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EXCELA HEALTH WOUND CENTER CAREGIVER ADDS HYPERBARIC CERTIFICATION TO HER CREDENTIALS

GREENSBURG, PA. … Ashley Smith, hyperbaric oxygen coordinator in the Excela Health Advanced Wound Center, is newly certified as a hyperbaric oxygen technologist (CHT). The credential was awarded following 480 hours of hyperbaric medicine clinical practice as well as the successful completion of a rigorous national examination. Certification comes from the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT). Smith also is a licensed respiratory therapist in the state of Pennsylvania and is a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). She is credentialed in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) by the American Heart Association.

EXCELA HEALTH BRINGS SCHOOLS TOGETHER TO TRAIN MEDICAL ASSISTANTS

GREENSBURG, PA,…Local students looking to pursue a medical assistant career now have easy access to an established program thanks to a partnership between the Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center (CWCTC) and the Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC). Cindy Love, employment generalist at Excela Health, identified the opportunity to connect the two schools after learning CWCTC wanted to partner with another school to create a medical assistant program.
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THE LONG WEEKEND... ONE WOMAN'S STORY OF CONQUERING BREAST CANCER

Greensburg, PA, This Mother’s Day, Sherry Gaston takes great joy in celebrating the holiday with her mother, knowing that early detection and treatment saved her life. She shares her story so others may recognize the importance of a yearly mammogram, early detection and treatment.

NEW AWARDS HONOR CARE TEAM MEMBERS AT EXCELA HEALTH

GREENSBURG, PA, May 6, 2013 … Four members of the patient care team at Excela Health have been honored with awards from the health system’s Nursing department. The individuals were recognized with a certificate and cash prize at an evening event May 2 at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg as part of Nurses’ Week observances by Excela
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STUDENT VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS FROM LATROBE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

LATROBE, PA, May 3, 2013 … The Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society (LAHAS) honors the volunteer efforts of area high school students by awarding educational grants annually to encourage the pursuit of health-related or other professional careers.

EXCELA HEALTH, AREA RESTAURANTS PARTNER TO PROMOTE MENU ITEMS APPROPRIATE FOR THOSE WITH CHF

GREENSBURG, PA, May 1, 2013 … Starting June 2013, diners will notice a familiar icon appearing on restaurant menus throughout Westmoreland County. Nearly 20 popular eateries will be placing the Excela Health Heart Center logo next to food items deemed appropriate for those with congestive heart failure (CHF). Each dish has been carefully selected by Excela Health registered dietitian Dawn Davoli and adjusted to meet the American Heart Association’s guidelines for a heart-smart diet.

EXCELA HEALTH, AREA RESTAURANTS PARTNER TO PROMOTE MENU ITEMS APPROPRIATE FOR THOSE WITH CHF

EXCELA HEALTH CELEBRATES NURSING DURING SPECIAL EVENT

GREENSBURG, PA, April 26, 2013 … Excela Health will honor health system caregivers as part of the annual observance of National Nurses’ Week during a special presentation May 2 at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.

EXCELA HEALTH AWARDS GOLDEN HOUR SCHOLARSHIPS

LATROBE, PA, April 19, 2013 … The message of the Golden Hour is simple: know the signs of a heart attack or stroke, act in time and save a life. Students from nine area schools who taught family and friends the meaning of Time Lost is Muscle or Brain Lost participated in Excela Health’s 14th annual Golden Hour Scholarship Program April 17. Ashgar Fakhri, MD, of Excela Health Cardiology was the keynote speaker encouraging students to pursue medical careers as a way to impact heart health.
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SHRED-A-THON FUND-RAISER PART OF GREENSBURG GARDEN AND CIVIC CENTER’S MAY MART PLANT SALE

GREENSBURG, PA, April 2, 2013 … Spring represents a time of renewal; whether it’s planting a garden or de-cluttering your house. This year, area residents can do both on the same day. Shop for new additions for your garden and bring your old papers and important documents to be shredded. Clean your house, recycle and protect your identity all at the same time.
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EXCELA HEALTH SPONSORS MIDDLE SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST TO PROMOTE HEALTHY HABITS

GREENSBURG, PA, March 22, 2013 … Good health is habit forming. But those behaviors must be cultivated at an early age to ensure lasting results. As part of Excela Health’s ongoing community wellness initiatives, the health system is conducting an essay contest in nine Westmoreland County school districts to identify the healthy habits of middle schoolers and promote them publicly on billboards around the county.

Variety the Children’s Charity & Highmark Partner with Excela Health for “My Bike” Kickoff

NORTH HUNTINGTON, Pa. (March 21, 2013) – Representatives from Excela Health, Variety the Children’s Charity and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield hosted the “My Bike” – Westmoreland County Kickoff event to launch an identification and awareness campaign in order to find local children with disabilities who are eligible for Variety’s “My Bike” Program.

MEDCARE EQUIPMENT COMPANY CONTINUES GROWTH ADDING UPMC AS A PARTNER

GREENSBURG, PA, March 1, 2013 … MedCare Equipment Company, LLC., which offers home medical equipment and respiratory care (oxygen) products to patients and care providers in western Pennsylvania and adjoining states, is once again expanding its reach. Beginning March 1, 2013, UPMC will become the newest partner in MedCare Equipment Company, joining Excela Health, Conemaugh, Heritage Valley, Butler, and Washington health systems, St. Clair and UPMC Hamot hospitals. This new venture further solidifies MedCare’s position as the provider of choice throughout western Pennsylvania, southern New York, eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia.

