Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Press Releases

Colby is promoted to director of Ambulatory Services at Children's Hospital

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Holly Colby, MS, RN, has been promoted to director of Ambulatory Services at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. In this role, Colby will lead the operations of medical and surgical subspecialty clinics. She will help develop and improve ambulatory operations, including implementation of an electronic health record system. Colby began working for Children's Hospital in 1977. Since 2001, she served as an advanced practice nurse for Ambulatory Services and manager of the Special Needs Program. She was clinic manager for the Pulmonary, Dermatology/Laser, Neurology, Asthma/Allergy and Craniofacial clinics between 1998 and 2001. Prior to 1998, Colby held supervisory and nursing roles within Children's Hospital. Colby has received numerous professional awards, including a 2006 Nursing Leadership Excellence award from Children's Hospital. She also received the Maternal Child Health Leadership Program Award from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and Sigma Theta Tau in 2010, and the Excellence in Nursing Research Award from the Society of Pediatric Nursing in 2010. Colby earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Colby lives with her husband in Okauchee, Wis. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It has been named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Kryger is appointed medical director of Urology Program

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has appointed John V. Kryger, MD, medical director of its Pediatric Urology Program. Kryger also has been appointed professor of Urology (Pediatric Urology) and chief of the Division of Pediatric Urology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Kryger is board certified in Urology and Pediatric Urology. He also is a fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and Society of Pediatric Urology. Kryger is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric urology. He is president-elect of the Society for Fetal Urology. He has been named on the Best Doctors in AmericaÒ and America's Top Physicians lists continuously since 2005. Additionally, Dr. Kryger is the Wisconsin representative to the North Central Section of the American Urology Association, as well as secretary/treasurer and a past president of the Wisconsin Urologic Society. Kryger earned his medical degree at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. He completed a residency in Urology at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison. He completed a fellowship in Pediatric Urology at Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit. He held many leadership roles during his time at UW-Madison's School of Medicine and American Family Children's Hospital, including director of Pediatric Urology and the Residency Program, president of the UW Medical School Alumni Association and the Dean's Advisory Council, and co-chairman of the UW Health Strategic Planning Leadership Council. He also is a graduate of the Physician Leadership Development Program. Kryger specializes in all aspects of pediatric urology, particularly management of children with disorders of sexual development and neurologic bladder conditions. His research interests have included the study of the impact of environmental toxins on reproductive tract development. Kryger will practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin clinics in Wauwatosa, Green Bay and Summit, Wis. He and his wife, Lynn, reside in Brookfield, Wis. Learn more about the Urology Clinic at Children's Hospital at chw.org/urology. About Children's Hospital Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It has been named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org. About the Medical College The Medical College is the state's only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. Founded in 1893, it is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and service. Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled in the Medical College's medical school and graduate school programs. A major national research center, it is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY 2009 -10, faculty received approximately $161 million in external support for research, teaching, training and related purposes, of which $148 million is for research. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, College faculty direct or collaborate on more than 2,000 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,250 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine for more than 400,000 patients annually.

Kuhlmann is appointed director of Fetal Concerns Center of Wisconsin

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has named Randall Kuhlmann, MD, PhD, FACOG, program director of the Fetal Concerns Center of Wisconsin. The center is a joint program of Children's Hospital, Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Kuhlmann is a professor and chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the Medical College. He is the director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Children's Hospital. He leads the Fetal Concerns Center with three co-directors: pediatric surgeon Casey Calkins, MD; pediatric cardiologist Michele Frommelt, MD; and neonatologist Steven Leuthner, MD, MA. The center's physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other specialists coordinate care when a pregnancy is complicated by a birth defect. The program offers diagnosis, education, counseling and treatment options, including fetal intervention individualized to each family's unique needs. Kuhlmann earned his medical and doctorate degrees at the Medical College in Milwaukee. He completed a residency in OB/GYN at East Virginia Graduate School of Medicine in Norfolk, Va. He also completed a fellowship in OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine at East Virginia Graduate School of Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is board certified in Maternal and Fetal Medicine and OB/GYN. He resides in Brookfield with his wife, Carol. Learn more about the Fetal Concerns Center at chw.org/fetalconcerns. About Children's Hospital Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It has been named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org. About Froedtert Hospital Froedtert Hospital is a 500-bed academic medical center staffed by faculty of the Medical College of Wisconsin. It serves as an eastern Wisconsin referral center for advanced medical practice care in 37 specialties and subspecialties. It is a major training and research facility with more than 1,000 medical, nursing and health technical students in training and over 2,000 active clinical trials each year. Froedtert, a member of Froedtert Health, operates the region's only adult Level I Trauma Center. For more information, visit froedtert.com. About the Medical College The Medical College is the state's only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. Founded in 1893, it is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and service. Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled in the Medical College's medical school and graduate school programs. A major national research center, it is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY 2009 -10, faculty received approximately $161 million in external support for research, teaching, training and related purposes, of which $148 million is for research. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, College faculty direct or collaborate on more than 2,000 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,250 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine for more than 400,000 patients annually.

Children's Hospital names new chief financial officer

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Weldon Gage has been named corporate vice president and chief financial officer of Children's Hospital and Health System. Since 2005, Gage has been with Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, serving as vice president of Finance for the past three years. He has held key financial roles with The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, a $3 billion organization also located in Houston, and Hendrick Medical Center, in Abilene, Texas. Gage will join Children's Monday, Jan. 30. Gage will provide the vision and business leadership for financial management for the health system. He will partner with other system leaders to pursue growth and expansion opportunities, measure performance, identify and control business risks, and increase the benefit to the organization and to the children and communities served. Gage has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. He also has a Master of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. He and his wife, Wendy, will relocate to the Milwaukee area. Children's Hospital and Health System is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the health system's flagship member, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States, named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Other health system entities include Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children's Medical Group, Children's Physician Group, Children's Specialty Group, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Health Education Center, Children's Research Institute and Children's Community Health Plan. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million back into the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. For more information visit the website at chw.org.

MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders selected as Pediatric Phase 1 Center by the Children's Oncology Group

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin was recently selected as a Phase 1 Center by the Children's Oncology Group. The designation is an elite award given to only 21 centers in the world. The MACC Fund Center is the only site in Wisconsin to offer early phase clinical research to children suffering from cancer. This designation is a great benefit to the children being treated at Children's Hospital and their families. Patients who no longer benefit from traditional cancer treatments may now have the opportunity to participate in a clinical study with a trusted healthcare team who are close to home, rather than traveling out of state. "We want to offer the best treatments to our patients and being able to offer these cutting-edge therapies puts us at the forefront of treating childhood cancer," said Michael E. Kelly, MD, PhD, director of Pediatric Oncology at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and associate professor of Pediatric Hematology at The Medical College of Wisconsin. "This raises the bar for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and for research on our campus and across the state," added Dr. Kelly. Dr. Kelly's team of physicians, nurse practitioners and researchers were the driving force in achieving this distinction. However, the continuous monetary support of the MACC Fund allowed for the clinical research infrastructure to be developed. "The investment made by the MACC Fund is a vital component to our success. Without their support, our program would not be able to offer these treatments to our patients," stated Kelly. About Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It has been named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org. About The Medical College of Wisconsin The Medical College of Wisconsin is the state's only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. Founded in 1893, it is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and service. Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled in the Medical College's medical school and graduate school programs. A major national research center, it is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY 2009 -10, faculty received approximately $161 million in external support for research, teaching, training and related purposes, of which $148 million is for research. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, College faculty direct or collaborate on more than 2,000 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,250 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine for more than 400,000 patients annually.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's groundbreaking work prevents bloodstream infections

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, along with 72 hospitals with 91 teams from pediatric and cardiac intensive care units around the country, is participating in groundbreaking work in preventing bloodstream infections among hospitalized children and has saved the pediatric health care system more than $100 million. Thomas Rice, MD, medical director, critical care services, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin; professor and chief, Pediatric Critical Care, The Medical College of Wisconsin, co-authored the findings that were published in the October 2011 issue of Pediatrics. The Quality Transformation Network team at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin includes members from the PICU, Central Access Team, Pharmacy and Outcomes Department. Those team members are: Rainer Gedeit, MD, program director, Pediatric Intensive Care and medical director, Respiratory Therapy, Children's Hospital; associate professor, Pediatric Critical Care, The Medical College; Robert Niebler, MD, pediatric critical care services, Children's Hospital; assistant professor, Pediatric Critical Care, The Medical College; Deb Soetenga, APN, Krista Colpaert, RN, Mary Rotar, RN, Cecilia Lang, APN, Jeanne Braby, APN, Linda Flannery, RN, Kristen Werginz, RN, Laura Shea, RN, Teresa Schaefer, RN, Denise Triscari, RPh, Michelle Yenter, RN, Anna Kaufman, RN, Kristina Pallett, RN and Melissa North, RN. "The power of our success to save lives and money comes from collaborating with other children's hospitals combined with the strong team approach we have adopted here that includes hospital leadership, staff and families," Said Dr. Gedeit. Children's Hospital's pediatric intensive care unit has participated in work since 2006 and decreased the number of bloodstream infections by more than 70 percent; preventing 97 infections and saving more than $3 million. After five years of quality improvement in pediatric intensive care and hematology/oncology units, children's hospitals in the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) Quality Transformation Network are estimated to have saved 355 lives, prevented 2,964 central line infections and passed $103 million in cost savings. The Return on investment for the network of participating hospitals is 36:1; that is, for every dollar in participation fees, $36 dollars in healthcare costs have been saved. The National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) Quality Transformation Network is the largest safety and quality improvement network in pediatrics. Using a model distinguished by collaboration combined with rigorous methodologies, tightly coordinated implementation, and rich large data sets, participating hospitals are achieving improvements at lower cost, more efficiently, and faster than any single hospital can achieve working independently. About Children's Hospital and Health System Children's Hospital and Health System is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well being of children. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the health system's flagship member, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States, named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Other health system entities include Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children's Medical Group, Children's Physician Group, Children's Specialty Group, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Health Education Center, Children's Research Institute and Children's Community Health Plan. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million back into the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. For more information visit the website at chw.org.

Herbst named vice president of Child Welfare

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Amy Herbst, MSW, has been promoted to vice president of Child Welfare at Children's Service Society of Wisconsin. Herbst is responsible for providing direction and leadership to ensure Children's Service Society achieves its mission, vision, strategies, annual goals and objectives. Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, is the state's largest private, not-for-profit provider of child welfare services. Herbst has been employed with Children's Service Society for more than 13 years and has held the interim vice president role since June 2011. Prior to that, she has held various leadership positions at Children's Service Society including area supervisor, area director, area vice president and executive director. Herbst has been instrumental in providing leadership for many important initiatives. "Amy is a strong leader who is dedicated to the well-being of children," said Bob Duncan, executive vice president of Community Services for Children's Hospital and Health System and president of Children's Service Society. "She is an advocate for children and families in our care and is focused on remaining true to our core mission." Herbst received a bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at UW–Whitewater, where she also is on the advisory board of the department of Social Work. In addition, Herbst is a member of the governing board of the Wisconsin Association of Family and Children's Agencies. Herbst and her husband, Chris, live in Wauwatosa, Wis., with their three children. About Children's Hospital and Health System Children's Hospital and Health System is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the health system's flagship member, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States, named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Other health system entities include Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children's Medical Group, Children's Physician Group, Children's Specialty Group, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Health Education Center, Children's Research Institute and Children's Community Health Plan. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million back into the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. For more information visit the website at chw.org.

