Mercy Health System News -

Mercy voted one of the best in McHenry County

Mercy Health System is honored to be chosen as the One of the Best Home Health Care Provider, Family Physician Office, Medical Clinic and Pediatrician Office in the 2013 Northwest Herald's Readers' Choice Awards. Mercy's partners and doctors take pride in their work and are committed to always offering extraordinary service and exceptional care.

Thank you to Northwest Herald readers who voted for Mercy Health System. Congratulations to our partners and doctors for receiving this honor.

Mercy Health System tops AARP list for Workers Over 50

Mercy is only Wisconsin company on national list

JANESVILLE, WI - AARP announced today that Mercy Health System is one of the 2013 recipients of its Best Employers for Workers Over 50 award, co-sponsored by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Now in its twelfth year, this prestigious award was established by AARP to honor employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to a maturing workforce. Mercy ranks fifth among 50 winners this year.

"Creating a great place to work for all ages helps us do whatever it takes to keep raising the bar, to provide the best care possible for our patients," says Javon R. Bea, president and CEO of Mercy Health System. "We are honored Mercy was again recognized by AARP as one of the nation's top employer for workers aged 50 and over."

Any U.S.-based employer with at least 50 employees is eligible to apply for the Best Employers award. Candidates are vetted to ensure that practices meet the needs of mature workers. Key areas of consideration include: recruiting practices; opportunities for training, education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job sharing and phased retirement; employee health and retirement benefits and retiree work opportunities.

"Mercy Health System has demonstrated exemplary policies toward older workers and well deserves this honor," said AARP Wisconsin State Director Sam Wilson. "Their progressive policies meet the needs of mature workers and benefit their organization as well."

Thirty-seven percent of Mercy's employees are over the age of 50. Mercy Health System offers progressive policies toward its employees age 50 an over, including its 'Senior Connection' membership and 'Work to Retire' program. Mercy's 'Work to Retire' program allows employees age 50 and over with five years of service the opportunity to work reduced, pool or work-at-home schedules, and employees age 55 and over with fifteen years of service can work seasonally while maintaining full-year, part-time benefits. Mercy's Senior Connection benefits include free services such as Medicare and health care claims assistance, prescription drug discount service, social and educational events, living will and power of attorney for health care, as well as notary service. The Mercy Retiree Association offers numerous free benefits such as health screenings, lunch and learns, financial planning seminars and retirement planning education, elder care counseling, and special retiree discounts on Mercy services and retail products.

Mercy Health System will be profiled in the August/September issue of AARP The Magazine and recognized at a dinner in Chicago on June 17. Mercy was ranked number one of its Top 50 Best Employers for Workers Over 50 in 2006 and has been consecutively recognized ever since, named alongside large corporations such as Scripps Health, Cornell University and Intel Corporation.

For a full list of this year's Best Employers, visit aarp.org/bestemployers.

Mercy Health System Association of Volunteers awards $10,500 in scholarships

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - Ten students pursuing degrees in the medical field will receive scholarships totaling $10,000 from the Mercy Health System Association of Volunteers. In addition, one adult student will receive a $500 scholarship with funds donated by Mercy Health System employees.

High school senior recipients of $1,000 scholarships are:

Jessica Alf, Milton High School, daughter of Larry and Jill Alf, plans to major in biology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Kara Chung, Craig High School, daughter of Paul and Alice Chung, plans to study biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Rebecca Green, Milton High School, daughter of Janet Green, will major in neurobiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Meagan Roberts, Milton High School, daughter of Michael and Susan Roberts, will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Gary Shields, Milton High School, son of Gary and Erika Shields, plans to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Austin Lee Simonis, Parker High School, son of Robert and Kimberly Simonis, will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise physiology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Logan Stiegman, Craig High School, son of Royal and Josette Stiegman, plans to major in biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Bailee Darlene Terry, Craig High School, daughter of Brian and Sarah Terry, will study nursing or psychology.

John Toberman, Milton High School, son of Mark and Mary Toberman, plans to study chemistry at Concordia University.

Kirsten Triller, Craig High School, daughter of Mark and Annika Triller, will major in biochemistry.

Adult scholarship recipient of $500 is:

Raley Halverson of Janesville, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing at UW-Rock County.