EXCELA HEALTH OFFERS FAMILIES OF NEWBORNS BOOSTER SHOTS

GREENSBURG, PA, March 1, 2013 … The best way to prevent pertussis (whooping cough) among infants, children, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated. Excela Health is helping families of newborns stay healthy by offering booster vaccines during the health system sponsored childbirth education classes and daily rounding in Excela’s Family Additions Maternity Center at Westmoreland Hospital.

EXCELA HEALTH MID YEAR FINANCES SHOW NARROW NET GAIN

GREENSBURG, PA, February 28 … Excela Health, Westmoreland County’s largest health care provider, finished the first half of the fiscal year with a net margin of 1.2% compared to last year’s negative 1.8% net margin. Income from investments was $10 million, offsetting the system’s negative 3.1% operating margin.

FIRST RESPONDERS OFFERED FREE WELLNESS SCREENING AT EXCELA SQUARE AT NORWIN

NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA, February 21, 2013 … Westmoreland County’s first responders – firefighters, police officers and emergency rescue providers – will receive a free wellness blood screening, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., March 9, Excela Square at Norwin, 8775 Norwin Avenue, North Huntingdon.

EXCELA HEALTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPISTS PROMOTE FAMILY SUPPORT

GREENSBURG, PA, February 14, 2013 … When children need therapeutic support through counseling, medication or hospitalization to bring emotions or behaviors under control, parents often question their nurturing skills and wonder what they’ve done wrong. Marcie Stover-Jividen, MSW, LSW, a therapist with Excela Health’s child and adolescent behavioral health program, has introduced a new support group for families and loved ones of young people with behavioral, mood or developmental issues. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. The first gathering is March 5.

EXCELA HEALTH ADDS TO COMPLEMENT OF PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS

NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA, February 11, 2013 … Four primary care physicians have joined the Excela Health Physician Practices, serving patients through Excela Square at Norwin. Kim R. Avolio, DO, Rebecca A. Quel, MD, Justin R. Wentworth, DO and Mary Ann Zakutney, MD, PhD, started seeing patients at the North Huntingdon location in January. They joined Excela Health Family Medicine at Excela Square practicing with Ken Szekely, MD and Keith Szekely, MD. All six physicians are accepting new patients.

WEIGHT LOSS MARATHON NOT A SPRINT TO BETTER HEALTH

GREENSBURG, PA, February 4, 2013 … For the first 10 or so years of their marriage Rick Delligatti’s wife did all the cooking. Then she asked him if he’d like that responsibility. ”I took over the kitchen with her blessing. I guess that’s what got me into trouble. I still love to cook, more now than before and now it’s keeping me focused.”

GESSNER NEW PRESIDENT OF LATROBE AREA HOSPITAL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

LATROBE, PA, January 25, 2013 … When John R. Mazero, MD, retired as medical director at Latrobe Hospital in 1996, his friend and colleague, Thomas P. Gessner, MD, was the choice to succeed him. Once again, Dr. Gessner steps into a position shaped by his mentor, as the new president of the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation. (LAHCF). Dr. Mazero moves to emeritus status, and will remain on the foundation’s board of directors.

EXCELA HEALTH COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION ON CENTER FOR PSYCHIATRIC CRISIS SERVICES

GREENSBURG, PA, January 18, 2013 … Excela Health debuts its new Crisis Response Center to the community this week, during an open house for county officials, community based behavioral health providers, payors and consumers as well as the media. The event marks the completion of remodeling and expansion of the Crisis Walk-In program on the Westmoreland Hospital campus. Remodeling and expansion of the center, located on the ground floor of the Behavioral Health Outpatient building across the street from the hospital began August 27 thanks to a $750,000 grant from Westmoreland County. The center will open for service February 11.

EXCELA HEALTH GYNECOLOGIST COMPLETES 100TH PROCEDURE WITH DAVINCI ROBOT SURGICAL SYSTEM

LATROBE, PA, January 7, 2013 … Physicians at Excela Health have been offering robot-assisted surgery since 2009 to treat a variety of conditions. Latrobe gynecologist Tracy Gemmell recently completed her 100th procedure with the da Vinci Surgical System, which is also being used for general surgery and urology. To date, nearly 900 patients have benefited from this tool housed at Excela Latrobe Hospital which helps surgeons achieve greater precision, better range of motion and increased visibility in a variety of complex procedures, often with improved outcomes.

LATROBE AREA HOSPITAL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO SUPPORT NURSING CAREERS

LATROBE, PA, January 3, 2013 … Three individuals are the recipients of scholarships presented by the Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation to encourage the pursuit of a nursing career. Two awardees benefit from the Elizabeth Shaw Gamble Nursing Scholarship for Graduating High School Students. The third is the beneficiary of the Walter C. Shaw Memorial Scholarship for Latrobe Hospital Registered Nurses, which is reserved for nurses employed by Latrobe Hospital who are enrolled in an accredited school of nursing for an advanced clinical degree.

EXCELA HEALTH GIVES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS REALITY CHECKUP THROUGH HANDS-ON LEARNING

GREENSBURG, PA, January 7, 2013 … Andrea Redinger wants to inspire her students to consider medical careers - and the best way to do that is to make health professions real to them. Excela Health is helping this Greensburg Salem biology teacher turn her goal into reality.

