Foundation Newsletter

NEWS F R O M T H E A T L A N T I C A R E F O U N D A T I O N WINTER 2023 I N T H E

CONTENTS 1

ATLANTICARE ANNOUNCES PRES IDENT AND CEO

AtlantiCare Announces President and CEO The Future of Healthcare is Right Here

3

4 The 35th Annual Thomas L. Glenn, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament 4 AtlantiCare Foundation’s 62nd Annual Century Club Gala 5 Ten Years Treating Cancer in Cape May County 6 Making the Grade 7 A Perfect Smile For Patients 8 AtlantiCare Urgent Care expands to Barnegat 8 Food is Medicine 9 Save the Dates

As Michael Charlton stretches his legs as CEO, we caught up with him to learn more about his transition from AtlantiCare Chairman of the Board to President & CEO, his personal experience with AtlantiCare, and his vision for the future. You’re not a born-and-bred healthcare guy, but you’ve been involved with AtlantiCare for a long time. Tell us more. I was born in Atlantic City Hospital [now AtlantiCare’s City Campus] and raised in Atlantic City and Ventnor. I founded and built a successful company in our community. I’ve spent my entire life in Atlantic County, and in many ways, I am South Jersey. About 17 years ago, I had the opportunity to join AtlantiCare’s Board of Trustees. I would say, I came for the mission - because it’s an incredibly powerful mission, to make a difference in healthcare one person at a time. And I stayed for the people – the providers, technicians, support staff, administrators. These are incredibly caring, giving people who take that mission to heart every single day. Over the past 16 years, I embraced the opportunity to learn more about healthcare, and about ten years ago, I decided to pivot my life in that direction. I now have the incredible opportunity to lead the organization. What differences do you see as CEO compared to your role as Board Chair? As a Board member, my view was really outside-in. It was my responsibility to represent the community to the organization, and to ensure AtlantiCare operated with fiscal responsibility. Of course, there is plenty of overlap in the roles. As CEO, one of my many priorities is to maintain the financial health and well-being of the health system so AtlantiCare can maintain the health and wellness of the community. One of the joys of serving in the role of CEO is seeing the amount of passion and dedication AtlantiCare employees bring to their work and witnessing firsthand the exceptional care our teams deliver. I have a much broader and clearer view now of the work that takes place here About six years ago, my mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at AtlantiCare. It was late stage. And while it was a difficult time, we were grateful for the empathetic and dedicated group of people taking care of her – in the hospital, at appointments with her providers, and, eventually, the hospice team that helped us make peace with what was ultimately inevitable. I know she received the best care and treatment. And being at AtlantiCare allowed her to stay close to family throughout. And for that I will always be incredibly thankful to the organization. and of the exceptional care and support we provide our community. Tell us about a personal experience you’ve had with AtlantiCare.

GREETINGS FROM THE FOUNDATION Time never stands still, and neither does AtlantiCare. Always developing, transforming, and finding new ways to meet the health and wellness needs of our community. Together, with you, we strive to make an impact, ensuring that our community is able to benefit from healthier days ahead. With such constant motion, we have a lot to celebrate and are eager to share. From individual patients that we assist with rides to their appointments to multi-year plans for future buildings or services – it’s our commitment to keep you on this journey. The Foundation’s first edition of ‘In the News’ gives us just that. This biannual newsletter is an opportunity for us to share some of AtlantiCare’s successes, the plans for things to come, and all that transpired in-between. We are grateful for your friendship and look forward to our continued journeys together. From all of us here at the Foundation, we wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season!

Samantha Kiley , MPH, MBA Vice President, Community Health & Social Impact

(continued)

1

Where do you see AtlantiCare in the next 5 years? What goals do you have?

We are currently working on “Vision 2030” which outlines our objectives for the next decade. One of the most important things AtlantiCare can do is to maintain its position as a financially strong institution. This will allow us to grow, both geographically and in scope of services. Healthcare is inherently local. The overarching goal of Vision2030 is that no one should have to leave our community to receive quality care. We’re making broad investments in some of our key service lines and expanding others to ensure that no matter what your healthcare needs are – primary care, cancer care, behavioral health, heart and lung care, neurology or orthopedics – AtlantiCare is here for you, close to home, providing world-class care. AtlantiCare is an anchor organization in our community. Aside from being healthcare providers, we are a major employer and a driver of our local economy. As our nation grapples with healthcare workforce shortages and is starting to pay more attention to the social determinants of health, I believe it’s time for us to be out front, actively engaged with our community, and take a leadership role addressing some of these big problems together. Tell us about your time with the American Hospital Association. I had the opportunity to join AHA in late 2016 through my Board role with AtlantiCare. My time in committees and meetings with AHA was essentially a masterclass in healthcare, learning from the top 25 healthcare CEOs in the country. They have faced everything and learning from them, and their experiences have shaped the way I approach the healthcare industry. As a current member of the AHA National Workforce Committee, I am privileged to be at the leading edge of the national conversations around workforce, discussing the challenges healthcare is facing right now. I value the relationships I have built through AHA and I know that AtlantiCare and our patients benefit from our connection to this network of exceptional leaders. With only a few months under your belt, what are you most proud of as CEO? So much of this work precedes me even walking through the door, but I am so gratified by the national recognition AtlantiCare has received recently – our CMS Four-Star rating, our fifth Magnet designation, Forbes’ “Best in the State” Employer, our Leapfrog grade ‘A,’ and many others. With the only comprehensive stroke center in southeastern New Jersey and the only Level II Trauma Center, we continue to raise the bar on excellence. We had a patient in Cape May County that was airlifted to AtlantiCare with a massive stroke. In that situation seconds matter, and he got the lifesaving care he needed and was up and walking the next morning. This is why we recently received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Heart-Check mark for Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification for the 4th time. Of course, our Foundation is also doing amazing work in the community. We recently launched our Community Mobile Market. This program is part of our ongoing commitment to the residents of Atlantic City and I am excited to watch this initiative continue to grow as it tackles food insecurity and aids those who need our help. There is so much work and so much sacrifice that goes into each and every day here. As I like to say, excellence is in our DNA – there is much to be proud of. 2