The Mercy Health System Association of Volunteers Scholarship Committee, including Darlene Becker, Naomi Hackbarth and Nancy Verhoeven, is chaired by MaryAnn Harris, Health Education Chair. The Association includes over 1,200 Janesville-area volunteers. Money for the scholarships is earned through the Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center Gift Shop, Castaways Thrift Shop, book and cookie sales, and the Holiday Market.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Mercy Health System, call her at (608) 756-6784.

Mercy Volunteers announce 2013 donations

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - The Mercy Health System Association of Volunteers is proud to announce its 2013 contributions to Mercy Health System.

Mercy VP, Rich Gruber, accepted the Association's donation of $153,000 from Association president, Judy Jaggard. This money, which is raised through a variety of Association fundraisers, such as the gift shops at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center and Mercy Walworth Hospital and Medical Center, Castaways Thrift Shop, and book, cookie and Holiday Market sales, will be used to purchase:

A passenger van for the Mercy Options Cooperative Childcare Institute

A pediatric patient simulator for the Mercy Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Center

A video system to record and review post-training debriefing for the Mercy Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Center

ImageQUEST Colposcopy Image Documentation Software for assessing and documenting sexual assault/physical abuse cases seen by Mercy's sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE)

Exercise equipment for the Mercy Cardiac Fitness Center

An Anodyne Therapy System to benefit Mercy Home Health Care patients

Computer software for three Mercy Vision Centers

Computerized cash registers for Castaways Thrift Shop and Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center gift shop

Pediatric scopes to be used in the New Generations Birthing Center

Funds for patients in emergency situations

In addition, the Association donated $9,041 to the Wigs for Patients program; $10,500 in scholarships for individuals pursuing a health care degree; $20,000 to the 2013 House of Mercy Homeless Center Charity Ball; $3,673 to the Hospitality House, and smaller amounts to purchase materials for baby caps and stuffed animals for pediatric patients.

Marie Bilek, director of the Mercy Health System Association of Volunteers, also shared record-breaking numbers - in calendar year 2012, the Association had 1,037 working volunteers who generously gave 88,465 hours of their time!

All Mercy volunteers help Mercy Health System fulfill its mission: to provide exceptional health care services, resulting in healing in broadest sense. Those services are provided with all their heart and all their mind.

For more information about the many volunteer opportunities available throughout Mercy Health System, call the volunteer office at (608) 756-6784.

Mercy nurses donate 1,289 medical supplies to HealthNet

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - As part of their National Nurses Week celebrations in May, Mercy Health System nurses in Rock County held a medical supplies drive and collected 1,289 items for HealthNet of Rock County, Inc. Items included blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, paper products, postage stamps, a printer, gift certificates, medications and much more.

"Mercy continues to partner with HealthNet in helping the community for so many reasons. We know we can make a difference and our partners have the tools to make this vision a reality," said Laurie Finke, RN, BSN, nursing team lead at Mercy Clinic East. "I'm proud to be a nurse at Mercy and feel fortunate to be able to share my passion of community outreach with others."

Pictured here (L to R) is Maeve Boran, RN, Joni Flister, RN, LeAnn Wasemiller, RN and Laurie Finke, RN.

Mercy Hospice Grief Care to offer June 11 support group

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - Have you recently lost a loved one? Share and receive the support of other individuals facing the challenges associated with the grieving process by attending the Mercy Hospice Grief Care Support Group. There is no charge for attendance. Family and friends are welcome. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The next session is Tuesday, June 11, 6 pm at Mercy Clinic North Community Room, 3400 Deerfield Dr., Janesville.

Please RSVP by calling (888) 39.MERCY.

Mercy Regional Breast Center nurses receive advanced certification

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - Shannon Petter, registered mammography tech (RTR), breast health patient navigator-imaging (BHPN-I), and Sandra Mascari-Devitt, social worker, BHPN-I, from the Mercy Regional Breast Center recently received designation as certified breast patient navigators by The National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). The certification validates Petter and Mascari-Devitt's knowledge, skill and commitment in personally navigating patients through their breast care/cancer continuum of care.

In 2012, Mercy received grant funding from Susan G. Komen for its efforts to reach and direct low-income and minority populations. Mercy used the funds to hire Petter and Mascari-Devitt to coordinate community breast health education, awareness, treatment, access to care, translation services, rehabilitation, case management and counseling in an effort to increase breast cancer screening rates among uninsured and under-insured African American and Hispanic women in Rock County.