Success Reported by Making Milwaukee Smile

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Local officials and representatives from Milwaukee organizations gathered on December 6 to release the report on the success of a three-year Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program impact award focusing on oral health care coordination in Milwaukee school-based oral health programs and increasing medical providers' role in addressing dental disease. The partners of Making Milwaukee Smile (MMS) worked to achieve three main objectives: reduce the proportion of children in Starms Schools with urgent oral health needs by 15 percent; increase participation in Columbia St. Mary's school-based oral health program by 30 percent; increase the role of 100 health care providers in addressing oral disease. As a result of MMS, urgent oral health needs in the Starms School had a net decrease of 50 percent. Additionally, children with early treatment needs decreased from 68 percent to 46 percent, a 32 percent decrease in the number of children with disease. Since 2008, participation in the CSM Smart Smiles program has increased from 50 percent to 77 percent, a 53 percent increase as a result of efforts of the oral health care coordinator provided by MMS. Finally, MMS partners trained 151 primary care providers on performing oral health risk assessments, providing anticipatory guidance and applying fluoride varnish. Many of the providers trained have now incorporated new oral health practices into their day-to-day care plans. Tooth decay is the single most common chronic disease of childhood, occurring five times more frequently than asthma and seven times more often than hay fever. Statistics from the Wisconsin 2008 Make Your Smile Count third grade oral health survey showed children in Milwaukee to have an untreated decay rate of 37.5 percent, far higher than the state average of 20 percent.In Milwaukee school-based oral health programs, over half of children screened were diagnosed with untreated dental disease. In attendance, to announce the findings on Dec. 6, were Sen. Spencer Coggs, Sen. Chris Larson and Ald. Willie Hines. During the opening remarks, Hines praised the work of the partnership: "The results of this project are very, very encouraging. I'm optimistic and hopeful that we'll be able to take this to other schools and other cities, so other inner city kids can be able to appreciate the importance of dental hygiene and good oral health."

Norell named operations and project director

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Brett Norell, MPH, MHA, FACHE, of Brookfield, Wis., has been named operations and project director at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. In this new role, Norell will coordinate and implement a wide range of projects and programs on behalf of the president of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin to advance strategic plan and annual goals of the hospital and its parent organization, Children's Hospital and Health System. Norell has held a variety of roles at Children's Hospital including administrative fellow, operations manager for Surgical Specialties and Pulmonary Services, ambulatory manager, and most recently business manager for Surgical Services. Norell earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and master's degrees in Public Health and Health Administration from the University of Iowa. He has served as a board member for the American College of Healthcare Executives Wisconsin chapter since 2003 and will begin a term as president of the association in January 2012. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It has been named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Penn State scandal highlights that adults need to take responsibility

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The recent situation at Penn State reinforces what we already know. Statistics show 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday. Less than 10 percent of these children will ever tell anyone what happened to them. In the Penn State case, someone witnessed the abuse. Yet, apparently it was never reported to the police who could have investigated and taken action to prevent this from happening to other children. About 90 percent of the sexual abuse cases involve a person close to and known to a child. And usually, an adult knows that something is going on and he or she does nothing about it. Children are not responsible for their own protection. Adults are responsible for protecting children. You, reader, are responsible for keeping children safe. You don't have to be able to prove the abuse is happening. If you suspect, you must report. It's as simple as that. It doesn't matter what profession you are in or what relationship you have to the child, if any. Every adult has this responsibility. You can report as a concerned citizen, as an adult who wants to be sure children are safe. Keep in mind that:

Abuse can happen to any child, regardless of a family's wealth, education or status in the community.
We all have a role to play in the development of our children and that includes becoming involved in situations where a child's well being is or can be jeopardized.
Situations such as this could result in lifelong difficulties for a child, including a greater potential for mental health and medical issues, substance abuse, delinquency and criminal behavior. These cost our nation $104 billion annually to remediate when abuse and neglect is not prevented.

The Penn State situation highlights the extraordinary power people have to hide abuse. And when people hide it, it's difficult for a child to come forward and to talk about it. Adults in their lives must take responsibility to protect them. Understanding what keeps child victims of sexual abuse silent is easy. They fear that revealing the abuse will bring harm to them or those they love, they will lose affection and they may be punished. Child sexual abuse is a crime that thrives in a climate of silence, secrecy and shame. Fear is what offenders count on as they groom their victims. When child victims do come forward, you must believe them and take action so that the abuse can stop and the child can begin to heal. Our message to kids is to continue to tell someone until you are believed and an adult takes action to protect you. In Milwaukee when a report of child sexual abuse is made to the police or the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, there is a partnership in place to ensure the abuse ends, the child has a safe place to talk about what happened and the child and his or her family get all the services they need to start healing. The Child Protection Center of Children's Hospital is a child advocacy center that responds to allegations of abuse and is part of that partnership. So, how can you prevent this from happening to a child you know and love? Keep your eyes open and ears tuned in to all of the adults spending time with kids in your community, and trust your instincts if something does not seem right. If you see a relationship between an adult and child taking a suspicious turn, open the lines of communication with the child and watch the relationship closely. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin makes it a priority to work with children and families through primary prevention, early intervention and treatment. Awareness to Action is a statewide program supported by Child Abuse Prevention Fund at Children's Hospital and the Wisconsin Children's Trust Fund. Awareness to Action runs the Stewards of Children workshop which is offered throughout the state and helps adults understand what they can do to prevent child sexual abuse from happening. Adults learn what they can do if they suspect abuse is occurring with a child they know. You can find a workshop close to you on the A2AWisconsin.org website. Your call to action: Be vigilant. Don't sweep concerning behavior under the rug. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, make a report to your local child protective services organization. Attend a Stewards of Children education session and learn how to keep this from happening in the first place. We are all interested in raising healthy children. Please step up and do your part to keep them safe. Jennifer Hammel, Director Child Abuse Prevention Fund Mark Lyday, Director   Child Advocacy and Protection Services   Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin's 16th annual Bids for Kids raises

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, an organization committed to building, sustaining and enhancing a nurturing environment for Wisconsin children, recently held its 16th annual Bids for Kids event at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. The event raised more than $100,000 through sponsorships and silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit children and families across Wisconsin by helping to provide safe, nurturing foster and adoptive homes, child and family counseling, respite care, crisis intervention and many other needed services. The event's sponsors included Associated Bank, Baker Tilly, Godfrey & Kahn, s.c., Humana, InPro Corporation and Johnson Controls, Inc. Children's Service Society is the state's largest private, not-for-profit provider of child welfare services. From offices and family resource centers throughout the state, Children's Service Society offers activities and programs in four core service areas: out of-home care; child and family counseling; public child welfare; and prevention services. Children's Service Society is a member of Children's Hospital and Health System. The health system is able to fulfill its mission thanks in part to philanthropic gifts and support from members of the community. For more information, visit www.cssw.org.

Medical College Blood and Marrow Transplant Programs at Children's Hospital and Froedtert Hospital Achieve Continuous International Accreditation for 10 Years

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) has awarded a three-year re-accreditation to The Medical College of Wisconsin's Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) program for pediatric and adult autologous and allogeneic transplantation at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital. The blood stem cell collection program and cellular therapy product processing program, performed by BloodCenter of Wisconsin and the Froedtert & the Medical College cellular processing facility respectively, were also re-accredited. The Medical College BMT program is a combined effort of the Medical College, Children's Hospital, Froedtert Hospital, and BloodCenter and has been continuously accredited by FACT since 2001. "Our continuous re-accreditation over the last decade is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our teams at each institution who contribute to our world-class transplant program," said David Margolis, M.D, professor of pediatrics at the Medical College, and program director for the Medical College BMT Program at Children's Hospital. "Our program provides outstanding patient care, enabled by the combining the expertise and resources of the four institutions." Accredited facilities have met rigorous standards, as defined by the leading experts in the field, including the latest knowledge in the field of stem cell transplant, and in compliance with governmental regulations. To achieve accreditation, institutions submit documentation and are then visited on-site for inspections of all clinical care, bone marrow and peripheral blood cellular therapy product collection, and cellular product processing facilities. Accredited facilities in the U.S. and Canada are listed on the FACT Web Site at www.factwebsite.org.

Repaired heart defects impact health later in life

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:00:00 GMT

What: Patients and families affected by congenital heart disease should understand the unique issues and concerns faced by adults born with heart defects, including medical passports, health insurance, pregnancy and birth control, exercise, use of alcohol and tobacco, tattoos and body piercing. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Adult Congenital Heart Disease Association will host an informational meeting. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet and discuss adult congenital heart disease questions with doctors, other health care professionals, fellow attendees and representatives from the Adult Congenital Heart Association. Why: Advances in pediatric and cardiothoracic surgery mean there now are more than a million adults with congenital heart disease living in the United States. However, the simplest repaired heart defects can impact patients as they get older. Patients may have long-term complications, including heart and non-heart related problems. A new specialty, Adult Congenital Heart Disease, has begun to treat this unique population. Children's Hospital has one of the few Adult Congenital Heart Disease programs nationwide. Two of the less than 40 doctors nationwide with this experience, Michael Earing, MD, and Peter Bartz, MD, see patients at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Who: Patients and families affected by congenital heart disease. When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19. Where: Briggs & Stratton Auditorium, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Ronald Nakamura joins Children's Hospital and Health System

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Ronald Nakamura has joined Children's Hospital and Health System as director of Managed Care/Contracting. In this role, Nakamura will be responsible for the oversight of all managed care activities including strategic planning, contract negotiations, employer, broker and health plan relationship development, analysis and implementation of the system's contract portfolio. Prior to joining Children's Hospital and Health System, Nakamura served as director of managed care contracting at Froedert Health, Inc. in Milwaukee. Nakamura also has held executive management and consulting positions with United Healthcare of Wisconsin, Zimmerman & Associates and Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. Nakamura earned a bachelor's degree in health information management from the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center and a master of business administration degree from the School of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Nakamura also is a registered health information administrator. About Children's Hospital and Health System Children's Hospital and Health System is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the health system's flagship member, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States, named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Other health system entities include Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children's Medical Group, Children's Physician Group, Children's Specialty Group, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Health Education Center, Children's Research Institute and Children's Community Health Plan. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million back into the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. For more information visit the website at chw.org.

Schum named medical director of Downtown Health Center

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and The Medical College of Wisconsin have named Timothy Schum, MD, medical director of the Downtown Health Center. In his new role, Dr. Schum will provide medical leadership for the center, 1020 N. 12th St., Milwaukee. The Downtown Health Center was established in 1984 as a joint venture between Children's Hospital and the Medical College to improve health and advance health equity for the most vulnerable children in Milwaukee through an academic medical home that focuses on high quality, integrated, conveniently located care and pediatric residency training. Dr. Schum completed his medical degree at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He also completed his internship, pediatric residency and fellowship in medical education at the Medical College. He is an associate professor at the Medical College and a member of Children's Specialty Group. He is board certified in Pediatrics (lifetime certification). Dr. Schum, father of five, lives in West Allis with his wife. For more information about the Downtown Health Center, visit chw.org/dhc. About Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It has been named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org. About Medical College of Wisconsin The Medical College of Wisconsin is the state's only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. Founded in 1893, it is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and service. Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled in the Medical College's medical school and graduate school programs. A major national research center, it is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY 2009 -10, faculty received approximately $161 million in external support for research, teaching, training and related purposes, of which $148 million is for research. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, College faculty direct or collaborate on more than 2,000 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,250 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine for more than 400,000 patients annually.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin offers only Concussion Clinic for young athletes up to age 22

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released findings stating "Emergency department visits for sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, among children and adolescents increased by 60 percent during the last decade." Children's Hospital offers the only Concussion Clinic in Milwaukee and Wisconsin for young athletes, up to age 22. Our pediatric sports medicine specialists evaluate children's injuries and offer guidance and education to ensure it's safe for them to return to regular activities, such as school, driving, physical activity or sports. Kevin Walter, MD, program director and associate professor at The Medical College of Wisconsin is a concussion expert and co-authored a study, published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, highlighting guidelines on sports-related concussions. Children's Hospital and Health System is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well being of children. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the health system's flagship member, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It was named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Other health system entities include Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children's Medical Group, Children's Physician Group, Children's Specialty Group, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Research Institute and Children's Community Health Plan. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million back into the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. For more information visit the website at chw.org.

