards maintaining and improving their heart health. This campaign featured two online Facebook events, two short videos (animated graphics, providing tips, facts, and resources), and 20 branded posts distributed across Univision’s social media platforms. The campaign successfully garnered over one and a half million impressions, with an audience reach of nearly 900,000 consumers.

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19Dignity Health Southern California DivisionKudos to everyone recognized throughout the Southern California Division, including these outstanding employees at Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center whose post reads:“Thanks Liz Garcia, Manager, Volunteer Services, and Teresa Unsinn, Administrative Coordinator, for creating this beautiful Dia de Los Muertos altar to honor those who passed.”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.19Dignity Health Southern California Division1.6MImpressions853.3KReach185.9KTotal ViewsThe Dignity Health + Univision campaign successfully garnered:Kudoboard Corner

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20 CONNECT Spring 2023LA Galaxy Shares Love of Soccer with Youth ProgramsDignity Health hosts free community youth soccer clinics in ﬁve communities.As the ofﬁcial health care partner of the LA Galaxy, Dignity Health is proud to work with the LA Galaxy to bring free youth soccer clinics to our communities. Between August and December 2022, hundreds of deserving kids in Glendale, San Bernardino, Northridge, Los Angeles, and Long Beach participated in one-day soccer clinics. LA Galaxy youth soccer coaches led organized drills and scrimmages for youth groups, ages six to 14. Each youth clinic included appearances, autographs and photo opportunities with LA Galaxy players and alumni. Plus, LA Galaxy’s cheerful mascot Cozmo and the Star Squad joined in the fun with t-shirts, water bottles, and other giveaways for the kids.Dignity Health and LA Galaxy agree being active is an important part of keeping our communities healthy. These free youth programs also teach kids the value of physical ﬁtness and can lead to lifelong healthy habits. We can’t wait to see more kids during the 2023 season and watch their love for soccer grow!

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21Dignity Health Southern California DivisionLA Galaxy and Dignity Health Team Up to Host Soccer Clinics Throughout the Southland Did you know? • Warming up, eating a healthy meal, and being hydrated before exercise increases your heart rate and pumps oxygenated blood to your muscles while reducing your chance of injury and strain.• Soccer combines endurance, strength, and cardio training and can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. The average soccer player runs roughly 6.5 miles in a 90-minute game.• Research has shown that exercise can boost mood and improve mental health. By moving our bodies, we can increase our endorphins and enkephalins, two of the bodies naturally producing hormones that make us feel better.

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22 CONNECT Spring 2023In 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.California Hospital Medical CenterThe Los Angeles Downtown News and the LA Sentinel featured the ﬁrst baby born in the New Year at CHMC. Messiah Sincere Caldwell was born at 4:50 a.m. on January 1, 2023, weighing six pounds, 13 ounces and measuring 18.5 ounces.Community Hospital of San BernardinoRicardo Whyte, MD, Medical Director, Behavioral Health, joined ABC Channel 7 News for their Mental Health Monday segment to discuss signs and treatments for depression, and how to alleviate the holiday blues during the holidays. Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health CenterRaed Bargout, MD, Chief of Cardiovascular Disease, was featured on NBC Channel 4 News and KTLA Channel 5 News in a story stressing the importance of learning CPR after Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game.

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23Dignity Health Southern California DivisionSt. Mary Medical CenterAli Jamehdor, DO, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine, was featured in a live interview on Fox Channel 11 News where he addressed the growing concerns surrounding candy-like rainbow Fentanyl and how to keep children safe.Northridge Hospital Medical CenterRishma Chand, MD, Pediatrics, was featured on Good Morning America, CBS Channel 2 News, and KCAL Channel 9 News to speak about the increase in the “Tripledemic” noted by the rise in the number of cases of the ﬂu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. St. John’s Hospital CamarilloLynn Jeffers, MD, Chief Medical Ofﬁcer of SJHC and SJRMC (left), was named Woman of the Year by the West Ventura County Business Alliance, and Mary Fish, Volunteer, SJHC (right), was named Volunteer of the year. Both were featured on wvcba.org and many social media sites. St. Bernardine Medical CenterTravis Henson, MD, Medical Director of the Emergency Department, was featured in the online publication Eat This, Not That! where he discussed how to keep kids safe after an increase in Fentanyl overdoses.St. John’s Regional Medical Center Terry Simpson, MD, Weight Loss Surgeon and Culinary Medicine Specialist, was featured on KTLA Channel 5 News in a story about raising diabetes awareness where he explained the different forms of diabetes and shared tips to help prevent Type II diabetes.

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330 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 400Glendale, CA 91203Reﬂections of humankindnessHumankindness isn’t simply a catch phrase. It’s health care in action, as evidenced by the many honors and awards bestowed upon Dignity Health Southern California. These honors are made possible by you, our valued employees who deliver compassionate, high-quality health care to the people of the communities we serve. Your relentless spirit and dedication to excellent patient care is reﬂected in the recognition we continue to receive year after year. Here is just a sampling of some of the honors we received for the compassion, love and humankindness you show to our patients. Dignity Health Named America’s Greatest Workplaces for DiversityDignity Health has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2023 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. Honorees were chosen among 1,000 companies that were scored on publicly available data, interviews with HR professionals and an anonymous online survey of a diverse pool of individuals at companies with 1,000 or more employees. The survey, which asked questions about corporate culture and working environment, yielded more than 350,000 company reviews.California service areas represented in this ranking employ nearly 43,000 individuals that work across different health care settings from community hospitals, urgent care clinics to surgery and imaging centers.CHMCCertiﬁcate of Distinction for Advanced Certiﬁcation as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint CommissionSBMCGet With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association/American Stroke AssociationCHSBGold Seal for Top-Rated Patient Safety and Quality by the Joint CommissionSJHCRecipient of the Healthgrades 2022 Patient Safety Excellence Award™Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Patient Safety in 2022GMHHCUS News and World Report - High Performing in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)SJRMCLeapfrog’s Fall 2022 “A” ranking for protecting patients from preventable harm and errors in the hospital.Ranked #1 in California for Coronary Intervention by Healthgrades®NHMCRecipient of Healthgrades® ‘America’s 50 Best Hospitals’ Award™ for 6 Years in a RowSMMCHealthgrades 2022 Critical Care Excellence Award™Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Critical Care in 2022