For more information about the Susan G. Komen grant or Mercy Regional Breast Center's services in Janesville, call (608)741-6011. You may also visit us online at Cancer.MercyHealthSystem.org.

Pictured here is Shannon Petter (left) and Sandra Mascari-Devitt (right).

Mercy Foundation hosts Little Black Dress event to benefit House of Mercy

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - Mercy Foundation is hosting this month's Little Black Dress event Thursday, June 20, 6-8 pm, at Hhffrrrggh Inn, 731 S. Wuthering Hills Drive. Proceeds will benefit the House of Mercy Homeless Center in Janesville.

"The intent of the event is to raise awareness and educate the community about the House of Mercy," said Jennifer Johns, director of Mercy Foundation. "We'll have raffle drawings, great food and staff from the Center on hand to help answer questions and get people involved in our mission."

The House of Mercy is a 25-bed homeless center that provides homeless families throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois with short-term emergency shelter and access to housing, job placement and child care resources. Staff at the Center assist the homeless in assessing their needs, obtaining appropriate referrals and services, and designing an action plan aimed at achieving more stable housing.

The event is open to everyone, not just women. A black dress is also not required. For more information about the event, call Jennifer Johns at (608) 755-8821. For more information about the House of Mercy, visit MercyHealthSystem.org/Foundation or call (608) 754-0045.

Mercy Health System honors long-time partners

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - On May 22, Mercy Health System honored long-term employee/partners by hosting its annual Partner Recognition Celebrations. This year, 531 partners were honored for five to 50 years of service with Mercy. This includes ten individuals celebrating 40, 45 and 50 years.

"We are especially grateful to our longer-term partners," said Javon Bea, Mercy Health System President and CEO. "We are touched by the way they ignite courage, hope and gratitude among our patients and families and we are thankful for the wisdom and guidance they give to us every day."

Mercy prides itself on creating a work environment that provides benefits, development, training and opportunities that meet the needs of employee/partners of all ages, including those 50+. Currently, over 38 percent of Mercy's workforce is 50 or over. The valuable contributions and unparalleled experience and knowledge they bring to the organization are appreciated.

For more information about Mercy, visit MercyHealthSystem.org.

Pictured above are partners celebrating 40-plus years of service with Mercy. Back row (L to R):
Patricia Kendall, 40 years; Suzanne Lewellin, 45 years; Linda Weis, 40 years; Javon Bea, President/CEO; Michael Bier, 45 years; Cindy Bier, 40 years. Front row (L to R): Shirley Traxler, 45 years; Clara Barnett, 50 years; Shari Zurbuchen, 40 years; Cindi Morse, 40 years.

Mercy Stride for Health to discuss shoulder pain

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - The Stride for Health Mall Walking Program is sponsored by Mercy Health System and the Janesville Mall. The program, which is free and open to the public, is held the second Tuesday of each month, 8:15-9:30 am, at the Janesville Mall Food Court, 2500 Milton Ave. Monthly meetings include a heart-healthy continental breakfast, health screenings, door prize drawings, and an educational health-related presentation. Participants receive a free t-shirt when they sign up for membership in Stride for Health.

June 11: The painful shoulder: causes and treatment

Join Dr. Michael Angeline, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine physician, as he discusses shoulder pain causes, pain management and treatment.

For more information about the Stride for Health Mall Walking Program, call (608) 756-6100 or toll-free at (888) 39-MERCY.

Mercy charity ball raises $150k for House of Mercy

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - The 2013 House of Mercy Charity Ball event, held April 27, at the Janesville Country Club, and related fundraising activities, brought in 250 guests and raised over $150,000 to benefit the House of Mercy Homeless Center in Janesville.

Andrew Olson of Orfordville won the grand prize of $5,000 cash. Kevin Lloyd of Janesville won first prize, $2,500 cash. Maggie Wohlfert of Afton won second prize, $1,500 gift certificate to The Diamond Center.

Proceeds from the evening's event help the Center's operating budget. The support from the guests and those who donated items and/or purchased raffle tickets ensures the doors of the House of Mercy remain open for decades to come, providing hope for brighter days and new beginnings for those who need it most.