EXCELA HEALTH CANCER PROGRAM ACCREDITATION REAFFIRMED

GREENSBURG, PA, December 26, 2012 … The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) once again has granted Three-Year Approval with Commendation to the Cancer Program at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital.

EXCELA HEALTH PROMOTES MEMBERS OF LEADERSHIP TEAM

GREENSBURG, PA, December 26, 2012 … Continuing growth in ambulatory and diagnostic services as well as the ongoing expansion of the home medical equipment component of Excela Health's operation support promotions of various members of the health system’s leadership team.

EXCELA HEALTH NAMES CAROL FOX CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

GREENSBURG, PA, December 24, 2012 … Solid, respected leadership that unites physicians and clinicians around a common goal of exemplary patient care is an apt description for a chief medical officer. Dr. Carol Fox, who embodies this ideal, has accepted the permanent appointment as Excela Health’s Chief Medical Officer effective immediately.

EXCELA HEALTH SCHOOL OF ANESTHESIA HONORS DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES

LATROBE, PA, December 24, 2012 … Excela Health School of Anesthesia graduated 30 new nurse anesthetists in the Class of 2012 during master’s level ceremonies at Saint Vincent College December 15. During the graduation dinner, held December 8 at Giannelli’s II, the school recognized three distinguished students.

WORK DISCOVERY PROGRAM MAKES JOB PLACEMENT POSSIBLE FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS; EXCELA HEALTH N

GREENSBURG, PA, December 10, 2012 … By helping people develop their skills, Excela Health is contributing to the success of today’s workforce and investing in the future. Excela’s new partnership with the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit (WIU) provides experience to students enrolled in the Work Discovery Program.

EXCELA HEALTH, SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE ANNOUNCE DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN NURSE ANESTHESIA

LATROBE, PA December 6, 2012 … Excela Health School of Anesthesia and Saint Vincent College jointly announced the initiation of a new professional graduate education doctoral completion program that will award the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) beginning in the fall of 2013.

MALL WALKERS HONORED FOR MAKING EVERY STEP COUNT

GREENSBURG, PA, November 29, 2012 … In January, Excela Health issued a challenge and a pedometer to individuals signing up to participate in the health system’s walking program at Westmoreland Mall. More than 300 people accepted, and at least half of them are faithfully using their gift and its Web based program from WalkingSpree to track their daily progress. A handful exceed 10,000 steps a day on a regular basis, and at least two have more than doubled that distance, each accumulating 6 million steps over the past 10 months.

CHILD’S RECOVERY FROM TRAUMATIC ACCIDENT LEADS TO BIEBER FEVER

GREENSBURG, PA, November 19, 2012 … One could say that 11-year-old Bailie Zilli has a case of “Bieber-fever.” While typical of other girls her age, the child’s positive reaction to Bieber’s music shows her remarkable progress in recovery from a life-altering accident. On Tuesday, November 20, Bailie will attend the sold-out Justin Bieber concert in Pittsburgh with her mother, Nicole, courtesy of Excela Health.

NUTRITION AND EXERCISE PROGRAM CAN HELP BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS MINIMIZE CHANCE FOR RELAPSE

GREENSBURG, PA, November 15, 2012 … Research has shown that healthy lifestyle changes that include weight loss, a low fat intake and consistent exercise may decrease breast cancer recurrence.

FIRST WESTY AWARDS PRESENTED TO MEDIA FOR COVERAGE OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY

GREENSBURG, PA, November 12, 2012 … Ten reporters from newspapers, radio and television stations covering Westmoreland County are the first recipients of a new award presented this week by public relations professionals working in the county.

FOUR EXCELA HEALTH NURSES HONORED AS CAMEOS OF CARING

GREENSBURG, PA., November 5, 2012 … Excela Health salutes four Cameos of Caring recipients honored November 3 during the Awards Gala at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The event, created by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing in 1999, demonstrates excellence in nursing by celebrating exceptional caregivers across several disciplines.

MEDCARE EQUIPMENT COMPANY CONTINUES GROWTH, ADDING GREAT LAKES HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICES

GREENSBURG, PA, November 1, 2012 … MedCare Equipment Company, LLC, which offers home medical equipment and respiratory therapy services to patients and care providers in western Pennsylvania, is expanding its business through a new affiliation with Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services. Effective November 1, MedCare concludes an asset purchase of the home medical equipment and respiratory therapy services portion of the Great Lakes business.

HEALTH CARE SYMPOSIUM HELPS EMPLOYERS NAVIGATE CHANGES

GREENSBURG, PA, November 1, 2012 … Excela Health hosts its annual employer focused health care symposium, Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Ramada Greensburg Hotel and Conference Center. This year’s topic: The Changing Regional Health Care Market.

EXCELA HEALTH ANTICIPATES GROWTH IN WESTMORELAND COU

GREENSBURG, PA, October 24, 2012 … Excela Health intends to expand its presence in Westmoreland County over the next two years, consolidating outpatient locations to provide coordinated care and partnering with communities on health and wellness initiatives.

PORTABLE MACHINE SCREENS FOR BONE DENSITY WITH NEWEST TECHNOLOGY

LATROBE, PA, October 19, 2012 … Thanks to Latrobe Area Hospital Charitable Foundation, Excela Health’s Well-Being Center now has a new diagnostic tool in its efforts to help assess bone health and risk for fractures. The Achilles bone ultrasonometer is portable and easily used at health fairs and other community events.