September 28 is Wisconsin's annual Bullying Awareness Day - Act Now! helps schools battle bullying and empower students

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:00:00 GMT

In collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Children's Health Education Center's BlueKids.org e-learning program will announce the evaluation and research results of Act Now! a bullying prevention program for grades 6, 7 and 8. This e-learning, game-based curriculum helps schools battle bullying by empowering bystanders and is currently offered at no cost to schools in Wisconsin. In the 2010-11 school year, 85 schools in 65 districts participated in Act Now! – more than 15,000 students and teachers. What: Carolyn Stanford Taylor, assistant state superintendent, Department of Public Instruction and Bridget Clementi, director of Children's Health Education Center, will introduce and present an overview of the program and other prevention resources for schools statewide. When:1:30 p.m. News conference. 2:20 p.m. Preview Act Now! in action (a select group of eighth grade students will be demonstrating the course). Speakers include: - Carolyn Stanford Taylor, assistant state superintendent - Brian Busler, superintendent, Oregon School District - Bridget Clementi, director, Children's Health Education Center - Jim Pliner, principal, Oregon Middle School, Oregon Wis. - Kolleen Nesheim, teacher, Oregon Middle School - Students, Oregon Middle School Where: Oregon Middle School, 601 Pleasant Oak Drive, Oregon, Wis. Parking is available in the visitor section of the parking lot, located near the front entrance. Overflow parking will be available in the staff section. "Our ongoing research is proving that Act Now! is effective in producing positive changes in knowledge, attitude and behavior. Kids are telling us that they are not afraid to ask for help." said Bridget Clementi, director, Children's Health Education Center. "We know that children learn best in safe, secure, and nurturing learning environments, and as educators, we must always strive to provide that for our children," said State Superintendent Tony Evers. "Act Now! is a good resource we can offer our teachers so they can do their jobs the best they can, helping our children learn and grow, preparing them to become responsible citizens in our communities." Through the generosity of many funding partners, especially Zink the Zebra Foundation, Act Now! will be available at no cost to Wisconsin schools for a limited time. Children's Health Education Center and BlueKids.org e-learning programs offer resources and programs for children, teachers, parents and caregivers to help keep kids healthy and safe. These health education programs are delivered online, at our center or in the classroom. Children's Health Education Center is a member of Children's Hospital and Health System. For more information, visit BlueKids.org.

Chad Linzy joins Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation as vice president Major Gifts

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Chad Linzy has joined Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation as vice president of Major Gifts. In this role, Linzy will be responsible for oversight and operations of the major gifts program for Foundation offices in Milwaukee and Appleton, Wis., and lead staff responsible for the cultivation and solicitation of gifts and pledges from individuals, corporations and foundations. Prior to joining Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Linzy served as vice president of advancement at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in West Terre Haute, Indiana. Linzy also has held executive management positions with philanthropy consulting company, Jerold Panas, Linzy and Partners, Inc., in Chicago, as well as with high profile educational institutions including Butler University in Indianapolis and University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri. Linzy earned a bachelor's degree in political science and telecommunications from the University of Evansville, in Evansville, Indiana and certification in health care resource development from the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Business in Madison, Wisconsin. Linzy also is a certified fundraising executive. About Children's Hospital and Health System Children's Hospital and Health System is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the health system's flagship member, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States, named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Other health system entities include Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children's Medical Group, Children's Physician Group, Children's Specialty Group, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Health Education Center, Children's Research Institute and Children's Community Health Plan. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million back into the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. For more information visit the website at chw.org.

Briggs & Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital raises more than $1 million

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin announced more than $1 million was raised today through Briggs & Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital. "Briggs & Stratton is proud to continue our title sponsorship for this great event," said Laura Timm, director of corporate communications for Briggs & Stratton Corp. "Hundreds of our employees participate every year, affirming our commitment to helping Children's Hospital make a difference in the lives of children in our community. We truly are honored to help mark the 34th anniversary of Briggs & Al's Run & Walk." Event organizer Stacy Bartsch credits individual participants, teams and pledgeraisers, together with the generous support of corporate sponsors such as Briggs & Stratton, Boston Store, Marquette University and Tricom Funding, for the success of this year's event. "The efforts of the pledgeraisers this year were phenomenal," said Bartsch, manager of fundraising for Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation. "Pledges are critical and make the largest difference for our patients." Since 1978, Briggs & Al's Run & Walk has raised more than $13 million for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Gifts and pledges raised help provide medical equipment, train future doctors and nurses, and support research and education programs that help kids get well and stay healthy. Children's Hospital is committed to helping Wisconsin kids be the healthiest children in the country. Top finishers in the men's and women's divisions are: Men: 1. Nick Szczech, 24:50, Cudahy, Wis. 2. Aaron Nodolf, 25:15, Menomonee Falls, Wis. 3. Dominic Maio 25:30, Milwaukee Women: 1. Jessica Monson, 27:57, Powers Lake, Wis. 2. Holly Nearman, 29:09, Milwaukee 3. Cassie Nelson, 29:32, Franklin, Wis For more information about Briggs & Al's Run & Walk, call (414) 266-1520 or visit alsrun.com. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It has been named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Free Booster and Car Seat Safety Check Saturday, Sept. 24

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 06:00:00 GMT

It is important that everyone in a vehicle buckle up for every ride. But how do you know if you have the correct seat for your child? How do you really know if your car seat is correctly installed? Statistics show that more than 90 percent of car seats are not properly installed. What: Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin Coalition, led by Children's Health Education Center, will host a free Booster and Car Seat Safety Check. Certified car seat technicians will assist families to ensure children are riding safely. When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 24 Where: Waukesha Fire Department Station 1, 130 W. St. Paul Ave., Waukesha, Wis. To schedule an appointment, call (414) 765-9355. At the safety check, trained child passenger safety specialists will make certain seats are correctly installed and appropriate for the age and size of the child. "Nationally, nearly 1,700 children die and 230,000 are injured each year as motor vehicle passengers," said Lisa Klindt Simpson, coordinator, Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin. "Some car seats need just a few minor modifications, such as tightening the seat in the vehicle or making the seat's straps fit snugly on the child. However, other seats are too old or have been recalled and require replacement." For more information about child passenger safety, go to safekidswi.org. A member of Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin works to prevent accidental injuries, the leading cause of death among children age 14 and younger. The four-county (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha) coalition combines the expertise of community agencies and individuals to prevent childhood injuries through collaboration, education, policy and advocacy initiatives. Children's Health Education Center, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, is its lead agency. For more information, call (866) 228-5670. Children's Health Education Center and BlueKids.org e-learning programs offer resources and programs for children, teachers, parents and caregivers to help keep kids healthy and safe. These health education programs are delivered online, at our center or in the classroom. For more information, visit BlueKids.org. ###

FM 106.1 Care-A-Van for Kids, presented by Kohl's Cares, raises $130,000

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Care-A-Van for Kids, a two-day radiothon that was broadcast Aug. 25-26 on WMIL FM 106.1, raised more than $130,000 for the Child Abuse Prevention Fund at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. You can still donate by visiting chw.org/careavan. "The Child Abuse Prevention Fund thanks our sponsors and partners who make this radiothon possible," said Jennifer Hammel, director of the fund. "For many years, WMIL FM 106.1 and Kohl's Cares have helped us raise awareness of child abuse and fund home visitation programs that help prevent it," she said. Since 1988, the fund has distributed $9.8 million to support community-based prevention programs throughout Wisconsin. Care-A-Van for Kids is part of a longstanding partnership between Kohl's and Children's Hospital. Kohl's donates 100 percent of the net profit from the sale of special Kohl's Cares items to benefit children's health and education projects nationwide. Locally, Kohl's has raised more than $6 million for Children's Hospital. The Child Abuse Prevention Fund, a special program of Children's Hospital and Health System, was established in 1987 to financially support organizations working to prevent child abuse in Wisconsin. The Child Abuse Prevention Fund's goal is to increase the number of children who are raised in a secure, healthy and nurturing environment. Other health system entities include Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children's Health Education Center, Children's Medical Group, Children's Physician Group, Children's Specialty Group, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Research Institute and Children's Community Health Plan. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information visit the website at chw.org.

A 34-year Milwaukee tradition continues: Briggs & Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Thousands of runners and walkers will hit the pavement Saturday, Sept.17, for the 34th annual Briggs & Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Start line ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. at 12th Street and Wisconsin Avenue on the Marquette University campus in downtown Milwaukee. The 8-kilometer run begins at 10:30 a.m. Walkers will follow the runners on 3- and 5-mile routes. Online registration is available through noon Friday, Sept. 16, at alsrun.com. Day-of registration opens at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, near the event start line. Advance registration is $30 for adult runners, $15 for child runners, $25 for adult and $10 for children walkers 12 and younger. Day-of registration fees are $35, $17, $30 and $12, respectively. All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt. All routes end at Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds), where participants are invited to attend the Finish Line Celebration at the southgate featuring entertainment and an awards ceremony at 12:15 p.m. A health and fitness fair, children's play area and entertainment will be available near the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage. Food and beverages also will be available for purchase on the festival grounds. "This event makes a world of difference for the children and their families who benefit from the top-quality, standard-setting pediatric health care Children's Hospital provides," said Jim Miller, president and CEO, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation. "Corporate sponsors and pledgeraisers help us provide a healthier future for many children in Wisconsin and beyond through care, research, education and advocacy." Throughout the past 33 years, Briggs & Al's Run & Walk has raised more than $12 million for Children's Hospital. Participants are encouraged to raise $100 or more. Registration fees cover the cost of participation in the event. Gifts through pledgeraising help fund the care for kids. Briggs & Stratton is the title sponsor for this annual event. Other major sponsors include Boston Store, Marquette University and Tricom Funding. For more information about Briggs & Al's Run & Walk, call (414) 266-1520 or visit alsrun.com. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It has been named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Christensen promoted to president of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Cindy Christensen, JD, RN, has been promoted to president of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and executive vice president of Children's Hospital and Health System. She will retain her title of chief operating officer of the hospital. For more than 10 years, Christensen has served as executive vice president and COO of the hospital. In the last year, she received additional responsibility to lead all inpatient and pediatric specialty outpatient clinical services. She oversees the hospitals in Milwaukee and Neenah and the specialty clinics in Milwaukee, the Fox Valley, Green Bay and northern Illinois. "I am confident that as president, Cindy will continue her strong and passionate leadership for long-range planning and day-to-day operations to achieve Children's vision and strategies," said Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO of the health system. "Cindy and her team will continue to develop new and innovative clinical strategies aimed at optimizing Children's growth, quality of care and service excellence." As executive vice president of the health system, Christensen will lead all research operations, including Children's Research Institute. She will have operational responsibility to align safety and quality improvement activities systemwide in all clinical programs. From 1981 to 1986, Christensen was a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit and emergency department of the hospital when it was located at 18th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Before rejoining Children's in 1990 as the health system's first general counsel, she was an attorney with Otjen, Van Ert and Weir, SC, Milwaukee. Currently, Christensen serves as chairwoman of the Wisconsin March of Dimes Board of Directors and as a member of the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee. Christensen is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. She and her husband, Todd Weir, live in Oconomowoc, Wis. and have five children. About Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Life jackets and supervision keep children safe while boating

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Boating is meant to be fun for the whole family. In 2009, however, 18 children younger than 13 lost their lives to boating, and half of these children died from drowning. Simple steps, especially wearing life jackets and actively supervising your kids, can prevent harm. Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin Coalition recommends that parents "look" over their children without distraction and "learn" about how to properly use life jackets. Children younger than 14 should wear life jackets not only on boats, but also near open bodies of water or when participating in water sports. Safe Kids urges parents and caregivers to wear life jackets on boats or other watercraft as well. "Your children will pick up and embrace your safety habits," said Lisa Klindt Simpson, Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin coordinator. According to a study by Safe Kids Worldwide, children are much more likely to practice safe habits when they see similar behavior by parents and caregivers. "On a boat, everyone should wear a life jacket at all times," said Klindt Simpson. "Look for a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Water wings and other inflatable swimming aids such as inner tubes do not prevent drowning." Safe Kids also reminds parents and caregivers: * Make sure life jackets fit snugly. Have the child make a "touchdown" signal — if the life jacket hits the child's chin or ears, the life jacket may be too big or the straps are too loose. * Enroll your kids in swimming lessons taught by a certified instructor. * Do not let kids operate or ride on personal watercraft such as jet skis. * Never drink alcoholic beverages while boating. Many boating accidents each year involve alcohol consumption by both boat operators and passengers. * Nobody should swim near a dock or marina with electrical hookups or lighting — swimmers can be electrocuted in the water and drown. * Install a carbon monoxide detector on your motorboat to alert you to dangerous levels of exhaust fumes. * Learn infant and child CPR. In less than two hours, you can learn effective interventions that can give a fighting chance to a child who has fallen into water and become unconscious. Local hospitals, fire departments and recreation departments offer CPR training. "These precautions are important, but they are no substitute for constant and active adult supervision," said Klindt Simpson. Safe Kids offers more boating tips and safety resources at http://tinyurl.com/3ctlq3v. A member of Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin works to prevent accidental injuries, the leading cause of death among children age 14 and younger. The four-county (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha) coalition combines the expertise of community agencies and individuals to prevent childhood injuries through collaboration, education, policy and advocacy initiatives. Children's Health Education Center, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, is its lead agency. For more information, call (866) 228-5670. Children's Health Education Center and BlueKids.org e-learning programs offer resources and programs for children, teachers, parents and caregivers to help keep kids healthy and safe. These health education programs are delivered online, at our center or in the classroom. For more information, visit BlueKids.org.

