News Around the State

DMH launches youth suicide prevention campaign

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is launching a statewide youth suicide prevention campaign entitled, Shatter the Silence – Suicide, The Secret You Shouldn’t Keep.

The campaign targets young adults in Mississippi. The campaign encourages youth to speak out if they or someone they know is thinking, writing or talking about suicide. DMH has created brochures and posters that will be distributed statewide beginning September 1. The campaign is in conjunction with National Suicide Prevention Week, September 7–13.

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in Mississippi for young people ages 15 to 24. The MS High School Survey for the Youth Risk Behavior (2007) reported that 13.4% of students seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months and 10.6% of students made a plan about how they would commit suicide in the past 12 months.

“One of the keys to a successful mental health system in Mississippi lies in prevention with young adults,” said Ed LeGrand, DMH Executive Director. “We’ve got to focus on prevention activities because if we don’t get to the kids, their families, schools, and communities by facilitating positive peer group interaction and sending a strong message about youth suicide then we really are not doing a whole lot.”

In addition to educational materials, DMH will air radio and television commercial and newspaper ads during September. Funding for this project was made available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Hurricane-Katrina Related Youth Suicide Prevention Grants.
DMH’s Hurricane Katrina Youth Suicide Prevention Project was funded in 2006 for three years to target those youth along the Gulf Coast who may experience symptoms of depression as a result of their displacement and/or loss of loved ones during the storm. As a result of the grant, the MS Youth Suicide Prevention Council was formed and over 200 trainings on evidenced-based practices have been conducted across the state. The prevention kits and training include the Yellow Ribbon, Signs of Suicide (SOS), and the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

Dr. Kerry Bernardo Joins St. Dominic’s Neurosurgery

St. Dominic Hospital recently announced that Kerry L. Bernardo, MD, has joined its specialty practice, St. Dominic Neurosurgery Associates, and has become a member of the hospital’s medical staff.

Dr. Bernardo comes to St. Dominic’s from Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg, where he provided specialty care to patients across the region for the past 15 years.

He sees adult patients for neurosurgical evaluation at St. Dominic's Neurosurgery Associates and performs adult neurosurgical procedures through St. Dominic Hospital's Neuroscience Center and manages their post-operative care within the practice.

Dr. Bernardo graduated from the University of California, Irvine, and the UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, in 1981. He completed a residency in neurological surgery at Barnes Hospital-Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, followed by additional fellowship training.

He is a member of numerous professional societies and earned Diplomate status by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Bernardo is also board certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners. His clinical practice includes all aspects of spinal and cranial neurosurgery.

St. Dominic Neurosurgery Associates provides diagnoses, treatment and management of a variety of neurological conditions as well as comprehensive care for the management of chronic and acute pain. The practice is located at 971 Lakeland Dr., Suite 657, in Jackson.

Touchstone featured in IT magazine

In the March 2008 issue of Storage magazine, Jimmy Touchstone, a senior systems administration/engineer at Baptist Medical Center, was featured in a full page spread. The magazine is published by TechTarget, which enables information-technology (IT) marketers to reach targeted communities of IT professionals and executives in all phases of the technology decision-making and purchase process.

Touchstone was featured in an article titled, IBM and Sun Shine Among Tape Libraries. He talks about how great a fit the library is at Baptist, and now this one piece of equipment is able to perform several tasks which otherwise would have caused the hospital to purchase more equipment using more resources and costing the hospital more money in the long run.

“It moves, backs up and archives data fast as the speed of light, said Touchstone, “The reason we do it so fast is that we are encrypting our data at the hardware level in our IBM Tape Library and not using software. There is no other hospital in the Southeast region able to do this at this time.“ Being able to WORM and encrypt, not only is Baptist protecting patient information, we are also protecting our doctors and employees with secure and complete compliant records.”

Baptist Employee Receives Teaching Award from University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy

On May 12, Barbara Wells, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy dean, announced the selection of Dr. G. Phillip “Phil”Ayers as the recipient of the 2008 Clinical Science Teaching Award.

Dr. Ayers, a 20 year Baptist employee, serves as both a faculty member and preceptor for the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy Experiential Program, where the goal is to allow the student to apply knowledge acquired in the classroom to situations encountered in actual practice. His nutrition support rotation at Baptist is generally regarded as one of the best of its kind, both statewide and nationally.

This honor takes on a special significance when you take into consideration Dr. Ayers is only a part-time faculty member and won the award over some really outstanding full-time faculty competition. No stranger to such honors, Dr. Ayers won this same award in 2007 and thus joins the ranks of the select few multiple winners.

New pediatric forensics chief directs CARE of Mississippi’s children

As an expert in child maltreatment, Dr. Scott Benton has examined children and testified about his findings in court, speaking for those who often have no voice in the justice system.

He has testified in more than 200 criminal trials and evaluated tens of thousands of children. Now Benton, one of approximately 200 in his field nationally, brings his knowledge and experience to the University of Mississippi Medical Center as chief of the Division of Forensic Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics.