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT AIDED BY NEW BALANCE ASSESSMENT TOOLS

GREENSBURG, PA, October 19, 2012 … Student athletes often juggle multiple activities in their busy lives – school, homework, practices and other extracurricular events. But when an athlete suffers a concussion, the sense of balance is compromised, along with the body’s natural balance system.

EXCELA HEALTH DONATION PROVIDES COMPUTER CONNECTION TO SINGLE MOMS ADVANCING CAREERS

GREENSBURG, PA, October 18, 2012 … Participants of the "Moms Making More" program (M3) will benefit from a recent donation of laptops from Excela Health. The "Moms Making More" program is designed to help single mothers, who are head of the household with responsibility for at least one child under the age of 18, return to school and advance their education so they can progress to a higher position with a sustainable wage.

EXCELA HEALTH’S NEWEST CARDIOLOGIST PART OF HEALTH EXPO

GREENSBURG, Pa, October 16, 2012 … Excela Health welcomes Asghar Ali Fakhri, MD, to the medical staff in the Department of Internal Medicine. He is the newest member of the Excela Health Medical Group, joining Excela Health Cardiology and accepting new patients immediately at his office in Latrobe. Dr. Fakhri is among the presenters at the Westmoreland County Area Agency on Agency Health and Education Expo, October 24 at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center, Route 30, Greensburg. His talk begins at 1 p.m.

HAND SURGEON NEWEST MEMBER OF ORTHOPEDICS TEAM AT EXCELA HEALTH

GREENSBURG, October 11, 2012 … Excela Health welcomes Lance Brunton, MD to the Department of Orthopedics, as the newest member of Excela Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Specializing in surgery of the hand and upper extremity, Dr. Brunton will practice primarily at Excela Square at Norwin, with limited office hours in Latrobe with orthopedist A. Roger Wigle, MD, and surgical rotations at Latrobe Hospital.

EXCELA HEALTH BREAST SERVICES NAMED CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

GREENSBURG, PA, October 1, 2012 … Excela Health has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR) The designation has been awarded to Excela Latrobe Hospital, and Excela Westmoreland Hospital.

EXCELA HEALTH COMPLETES $2.6 MILLION UPGRADE AT FRICK HOSPITAL

MOUNT PLEASANT, PA, September 27, 2012 … Excela Health continues to invest in its facilities and services to ensure the highest quality patient care experience. A $2.6 million renovation is nearing completion at Excela Frick Hospital. Included in the upgrades are private patient rooms, expanded critical care capabilities and enhanced technology for cardiac care. The hospital is also celebrating recent national recognition for care of the heart failure patient, having earned a five-star rating from the American Heart Association for adherence to best practices.

EXCELA HEALTH CARDIOLOGIST’S PHOTOGRAPHY TOUCHES HEART

GREENSBURG, PA, September 21, 2012 … Howard P. Grill, MD, FACC, touches hearts daily as a board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of Excela Health’s cardiac catheterization laboratory. Honorary chair of this year’s Westmoreland Count Heart Walk, Dr. Grill also touches hearts with his awe-inspiring photography.

EXCELA HEALTH LATROBE HOSPITAL EARNS 'TOP PERFORMER ON KEY QUALITY MEASURES RECOGNITION

LATROBE, PA, September 19, 2012 … Excela Health Latrobe Hospital is ranked among the nation's Top Performers on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America. Excela Latrobe was recognized September 19 in The Joint Commission’s newly published annual report, “Improving American’s Hospitals,” for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions.

POSITIVELY POSH EVENT OFFERS UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE, BENEFITS CRITICAL CARE AT LATROBE HOSPITAL

LATROBE, PA, September 10, 2012 … Bringing more than 40 artisans together for a unique and delightful shopping experience, Positively Posh! promises to be the shopping event of the season.

MOODY'S REAFFIRMS EXCELA HEALTH'S A3 CREDIT RATING

GREENSBURG, PA, August 28, 2012 … Moody's Investors Service has reaffirmed Excela Health's A3 rating and stable outlook. In its report issued Monday, Moody’s cited “Excela's healthy market share, improved although still thin operating cash flow margins, additional use of line of credit anticipated during FY 2013, and good liquidity relative to growing amount of demand debt.”

COMMUNITY INVITED TO SHARE OPINIONS ABOUT HEALTH NEEDS WITH EXCELA HEALTH, UNITED WAY

GREENSBURG, PA, August 27, 2012 … Excela Health and the United Way of Westmoreland County are partnering to create a healthier community. Area residents are invited to participate in a community health needs assessment survey. The survey is available online through September 30, and may be accessed through a link on both the Excela Health and United Way Web sites, or directly at http://www.getstrategy.com/healthierWestmoreland/.

COUNTY GRANT SUPPORTS EXPANSION OF PSYCHIATRIC CRISIS SERVICE THROUGH EXCELA HEALTH

GREENSBURG, PA, August 24, 2012 … Excela Health has received a $750,000 grant from Westmoreland County to expand the Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-In Services on the Westmoreland Hospital campus. Remodeling and expansion of the center, located on the ground floor of the Behavioral Health Outpatient building across the street from the hospital will begin Monday, August 27, and is expected to be concluded by early December. When fully operational, the enhanced program will serve approximately 2,500 individuals in psychiatric crisis annually. Outpatient behavioral health services will continue uninterrupted during the construction period.