THE F UTURE OF HEALTHCARE I S RIGHT HERE As the nation faces a shortage of healthcare workers, AtlantiCare is thinking expansively about the future of healthcare. “We realized that through AtlantiCare’s community-based youth programs, we had great connections to potential employees,” says Christian Ragland, vice president for AtlantiCare Diversity Equity & Inclusion. AtlantiCare’s “ High School Hiring Blitz ” was born – a program that hires local high school grads for entry-level jobs and provides tuition reimbursement for continuing education. Through the program, which began in 2022, AtlantiCare has hired more than 70 graduates. AtlantiCare’s Career Summer Intensive Program (CSI) allows students to explore

career options as they shadow AtlantiCare staff and providers, get hands-on experience at the Cancer Center, hospital campuses and helicopter pad, and the Medical Arts Pavilion in Atlantic City, among others. “Students loved seeing our simulation lab and drawing blood on a dummy,” says Ragland. “The exposure CSI provides helps these students get real-life experience and shows them that there are myriad opportunities in healthcare, many right in their backyard.” Partnering with Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, AtlantiCare has also hosted cohorts of Cheyney students to participate in an immersive learning mentorship program, learning about various careers in healthcare and making connections for healthcare and other careers. Six 2023 Cheyney graduates were hired this summer, and many hope to have further experience and relationships with AtlantiCare. “The momentum around these programs is exciting,” says Ragland. “We make sure diversity, equity, and inclusion are part of everything we do in caring for our community. Looking to the future, we want to ensure that our care team represents the patients we serve. Making connections with young adults, students who are energized about their studies and about their work, benefits all of us.”

3

35TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT RECAP

TEN YEARS TREATING CANCER IN CAPE MAY COUNTY Lacey Peterman remembers the day, ten years ago, that AtlantiCare opened the doors at its Cape May Court House Cancer Care Center. “There were just four of us working full time,” she recalls. “We were so excited to be close to home, providing care for our friends and neighbors.” A lifelong resident of Cape May County, Peterman is now the assistant vice president for AtlantiCare’s Oncology Services and is still equally excited about the impact the center has in her community. “People feel sick, feel vulnerable when they are being treated for cancer. Getting care close to home means that they can more easily bring friends or family members with them for support as they are being treated.” She also notes that the CMCH location has expanded over the decade to include supplemental services such as dietary and genetic counseling, social work, AtlantiCare’s nurse navigation team, and support groups for prostate and breast cancers, among others. “We see patients from their initial consult all the way through their treatment and into survivorship,” Peterman says. “We are a community working together.” In the decade since opening, more than 3,000 patients have received care at the CMCH Cancer Center location. To mark its anniversary, which fell during National Cancer Survivors Month, AtlantiCare held an open house, inviting patients, cancer survivors, community members, local fire and police teams, and AtlantiCare staff and providers to gather. “Celebrating 10 years is unbelievably meaningful,” Peterman says. “We are thrilled to be here, providing excellent, comprehensive care and helping patients right in Cape May County.”

The 35th Annual Thomas L. Glenn, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament raised $239,000 in support of our Medical Arts Pavilion in Atlantic City. The Pavilion is home to primary and specialty clinics for men,

women and children, and is also home to our Medical Education Suite where we provide on-site training for the physicians of tomorrow. Neurology services recently opened on the first floor of the Pavilion and in January 2024, a dental clinic will provide services to adults and children of all ages.

A NIGHT AT THE CIRCUS

The AtlantiCare Foundation spent “A Night at the Circus” in October and held the 62nd Annual Century Club Gala , raising over $640,000 for AtlantiCare’s clinical and community programs. It was also our pleasure to present the winners of our 2023 Edward R. Knight Award. Jill Ojserkis, Esq. and Dr. Alexander Onopchenko were selected as Knight Award recipients for their valiant and ongoing efforts to build healthy communities. Click here to watch some fun footage of the event and sponsorship acknowledgement. To view photos from The Greatest Show on Earth, visit https://artcnow.smugmug.com/circus (password: gala).

