electricpulp, Author at Monument Health

Monument Health has no COVID-19-positive patients today

Posted on May 6, 2022 by electricpulp

RAPID CITY, S.D. (May 6, 2022) – Monument Health marked a very welcome milestone today. On May 6, 2022, the hospital system had no COVID-19-positive patients in any of its five Black Hills Hospitals.

“Although we could see more COVID-19 cases tomorrow, we can still celebrate our first Zero Day since the pandemic began more than two years ago,” said Shankar Kurra, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs at Rapid City Hospital.

Monument Health’s first COVID-19 hospitalized patient was admitted to the hospital on March 26, 2020, and the system has been caring for COVID-19 patients ever since. For a time in late August of 2021, Monument Health hospitals were caring for 110 COVID-19-positive patients, most at Rapid City Hospital.

A key reason for the drop in hospitalizations, Dr. Kurra said, is that most people are protected from the virus either through vaccination or from antibodies developed after a COVID-19 infection. However, he added, immunity can fade over time.

“Vaccination is still important,” Dr. Kurra said.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dan Daly

Monument Health

605-755-9178

ddaly@monument.health

Paralympic snowboarder Dennae Russell signs sponsorship deal with Monument Health

Posted on May 2, 2022December 5, 2024 by electricpulp

RAPID CITY, S.D. (May 2, 2022) – Dennae Russell, a professional snowboarder and Paralympian from Sturgis, has signed a sports sponsorship agreement with Monument Health.

Russell has been active on the slopes from a young age, but started snowboarding when she was 10 years old. “I’ve always been into sports. I played softball, volleyball, basketball, soccer and also got into track and gymnastics. I started skiing about the time I started school. I switched to snowboarding around fourth grade,” she said.

After high school, Russell was able to dial in her skill set while working at Terry Peak Ski Area. During her third season at Terry Peak, her leg began to bother her to the point of being unable to snowboard. In 2013, she was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that occurs in bones or soft tissue around bones.

Russell underwent a three-year-battle with cancer, which included limb salvage surgery that failed. She then made the decision to have an above-the-knee amputation. “People may think that losing a limb is the ‘end of the world,’ but for me, it gave me my life back. My goal through it all was to snowboard again,” she said.

In 2019, Russell was at the Ski Spectacular event when she was spotted by Paralympic athlete Brittani Coury. That led to an invitation for Russell to participate in the Dew Tour and her first trip to Canada for the International Paralympic Committee races.

“We’re thrilled to have Dennae represent Monument Health. Her journey as an athlete is very inspiring, and we want to do what we can to encourage her career and tell her story,” said Mike Latour, System Director for Musculoskeletal Care at Monument Health.

Russell has been training with Team Utah since 2019, “I’m excited to be partnering with Monument Health. My hope is to continue to grow as an athlete and excel in my sport. My goal is the 2026 Paralympic Games,” she said.

Russell is the fifth professional athlete to sign with Monument Health Sports Performance Institute. She joins Ricki Engesser, professional breakaway roper, James Carter, professional freestyle motocross athlete, Tamara Gorman, U.S.A. national team triathlete, and Martin Christofferson, U.S.A. National Team Bobsled athlete. Monument Health trains athletes of all abilities, sports, and levels. For questions, please call 605-755-6143.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Daly
Monument Health
ddaly@monument.health

Neurovascular specialist joins Monument Health

Posted on April 26, 2022 by electricpulp

PHOTO LINK

RAPID CITY, S.D., (April 26, 2022) – Interventional Neurologist Jae H. Kim, M.D., has joined the Monument Health Neurology and Rehabilitation Clinic in Rapid City.

Dr. Kim is part of Monument Health’s new stroke team, a group of specialists who focus on early intervention and advanced treatment of stroke victims. According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States.

When someone has a stroke, which can happen at any age, a quick response is essential.
“Time that the brain goes without blood flow leads to loss of brain function,” said Steve Maser, M.D., Vice President and Medical Director of the Monument Health Orthopedic and Specialty Hospital and Neurosciences. “We are proud to welcome Dr. Kim to the team at Monument Health.”

Dr. Kim is an interventional neurovascular specialist who performs clot retrievals, aneurysm care, and a broad variety of interventions for blocked and ruptured blood vessels in the brain, which cause stroke. Dr. Kim works with the Monument Health stroke team to minimize the effects of stroke and help the patient get back on the road to recovery.

Dr. Kim completed his Neurology residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. He also served as Neurology Chief Resident at Temple. He then completed fellowships in Vascular Neurology and Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Kim is board-certified in Vascular Neurology and Neurology.