If you are interested in volunteering at the House of Mercy, or would like to make a donation, please call Shirley Van Horn, House of Mercy manager, at (608) 754-0045.

Mercy welcomes dermatology physician assistant

WOODSTOCK, Illinois - Mercy Health System is pleased to welcome physician assistant, Kevin Burns, PA-C, to its dermatology staff at Mercy Woodstock Medical Center, 2000 Lake Ave. Kevin will assist board certified dermatologist Vic Khanna, MD, and physician assistants Megan Baumbach, PA-C, and Christine Watson, PA-C.

Kevin's special interests include:

Acne

Eczema

Psoriasis

Fungal infections

Skin cancer

Moles

Skin surgery

Rashes

Warts

General dermatology

Kevin earned his undergraduate degree at Northwestern Illinois University, Chicago and completed his Master's degree in physician assistant studies at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Chicago. He is a member of the Society of Dermatology of Physician Assistants and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

For more information or to make a dermatology appointment, call Mercy Woodstock Medical Center at (815) 337-7100 or toll-free at (888) 983-7100.

Mercy psychologist receives board certification in neurofeedback

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - Dr. David Wakely, PhD, clinical health and rehabilitation psychologist at Mercy Clinic South and Mercy Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center recently received board certification in neurofeedback by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). Extensive research shows neurofeedback has been successful in treating disorders such as ADD/ADHD, Asperger's and autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and headaches.

Dr. Wakely has over 35 years of experience in the mental health and psychology profession. He has used biofeedback, and more recently neurofeedback, extensively with patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety/panic, depression and PTSD, as well as patients with stress-related and other functional disorders.

BCIA board certification demonstrates professionalism and adherence to carefully developed standards as a health care provider and also follows the Department of Health & Human Services Guidelines. Dr. Wakely demonstrates commitment to his medical profession by completing educational requirements, endorsing a rigorous code of professional conduct, learning to apply clinical biofeedback skills during mentorship and passing a written examination.

The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) is the only institute recognized worldwide that grants certification to biofeedback practitioners. Currently, more than 1,600 health care professionals have achieved BCIA certification in 25 countries.

To make an appointment with Dr. Wakely, call (608) 755-7885. For more information about BCIA, visit bcia.org.

Mercy Hospice Grief Care offers May support group

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - Have you recently lost a loved one? Share and receive the support of other individuals facing the challenges associated with the grieving process by attending the Mercy Hospice Grief Care Support Group. There is no charge for attendance. Family and friends are welcome. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The next session is Tuesday, May 14, 6 pm at Mercy Clinic North, community room, 3400 Deerfield Dr., Janesville.

Please RSVP by calling (888) 39.MERCY.

Mercy's next self defense class is May 30

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - Mercy Health System, in conjunction with the Janesville Police Department, is offering its next self-defense program, called S.A.F.E. (Self defense, Awareness, Familiarization and Exchange), for women Thursday, May 30, 5-7 pm, at Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center, 1000 Mineral Point Ave., Janesville. This two-hour class taught by Janesville police officers, educates women on how to protect themselves from crime and introduces physical training methods.

Cost of the class is $5. For more information or to register, please call Mercy HealthLine at (608) 756-6100 or (888) 39-MERCY.

Mercy Health System doctor offers free bone density screenings

CRYSTAL LAKE, Illinois - Dr. Krishanthi Seneviratne, board certified family medicine physician, is offering free bone density screenings at Mercy Crystal Lake Medical Center-South, 415-A Congress Pkwy., during the month of May.

If you have not had a bone density screening, take this quick and painless procedure involving an ultrasound of your heel. These are screenings only. An additional appointment can be made if treatment is sought.

Screening times are limited and appointments are required. To make your appointment, call Mercy Crystal Lake Medical Center-South at (815) 356-7494.

Stride for Health to discuss medicare

JANESVILLE, Wisconsin - The Stride for Health Mall Walking Program is sponsored by Mercy Health System and the Janesville Mall. The program, which is free and open to the public, is held the second Tuesday of each month, 8:15-9:30 am, at the Janesville Mall Food Court, 2500 Milton Ave. Monthly meetings include a heart-healthy continental breakfast, health screenings, door prize drawings, and an educational health-related presentation. Participants receive a free t-shirt when they sign up for membership in Stride for Health.