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin Hosts Annual "Stuff the Bus,"Back-to-School Party for Foster Children Aug. 20

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin kicks off its annual "Stuff the Bus" Back-to-School Party at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, in the Children's Service Society parking lot, 620 S. 76th Street. Businesses and their staff have donated backpacks stuffed with school supplies. Cost Cutters will provide complimentary haircuts for children before returning back to school. Children's Hospital Alliance of Wisconsin will offer oral health education, and Dr. Fannie Fang, MD, Children's Medical Group-River Glen Pediatrics, will provide immunization screening. As a pediatrician, Dr. Fang helps children thrive by partnering with their parents as their medical expert and resource. Children's Service Society of Wisconsin is dedicated to meeting the needs of children and families in Wisconsin. As a partner in the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, Children's Service Society strives to achieve the best interest of children by ensuring the safety and stability of children of our in home care and working with families to achieve timely permanency through reunification, adoption or guardianship. Children's Service Society of Wisconsin is the state's largest private, not-for-profit provider of child welfare services. From offices and family resource centers throughout the state, Children's Service Society offers activities and programs in four core service areas: out-of-home care; counseling; prevention services; and public child welfare. Children's Service Society is a member of Children's Hospital and Health System. The health system is able to fulfill its mission thanks in part to philanthropic gifts and support from members of the community. For more information visit Children's Service Society at www.cssw.org.

FM 106.1 Care-A-Van for Kids, presented by Kohl's Cares, will benefit Child Abuse Prevention Fund

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Care-A-Van for Kids will broadcast live Thursday, Aug. 25, and Friday, Aug. 26, on WMIL FM 106.1. The two-day radiothon, featuring inspirational stories told by survivors of child abuse and neglect, benefits the Child Abuse Prevention Fund at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. "The Child Abuse Prevention Fund is proud to partner with WMIL FM 106.1, one of the area's leading radio stations and longtime Child Abuse Prevention Fund supporter, and Kohl's Cares to help raise awareness of child abuse and fund home visitation programs that help prevent it," said Jennifer Hammel, director of the fund. "We know that these programs work. With continued support from our sponsors and donors, we will help end child abuse and build stronger families." Since 1988, the Child Abuse Prevention Fund has distributed $9.8 million to support community-based prevention programs throughout Wisconsin. Care-A-Van for Kids is one part of a longstanding partnership between Kohl's and Children's Hospital. The funding comes from the Kohl's Cares merchandise program, which donates 100 percent of the net profit from the sale of special items to benefit children's health and education projects nationwide. Kohl's has raised more than $6 million locally for Children's Hospital and Health System. During the radiothon, listeners can tune in and pledge their support by calling (414) 944-5123 or visiting chw.org/careavan. An online auction also will be held during the radiothon. Bid online at chw.org/capauction. The Child Abuse Prevention Fund, a special program of Children's Hospital and Health System, was established in 1987 to financially support organizations working to prevent child abuse in Wisconsin. The Child Abuse Prevention Fund's goal is to increase the number of children who are raised in a secure, healthy and nurturing environment. Other health system entities include Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children's Health Education Center, Children's Medical Group, Children's Physician Group, Children's Specialty Group, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Research Institute and Children's Community Health Plan. In 2010, the health system invested more than $105 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information visit the website at chw.org.

Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin Coalition addresses water safety precautions

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 06:00:00 GMT

It's a warm summer day and you're at the pool with your kids. Your cell phone rings and you answer it – shifting your focus from your kids to the phone conversation. Good idea? Not at all, according to Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin Coalition. It could even be deadly. Children can get into trouble in a matter of seconds around water. Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin recommends parents actively supervise. This means they keep their eyes on their kids at all times. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 14 and younger. Approximately 750 children die each year due to unintentional drowning incidents, and each year, children who nearly drown sustain an estimated 5,000 injuries. "Kids drown quickly and quietly," said Lisa Klindt Simpson, coordinator of Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin. "A drowning child cannot cry or shout for help. It is important to remember simple steps save lives." Safe Kids recommends these precautions to help keep kids safe around water: * Always actively supervise your child around water. Stay where you can see, hear and reach your child. Avoid distractions, including reading, texting or talking on the phone. * If you, family members or friends have a pool or spa your child visits, it should be surrounded on all sides by a fence at least four feet high. It should have self-enclosing and self-latching gates that lock. Studies estimate this enclosed fencing could prevent up to 90 percent of child drowning incidents in residential pools. * Teach children the dangers of swimming around drains. Children should not swim around any drains or suction outlets. * Make sure all pools and spas have compliant anti-entrapment drain covers and backup devices. * Know how to swim, and enroll your kids in swimming lessons. Swimming lessons will not make your child immune to drowning, but it is important for both adults and children to learn to swim. * Don't leave toys in or near the pool because they could attract unsupervised kids. For extra protection, consider an alarm for the pool and for the doors, windows and gates leading to the pool. * Don't rely on inflatable swimming toys such as water wings and noodles. These toys never should be used instead of U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. If your child can't swim, stay within an arm's reach. * Learn infant and child CPR. In less than two hours, you can learn effective interventions that can give a fighting chance to a child whose breathing and heartbeat have stopped. * Learn how to use rescue equipment. Keep rescue equipment, a phone and emergency numbers nearby in case there is an emergency. Even a near-drowning incident can have lifelong consequences, including brain damage. Damage usually is irreversible after four to six minutes under water. Although 90 percent of parents say they supervise their children while swimming, many acknowledge that they engage in other distracting activities at the same time. These include talking, eating, reading, texting or taking care of another child. "A supervised child is in sight at all times with your undivided attention focused on the child," said Simpson. When there are children in or near the water, adults should take turns serving as the designated "water watcher" who pays undivided attention. For more on drowning and water safety, call Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin at (414) 765-9355 or visit www.safekidswi.org . A member of Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin works to prevent accidental injuries, the leading cause of death among children age 14 and younger. The four-county (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha) coalition combines the expertise of community agencies and individuals to prevent childhood injuries through collaboration, education, policy and advocacy initiatives. Children's Health Education Center, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, is its lead agency. For more information, call (866) 228-5670. Children's Health Education Center and BlueKids.org e-learning programs offer resources and programs for children, teachers, parents and caregivers to help keep kids healthy and safe. These health education programs are delivered online, at our center or in the classroom. For more information, visit BlueKids.org.

Milwaukee Child Travels to Washington to Fight Threats to Pediatric Health Care

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Baldwin Family Alarmed by Proposed Cuts to Medicaid and Pediatric Resident Training What: Jonathan Baldwin, age 18, Milwaukee, will join 30 other patients and families from children's hospitals across the country to speak with their members of Congress about the lifesaving specialty medical care they have needed and how the current budget debate needs to include protections for these services and access to care. Why: Millions of children in the U.S. require special care at children's hospitals to address their health challenges. The budget crisis of 2011 is real and requires serious action, but it must be done in a way that does not threaten long-term negative impact on the state of children's health care by decreasing access to care and pediatric specialists. * Half of all hospitalized children in Wisconsin are dependent on Medicaid, which covers 1 in 3 children overall in the U.S. * Sixty percent of the residents from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin training program STAY in Wisconsin and join the medical community that takes care of our State's kids. Many go into primary care and join pediatric practices around the State. Several stay on to train in specialty care while others train to provide emergency services to children. Reduction in Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's ability to train residents will directly reduce the number of pediatricians that stay in our state. Children already face waits of up to three months to see the physician they need; undermining Medicaid and CHGME may reduce access further. Who: Jonathan is a happy 18-year-old who loves hanging out with friends, going to the mall and playing football. In 2009, Jonathan was the victim of an armed robbery and was shot seven times. He was in critical condition when he arrived at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. His sister, LaHelen received great care at Children's for asthma and Lupus, so it was a hospital his family trusted. While doctors worked to save Jonathan's life, his family began participating in Project Ujima, a Children's Hospital of Wisconsin program that helps victims of violent crime overcome the trauma they experienced through counseling and case management. Project Ujima taught them how to overcome the tragedy, prevent further victimization and end the cycle of violence. Today, Jonathan is a healthy college student who just finished his freshman year.

Child deaths in hot cars can be prevented

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Summertime brings more than fun and vacation; too often it brings tragedies that could have been prevented. Each year, approximately 38 children die from being overheated in an unattended vehicle. That number drastically increases during the peak of summer. In late May, the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy in a hot car marked the 500th death in the U.S. since 1998. All of these deaths could have been prevented. Since March, there have been 21 incidents of toddlers dying from being shut in a sweltering car. Safe Kids Wisconsin wants to remind everyone of the dangers during this heat wave in hopes of stopping any caregiver or parent from leaving their child alone in a car. Historically, 51 percent of these accidents occur because of parents unintentionally forgetting their child, likely from a distraction or change in routine. When left unattended by an adult, 30 percent of affected kids gained entry into an unlocked vehicle, became trapped and were overcome by heat. It takes only minutes for a child to be at risk of death and serious, permanent injury in a hot car. Drivers must keep car doors locked and keys out of reach of young children. Safe Kids Wisconsin urges all adults who transport children to take the following steps: * Call 911 if they see a child unattended in a vehicle. * Never leave children alone in a car – even for one minute. * Set their cell phone reminder to be sure they drop their children off at daycare. * Set their computer programs to ask, "Did you drop off at daycare today?" * Place a cell phone, PDA, purse, briefcase, gym bag or whatever is to be carried from the car on the floor in front of the child in the back seat. This forces the adult to open the back door and see the child. * Have a plan with their child care providers to call if their children do not arrive when expected. * Keep keys and remote entry key fobs out of children's reach. * Lock all vehicles at all times. * Check cars and trunks first if a child goes missing. * Remind your children that a car is not a playground and encourage them to play away from your vehicle. By locking cars, creating reminders for ourselves, and acting immediately to assist a child left alone in a vehicle, we can save children's lives. A member of Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids Wisconsin works to prevent accidental injuries, the leading cause of death among children 14 years of age and younger. The coalition combines the expertise of Safe Kids coalitions and chapters statewide to prevent childhood injuries through collaboration, education, policy and advocacy initiatives. Children's Health Education Center, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, is its lead agency. For more information, call (866) 228-5670. Children's Health Education Center, located in downtown Milwaukee, offers resources and programs for children, teachers, parents and caregivers to help keep kids healthy and safe. Last year, more than 90,000 children and adults experienced the center's high-energy health education, including popular field trips and outreach programs. Children's Health Education Center is a member of Children's Hospital and Health System. The health system is able to fulfill its mission thanks in part to philanthropic gifts and support from members of the community. For more information, visit the Web site at www.BlueKids.org.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin names new director of Operative Services