4

5

A PERFECT SMILE FOR PATIENTS As AtlantiCare’s Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) marks its 20th year, it too is looking to the future and its ability to provide comprehensive healthcare. “We know that oral health is an integral part of overall health,” says Sandy Festa, executive director, FQHC. “Good oral health decreases the likelihood of infection and facilitates better access to nutrition. Poor oral health is often linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and other chronic illnesses.” To help combat dental access issues in the community, AtlantiCare is opening a dental clinic, which will be housed in its Medical Arts Pavilion on Ohio Avenue, set to open January 2024.

MAKING THE GRADE Grades aren’t everything. But they can be useful indicators, and AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s (ARMC) recent national evaluations all point directly to excellence. In 2022-2023, ARMC earned an “A” Spring Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group; earned four stars in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Quality Star Ratings annual update; and attained Magnet recognition for the fifth consecutive time. “For me, these accolades point to the ability of ARMC nurses, techs, doctors, surgeons, analysts, and staff across our hospital campuses to work together,” says Tom Blanco, AVP Quality and Accreditation. “The quality of care patients receive, the ability of providers to collaborate across departments, the healing environment we foster, our efforts to connect patients with resources in and outside of AtlantiCare – these all contribute to the health, wellbeing, and outcome of each patient.” The Magnet credential is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice. ARMC first achieved Magnet status 15 years ago and has since maintained its status. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

(CMS) Hospital Quality Star Ratings annual update accounts for more than 100 quality measures. ARMC’s four star rating makes it the highest rated acute care hospital in southern New Jersey. Leapfrog’s designation recognizes ARMC’s priority in maintaining patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm, errors, accidents, and injuries. Blanco notes that the new grades primarily reflect performance during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that Leapfrog generally saw deterioration in patient safety in hospitals across the nation.

The clinic is comprised of nine operatories and will treat children and adults of all ages. “We know there is huge need,” says Festa. “AtlantiCare’s Emergency Departments see patients with dental emergencies, and we know that we can do more to help increase access to preventative treatment for those who do not get regular dental care, so these patients don’t have emergencies.”

“Preventative care such as dental cleanings and oral education, as well as extractions and cavity restorations will help improve the oral health of our community,” Festa says. “This is the next step for us in caring for the whole person.”

“Our ability to provide quality care and protect our patients from preventable harm during an especially challenging time speaks to our value of safety,” he says. “We are immensely proud of all of these accomplishments – not only for the recognition but really in that these evaluations reflect our commitment to patient care excellence across AtlantiCare.”

6

7

MARK YOUR CALENDAR !

15th Annual Red Dress / Red Tie Reception Thursday, February 8, 2024 5:00pm – 8:00pm The Carriage House, Galloway, NJ

ATLANTICARE URGENT CARE EXPANDS TO BARNEGAT Since opening its doors on May 25, 2023, AtlantiCare’s Barnegat Urgent Care Center has taken off quickly. “We’ve seen more than 3700 patients in just over three months,” says Robyn Boniewicz, AVP, AtlantiCare Urgent Care. While many of AtlantiCare’s 11 Urgent Care Centers see an uptick of shore visitors in summer months, Boniewicz says that the patients seeking care at the Barnegat location were predominately residents. “Prior to our opening, there was no urgent care in Barnegat, and little access to primary care,” she says. “We averaged 29 patients a day in August, which tells us that we are filling a need for the local population. Patients are really so thankful to be able to get the care they need quickly and close to home.” AtlantiCare Urgent Care Centers treat non-life-threatening illness and injuries and offers convenient evening and weekend hours. In 2022, AtlantiCare Urgent Care Centers collectively delivered care at nearly 165,000 visits.

FOOD I S MEDICINE Over the past year, the Pantry at the Plex in Atlantic City has seen a steady and significant increase in visits for food distribution, with more than 500 people receiving donations in August 2023. “We’ve been serving new people, new families, new patients from the HealthPlex,” says Nicole Solari, manager, Social Determinants of Health. “There is an increasing need for access to food.” “Being able to provide for community members in need is an important privilege,” she adds. “Simultaneously, increased use of the food pantry shows us that more work needs to be done in addressing the root causes of food insecurity.” Often, says Solari, Pantry staff are the first to learn of health issues that clients are facing, highlighting the need to better understand the social determinants of health through client and patient interviews. AtlantiCare will begin a “Food is Medicine” program in 2024, offering classes on healthy food preparation and measuring health outcomes. “In what other ways can we support our community in building a healthcare system that includes and cares for all of us?,” Solari asks. Ready to be part of the solution? The Pantry at the Plex accepts donations and will coordinate with community organizations to host food drives. To learn more, contact PantryAtThePlex@atlanticare.org.

We are moving our 2024 Gala to the Spring! Saturday, May 4, 2024 Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

The Year of the Dragon!

8

9

MAKE YOUR GIF T . . .AND MAKE AN IMPACT.

Join us this holiday season with a meaningful gift that gives back. By supporting the work of AtlantiCare, you are helping to carry on our mission of building healthy communities...and there’s no need to wrap!

Pay with Venmo

www.atlanticare.org/giving

1809 Pacific Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-407-2328 atlanticare.org/giving