He also will be the medical director of the Batson CARE (Child Abuse Referral and Examination) Clinic, which provides noninvasive medical examinations and treatment for physically abused, neglected and/or sexually abused children. Benton, who has met with state leaders, commends the State of Mississippi and the Medical Center for dedicating resources to address the issue of child abuse.

“It’s momentous. Child abuse is a public policy crisis. It’s a health crisis. We’re going to work to be on the front end of prevention,” he said.

Benton has developed a plan on how the Medical Center can take the lead in child abuse prevention, and it involves public policy changes, research, education, and clinical care.

Dr. Bev Evans, professor and chair of pediatrics, said the Medical Center was fortunate to have recruited Benton from New Orleans Children’s Hospital and Louisiana State University (LSU), where he had developed a national reputation in his field.

“He will be a resource for various state agencies, law enforcement and child advocacy organizations and provide needed education for students, residents and other learners,” Evans said.

Benton earned the BS magna cum laude at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette in 1988 and the MD at the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans in 1992, where he also completed residency training in pediatrics in 1995. Before joining the faculty July 1, he was clinical associate professor of pediatrics at the LSU Health Sciences Center and the Tulane University Health Sciences Center and director of the LSU Pediatric Forensic Medicine Fellowship.

Benton said he sees similarities between Mississippi and Louisiana. They both share poverty and substandard educational systems in some areas, which often lead to parents who are ill-equipped to raise children.

Benton wants to educate health professionals about what they’re seeing in child abuse cases, including training resident physicians on how to respond in cases where child abuse is suspected. He said physicians can refer suspected abuse cases to him for follow-up care and court cases, freeing them to concentrate on their practices.

Benton said he’s guided by the rule of truth, and that a person accused of abuse may not be guilty of the crime.

“I am as happy when justice is meted to a torturer of children as when someone has been exonerated. I go the way of the truth,” Benton said.

Because the Medical Center has a Level 1 trauma center and treats a large number of pregnant women, Benton believes those are good resources for research programs and to educate new parents.

“A child’s vulnerability to being murdered starts from Day 1. We need to educate parents before and at birth,” he said.

Benton said he looks forward to working with health professionals, social workers, law enforcement officials, child advocates, and state leaders to address the safety and care of children in Mississippi.

Herzog appointed to state Board of Mental Health

Governor Haley Barbour has appointed Dr. James D. Herzog, of Jackson, to the State Board of Mental Health, which serves as the governing body of the Department of Mental Health (DMH). As a member of this board, Herzog will work to ensure continuity of quality care and professional oversight of services administered through DMH. “Providing quality healthcare, both physical and mental, is one of state government’s most vital functions,” Governor Barbour said.

“I appreciate Dr. Herzog’s commitment to ensuring the best care for Mississippians; he will be a welcome addition to this board.” Herzog is a clinical psychologist and has been self-employed for 18 years. He previously worked in clinical psychology at the Jackson Mental Health Center as well as Keesler Medical Center’s Mental Health Clinic. Additionally, Herzog serves as a consultant to Catholic Charities in Jackson; G.V. Sonny Montgomery V.A. Medical Center; Region 8 Mental Health Center; and the State Department of Rehabilitation Disability Determination Services. Former president of the Mississippi Psychological Association, Herzog also serves as a former member of Mississippi State Board of Psychology.

Herzog earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Creighton University. He earned a master’s degree as well as a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Mississippi. Herzog and his wife, Angela, have two children, John Thomas and Anna.

U.S. News recognizes UMHC for heart care

One of the nation’s premier weekly news magazines has listed University of Mississippi Health Care (UMHC) among the country’s finest health care institutions in treating coronary artery disease (CAD).

In its July 21 issue, U.S. News & World Report ranks the top health care providers who take part in Get with the Guidelines, an award-winning quality improvement program by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association.

UMHC is listed as a recipient of the Silver Performance Achievement Award for maintaining 12 consecutive months of 85-percent-or-higher adherence to all performance measures for CAD.

“We are very proud of the hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence of our cardiologists,” said Dr. Scott Stringer, president of University Physicians. “This effort has resulted in great improvements in the lives of Mississippians suffering from heart failure.

“We are indeed fortunate to have one of the most talented groups of cardiologists in the nation.” CAD is a condition caused by the thickening of the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, sometimes resulting in heart attack. By promoting the latest evidence-based treatment for patients with CAD, heart failure and stroke, Get with the Guidelines improves health and saves lives.

For more information about Get with the Guidelines, visit the Web site.

Putt named COO of University Health Systems

David Putt will assume the post of interim chief operating officer for the University Hospitals and Health System (UHHS) of the University of Mississippi Medical Center on Aug. 18. He follows Dr. Will Ferniany, CEO of UHHS since 2005, who has been named CEO of the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) Health System.