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Suzan Buchaklian, MSN, RN, has been named director of Operative Services at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Buchaklian is responsible for the hospital's patient care services provided in the Operating Room, Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit, Day Surgery, Special Procedure venues and Sterile Processing. She also will lead selected programs, staff who are affiliated with each service area and the administrative partnership with the Department of Anesthesiology. Since 2000, Buchaklian worked with Centegra Health System at their 84-bed hospital in Woodstock, Ill., and their 172-bed hospital in McHenry, Ill. She served as executive director of Cardiovascular Pulmonary & Medicine Services at Centegra, beginning in 2005. Her successes include increasing market share, achieving staff engagement and retention, developing new service lines, ensuring high physician satisfaction, cost savings and improved outcomes by program partnerships. Buchaklian holds a bachelor's degree in Nursing from St. Xavier College and a master's degree in Nursing Administration from Marquette University College of Nursing. She is active in professional associations including the Association of Operating Room Nurses, Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, OR Managers, the American College of Cardiology, the American Academy of Medical Administrators and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Buchaklian lives with her husband in East Troy, Wis. They have three children.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's Project ADAM celebrates 50 lives saved

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Project ADAM™ (Automated Defibrillators in Adam's Memory) announced today that 50 lives have been saved since it was founded in 1999. Project ADAM is a Children's Hospital of Wisconsin program that helps schools throughout the nation prepare for and respond to cardiac emergencies. The most recent save occurred in a Pennsylvania high school near the end of May. The school nurse provided CPR and used an AED on the student. There have also been 20 lives saved in Wisconsin schools, 28 in Georgia, and one in Florida as a direct result of Project ADAM. About half of these individuals are adolescents. "As a national leader in pediatric health care, Children's Hospital strives to ensure the safety of our children within and outside our doors," said Stuart Berger, MD, co-medical director of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's Herma Heart Center and medical director of Project ADAM. "Knowing you helped saved one life is fantastic. To know you have helped save 50 lives truly is incredible." Today, in addition to Wisconsin, state affiliates in Alabama, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Washington have Project ADAM programs. To learn more about free templates, plans, video, and other resources Project ADAM provides for schools, please visit www.ProjectADAM.com. Project ADAM was created in honor of Adam Lemel, a 17-year-old Whitefish Bay, Wis., high school student who collapsed and died while playing basketball. "I take great comfort in knowing that honoring Adam's memory has helped schools around the country save so many lives," said Joe Lemel, Adam's dad. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatri Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Children's Specialty Group name clinical vice presidents

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Children's Specialty Group, a joint venture between Children's Hospital and Health System and The Medical College of Wisconsin, have named physician leaders to new positions in Ambulatory Services, Inpatient and Emergency Services, and Surgical Services and Anesthesia. In their new roles, these physician leaders will help ensure effective operations of the hospital, including optimizing resources, workforce planning, financial accountability, quality and service oversight, and meeting growth goals. Children's Specialty Group is comprised of nearly 500 pediatric specialty physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Beth Drolet, MD, has been appointed clinical vice president of Ambulatory Services. Dr. Drolet also is medical director of Dermatology and Birthmarks and Vascular Anomalies at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, section chief and professor of Pediatric Dermatology at The Medical College of Wisconsin and a member of Children's Specialty Group. She completed her dermatology residency and her pediatric dermatology fellowship at the Medical College. Dr. Drolet is board certified in Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology. She resides in Whitefish Bay, Wis., with her husband and three sons.

Keith Oldham, MD, has been appointed clinical vice president of Surgical Services and Anesthesia. Dr. Oldham also is surgeon-in-chief and medical director of Surgery at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, professor and chief of Pediatric Surgery and vice chairman of Surgery at The Medical College of Wisconsin and a member of Children's Specialty Group. He completed his surgery residency at the University of Washington in Seattle and his pediatric surgery fellowship at Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati. Dr. Oldham is board certified in General Surgery and Pediatric General Surgery. He resides in Shorewood, Wis., with his wife and two sons.

Michael Uhing, MD, has been appointed clinical vice president of Inpatient and Emergency Department Services. Dr. Uhing also is medical director of Neonatology at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, a professor of Pediatrics (Neonatology) at The Medical College of Wisconsin and a member of Children's Specialty Group. He completed his pediatric residency and neonatology fellowship at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Uhing is board certified in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. He resides in Brookfield, Wis., with his wife and children.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin to hold prom for patients

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the state's largest provider of pediatric health care services, will host "Masquerade in Milwaukee," its prom for teen patients, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 4. "For many young people, prom is a defining, coming-of-age event," said Maggie Butterfield, director, Patient Amenities and Family Services. "In addition to providing our patients with exceptional care, we want to make sure we can provide them with the same experiences that other teens often take for granted. Hosting a prom is one small way we can add some normalcy to our patients' lives." The prom is made possible through a generous donation from WHG Applebee's. It will feature a sit-down dinner, photography, dancing, giveaways and memories that will last for many years to come. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin co-hosts children's hospitals photo exhibit at Capitol Rotunda

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (Milwaukee) is co-hosting, with America Family Children's Hospital, Madison, a national photo exhibit of children's hospitals at the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda from Monday, June 6, to Friday, June 10. The free exhibit is available from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. The National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) "Champions," 2011 traveling exhibition includes 50 photographs. The photos were chosen from nearly 230 photographs submitted to NACHRI by children's hospitals across the country. "These photos are a window into the much larger world of pediatric care in a children's hospital," said Sallie Strang, director of communications for NACHRI and curator of the photo exhibit. "The photos capture the power that children's hospitals have to heal and the complex emotions stirred in the process." "We are proud to co-host the NACHRI traveling photo exhibition, which is designed to illustrate the vital role children's hospitals play in children's lives through compelling visual images of patients at children's hospitals, their family members and the caring and compassionate staff," said Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The NACHRI traveling photo exhibition is the result of a biennial competition that began in 1993 with 150 photo submissions. Over the years the competition to be selected for the traveling exhibit has grown significantly. To view all 50 photographs, visit www.childrenshospitals.net/photoexhibit. About NACHRI Founded in 1968, NACHRI is an association of 214 children's hospitals and related institutions devoted to improving the health and well-being of children and families through support of children's hospitals' four fold mission of clinical care, pediatric training, research and child advocacy. All children need children's hospitals. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Free Booster and Car Seat Safety Check Thursday, June 16

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 06:00:00 GMT

It is important that everyone in a vehicle buckle up for every ride. But how do you know if you have the correct seat for your child? How do you really know if your car seat is correctly installed? Statistics show that more than 90 percent of car seats are not properly installed. What: Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin Coalition, led by Children's Health Education Center, will host a free Booster and Car Seat Safety Check. Certified car seat technicians will assist families to ensure children are riding safely. When: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16 Where: Wauwatosa Fire Department, 1601 Underwood Ave., Wauwatosa, Wis. At the safety check, trained child passenger safety specialists will make certain seats are correctly installed and they are appropriate for the age and size of the child. No appointments are necessary. "Nationally, nearly 1,700 children die and 230,000 are injured each year as motor vehicle passengers," said Lisa Klindt Simpson, coordinator, Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin. "Some car seats need just a few minor modifications, such as tightening the seat in the vehicle or making the seat's straps fit snugly on the child. However, other seats are too old or have been recalled and require replacement." For more information about child passenger safety, go to safekidswi.org or chw.org/carseats. A member of Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin works to prevent accidental injuries, the leading cause of death among children age 14 and younger. The four-county (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha) coalition combines the expertise of community agencies and individuals to prevent childhood injuries through collaboration, education, policy and advocacy initiatives. Children's Health Education Center, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, is its lead agency. For more information, call (866) 228-5670. Children's Health Education Center and BlueKids.org e-learning programs offer resources and programs for children, teachers, parents and caregivers to help keep kids healthy and safe. These health education programs are delivered online, at our center or in the classroom. For more information, visit BlueKids.org.

Why we need to save Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education

Fri, 20 May 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin When President Obama's budget was rolled out, we heard much talk about the sacrifices that need to be made so that our generation does not pass along to our children a painful, unsustainable deficit. We therefore see great irony in one particular provision in the Administration's budget that would burden the children of tomorrow in another profound way. As part of the effort to rein in spending, President Obama's administration eliminated funding for a program that trains the nation's future pediatricians and pediatric specialists. This cut threatens the health care of every child in the U.S. since it will inevitably erode the number of physicians trained to care for children today and for years to come. Why does this program exist? Hospitals that train physicians to care for adults receive federal support through Medicare. Since children's teaching hospitals treat children, not seniors, they receive virtually no support through Medicare. Recognizing this unintended inequity, Congress established the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program more than 10 years ago. Training pediatricians and pediatric specialists matters. Congress rightly recognized when they enacted CHGME that treating children is vastly different than treating adults. Children are not just small adults, and providing the care they need is not simply a matter of providing kid-sized equipment or scaling down medication doses. Ask any cardiac surgeon about the complexities of operating on a child's heart that's the size of a thumb and you will hear that specialized pediatric training makes all the difference to the outcome of that child. The CHGME program has demonstrated tremendous success. Before it was enacted, the number of residents being trained to treat children had started to dwindle, declining 13 percent in the 1990s. CHGME turned the tide, increasing training in children's teaching hospitals by 35 percent. Annually, the program supports the training of 5,400 pediatricians and pediatric specialists. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has a three-year pediatric residency program and a two-year pediatric dental program. In 2009, 97 residents completed the three-year pediatric program and 13 completed the two-year dental program. That same year, more than 75 family practice residents rotated through the hospital, as required by the pediatric training component of their program. Sixty percent of the residents who receive training at Children's Hospital remain in Wisconsin to care for children, providing primary, specialty care and emergency care to infants, children and adolescents. With this number being trained, CHGME has helped stave off a full-blown crisis in the supply of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. While our country faces regional shortages of pediatricians, demand for specialty care still outstrips supply. In 2010, the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions reported a national shortage among such pediatric specialties as neurology and developmental behavioral pediatrics. The impact of the shortage is well known to many families who have already sought care for children who need evaluations for attention deficit disorder or autism, for example. A wait time of more than three months is too long for any child in need to wait. Without CHGME, the shortage crisis will only intensify, care will be delayed and wait times will increase. Few people can fathom a time when we won't have enough pediatricians and pediatric specialists to care for our kids. Most figure that surely another program or effort will be able to protect the workforce that cares for children. Don't be so sure. There is great peril in eliminating the very program that has helped boost the number of providers - primary care and specialists - available to provide much-needed medical care for children. Even though free-standing children's teaching hospitals represent just 1 percent of all hospitals, they train more than 40 percent of general pediatricians, 43 percent of all pediatric specialists and the majority of pediatric researchers. More than 60 percent of all pediatric emergency physicians and all pediatric surgeons are trained in children's teaching hospitals receiving CHGME support. In FY 2008, children's hospitals and their affiliated pediatric departments conducted 20 percent of all NIH-sponsored pediatric research. CHGME is a program that is working. It is accomplishing exactly what it was designed to accomplish, has not created unintended consequences and, unlike many programs facing elimination, it's not redundant with existing programs. If CHGME goes away, we will still care for our children and we will seen an increase in the already long wait times that parents face in gaining access to care for their children. There are truly difficult fiscal choices to be made right now and there are many worthy programs on the chopping block. The return on investment in CHGME has been great. It isn't fair to ask children, who are 24 percent of the nation's population, to sacrifice for the sake of a federal budget that only devotes 10 percent of its outlays to their needs. Surely there are other ways to tighten the nation's fiscal belt. Surely there are other ways to tighten the nation's fiscal belt. Peggy Troy is president and CEO of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, located in Milwaukee. The 296-bed hospital is a Level I Trauma Center. Troy currently serves on the board of the National Association of Children's Hospital and Related Institutions and on an advisory council for Child Health Corporation of America. She frequently has been invited to Washington, DC, to meet with public and elected officials regarding pediatric health care policy. Previous roles include executive vice president and COO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis, Tenn., president and CEO of Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, also in Memphis, and president of Cook Children's Medical Center in Ft. Worth, Texas. Photo caption: Peggy Troy, President and CEO of Wisconsin's Children's Hospital and Health System, testified in 2010 in Washington D.C. in front of Chairman David Obey and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies on the topic of Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education. She has spoken on numerous occasions on behalf of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and the 60 independent children's teaching hospitals that qualify for this program. Photo courtesy of National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions.