EXCELA HEALTH DONATING RESCUE TRUCK TO MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP

MOUNT PLEASANT, PA, August 24, 2012 … Excela Health continues its longstanding commitment to the Mount Pleasant community by supporting emergency response. The health system is donating a Dodge Durango rescue truck to Mount Pleasant Township. The vehicle will become the property of the township Dec. 1, and is expected to be used as an additional response unit for volunteers at Kecksburg’s ambulance company.

HEADING TO THE WOODS? SIGN UP FOR HUNTER HEART CHECK EXCELA HEALTH’S FREE SCREENINGS

GREENSBURG, PA, August 13, 2012 … Heading into the woods is exhilarating for seasoned as well as novice hunters. But the experience can also be deadly.

OSTEOARTHRITIS TOPIC OF PHYSICIAN SEMINAR AT EXCELA SQUARE AT NORWIN

GREENSBURG, PA, August 13, 2012 … Osteoarthritis, its causes, symptoms and treatments is the topic for a community education program to be presented by Excela Health primary care sports medicine specialist Jacob DiCesare, DO, 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 28 at Excela Square at Norwin, Norwin Hills Shopping Center, 8775 Norwin Avenue, North Huntingdon. The presentation is a prelude to the Arthritis Foundation’s Westmoreland Walk, Saturday, Sept. 8 at Mammoth Park, Mount Pleasant Township.

MEDCARE EQUIPMENT COMPANY WELCOMES ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL AS LATEST PARTNER

GREENSBURG, PA, August 2, 2012 … St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh’s South Hills is the newest partner in MedCare Equipment Company, LLC, which offers respiratory and home medical equipment to patients and care providers in western Pennsylvania. St. Clair Hospital joins Excela Health, Conemaugh Health System, Heritage Valley Health System, Butler Memorial Hospital and The Washington Hospital in this growing enterprise August 1.

EXCELA HEALTH WELCOMES NEW PHYSICIANS TO LATROBE HOSPITAL FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

LATROBE, PA, July 31, 2012 … Excela Health is pleased to welcome seven new physicians to its Family Medicine Residency Program. Established in 1974, the three-year-program is accredited by the American Osteopathic Associate and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and affiliated with Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). read more ...

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS EXPLORE FAMILY MEDICINE AT EXCELA HEALTH

LATROBE, PA, July 23, 2012 … Four medical students are gaining experience in family medicine at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital this summer as recipients of the Andrew D. Bagby Family Medicine Scholarship. Kaitlin McGrogan, Philadephia College of Osteopathic Medicine; Katelyn Shaffer and Douglas Opie, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; and Margaret Florendo , Seton Hill University Post-Baccalaureate-Pre-Med, are participating in a month-long program, training alongside doctors completing Excela Health's Family Medicine Residency Program. read more ...

EXCELA HEALTH ATHLETIC TRAINERS TAKE LEADING ROLE IN CREATING STATE MANDATED CONCUSSION EDUCATION

GREENSBURG, Pa, July 2, 2012 … When coaches, athletes and their parents in District 7 of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association attend concussion education July 19 at Penn Trafford High School, they’ll be learning in part from Excela Health athletic trainers who are helping ensure compliance with a new state law governing youth sports.
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HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS MAKE FINAL BIRTHDAYS MEMORABLE

GREENSBURG, PA, July 17, 2012 … While we rarely know the day or the hour when we will transition from life to death, Hospice patients, their families and caregivers are keenly aware time is fleeting and strive to make the final moments memorable. Excela Health Hospice celebrates end of life as its beginning by marking what most likely will be the patient's final birthday observance. read more ...

EXCELA HEALTH RESIDENTS, FACULTY SHARE BYLINES IN FAMILY MEDICINE JOURNAL

LATROBE, PA, July 5, 2012 … Scholarly work from the Excela Health Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Program is newly published in American Family Physician, the official clinical journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

CONVENIENCE OF HEALTH CARE COUNTERS INCONVENIENCE OF SPORTS INJURY

GREENSBURG, PA, July 15, 2012… Kris Richardson knows injury is always a possibility when playing sports. He had his share of bumps and bruises, sprains and strains in high school and college. Then a few broken bones from a skiing accident. Whether swimming or playing tennis, dec and inline hockey or recreation league soccer, the 30-year-old doesn’t take well to the sidelines. Fortunately, when this active dad required knee surgery last summer to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the convenience of health care at Excela Square at Norwin countered the inconvenience of being benched.

EXCELA HEALTH GRADUATES LATEST RESIDENCY CLASS

LATROBE, PA, July 2, 2012… The Excela Health Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program bids farewell to six graduates who are on their way to permanent placement or continuing studies, four in Pennsylvania, and two out-of-state. Mike Semelka, DO, residency program director, congratulated graduates Jose Mejia, MD; Mathew Woleslagle, DO; Lauren Strohm, DO; Sheela Dwivedi, MD; Saif Usman, MD and Robert Flannery, MD during ceremonies June 29.

EXCELA HEALTH AMONG HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS FOR SECOND YEAR

GREENSBURG, PA, June 15, 2012 … Wellness is always a smart choice. For Excela Health, it’s also a winner’s choice. The health system’s initiatives to improve the health and well-being of its employees and their families have been recognized for the second year with a Healthiest Employers of Western Pennsylvania Award as sponsored by the Pittsburgh Business Times.

