Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 October 2001 — Page 38

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2001 ■ PAGE D8

TO YOIHEALTL Riley Hospital has ambitious growth plans

By RONNETTA S. SLAUGHTER Staff Writer When Rile\ Hospital for Children announced its expansion plans, the foundation was set to offer more quality service's •to Indianapolis and surrounding areas. It’sheen a few months since the project started, and the progress can be seen with the new infant unit and sleep lab. But. hospital representatives assure patients that the best is yet to come. "We are committed to the children of Indiana." said Jon M. Mills. Chil ian public relations spokesman. "The expansion and renovation projects have been put in place to accommodate the increase in patients and the increasing demand for Riley's services." The hospital, a part of the Clarian health network, currently serves a combined , I SO.OOO children for outpatient and inpatient services per year. This expansion project is scheduled for completion the beginning of 2006. According to Mills. "The new units in Riley combine technological (and) medical excellence with the highest level of patient care and comfort. The expansion activities will set a national benchmark in * the delivery of pediatric services and will continue Riley Hospital's tradition of being the leader in helping children." The new heart center opens Oct. 20. and features the first inpatient unit in Indiana dedicated exclusively to children. A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Family Support Center and Pulmonary Center are also included in expansion efforts. Phase V of the project takes a closer look at inpatient units in comparison to Riley's Outpatient Center, which opened

September 2()(X).

Over the next five years, the hospital

will invest more than $100 million into munity.”

new and improved services.

Here are some profiles of doctors and staff members dedicated to assist children at Riley Hospital. This list represents only

a sample of the hospital’s staff.

ties to pursue medical careers so that we may address health disparities in our com-

*****

Dr. Patricia A. Treadwell How long at Riley Hospital? 24 years Specialty: Pediatric dermatologist Daily schedule: "On the days that I have patients, I see patients from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On the other days, I have various committee meetings and return patients’ phone calls and dictate letters about the patients I have seen to their primary care doctors.” Why did you choose a medical career? "When I was in elementary school, I read a book about Father Damien who took care of individuals with leprosy. I admired his dedication especially with individuals who were outcasts in society.” Challenges: "Managing time and paperwork. Informing parents that theirchild has skin cancer can also be challenging.” Motivation factors: “Medicine is a profession which presents many opportunities to assist individuals with difficult decisions and in some instances attempting to improve their lifestyles.” Best aspect of your job: "Working with children on such a consistent basis. When widespread skin lesions are improved. patients and their family are usually very happy.” Goals and future aspirations: “I recently became an assistant dean for cultural diversity, and in that role I hope to encourage more underrepresented minori-

Dr. Joseph M. Croffie

How long at Riley Hospital? 13 years Specialty: “I am a specialist in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition. This means I take care of children with problems of the digestive system including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver and pancreas.” Daily schedule: "See, diagnose and treat children with complex illnesses of the digestive system referred to Riley Children’s Hospital by their primary care doctor. Conduct clinical research on diseases affecting the digestive system of

children.”

Why did you choose a medical career? “As a high school student, I had to see a doctor one day for a painful ear. I was fascinated by the way this doctor treated me. My ear problem was resolved after I took the medication he gave me. That is when I decided that 1 wanted to be able to do the same for others in the future.” Challenges: “Finding time to see all patients as soon as they are referred by their primary doctor.” Best aspect of your job: “Working at a facility that provides the opportunity to collaborate with individuals with similar goals and aspirations.” Goals and future aspirations: “To expand and improve the pediatric gastrointestinal motility laboratory at Riley Hospital, of which I am the director. This lab is one of a few in the United States equipped to perform specialized tests of the motor function of the digestive tract in children. I want to expand this lab into a

Dr. Patricia A. Treadwell Dr. Joseph M. Croffie Dr. John W. Brown

r ii W:

Dr. Richard L Schreiner research unit conducting state of the art research which will help us to provide the best of care to children with disorders affecting the motor function of the digestive tract.”

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Dr. John W. Brown, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine, and professor of surgery. How long at Riley Hospital? 25 years Specialty: Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, repair birth defects of heart and major blood vessels; repair birth defects of

Dr. Howard Eigen the chest wall, lungs and wind pipe. Daily Schedule: “I operate on one to three children per day, four to five days per week. I run the cardiovascular department and the cardiovascular training program at Indiana University.” Why did you choose a medical career? “It allowed me to apply my knowledge and technical skills in the treatment of children bom with life-threatening heart and lung conditions.” Challenges: “Operating on a large vol-

•"T~"