Ten specialties at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin ranked in U.S. News and World Report's 2011-12 Best Children's Hospitals

Tue, 17 May 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Ten pediatric specialties at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin have been ranked in the 2011-12 edition of U.S. News Media Group's Best Children's Hospitals list, now available online at usnews.com/childrenshospitals. The rankings include: Cardiology and Heart Surgery, 8; Gastroenterology, 16; Pulmonology, 19; Orthopedics, 28; Neonatology, 28; Urology, 30; Nephrology, 31; Neurology and Neurosurgery, 33; Cancer, 33; and Diabetes and Endocrinology, 35. The new rankings recognize the top 50 children's hospitals in 10 specialties. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin ranked in the top 35 for all 10 specialties. Seventy-six hospitals are ranked in at least one specialty. "We salute Children's Hospital of Wisconsin," said Health Rankings Editor Avery Comarow. "The goal of the Best Children's Hospitals rankings is to call attention to pediatric centers with the expertise to help the sickest kids, and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is one of those centers." "I am proud that Children's Hospital is a national leader in pediatric health care," said Cindy Christensen, JD, RN, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. "We use this annual survey as one of the tools for our ongoing efforts to improve the quality and safety of our care to newborns, infants and children. Each year, we see the results as an indication of the knowledge, compassion and dedication of everyone who provides direct patient care or supports those who do." Now in its fifth year, Best Children's Hospitals pulls together clinical and operational data from a lengthy survey, completed by the majority of the 177 hospitals asked to participate for the 2011-12 rankings. The survey asks hundreds of questions about survival rates, nurse staffing, subspecialist availability and many more pieces of critical information difficult or impossible for parents to find on their own. The data from the survey is combined with recommendations from pediatric specialists on the hospitals they consider best for children with challenging problems. For the full rankings and methodology, visit usnews.com/childrenshospitals.

Children's Hospital and Next Door Foundation open

Mon, 16 May 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and the Next Door Foundation, two of Milwaukee's leading advocates for children, will host the grand opening for Children's Hospital's Primary Care and Dental Center at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 17. Children's Medical Group-Next Door Pediatrics, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, has provided medical care to children in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood since 1999. The primary care center now will be housed in a separate building alongside a pediatric dental center. "More than 70 percent of Wisconsin's low-income children go without oral health care, and poor oral health has a significant impact on a child's overall health, well-being and ability to learn," said Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO of Children's Hospital and Health System. "The Next Door Foundation and Alderman Hines have been instrumental in making this vital project a reality." "The expanded facility, combined with new dental services, will allow us to fulfill a broader range of health care needs for the children in our community," said Carol Keintz, executive director, Next Door Foundation. "The Next Door Foundation is proud to extend our long-term collaboration with Children's Hospital." The 7,700-square-foot center was designed by Eppstein Uhen Architects and built by KBS Construction. Funding was provided in part through generous private donations from Delta Dental of Wisconsin, The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Briggs & Stratton Corporation Foundation, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, KBS Construction and N.J. Staunt Larson. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin receives accreditation for Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship

Thu, 12 May 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has received accreditation for a three-year Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship. It is one of only 13 accredited fellowships of this kind in the nation. The fellowship will support three residents and will become effective July 1. Child Abuse Pediatrics is a new subspecialty for Children's Hospital. Accreditation for these programs began in 2010. The need for specialists in this field in increasing, but only few fellowships are available to train them. "Years ago, we determined the basics needed for an excellent educational program were already in place. With the tremendous support of both Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and The Medical College, we made this accreditation possible and paved the way for this to become one of the strongest programs in the country," said Angela Rabbitt, DO, child abuse specialist, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and associate director, Child Abuse Prevention Fellowship Program and assistant professor pediatrics, the Medical College of Wisconsin. Children's Hospital's Child Abuse Pediatrics fellowship makes the hospital a center of excellence in the treatment and prevention of child maltreatment, determined by the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions. This fellowship also provides the opportunity to expand research efforts, educate Medical College of Wisconsin faculty, residents and medical students, and increase community advocacy and education. "We continuously look for ways to educate staff and the community on how to prevent this type of tragedy, and now can leverage one of the nation's best programs to provide this education," said Lynn Sheets, MD, FAAP, medical director, Child Advocacy and Protection Services, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and associate professor, Medical College of Wisconsin. About Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Patient Will Represent Wisconsin to Inspire Others and Raise Awareness for Children's Hospitals Vincent Forseth will join champions from every U.S. state

Wed, 11 May 2011 06:00:00 GMT

A boy from Mazomanie, Wis., has been chosen to represent Wisconsin for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champions program in 2011. Vincent Forseth, 12, received a heart transplant at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. He was selected and is being honored for his courage after undergoing surgery to receive a Berlin Heart, a ventricular assist device, to keep him going until a donor heart could be found. Vince was the first child in the Midwest to receive a Berlin Heart. The day before his seventh birthday, Vince got the present of a lifetime, a new heart. The Champions program brings together children from across the United States who have tackled severe medical challenges. They represent the 17 million children treated at 170 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals every year. Through the Champions program, they will support fundraising campaigns for Children's Hospital throughout the year. In October, they will visit Washington, D.C., and then Walt Disney World to inspire others to support children's hospitals. In Washington D.C., Champions will visit the White House and Capitol Hill, where they meet with Wisconsin representatives to share their stories. Following their trip to the nation's capitol, the Champions and their families will take part in Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' annual Celebration event in Orlando, Fla. Celebration unites hospitals, sponsors and celebrities to celebrate achievements, share best practices and honor the children who benefit from Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' fundraising efforts. "These Champions are the heart and soul of what we do," said John Lauck, president and CEO, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. "Their inspirational stories are proof that the $236 million we raise each year for children's hospitals makes a difference. However, our hospitals give away billions of dollars in charity care each year, so these children also serve as a reminder that the need to support children's hospitals is still great." This is the 15th year for the Champions program. About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it one dollar at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at CMNHospitals.org. About Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Each year, Children's Hospital receives more than $1.2 million through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals fundraising activities. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been re-designated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million back into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at www.chw.org.

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin hosts second Home Run & Walk Covering the Bases for Foster Care, Saturday, May 7 at Miller Park

Wed, 04 May 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin kicks off its second annual Home Run & Walk, Covering the Bases for Foster Care, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at Miller Park in Milwaukee. Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO of Children's Hospital and Health System, Robert Duncan, president of Children's Service Society, and Arlene Happach, director, Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, will speak at the event. In addition to raising awareness for the critical need for foster homes in Milwaukee County, this event will introduce current foster care families to community members and potential new foster parents. "All children deserve a safe home. It is time to step up, bring awareness to this great need and make sure more children have a safe and loving home," said Troy. What: 3K walk and 5K run. Community members and the media are invited to participate. Media will be able to interview and photograph designated foster families. Where: Miller Park, One Brewers Way, Milwaukee. Complimentary parking will be available in the Marlins Lot. When: Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7. The 5K run begins at 9:30a.m. The 3K Family Fun Walk begins at 9:45 a.m. Children's Service Society is the state's largest private, not-for-profit provider of child welfare services. From offices and family resource centers throughout the state, Children's Service Society offers activities and programs in four core service areas: out of-home care; child and family counseling; public child welfare; and prevention services. Children's Service Society is a member of Children's Hospital and Health System. The health system is able to fulfill its mission thanks in part to philanthropic gifts and support from members of the community. For more information visit www.cssw.org.

Empty lab coats at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin represent impact of proposed funding cuts to pediatrics resident training programs

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's resident education program is in jeopardy because of President Obama's recommendation to eliminate the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program in fiscal year 2012. Children's Hospital has a three-year pediatric residency program and a two-year pediatric dental program. In 2009, 97 residents completed the three-year pediatric program and 13 completed the two year dental program. That same year, more than 75 family practice residents rotated through the hospital as required by the pediatric training component of their program. Sixty percent of the residents who receive training at Children's Hospital remain in Wisconsin to care for children here in our community, providing primary care pediatrics, specialty care and emergency care to kids. The proposed elimination of the CHGME program would have a dramatic negative effect on the pediatric workforce at a time when family's ability to find appropriate pediatric care already is impaired. The elimination of CHGME also would challenge the nation's ability to meet goals for children's health care and pediatric medicine that the administration itself has set in the areas of primary care, patient safety, quality and innovation. Research, pediatric teaching and clinical care can work hand in hand at children's hospitals, allowing research scientists, physicians, residents and fellows to advance innovations that improve quality, safety, efficiency and outcomes of patient care. The greatest workforce shortage in children's health care is pediatric specialty care. Children's hospitals around the country receiving CHGME funds train 43 percent of pediatric specialists. The elimination of CHGME funding would exacerbate the current national shortage of pediatric specialists such as neurologists, surgeons and pulmonologists. These shortages result in delayed care and appointment wait times that can be as long as three months. "What our nation cannot afford is to further jeopardize children's access to physicians trained to meet children's unique health care needs," said Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO of Children's Hospital. Enacted in 1999, the CHGME program provides children's teaching hospitals with federal support comparable to what other adult-focused teaching hospitals receive through Medicare. The program helped correct an unintentional inequity. The CHGME program is currently funded at $317.5 million. Before the enactment of CHGME, the number of residents in children's hospitals' residency programs had declined more 13 percent. The enactment of CHGME has enabled children's hospitals to reverse this trend and to increase the number of residents. "CHGME is vital to the future of pediatric care in this country. Elimination of this program puts children's health at unnecessary risk," said Troy. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Children's Hospital and Health System succeeds in boosting immunization rates

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital and Health System is succeeding in increasing immunization rates among its patients and clients. In 2010, the health system launched a multiyear, systemwide effort to increase immunization rates among children it serves. This initiative is key to achieving the health system's vision of helping Wisconsin's children to be the healthiest in the nation. As part of the initiative: * The health system has partnered with the Milwaukee Health Department and community organizations to spread the word that vaccines are safe and necessary. * Health care providers discuss the importance and safety of immunizations with parents during visits to our hospital and clinics. * At each visit, health care providers use the Wisconsin Immunization Registry to check the immunization status of patients younger than 25 months and update information in the WIR database, if needed. * If a child is not up to date on immunizations, parents and staff partner to identify where the recommended immunizations can be administered. * Health care providers help connect parents with a "medical home," a place where children can receive primary care on a regular basis. Results show that all four participating health system entities – Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Kenosha and Fox Valley locations), Children's Medical Group, Children's Community Health Plan and Children's Service Society of Wisconsin – achieved improvements in the initiative's first year. The following areas showed measureable improvement in the percentage of children who were up to date on the recommended immunizations by their second birthdays: Entity / 2009* Percentage / 2010 Percentage Children's Hospital of Wisconsin hospital and clinics / 62.2 / 63.0 (Milwaukee, Kenosha and Fox Valley combined) Children's Medical Group (all offices combined)* / 69.8 / 77.5 Children's Community Health Plan / 70.5 / 72.2 Children's Service Society of Wisconsin / 55.7 / 68.9 These rates compare to compliance rates of about 45 percent for children living in Milwaukee and 70 to 80 percent for all children living in Wisconsin. In time, the health system believes its efforts will increase immunization rates in the city and state. "Children's Hospital and Health System is uniquely positioned to increase immunization rates in our community," said Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO of the health system. "Our health system has a high level of physician engagement. We also have a network of entities – our primary care clinics, a health plan and our social service agencies – that reach many children in the community. These entities work together to achieve measurable results. We are well prepared to set a standard on immunization rates that all other communities in the nation will aspire to achieve." Children's Hospital and Health System is: * Continuing processes implemented in 2010 in both inpatient and outpatient areas to check vaccine status and helping families who are behind in recommended vaccinations to develop a catch-up plan. * Planning a vaccine clinic for the Milwaukee hospital. * Increasing community partnerships. Children's Hospital and Health System is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the health system's flagship member, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It was named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Other health system entities include Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children's Medical Group, Children's Physician Group, Children's Specialty Group, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Research Institute and Children's Community Health Plan. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million back into the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. For more information visit the website at chw.org. *Results are adjusted to remove any amount of difference between 2009 and 2010 percentages caused by the nationwide shortage of Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) vaccine in 2009.