CANCER PATIENT PLANTS HOPE, SPREADS JOY WITH LANDSCAPING PROJECT AT ARNOLD PALMER PAVILION

LATROBE, PA, June 22, 2012 … The hours Debbie WhIte spent in a chemo chair gave her lots of time to ponder the view. At the conclusion of her latest round of treatment at the Arnold Palmer Pavilion, a UPMC Cancer Center and joint venture with Excela Health, she had a plan to improve the vista for others.

TOMORROW’S COMPUTER ANALYSTS SUPPORTED BY EXCELA HEALTH TODAY

LATROBE, PA, June 15, 2012 … Finding qualified network administrators is a challenge when technological advances outpace the knowledge and skills of potential hires. Excela Health is helping computer-savvy young people overcome these barriers to future employment through a new relationship with Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center.

Summer Skin Care Advice

SPECIAL EDITION, June 11, 2012 ... As we prepare for the summer months, consider the largest organ of our body − our skin. One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun, since a lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. To make your summer more sun safe, here are some skin care tips for you and your family.

EXCELA HEALTH CAREGIVERS SHOW THEIR “TOO BIG” HEARTS IN LIFE-SAVING RESCUE

LIGONIER, PA, May 23, 2012… Cletus J. McConville II has too big a heart says his mother, Shawn. And so do more than a dozen people responsible for life-saving care the Ligonier Valley High School senior received six weeks ago. The family expressed their gratitude to all those first responders during a celebration May 22 hosted by the Ligonier Valley Ambulance Service (LVAS) marking National EMS Week.

PUBLIC INVITED TO ‘TEST DRIVE’ SURGICAL ROBOT IN ALTOONA

LATROBE, PA, May 17, 2012 … Learn more about robot-assisted surgery and try your hand at the controls during pre-game festivities June 3 at Peoples Natural Gas Field, home of the Altoona Curve in Blair County. Ticket holders are invited to arrive at 5 p.m. for free demonstrations, which continue throughout the game, starting at 6 p.m. The first 1,500 fans through the gate receive a seat cushion courtesy of Excela Health.

EXCELA HEALTH CO-WORKERS SPEAK FOR AUTISM

GREENSBURG, PA, May 11, 2012 … Rebecca Quel and Renee Varney speak for autism, giving voice to their sons, all under the age of 10, who benefit from mother love and advocacy.

ONE WOMAN'S STORY OF CONQUERING BREAST CANCER

Greensburg, PA, MAY 4, 2012 This Mother’s Day, Sherry Gaston takes great joy in celebrating the holiday with her mother, knowing that early detection and treatment saved her life. She shares her story so others may recognize the importance of a yearly mammogram, early detection and treatment.
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FRICK HOSPITAL REMODELING INPATIENT UNITS, CONVERTING TO PRIVATE ROOMS AND EXPANDING CRITICAL CARE

MOUNT PLEASANT, PA, MAY 1, 2012 …Excela Health continues to invest in its facilities and services to ensure the highest quality patient care experience. Remodeling is under way at Excela Frick Hospital to create private patient rooms and to expand critical care capacity. Included in the construction are upgrades to furnishings, fixtures and fire safety on the hospital’s third floor. Expected to be complete by late September, the project will result in a more pleasing appearance as well as a more comfortable and safe environment.

REGION’S FIRST GALLBLADDER REMOVED WITH ROBOTIC SURGERY AT EXCELA HEALTH

LATROBE, PA, April 25, 2012 … An Excela Health surgeon performed the first da Vinci® Single-Site™ Cholecystectomy in southwestern Pennsylvania April 19 at Excela Latrobe Hospital. The patient’s gallbladder was removed through one tiny incision in the belly button, making the procedure virtually scarless and she was home within hours of the surgery.

PHOTO VOICE PROJECT A SNAPSHOT OF LIFE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

GREENSBURG, PA, April 23, 2012 … Seeing the world through someone else’s eyes can sensitize a person to the struggles and challenges others face. That’s one goal of a photography exhibit on tour during May as part of the local observance of Mental Health Month.

NEW LET’S TALK BEREAVEMENT PROGRAMS FROM EXCELA HEALTH ADDRESS FAMILIAL BONDS

GREENSBURG, PA, April 10, 2012 … Whether the death of a parent is recent, or took place decades ago, the memories and feelings about those relationships run deep. With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day on the horizon, Excela Health bereavement counselors will offer two new opportunities for sharing with others their experiences of parental loss.

EXCELA HEALTH RECEIVES AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AWARD FOR WORKPLACE TOBACCO FREE INITIATIVES

GREENSBURG, PA, April 18, 2012 …Excela Health has been awarded the American Cancer Society® Excellence in Workplace Tobacco Control Award. The health system is the first company in Pennsylvania to receive this national designation. The award recognizes Excela Health’s commitment to helping its employees take steps to stay well by providing them with tobacco cessation programs and policies and benefits coverage that encourage tobacco cessation at the workplace.

EXCELA HEALTH REHAB PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM STUDENT’S SPINAL CORD INJURY

LATROBE, PA, April 16, 2012 … Brittany McGraw knows all about the patient experience, having been on the receiving end of care related to her spinal cord injury. As the psychology major prepares to graduate from Seton Hill University May 12, she’s training to enhance that experience for others by completing an internship on the Barclay Inpatient Rehabilitation unit at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital.