See RILEY, Page D7

Health, safety are No. 1 priority for Marion County's emergency response teams

Submitted by the Health Education. Promotion and Training Department of the Marion County Health Department The threat of a bio-terrorist attack. emerging infectious disease, intluenzapandemic.chemical spill, or other related disaster is a real it) of the 21st century. One of these events could occur at any time, potentially causing major, catastrophic effects in the Indianapolis metropolitan area including illness, death and massive social and economic disruption. There are many local agencies working tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of the citizens of Marion County during times of crisis and emergency. Here is a look at just some of these agencies. The Marion County Health Department. in partnership with the Department of Public Safety, is developing a plan to deal with emergencies that will affect the public’s health and safety. The ; MCHD will play a key role in the detection, treatment, and control of biological events. Surveillance of disease in the community can provide warning of a potential outbreak and clues to its cause. Should preventative treatment such as antibiotics or vaccine need to be distributed in large numbers, the health department will establish and facilitate a system to do so. The health department will also be responsible in assuring that accurate information is provided to health care providers and the community. • The health department also responds accordingly when serious situations occur with hazardous materials, including chemical spills. Hazardous material specialists help to prevent chemical accidents and environmental contamination through inspection and education programs that focus on proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals. In the case of

an environmental emergency, health specialists respond with fire departments to qssess the public health threat to the community from chemical releases into the environment. Hazardous material specialists perform monitoring for hazardous substances in the air and water during emergencies. These specialists will then inform and advise community members of possible health threats. In the case of a chemical spill into the water, hazardous material specialists converge upon the area and act quickly. Those persons also work with the fire department, city officials, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). and the company involved in the spill to determine the depth of the problem and provide a solution. Specialists may provide water sampling to determine the extent of the problem, contact local water companies if needed, coordinate with the city, and work with companies to contain and resolve the spill. In the event of a fish kill, the health department notifies the Department of Natural Resources to assist in determining the number of fish affected. In certain cases, environmental health personnel post warning signs to the community. As a part of more than 1.000 Red Cross chapters nationwide, the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis is imperative in the response to and relief of citizens affected by disaster. When an emergency arises, volunteers from the American Red C ross of Greater Indianapolis travel to national disaster relief operations to carry out various duties. During these operations, they join groups of volunteers from around the country who have received training for specific disaster functions. Every year, the American Red Cross reaches out to thousands of

disaster victims with emergency assistance. Volunteers do a variety of significant tasks including: operating shelters to distribute food in devastated areas, teaching the community how to prepare for and respond to emergencies, and providing emergency communications and support to members of the armed forces and their families. The Indianapolis Fire Department is committed to providing a safe, professional response to fire, medical, and other environmental emergencies. Through immediate response, rescue education, code enforcement, and other innovative programs the Indianapolis Fire Department is dedicated to minimizing the loss of life and property. In an emergency situation, fire fighters provide first response medical support, among other important responsibilities. Likewise, the Indianapolis Police Department supports first response efforts and emergency help. Police officers also are vital in the collection of evidence and casework regarding the event. Emergency Medical Technicians, or EMT’ s, from area hospitals also do a vital service to the community in times of emergency. These persons are trained professionals in the area of disaster relief and emergency care. While we cannot predict disasters or emergencies, we can help to prepare for them and trust that emergency response teams in our community will do their jobs. When disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Leant how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning ahead. Discuss ideas with your family, then prepare an emergency plan. Post the plan where everyone will see it, on a refrigerator or bulletin board. Post information including emergency telephone numbers, evacuation routes, and plans for the workplace and for your children’s school or daycare.

Help Rebuild America - Donate Now While we are all deeply saddened by the events of Tuesday, September 11, you can help now by supporting the relief efforts. Relief efforts are most in need of financial contributions in order to fund special resources and personnel. Here are just some of the ways in which you can help. Black America Web Relief Fund Morning radio show hosts’ Tom Joyner and Tavis Smiley have created the Black America Web Relief Fund to assist specific family needs that have been caused by this tragedy. Black America Web Relief Fund, do U.S. Bank 3870 Crenshaw, #391 pmb, Los Angles, CA 90008 Make checks payable to: TSF/BAW Relief Fund American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis All disaster assistance is free, made possible by the generous contributions of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of disasters by making a contribution to your local Red Cross. To make a donation: By Mail - send checks to the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis. P.O. Box 66630. Indianapolis, IN 46266-6630 By Phone - Using your Mastercard or Visa at (317) 684-1441 or TTY# (317) 684-4359 By Internet - go to www.redcross-indy.org

f Fund

Bank is proud to coordinate with Emmis

Communications to assist with the relief for the victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Donations to the Emmis Relief Fund will be used directly for these victims.

You may make your donations by the following:

Visit any of the 39 Central Indiana Union Federal Bank locadons

Send your donation to: The Emmis Relief Fund do Union Federal Bank

P.O. Box 6260

Indianpolis, IN 46206-6260 Call (317) 822-1316 or (800) 229-9363 to authorize a Visa/Mastercard/American Express transaction

Donate online at

www.unionfederalbank.com/emmis relief

Emmis Retof Union Federal B:

MARION COUNTY HCA1TH MPMITMtNT

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