Jeff Stewart has been named chief operating officer for Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 06:00:00 GMT

In his new role, Stewart will be responsible for the operational activities of the foundation, including policy and procedure development, annual budget preparation, financial analysis and reporting, strategic planning, information systems and other staff resources. In addition, he will provide administrative leadership for donor events, fundraising programs and marketing communication. Stewart joined Children's Hospital and Health System in 1989 and has worked in a variety of financial management roles, including chief financial officer for the foundation. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Stewart resides in Waukesha with his wife, Katie, and their two sons.

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin therapists complete trauma training

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children who experience short- or long-term traumatic situations such as abuse or neglect, exposure to substance abuse, involvement with the criminal justice system, or develop eating disorders, often feel frightened or anxious, have bad dreams, act out or may try to injure themselves. To better meet the needs of children in Wisconsin, all Children's Service Society of Wisconsin therapists participated in a training program focused on pediatric trauma counseling. Training was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education. The online training program prepares therapists to intervene during traumatic situations and understand the psychological and behavioral issues resulting from a trauma to more effectively treat children. A second course also is offered and, once complete, qualifies the therapist to be a certified Trauma Counselor. Staff at offices throughout the state took the training. MILWAUKEE: · Eden Christman-Dreyer, MSW, LCSW. · Aaron Heffernan, MA, MSW, LCSW. · Courtney Meindl. · Kate Petzold, MS, LPC. · Jenny Plzak, MSE, LPC. · Ron Pupp, PhD, LPC. · Toni Rivera-Joachin. · Danielle Sample, PsyD. · Lene Trost, MA, LCSW. WAUSAU: · Sue O'Day, MS, LPC. · Lea Ray. EAU CLAIRE: · Sharon Bessinger, MS, LPC. · Marnie Hersrud, MSW, LCSW. · Angie Weideman MS, LMFT. STEVENS POINT: · Jennifer Hanson, MSW, LCSW. · Gretchen Hintz, MSE, LPC, NCC. · Lisa Dobberke, MS, LPC. RACINE: · Mickey Kucak, MSW, LCSW, ACSW. · Val Lura, MS, LPC. · Katelin Murphy, MS. · Becky Patton MSW. · Ann Rolling, PhD, LPC. · Mary Weber, LCSW. MARSHFIELD: · Jeff Ongna, MS, LPC. · Jane Balow, MS, LPC, CSW. MADISON: · Maureen Robbins. · Jennifer Zehr, MSW, LCSW. · Lisa Hajek, LMFT. · Cindy Richgels, LCSW. KENOSHA: · Gretchen Huletz, MS, LPC, NCC. · Ann Rolling, PhD, LPC. Children's Service Society of Wisconsin is the state's largest private, not-for-profit provider of child welfare services. From offices and family resource centers throughout the state, Children's Service Society offers activities and programs in four core service areas: out-of-home care; counseling; prevention services; and public child welfare. Children's Service Society is a member of Children's Hospital and Health System. The health system is able to fulfill its mission thanks in part to philanthropic gifts and support from members of the community. For more information visit Children's Service Society at www.cssw.org .

Kersten named vice president, Ambulatory and Regional Services

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has named Juliet Kersten, MHA, vice president, Ambulatory and Regional Services. In her new role, Kersten partners with providers and hospital executives to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for growth. Kersten is responsible for managing physician relationships, operations and business program development throughout the hospital's service area that includes Wisconsin and Illinois. Kersten is responsible for operations at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley in Neenah, Wis. She also oversees ambulatory clinic operations at Children's Hospital's Milwaukee campus and clinic sites in New Berlin, Greenfield, Kenosha, northeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Kersten has been employed with Children's since 1988 and has held a variety of leadership positions including business development and hospital administration. In her most recent role as vice president, Research Administration, Kersten led the creation and launch of Children's Research Institute. She also served as interim vice president, Regional Services, prior to an administrative reorganization that merged responsibility for regional business development and ambulatory clinic operations into a single business unit. Kersten earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a master's degree in Health Administration from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She lives in Whitefish Bay, Wis., with her husband and three sons. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Three new parenting classes offered in Marathon County

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Marathon County families will soon have the opportunity to participate in new parenting programs offered by Children's Service Society of Wisconsin's Family Resource Centers. These new parenting classes will help families strengthen their relationships and ensure their children are healthy both physically and emotionally. Three different classes will be offered throughout the County: · "Nurturing Parenting" covers a wide range of topics including child development, positive brain development, positive communication, positive discipline and developing shared family values and rules. · "Parenting Wisely" is a program that teaches families ways to improve relationships and reduce conflict. The program uses interactive multimedia to present real life parenting scenarios and help families learn how to handle difficult situations. · "Raising a Thinking Child" helps parents teach their young children how to think, not what to think, how to better cope with frustration and how to resolve conflicts and get along with others. These classes will be offered countywide at Family Resource Centers and other community locations. Support for this project was provided from a grant from the Caroline S. Mark Legacy Fund, administered within the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. For more information about these programs, contact Linda Salzman at the Wausau Family Resource Center, (715) 845-6747 or (800) 577-7971. Children's Service Society of Wisconsin is the state's largest private, not-for-profit provider of child welfare services. From offices and family resource centers throughout the state, Children's Service Society offers activities and programs in four core service areas: out-of-home care; counseling; prevention services; and public child welfare. Children's Service Society is a member of Children's Hospital and Health System. The health system is able to fulfill its mission thanks in part to philanthropic gifts and support from members of the community. For more information visit Children's Service Society at www.cssw.org.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin No. 6 in the nation for pediatric heart transplant volume

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The United Network for Organ Sharing announced Children's Hospital of Wisconsin ranked No. 6 in the nation for pediatric heart transplant volume in 2010. UNOS is a nonprofit organization contracted with the United States government to manage the nation's organ transplant system. "Not only are we transplanting more patients than ever before, but data shows survival rates of our patients are among the highest in the nation," said Steve Zangwill, MD, program director of Pediatric Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation and a pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital's Herma Heart Center. "Centers that have high survival rates for the most complex cases, including transplants, generally have high survival rates for all types of heart procedures." Children's Hospital transplanted 15 pediatric heart patients in 2010, breaking previous hospital records. Since the heart program's inception in 1991, 103 heart transplants have been performed. More than half of the center's total transplant volume has occurred in the past five years. The youngest transplant recipient was just 7 days old. Children's Hospital's Herma Heart Center is one of the nation's top 10 pediatric heart programs according to U.S.News & World Report. It is one of the first centers in the nation with successful application of a virtual cross-match system that can lead to better outcomes and shorter wait list times. The center continues to participate as one of 10 centers selected in the FDA-approved trial for the Berlin Heart in children. This ventricular assist device simulates a basic function of the heart while a patient waits for a transplant. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Children's Hospital and Health System earns national workplace wellness award

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital and Health System has received the prestigious Well Workplace Gold Award from the Wellness Councils of America. This award recognizes a high level of quality and excellence in employee wellness initiatives. This is Children's Hospital's second time earning this award. The award is presented to a limited number of companies. "We are pleased to be recognized for our commitment to the health and well-being of our employees and their families," said Judy Stellmacher, BSN, RN, wellness coordinator at Children's Hospital and Health System. Children's Hospital and Health System continues to grow a wellness culture that responds to employee health risks and encourages healthy habits and lifestyles. Its wellness initiatives include a web-based Healthy Steps program, featuring a variety of health-focused challenges, educational opportunities and nutrition and fitness activities. Participating employees and their spouses or same-gender partners earn wellness credits to qualify for savings on their health insurance premiums. Other wellness initiatives include free health screenings, participation in and sponsorship of fitness and nutrition events, special programs and free flu vaccinations for employees. "We believe that maintaining health and wellness is about making positive lifestyle decisions," said Joe Weyker, manager, Employee Health and Wellness. "Through our wellness program, we provide valuable tools and resources for our employees to choose what best fits their lives. Incorporating this program into their schedule ensures a trend of healthful choices." About Children's Hospital Children's Hospital and Health System is the region's only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, the health system's flagship member, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States, rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Other health system entities include Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation, Children's Medical Group, Children's Physician Group, Children's Specialty Group, Surgicenter of Greater Milwaukee, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Health Education Center, Children's Research Institute and Children's Community Health Plan. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million back into the community to improve the health status of children through medical care, advocacy, education and pediatric medical research. For more information visit the website at chw.org.

Nasa Light Technology Successfully Reduces Cancer Patients' Painful Side Effects From Radiation And Chemotherapy

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT

A NASA technology originally developed for plant growth experiments on space shuttle missions has successfully reduced the painful side effects resulting from chemotherapy and radiation treatment in bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients. In a two-year clinical trial, cancer patients undergoing bone marrow or stem cell transplants were given a far red/near infrared Light Emitting Diode treatment called High Emissivity Aluminiferous Luminescent Substrate, or HEALS, to treat oral mucositis – a common and extremely painful side effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The trial concluded that there is a 96 percent chance that the improvement in pain of those in the high-risk patient group was the result of the HEALS treatment. "Using this technology as a healing agent was phenomenal," said Dr. Donna Salzman, clinical trial principal investigator and director of clinical services and education at the Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. "The HEALS device was well tolerated with no adverse affects to our bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients." The HEALS device, known as the WARP 75 light delivery system, can provide a cost-effective therapy since the device itself is less expensive than a day at the hospital and a proactive therapy for symptoms of mucositis that are currently difficult to treat without additional, negative side effects. The device could offer patients several benefits: better nutrition since eating can be difficult with painful mouth and throat sores; less narcotic use to treat mouth and throat pain; and an increase in patient morale – all of which can contribute to shorter hospital stays and less potential for infection, added Salzman. LEDs are light sources releasing energy in the form of photons. They release long wavelengths of light that stimulate cells to aid in healing. HEALS technology allows LED chips to function at their maximum irradiancy without emitting heat. NASA is interested in using HEALS technology for medical uses to improve healing in space and for long-term human spaceflight. Ron Ignatius, founder and chairman of Quantum Devices Inc., of Barneveld Wis., developed the WARP 75 light delivery system for use in the trial. The device uses the HEALS technology to provide intense light energy: the equivalent light energy of 12 suns from each of the 288 LED chips – each the size of a grain of salt. It is one of many devices using HEALS technology, developed in collaboration with NASA. In the early 1990s, Quantum teamed with the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics – a NASA-sponsored research center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison – to develop Astroculture 3, a plant growth chamber using near infrared HEALS technology for plant growth experiments on shuttle missions. Over the years, Quantum has worked to develop HEALS technology for use in medical fields, specifically with pediatric brain tumors and hard-to-heal wounds such as diabetic skin ulcers, serious burns and oral mucositis. "With the help of NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program, Quantum Devices and its medical partners have been able to take a space technology and adapt it for an entirely different application to significantly help people here on Earth," said Glenn Ignatius, president of Quantum Devices. "This collaboration between NASA and commercial companies has spurred innovation that is touching millions of lives on Earth – for the better." The clinical trial was funded by NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. It included 20 cancer patients from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and 60 cancer patients from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Alabama, also in Birmingham. The trial was the brainchild of Brian Hodgson, DDS, a pediatric dentist at Marquette University and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin – both in Milwaukee, Wis. Dr. Harry T. Whelan, Bleser Professor of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, served as the clinical trial principal investigator at Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Patients participated in the multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled research study – a way of testing a medical therapy where some groups receive treatment and others receive a placebo treatment that is designed to have no real effect. Participants were randomly placed in one of four study groups: low- and high-risk patients receiving the experimental light therapy through the WARP 75 device, and other low- and high-risk patients receiving light through a similar device without therapeutic effects. The low-risk patients were those whose chemotherapy and radiation treatment tended to cause mild or no mucositis and the high-risk patients were those whose therapy treatment tended to cause severe cases of mucositis. Patients received the light therapy by a nurse holding the WARP 75 device – about the size of an adult human hand – in close proximity to the outside of the patient's left and right cheek and neck area for 88 seconds each, daily for 14 days at the start of the patient's bone marrow or stem cell transplant. During that time, trained clinicians assessed the patient's mouth and patients completed a simple form to indicate their level of pain. "NASA is proud to be a part of the HEALS technology medical advancements that are improving the lives of cancer patients and providing new, innovative medical applications," said Helen Stinson, technical monitor for the NASA HEALS contract. "It's exciting to see the spinoffs from NASA's science and technology initiatives continually improve the quality of life for people here on Earth." The WARP 75 device is currently undergoing Food and Drug Administration premarket approval. ### Photo release http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/multimedia/photos/2011/photos11-023.html Videofile http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=67915011