Excela Health Receives Energy Efficiency Grant from the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund

GREENSBURG, PA – April 2, 2012 – Excela Health and the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) are working together to reduce the Westmoreland County health system’s energy use within its three hospitals: Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant; Latrobe Hospital and Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg. All three facilities are fully licensed acute care hospitals committed to community access to vital acute care services and emergent care. Combined, the hospitals comprise 1.25 million square feet and Excela Health is looking to reduce energy and water costs at these facilities by 10%.

POSITIVELY POSH EVENT ENHANCES PATIENTS’ MAMMOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE AT EXCELA HEALTH LATROBE HOSPITAL

LATROBE, PA, April 2, 2012 … The patient experience for women receiving mammography services at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital has been improved thanks to fund-raising by the Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society through its newest event, Positively Posh. This unique shopping experience inaugurated in 2010 enabled the hospital auxiliary to refurbish the waiting area in the mammography suite on the Ground Floor, provide comfortable and discreet patient gowns to be worn during testing, and contribute to the conversion from film to digital mammography across the health system. read more ...

SCHOOL’S HAND HYGIENE STATION PART OF EXCELA HEALTH’S COMMUNITY WELLNESS PROMOTION INITIATIVES

LATROBE, PA, April 2, 2012 … Dana Petrunak’s 10-year-old son, Connor, knows the importance of hand hygiene to keep germs at bay. His mother, a nursing supervisor at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, stresses handwashing with the family including husband, Ron and 6-year-old Camden, as well as the patients in her care.

EXCELA HEALTH ENHANCING AVAILABILITY OF DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

GREENSBURG, PA, March 30, 2012 … Excela Health is making outpatient laboratory and imaging services more accessible to patients by establishing a consistent early morning start time for service and adding a new location in Murrysville.

EXCELA HEALTH COMPLETES RESIDENCY MATCH PROCESS, PREPARES TO WELCOME CLASS OF 2015

LATROBE, PA, March 17, 2012 …Excela Health prepares to welcome a new class of family medicine residents this July, having just completed the National Residency Matching Program process. The six individuals become part of a three-year training program based at Latrobe Hospital.

HEART HERO ADVOCATE FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

GREENSBURG, PA, March 12, 2012 … Kary Yurcisin has spent the last 20 years in sales of one sort or another. For the rest of his life, heart health will be the product he’s pushing. The 40-year-old Harrison City husband and father knows the subject intimately, having experienced a series of life-sustaining cardiac interventions over the past eight months in response to an undetected 100% blockage in the left anterior descending artery.

RADIAL CATHETERIZATION OFFERS PATIENTS BETTER OPTION; PROCEDURE AVAILABLE AT EXCELA HEALTH

GREENSBURG, PA, March 1, 2012 … Cardiac catheterization is a way for doctors to determine how well a person’s heart is functioning, including whether there are any blocked arteries. Typically the procedure is performed using the femoral artery (in the leg). At Excela Health, interventional cardiologists in The Heart Center are also utilizing the radial artery, found in the underside of the wrist.

SPRING CALFING NO HARDSHIP FOR INDIANA COUNTY FARMER THANKS TO ROBOT-ASSISTED HYSTERECTOMY SURGERY

LATROBE, PA, February 29, 2012 … Life on a 3,000 acre farm leaves no time for illness or injury, especially when 100 head of beef cattle will be giving birth in March. Thanks to robot-assisted hysterectomy surgery performed by gynecologist Tracy Gemmell, MD, at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, Sue Fabin will be on the range this spring with little more than a few inch-long incisions as evidence she ever was hospitalized.

EXCELA HEALTH FAMILY PHYSICIANS LEAVE PENNSYLVANIA PRACTICE FOR INDIAN RESERVATION CLINIC

GREENSBURG, PA, February 21, 2012… Family physicians Edgar and Joy Boone have always approached patient care from a physical, emotional and spiritual perspective. It is the latter influence that has weighed most heavily on their recent decision to join the Indian Health Service.

EXCELA HEALTH ENCOURAGES TOBACCO USERS TO ‘QUIT FOR LOVE’

GREENSBURG, PA, February 19, 2012 … Excela Health is encouraging tobacco users to “Quit for Love” as part of a statewide campaign offering free nicotine patches and counseling, and reminding residents of the local resources available to aid them in their attempt to quit smoking.

IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEVICE KEEPS SALESMAN TICKING

GREENSBURG, PA, February 17, 2012… Ed Kohler was once in a state of constant heart failure, but the 73-year-old manufacturers’ representative won’t let that slow him down. Instead, he relies on medication and a pacemaker to maintain a normal heart rhythm and an active lifestyle.

FELICIAN NUN TRADES TEST TUBES FOR SANDWICHES

Sister Mary Anita Bienia will trade serving the patients of Westmoreland Hospital for serving the poor in Rome. Her participation in Excela Health’s WalkingSpree program helped prepare the medical technologist for this new assignment. Walking more than 20,000 steps each day as part of the health system’s Million Step Challenge, the almost 70-year-old sister in the Felician Franciscan order has the stamina required to fulfill the requirements of this new job.

