Media Releases 2005

DUAL DIAGNOSIS UNIT REOPENS AT RIVERSIDE BEHAVIORAL CENTER (12/05)
Having being closed since hurricane Charley came ripping through Southwest Alabama, the dual diagnosis unit at Riverside Behavioral Center in Tuscaloosa is now reopen and accepting patients.

Riverside Behavioral Center houses three distinct units: a 27-bed adult unit, a 10-bed dual diagnosis unit, and a 15-bed geriatric unit each with programs tailored to meet individual needs. "The dual diagnosis program we offer is generally a 3-5 day detox program," said Steve Albrecht, Administrator. "We also offer alternatives to inpatient treatment programs, such as our Partial Hospitalization program." The partial hospitalization program treats patients Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. There is also a less intense 2-hour Monday evening support group. The only entrance requirement is that the individual has previously been a patient at Riverside.

"There is a very distinct need for dual diagnosis unit within County," said Albrecht. "We are very excited to once again be able to meet that need."

Riverside Behavioral Center is a private psychiatric receiving facility and chemical dependency hospital located on the campus of Regional Medical Center. They offer a comprehensive range of specialized programs designed to be responsive to individual and community needs. For more information, call 205-752-5050.


Regional Welcomes Connie Murray as New Case Management Director (11/05)
Regional Medical Center is proud to introduce Connie Murray as their new Case Management Director. Murray will be responsible for case management and discharge planning.

Murray has 25 years experience specializing in case management and utilization review. Murray was instrumental in developing the Home IV program now used across the United States. She received an award for her nursing research and education and has been published in the American Journal of Nursing. Murray holds a MS in Nursing from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.


Stepping Into Fitness: Crosstown Gaiters Kicks-Off on December 1 (11/05)
Each year, thousands of Americans make a New Year's Resolution to become healthier. "I'm going to start eating healthier" and "I'm going to start working out" are phrases heard in almost any home or office and at nearly every social event or gathering of friends. Usually, the conviction behind the resolution fades after a few weeks, and the whole cycle is repeated the following New Year's Eve with the same resolution repeated year after year.

On December 1, Regional Medical Center will kick off a program that will help you keep that New Year's Resolution. Teaming up with the Port Town Center Mall, RMC introduces its Crosstown Gaiters mall walking program. The "course" at Town Center Mall is a ¾-mile trek with stops at 12 separate exercise and stretching stations.

Upon joining Crosstown Gaiters, each participant receives a Crosstown Gaiters tee-shirt and a pedometer to track steps. Perhaps most importantly, each participant also receives a booklet identifying the benefits of walking, proposing tips for starting a walking program, and offering instruction on how to customize a walking program designed specifically for that individual. Additionally, each month, participants will be given a different activity to enjoy.

No more broken resolutions. Join the kick-off at Port 's Town Center Mall at 8 a.m. on Thursday, December 1. This year, impress your friends by sticking to your New Year's Resolution to become healthy and fit. Step into fitness with Crosstown Gaiters and have a little fun while you're at it!


The Lab at RMC is Awarded Accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (12/05)
After recently undergoing a rigid on-site inspection by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), RMC's laboratory is pleased to announce that it passed inspection and has earned national recognition and accreditation.

Recognized internationally, CAP is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The accreditation program helps laboratories achieve the highest standards of excellence in order to positively impact patient care. "We take pride in providing the highest quality laboratory services to our community. Our success in the inspection process is a credit to our highly qualified and dedicated staff," said Kevin MacNevin, Laboratory Administrative Director. "They are to be congratulated for their efforts in earning the accreditation."


RMC Employees Adopt Soldiers for the Holidays (12/05)
After listening to her daughter, Spc. Danielle Ferrero, talk about fellow soldiers in Iraq who never received letters or care packages from family or friends in the U.S.A., Brenda Neuman (of Regional Medical Center's Cardiac Cath Lab), decided to do something about it. Neuman asked her daughter to gather the names of soldiers whose mailboxes were always empty. In April of this year, Neuman received the names of three soldiers, brought the names into work, and spread the word that she was looking for co-workers to "adopt" these soldiers, sending them letters and care packages.

Chris Miller and others from Regional's Respiratory Department were intrigued and said they wanted to adopt all three of the soldiers. "The bottom line is that these kids are over there putting their lives on the line in the name of freedom," said Miller. "We wanted them to know that we truly appreciate their sacrifice and that they are in our thoughts and prayers."

Banding together, the Respiratory Department bought all kinds of goodies to send to the soldiers. They collected junk food, magazines, footballs, CDs, small games, decks of cards, and similar items. When Miller's office became so packed that she could barely move around, she knew it was time to mail the care packages. The department wrapped everything in pretty tissue paper and bows and sent two huge boxes stuffed with goodies to the three soldiers in Iraq.

Overwhelmed, the soldiers wrote back thanking the Regional for sending such a wonderful surprise. Neuman knew that she had started something that she just couldn't stop. Besides, she had other departments begging her to give them the name of a soldier to adopt.

Early last month, Neuman gathered the names of 32 more soldiers from her daughter and this time posted a board in the cafeteria displaying the names of the soldiers. Her sign asked employees to adopt a soldier for the holidays. Neuman even went so far as to supply US Customs forms and boxes for those who picked out a name. Within two days, all the names on the bulletin board were snatched up. Neuman stuck the 32 names up on the board for a second time, and again they were gone within two days.

Neuman's daughter and the rest of her platoon are expected to return to the states this February. After the soldiers return, Neuman is hoping to gather the names of local soldiers who would appreciate some care packages. However, so far she hasn't had much luck. "I can't get anyone to give me names of local soldiers," she says with a frown. "They say it is a security risk." But Neuman isn't giving up hope. She's determined to keep inspiring others to send some love overseas.


RMC Presents 2205-752-5050 Mini Medical School Lecture Series (11/05)
Start stocking your little black bag! Regional Medical Center presents the return of its popular annual physician lecture series, Mini Medical School.

Educate yourself on the healthcare issues that are important to you. Mini Medical School physician lecture series features some of Southwest Alabama's leading physicians communicating new information about specific healthcare topics and addressing your concerns. There is no better way to become familiar with, understand, and learn more about today's healthcare issues relevant to you, your family members, and your community.

"We look forward to presenting the lecture series each year because it is an excellent medium for communicating new information about healthcare issues to our local residents," said Danielle Dreher, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at RMC. Dreher added that this is the eighth season the hospital has been partnering with Edison College on the lecture series.

Lectures begin on December 6 and are then held bi-monthly from January 10 until March 14, 2006. The lectures, held at Edison College's auditorium, feature informational packets, refreshments, and blood pressure screenings as well.

Sign up for Mini Medical School today to learn important, life-changing information to store in your own "little black bag."