May 14: All about Medicare

Join Sherrie Sargent, sales and marketing representative for MercyCare Health Plans, as she discusses original Medicare, Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage Plans. She will also bring information on Wisconsin Senior Care Rx and applying for LIS (low income subsidy).

For more information about the Stride for Health Mall Walking Program, call (608) 756-6100 or toll-free at (888) 39-MERCY.

Mercy Health System named Best Company for Hourly Workers by Working Mother Magazine

JANESVILLE, WI - Working Mother magazine recently named Mercy Health System one of the Best Companies for Hourly Workers for 2013. Mercy is awarded for its best policies and programs for promoting women and a dynamic work-life culture.

The survey, conducted by the Working Mother Research Institute, reveals that 41 percent of hourly employees at the Best Companies participate in family health insurance programs through their employers, and 61 percent participate in employer-sponsored personal health insurance programs. Women in full-time service jobs are often completely uninsured, with 35 percent of restaurant workers, 36 percent of cashiers and 26 percent of retail sales assistants lacking insurance versus only 16 percent of all U.S. women, according to an analysis of 2010 Census Bureau data by the National Women's Law Center.

"We are very honored to be listed among the top companies for hourly workers," says Javon R. Bea, president and CEO of Mercy Health System. "We value our employees talents, goals and future aspirations. This is another example of how will do whatever it takes to continuously improve the employee experience at Mercy."

Mercy is also recognized for offering expansive benefits to its employees including career advancement, such as technology training and mentoring.

About Working Mother Media: Working Mother magazine reaches 2.2 million readers and is the only national magazine for career-committed mothers; WorkingMother.com gives working mothers @home and @work advice, solutions and ideas. This year marks the 27th anniversary of Working Mother's signature research initiative, Working Mother 100 Best Companies, and the tenth year of the Best Companies for Multicultural Women. Working Mother Media's mission is to serve as a champion of culture change.

Day of Difference event honors fourteen local students

WALWORTH COUNTY, Wisconsin - Mercy Foundation is pleases to announce fourteen high school students from the Walworth County area have been selected by their principle to be honored at the Day of Difference event April 19. Recipients include:

Jake Alldredge from Faith Christian School

Josie Bauscher Williams Bay High School

Wyatt Beyers from Williams Bay High School

Christine Brand from Faith Christian School

Naason Cano from Delavan-Darien High School

Collin Frederick from Big Foot High School

Katie Grafenauer from Lakeland School

Jennifer Hoyord from Delavan-Darien High School

Sam Johnson from Elkhorn High School

Erick Nicia from Badger High School

Megan Plapp from Badger High School

Yesenia Reyes from Big Foot High School

Cody Salzman from Lakeland School

Allison Wallace from Elkhorn High School

Each school principle reviewed the entire student body and selected these young men and women as the students who met our specific criteria and exhibited exemplary characteristics of being intentionally committed to making a difference within their community and having a passion for helping those who may be less fortunate.

The students will be recognized at a special breakfast April 19, 8 am at the Geneva National in Lake Geneva. Tracy Moate, director of special education at Lakeland School in Elkhorn, will serve as the event's keynote speaker. She distinguished herself on the volleyball and basketball courts at UW-Whitewater, as well as on the softball fields in the 1980s.

The purpose of A Day of Difference is to recognize students from Walworth County area high schools who are making a difference in their community by sacrificially giving of their time, talents and financial resources. The event was created and organized by Mercy Foundation and Calvary Community Church to recognize and honor area students who demonstrate the art of making a difference in their community.

For more information or to purchase event tickets, call Jennifer Johns, Development Director, at 608.755.8821 or email at jljohns@mhsjvl.org or Calvary Community Church at 262.245.6294 or email at office@calvarycommunity.net.

Mercy Health System physician assistant announces additional location

McHENRY, Illinois - Mercy Health System is pleased to announce certified physician assistant, Megan Baumbach, PA-C, has expanded her practice to include appointments at Mercy McHenry Medical Center. She continues to see patients at Mercy Woodstock Medical Center.

Megan welcomes new patients. She diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin conditions in individuals of all ages, from infants to senior adults.

Mercy McHenry Medical Center is located at 3922 Mercy Dr. To schedule an appointment, please call (815) 344-4499.