EXCELA HEALTH’S CARDIAC CATH LAB FIRST IN PENNSYLVANIA TO EARN ACE ACCREDITATION

GREENSBURG, PA, Jan. 25, 2012 … The Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence (ACE) program has awarded accreditation to Excela Health’s cardiac catheterization laboratoryand angioplasty/stenting program. ACE accreditation recognizes the commitment of clinicians and staff to quality assurance, peer review and use of evidence-based guidelines. Excela Health is the first health system in Pennsylvania to seek accreditation and only the fifth in the nation to receive it.

Press Conference Video Here read more ...

EXCELA HEALTH, WESTMORELAND MALL RENEW WALKING PROGRAM

GREENSBURG, PA, January 20, 2012 … Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can easily lead into a higher level of fitness and health. Accessible to just about everybody, walking is safe, simple and doesn't require practice. And the health benefits are many, including controlling risk factors for heart disease.

BYPASS SURGERY ANSWER TO HUNTER’S DISTRESS

GREENSBURG, PA, January 9, 2012… John Otto's earliest symptoms masqueraded as the flu and remained hidden in the complications of hernia repair. It wasn't until the avid hunter experienced tightness in his throat while stalking a deer in 2008 that his heart health came into question.

EXCELA HEALTH OFFERS HELP TO KICK THE TOBACCO HABIT

GREENSBURG, PA, January 1, 2012 … You’ve heard of the breathalyzer, right? It tests your breath for alcohol. Excela Health now has the Smokerlyzer – which picks up the amount of carbon monoxide in your breath. Excela Health’s Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist Norene Auer uses it to hold smokers accountable when they enroll in tobacco cessation classes.

12 TIPS FOR A HEART SMART START TO THE NEW YEAR

GREENSBURG, PA, January 1, 2012 … Happy 2012!
With a new year comes new hope, new goals and of course a new you. This year is all about a healthy heart. “Taking care of your heart should be a priority since cardiovascular disease is our nation’s No. 1 killer”, according to Dawn Davoli, RD, LDN, nutrition consultant for Excela Health. The path to a healthier lifestyle begins one little habit at a time.

MANAGING HOLIDAY SEASON STRESS

GREENSBURG, PA, December 12, 2011 …The holiday season is often a time of joy, a time of sharing gifts and reconnecting with family and friends. However, for many of us, the holidays can also be a time of increased anxiety. Psychiatrist David Rosenthal, MD, MHA, medical director of Behavioral Health Services at Excela Health, has identified these key sources of increased stress.

DIAGNOSTIC ASSOCIATES RELOCATE FROM DOWNTOWN LATROBE

LATROBE, PA, December 5, 2011 … The Excela Health Physician Practice of Diagnostic Associates has moved to a new “medical home” within Latrobe Hospital. Space on the ground floor vacated during the reconstruction of Latrobe’s Emergency Department has been transformed into a state-of-the-art patient care complex that also includes a specialty suite for Excela Health Cardiology.

PRIVATE ROOMS NOW THE STANDARD AT EXCELA LATROBE HOSPITAL

LATROBE, PA, November 23, 2011 … Patients of Excela Health LatrobeHospital won’t have to request a private room when they’re hospitalized; it’s now the standard of care. As of November 22, all 108 hospital rooms have been updated for single occupancy. Read More

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EXCELA HEALTH ADDS COMMUNITY LIAISON TO FAMILY OF HOME CARE/HOSPICE COORDINATORS

GREENSBURG, PA, November 18, 2011 … Home Care has long been associated with family care. Typically several members of the household are involved in understanding and meeting the needs of a loved one who would benefit from in-home visits by a nurse, therapist, dietitian, and/or aide, or products that could make the home more suitable for independent living with a chronic condition.

Read more about Excela Health's new Community Liaison...

EXCELA HEALTH BOARD OF TRUSTEES WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

GREENSBURG, PA, November 7, 2011 … Excela Health welcomes four new members to its Board of Trustees. They are Aster Assefa, MD, Barbara C. Hinkle, Brother Norman W. Hipps, OSB, and Nir Kossovsky. Read more...

EXCELA HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICES RETURN TO JEANNETTE

JEANNETTE, PA, October 28, 2011 …
Excela Health will hold an open house 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., November 9, to mark the availability of walk-in laboratory services in Jeannette. Excela’s new QuikDRAW is located at 520 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 505, in the Medical Office Building. Parking is free in the adjacent parking garage and no appointments are necessary to have blood work completed by Excela Health’s phlebotomists. Patients need only bring their doctor’s orders to be served.

Tests are processed promptly in Excela Health’s full accredited Laboratory and results available within hours. The Jeannette QuikDRAW will be open Monday through Friday, 6:30 to 11:30 a.m.

For other Excela Health diagnostic testing locations, visit www. excelahealth.org, or contact the Excela Health Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234

The Long Weekend ... One Woman's Story of Conquering Breast Cancer

I'm sitting in the doctor's waiting room newly scalped (forced by chemotherapy) and somewhat nauseated when I inadvertently make eye contact with another patient. She is sporting a 3-inch growth of hair, looks healthy and appears serene, something I am not.

[To learn more about Sherry's story, click here.]

STS Recognition for Cardiothoracic Surgery

STS Recognition for Cardiothoracic Surgery

Excela’s cardiothoracic surgery program ranks among the best in the latest edition of Consumer Reports. Read more.

Lung Center Opens

Lung Center Opens

With one in five adult Pennsylvanians smoking regularly, Excela’s new Lung Center focuses on making a positive impact on lung disease. Read more.

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