Dr. Dan Jones, vice chancellor for health affairs, announced Putt’s interim appointment. He had been chief operating officer for the UHHS and had served as interim CEO of the hospital system in 2005-2006. “In his first term as interim, David presided over a system under serious financial strain. He now assumes leadership of a system with a stronger financial position, stronger management team and staff, and much improved measures of quality. I’m grateful for David’s ability and willingness to step in and provide real leadership.”

Ferniany is going back to his home state where he began his career in hospital administration. “Will has been a transformational leader, bringing about needed change. His departure is deeply regretted, but we wish him well as he takes on this new professional challenge.” During Ferniany’s tenure, the hospital system was named a Thomson HealthCare Top 100 Hospital.

Central Mississippi Medical Center Names Employees of the Quarter

At a recent Service Awards Ceremony, Central Mississippi Medical Center named its Employees of the Quarter for the Third Quarter 2008. Mary Moncrief, Environmental Services, was named the Employee of the Quarter. Tammy Renfroe, OR Director, was named the Department Manager of the Quarter. Roxane Moncure, Wound Care, received the Nursing Excellence of the Quarter Award.

The Environmental Services Department was thrilled when they heard that Mary Moncrief was coming back to work at the hospital last year. Moncrief joined the department in 1999 and left for brief period of time in 2007. She now ensures that the Emergency Department as clean as can be in keeping with her motto to, “do my best and give good quality service.”

Craig Montgomery, Director of the Environmental Services Department is one of several who believe that Moncrief is true to her motto.

“Mary is a dedicated, compassionate employee at CMMC. Her sense of urgency and willingness to assist others has earned high praises from the Emergency Department staff. We are proud to have Mary as a member of our team.”

Moncrief and her husband Perry, have four children – Mario, Edward, Mary and Marquitta. They reside in south Jackson and attend Caney Creek Church of Christ Holiness.

Tammy Renfroe is the only award recipient for the Third Quarter 2008 to have won the award twice – once as the Employee of the Quarter in 2005 and now as a Department Manager.

Renfroe was nominated for the award this year because of her work with her staff. According to Carol McCullough, Chief Nursing Officer, “Tammy is the kind of manager that works with her staff and for that she is greatly appreciated. She is respected by her peers, her staff and the surgeons.”

Renfroe is a graduate of the Hinds Community College School of Nursing where she received the Star Student Award. She is an RNFA, CNOR and a member of AORN.

She and her husband, Todd, have a son, Hunter. The family resides in Crystal Springs, MS, and attends Kalem Methodist Church.

Compassionate and dedicated are often used to describe CMMC’s Nursing Excellence Award recipient, Roxane Moncure, RN. “Compassionate,” because she has chosen some of the more challenging units (Home Health and Wound Management) to work in. “Dedicated,” because she has been providing patient care at CMMC for over 26 years.

Moncure obtained an Associate Degree from Hinds Junior College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mississippi College. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. “I have worked with Roxane in different departments in the HMA system for over 20 years. When I hired her, I had absolutely no reservations on my decision. I know she is a very hard worker, conscientious, and her care for her patients always comes first and foremost. She is a delight to work with,” said Cindy Buck, Director of the Wound Care Center.

When she is not taking care of patients at the hospital, Moncure takes care of patients in Mexico. She recently returned from a mission trip to Cotija, Mexico with St. Richard’s Catholic Church. She and medical professionals throughout the US provided care to patients at the local hospital in the surgical suite. Friends will tell you that after 28 years, Moncure is just as devoted to her marriage to her husband Dale, as she is to her calling. The couple has three children, Brittany, Nicole and Chris. The family resides in Jackson.

Dr. Olutade Named Physician of the Quarter at CMMC

Tunde Olutade, M.D., a urologist at Central Mississippi Medical Center in practice with Jackson Nephrology Associates, received the hospital’s Physician of the Quarter award. The award was established by the Physician Relations Committee at CMMC to recognize the outstanding performance of physicians who contribute to the care and well being of CMMC’s patients. The criteria for the award are based on dedication, compassion, professional competence, attitude and ability to work well with staff members at CMMC.

Dr. Olutade received several nominations for the award. Comments about his professionalism, politeness and kindness to patients were echoed in each nomination.

Dr. Olutade is a US Citizen, born in Lagos, Nigeria. He received a Doctor of Medicine degree from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where he completed an internship and residency training. In 1988, he became a Fellow in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension in the Department of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Emory affiliated hospitals in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Olutade was a Fellow at Emory University School of Medicine in 1990-1991 and again in 1995-1996.

Dr. Olutade is a member of the Regional Leadership Council, American Diabetes Association in Jackson, MS; Mississippi Medical and Surgical Association; Medical Advisory Board, National Kidney Foundation of Georgia; American Society of Hypertension; American Medical Association; and a Charter Member of the Internationals Society for Hypertension in Blacks.

Dr. Olutade has written numerous clinical documents. He is a recipient of The Tinsley Harrison Award for the best original manuscript on a clinical research topic published in 1998 in the America Journal of Medical Sciences.