Monument Health is a leader in stroke treatment. Last year, Monument Health Rapid City Hospital received the American Heart Association’s Silver Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Quality Achievement Award for 2020. This award recognizes commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

Mavis Jewitt wins first-ever Dignity Award

Posted on April 14, 2022 by electricpulp

PHOTO LINK: Monument Health Foundation Director Hans Nelson presents the Dignity Award to longtime Hospice of the Northern Hills Director Mavis Jewitt.

SPEARFISH, S.D. (April 14, 2022) – Mavis Jewitt, the Registered Nurse who has been involved in Hospice of the Northern Hills since it began 25 years ago, was named the first-ever recipient of the Monument Health Foundation’s Dignity Award.

She was presented the surprise honor during the 25th annual Northern Hills Hospice Ball in Spearfish. The event raised more than $62,000 for Hospice of the Northern Hills, well above the $55,000 fundraising goal.

The Dignity Award was created to honor those who have dedicated their lives to hospice programs through the Northern Hills as well as the greater Black Hills Region, according to Hans Nelson, Director of the Monument Health Foundation.

Mavis Jewitt served as director of Hospice of the Northern Hills for its first 18 years. She remains an active supporter of the program, its mission to provide family support, special equipment, programs and comfort items for 200 patients a year who are nearing the end of their life.

“Caring and compassion runs deep in her veins. When a patient, family member or coworker had a question, Mavis would always take the time to think, process and help them figure out what was needed,” Nelson added. “It didn’t matter if the patient was a 2-day-old baby or 102-year-old patient. The care was there. The love was there. And the compassion was there.”

A nurse for 48 years, she has worked for the Peace Corps in Yemen and as a medical missionary in Haiti. She’s also an adoptive mother of five children.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Daly
Monument Health
605-755-9178
ddaly@monument.health

Honoring Annalese ‘Maste Win’ Red Shirt

Posted on April 5, 2022 by electricpulp

On January 28, 2022, during the Moon of Hard Times (Wiotekika Wi), our beloved Annalese “Maste Win” (Sunshine Woman) Red Shirt made her journey across the stars.

As our sweet girl made her transition from this world into the next, she was surrounded by her sisters, who stood in place for their parents, her nieces and nephews, and her children that she loved with her whole heart and soul. The hospital staff honored our sunshine by lining the hallways to pay their respects to her life, as she chose to give life. All the while, Anna was brave and beautiful.

Even in Anna’s passing she was able to bring joy to those around her. Although, her leaving of this earthly walk has broken our tiwahe’s (family’s) hearts, she has brought joy to others. Even in death, she had the power to change lives. To uplift others. To make others happy. To bring joy. To bring peace. To make everything better, just like she has been doing her entire life.

Just as Annalese chose to follow her Lord in Savior, as she bravely chose to serve her country in the United States Marine Corps, she also chose to be an organ donor. It is because of these choices that our relative was able to save the lives of four other individuals.

A 41-year-old woman received her heart.
A 63-year-old man received her liver.
A 39-year-old man and a 50-year-old man received her kidneys.

Waiting eagerly for our precious Anna in the Spirit World are our grandmothers who helped raise her, her grandfather, and her niece, Morning Star. At this reunion of relatives, we are sure there was love, happiness and peace.

We want to thank our relative, Annalese Maste Win, and the many others for choosing to donate life so that others may live.

– THE FAMILY OF ANNALESE RED SHIRT

Charan Mungara, M.D., wins Clinical Excellence Award

Posted on February 22, 2022 by electricpulp

Dr. Mungara holding his award and posing with — Dr. Mungara, left, and patient Stephen Farruggia.

During a routine test, Stephen Farruggia was found to have an aortic aneurysm, a life-threatening balloon-like bulge in a major blood vessel. Cardiothoracic Surgeon Charan Mungara, M.D., performed surgery in February 2021.

Stephen’s daughter, Lauran O’Connor, who is a Registered Nurse at Monument Health in Rapid City, recently nominated Dr. Mungara for the February Monument Health Clinical Excellence Award. She and her father were on hand when the award was presented to Dr. Mungara.

“Utilizing his extraordinary knowledge and skills, Dr. Mungara saved my dad’s life,” Lauran wrote in her nomination letter. “I feel that he went above and beyond, through the entire process, by communicating with us frequently, being especially attentive to my dad during his hospital stay, and also by continually keeping us updated on his progress after surgery.”

Stephen, in a letter to Dr. Mungara, wrote, “It (the award) is well-deserved, and after all you did for me and my family, it is the very least we can do to thank you.”

Amber Steiner, RN, receives DAISY Award

Posted on February 18, 2022 by electricpulp

Photo Link: Amber Steiner, RN

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Feb. 18, 2022) – Amber Steiner, a Registered Nurse at Rapid City Hospital Oncology, has received the prestigious DAISY Award. A national program, the award is presented to nurses who go above and beyond for their patients and community. She was nominated by a traveling nurse.

Amber went above and beyond to help this traveling nurse feel welcome and set an excellent example for all of her fellow caregivers to follow.

The traveling nurse wrote, “Amber is constantly helping other caregivers throughout the shift while maintaining her duties. Whether it’s passing medications, cleaning patients or completing other daily tasks, it’s evident that she not only wants to help the staff, but puts our patients and their needs first. She’s extremely knowledgeable yet strives to learn from everyone, regardless of his or her credentials.”

The nomination continues, “The thing that I respect the most about Amber, is the heart she relentlessly pours into her patient care. Working with our patients can be emotionally heavy. I’ve seen Amber make a patient laugh on one of their worst days. I’ve watched her hold the hand of a family member that wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to their loved one. I’ve even seen her shed a tear for someone she’s known for just a day. Amber treats our patients like people, not a diagnosis. She’s a hidden gem working within Monument Health that fully encompasses the qualities that all staff members should exude.”

The DAISY Award recognizes the outstanding professionalism and compassion that nurses bring to patients and families every day. It was established by the DAISY Foundation in California in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 of an autoimmune disease. DAISY is an acronym for “diseases attacking the immune system.” Nurses in Rapid City are selected 12 times a year for this recognition. Nurses are also honored in Custer, Lead-Deadwood, Spearfish and Sturgis. Visit monument.health/daisy to nominate.

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CONTACT:
Wade Ellett
Communications Specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
wellett@monument.health

Chris Murray, RN, receives DAISY Award

Posted on February 11, 2022 by electricpulp

Photo Link: Chris Murray, RN

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Feb. 11, 2022) – Chris Murray, a Registered Nurse at Monument Health Cancer Care Institute, has received the prestigious DAISY Award. A national program, the award is presented to nurses who go above and beyond for their patients and community. He was nominated by a patient.

The patient was new to CCI, and Chris was with the patient during the entire infusion cycle. He explained everything that the patient would experience that day, including the purpose of each mediation and approximately how long it would take to administer.

The patient wrote, “His knowledge was impressive and the explanations understandable, which helped build my trust in his competence. Chris is a great listener and his caring attitude toward my feelings helped put me at ease.”

The nomination continued, “Chris was attentive to my needs, constantly checking in on me, and consistently asking if there was anything more that I needed. His personality and attitude clearly show he enjoys what he does. Chris’s personalized, compassionate care and commitment to excellence is why Monument Health is lucky to have him as their employee.”

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CONTACT:

Wade Ellett
Communications Specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
wellett@monument.health

Katie Harlow, RN, receives DAISY Award

Posted on January 10, 2022 by electricpulp

PHOTO LINK: Katie Harlow, RN

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Jan. 10, 2022) –

Katie Harlow, a Registered Nurse at Rapid City Hospital ICU, has received the prestigious DAISY Award. A national program, the award is presented to nurses who go above and beyond for their patients and community. She was nominated by the children of a patient.

The patient had some specific problems and needs, and Katie took steps to assure that the patient understood the situation, and that she had what she needed. “We would like to give a special thank you to Katie for her gentle, consistent, professional care of our mom after surgery. She was very sensitive to mom’s needs and treated her with dignity. Her awareness of mom’s issues was dealt with so adequately and gracefully,” states the nomination. “Your care was so greatly appreciated, both to our mom and for your kindness and pleasantness to us during our visits.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Wade Ellett
Communications Specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
wellett@monument.health

Makayla Oligmueller, RN, receives DAISY Award

Posted on January 4, 2022 by electricpulp

PHOTO LINK: Makayla Oligmueller, RN

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Jan. 4, 2022) –

Makayla Oligmueller, a Registered Nurse at Rapid City Hospital, has received the prestigious DAISY Award. A national program, the award is presented to nurses who go above and beyond for their patients and community. She was nominated by a patient.

During the patient’s stay in the hospital, she felt like she was in a very dark place. The patient had been going through some difficult times, and her daughter called the nurses station to express her concern. Makayla spoke with the patient, listening as she explained some of her experiences, then opening up about some of her own.

“She told me she was off the next three days, but if I needed her I just had to tell one of the nurses and she would come in,” wrote the patient. “The fact that someone that didn’t even know me would do that for me made me reach way down and find the strength to find my way back.”

The patient also went on to write, “I’ve had several surgeries and I’ve never had nurses that made me feel so cared for.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Wade Ellett
Communications Specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
wellett@monument.health