Marc Gorelick, MD, MSCE, named CEO of Children's Specialty Group

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Marc Gorelick, MD, MSCE, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, associate director of Children's Research Institute and Professor of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine) at The Medical College of Wisconsin, has been named chief executive officer and senior associate dean for Clinical Affairs – Children's Specialty Group. Children's Specialty Group is a joint venture between Children's Hospital and Health System and the Medical College of Wisconsin. As a member of the senior leadership teams at Children's Hospital and Health System and the Medical College, Dr. Gorelick will assume responsibility for the leadership and practice operations of Children's Specialty Group and is chair of the board of directors. He will ensure the development and execution of strategic plans that align with the vision and goals of the Medical College and Children's Hospital and Health System, and is responsible for developing strategies for clinical programs and business operations for the multispecialty group practice. A selection committee of members of the Children' Specialty Group board of directors interviewed top candidates and recommended Dr. Gorelick for approval by Peggy Troy, president and CEO of Children's Hospital and Health System, and Joseph Kerschner, MD, FAAP, interim dean and executive vice president of the Medical College. Dr. Gorelick will have a joint reporting relationship to Troy and Dr. Kerschner. "I have had the great pleasure of working closely with Marc during my tenure as the CEO of Children's Specialty Group," said Dr. Kerschner. "He brings great leadership skills and strategic thinking to the table as the next leader of our pediatric practice. I know he is absolutely the right candidate to lead the practice forward and to continue to build upon the past successes of this outstanding pediatric multispecialty group." Troy is particularly pleased with Dr. Gorelick's wide range of skills. "Marc is an experienced clinician, teacher and researcher who is dedicated to improving the health of children," said Troy. "I have confidence in Marc's ability to lead this growing group of nationally recognized pediatric specialists to leverage all of the advantages of being part of an integrated system of care." Dr. Gorelick previously served as medical director of the department of Emergency Medicine and continues his appointment as the Jon Vice Endowed Chair in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Children's Hospital. He also serves as vice chair of the department of Pediatrics at the Medical College. Dr. Gorelick earned his M.D. from Duke University in Durham, N.C., and completed a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Dr. Gorelick is a member of a number of professional societies including the Society for Pediatric Research, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and the American College of Emergency Physicians. He currently serves as the chair elect of the Section of Emergency Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children's Specialty Group, which celebrated a 10-year anniversary last summer, has more than 500 physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants with specific training in caring for children and helping to lead Children's Hospital's nationally recognized programs.

13 Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley physicians make 2010 - 2011 Best Doctors in America® List

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Thirteen physicians who see patients at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley are listed in the 2010-2011 Best Doctors in America® database. A total of 177 physicians whose primary practice locations are Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Children's Hospital clinics and Children's Medical Group are on the list. The widely respected list, created by Best Doctors, Inc., results from exhaustive polling of over 50,000 physicians worldwide. Doctors in more than 40 specialties of medicine appear this year's list. In a confidential review, current listees answer the question, "If you or a loved one needed a doctor in your speciality, to whom would you refer them?" Best Doctors has earned a worldwide reputation for reliable, impartial results by remaining totally independent. Doctors cannot pay to be included in the database and nor are they paid to provide their input. The list is a product of validated peer review, in which doctors who excel in their specialties are chosen. Only 5 percent of the doctors in American earn a spot on the list. View the complete list of Children's Hospital physicians by name, specialty and practice location, at http://www.chw.org/display/PPF/DocID/45173/Nav/1/router.asp. Ranking-eligible facilities were largely drawn from two membership categories of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI): freestanding children's hospitals, or "hospitals within a hospital" (large, multidisciplinary pediatric departments within a medical center). Several non-NACHRI members were added because of known expertise or at the recommendation of experts. The survey was created and administered by RTI International, the same respected research organization that collects the data and oversees the methodology behind the adult Best Hospitals rankings. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley operates an inpatient Pediatric Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The hospital, which opened in 2001, is located at 130 Second St. in Neenah, Wis. Outpatient services are offered at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-Fox Valley, and child protection services are provided at the Child Advocacy Center. Children's Hospital-Fox Valley is affiliated with Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, rated among the best children's hospitals in the nation. Children's Hospital-Fox Valley and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin are members of Children's Hospital and Health System. For more information visit the website at www.chw.org/foxvalley.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin recognizes Governor Walker's dedication to Wisconsin children

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin recognizes that during these challenging economic times, Governor Walker continues to be vested in advancing the health and well-being of the children of Wisconsin. His budget repair bill legislation, introduced today, protects the current state insurance coverage and access for pregnant women and children. By doing so, Governor Walker sends a strong message that our most vulnerable population, our children, will be cared for. In the 2011 budget repair bill, Governor Walker positioned our state's children as a top priority. "We praise his commitment to ensuring that children in need continue to receive the medical care necessary to grow into strong, successful adults. It is during these challenging times when our most vulnerable children are at greatest risk and it is evident that the Governor's budget repair bill recognizes this," said Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO of Children's Hospital. "We hope this sets the foundation for the hard work going forward to protect children for a safe and healthy future. Children's Hospital will continue to work with the Governor's Administration and Department of Health Services to forward the initiatives necessary to improve the health status of children and manage the cost of their care." Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been redesignated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Children's Hospital and Health System names new medical director of Community Services

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Veronica Gunn, MD, MPH, FAAP, has been named medical director, Community Services for Children's Hospital and Health System.She will provide medical input to the child welfare, community services and public policy team helping the health system evaluate the needs of children in the community and identify resources to enhance the well-being of those children. Dr. Gunn brings significant expertise in care coordination and public health for children. She most recently served as chief medical officer for the Tennessee Department of Health. Prior to that, she served as medical director for the Tennessee Governor's Office of Children's Care Coordination. In 2009, Dr. Gunn was named the Nashville Business Journal Woman of Influence in Public Policy and received the 2006 Project Blossom Award for Efforts to Reduce Infant Mortality. Dr. Gunn holds a Bachelor of Science from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., a Doctor of Medicine from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, and Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. While completing her Master of Public Health, she also earned a separate certificate program in injury and violence prevention. Dr. Gunn lives in the Milwaukee area with her husband, Peter, and 5-year old son, Ian.

A collaborative team of scientists and physicians at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin uses genetic sequencing to identify and treat an unknown disease.

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT

For one of the the first times in medical history, researchers and physicians at The Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin sequenced all the genes in a boy's DNA to identify a previously-unknown mutation. The team was able not only to identify the mutation, but to develop a treatment plan using a cord blood transplant, and stop the course of the disease. This accomplishment is published in the December 19, 2010 online edition of Genetics in Medicine "Making a Definitive Diagnosis: Successful clinical application of whole exome sequencing in a child with intractable inflammatory bowel disease." Lead authors are Elizabeth Worthey, Ph. D., and Alan N. Mayer, M.D. Ph.D. Collaborators at Children's Hospital and the Medical College are David A. Margolis, M.D., James Verbsky, M.D., Ph.D., Howard J. Jacob, Ph. D., and David Dimmock, M.D. At the age of 3, Nicholas Volker of Monona, Wisconsin, had already endured more than 100 surgeries, but was progressively getting sicker. His intestines continued to swell and more abscesses formed, and doctors concluded they were dealing with an unknown cause of disease. Dr. Alan D. Mayer, assistant professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College, and pediatric gastroenterologist with Children's Hospital, decided to look for the genetic source of the disease. "Exhaustive efforts to reach a diagnosis revealed numerous abnormalities in Nick's immune system, but none pointed to a specific disease," Dr. Mayer explained. "So we decided the next logical step was to sequence his entire exome." Researchers examined all 20,000 of his genes looking for the cause of this rare disease. After three months poring over data, the researchers identified a unique mutation in one gene. They confirmed that mutation to be responsible for Nick's previously-undocumented form of bowel disease, which is part of a broader XIAP deficiency. The team then performed a blood cord transplant in June using stem cells from a matched, healthy donor. Five months later, Nick is home and eating a healthy diet for the first time. "There has been no return of the bowel disease," said Dr. David A. Margolis, the program director for the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Children's Hospital, and associate professor of pediatrics at the Medical College. "At this point, he is a transplant recipient and his current treatment focuses on maintaining his health with the challenges posed by the transplant." The Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin are developing a new strategy as well as formal policies and procedures to guide the approach to future cases in which genetic sequencing will be used as a diagnostic tool. "We are confident that genomic sequencing will have a growing role in establishing the correct diagnosis for patients and, most importantly, improving outcomes," said Dr. Jacob, the Warren P. Knowles Professor of Molecular Genetics, director of the Medical College's Human and Molecular Genetics Center and professor of physiology. About The Medical College of Wisconsin The Medical College of Wisconsin is the state's only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. Founded in 1893, it is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and service. Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled in the Medical College's medical school and graduate school programs A major national research center, it is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY 2009 -10, faculty received approximately $161 million in external support for research, teaching, training and related purposes, of which $148 million is for research. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, College faculty direct or collaborate on more than 2,000 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,200 faculty physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine to approximately 390,000 patients annually. About Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been re-designated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2008, the health system invested more than $114 million back into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at www.chw.org.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin recognizes Wisconsin lawmakers who supported enhanced Medicaid funding

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin leaders are publicly thanking members of the Wisconsin delegation, including Sens. Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold, Reps. Steve Kagen, Ron Kind, David Obey and Gwen Moore, for their support of legislation to extend the enhanced Medicaid matching funds (FMAP). The extension, which runs through June 2011, provides critical funding for the Medicaid budget, which is crucial for hospitals such as Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Nearly 50 percent of the children receiving care at Children's Hospital rely on Medicaid for health care coverage. Under the bill, Wisconsin will receive $185 million in Medicaid (FMAP) assistance. "This is an important investment in the health and well-being of our children," said Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO of Children's Hospital and Health System. "We are very grateful that our state continues to invest in essential health care services to benefit children who rely on this program."

Children's Hospital and Next Door Foundation take steps to provide better care in our community

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and the Next Door Foundation, two of Milwaukee's leading advocates for children, will break ground Wednesday, July 14, on a new 7,700 square-foot Children's Hospital of Wisconsin medical and dental center, scheduled to open in spring 2011. Children's Medical Group-Next Door Pediatrics, a member of the Children's Hospital family, currently provides medical care to children at Next Door Foundation as well as those from the Metcalfe Park neighborhood. Next Door Pediatrics will move into the new building alongside the new dental center. KBS is the construction company, and the architect for the project is Eppstein Uhen Architects. "More than 70 percent of Wisconsin's low-income children go without oral health care, and poor oral health has a significant impact on a child's overall health, well-being and ability to learn," said Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO of Children's Hospital and Health System. "The Next Door Foundation, and Alderman and Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr., have been instrumental in making this vital project a reality. Accessible, quality dental care is critical to every child's health." "The expanded facility, combined with new dental services, will allow us to fulfill a broader range of health care needs for the children in our community," said Carol Keintz, executive director, Next Door Foundation. "The Next Door Foundation is proud to be part of this collaborative effort in Milwaukee." Children's Hospital currently provides dental care at two locations in Milwaukee, with a clinic at Children's Hospital and one within the Downtown Health Center, 1020 N. 12th Street. In 2009, the clinics had more than 11,000 patient visits.

Hyundai Hope On Wheels donates $50,000 to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin to fight childhood cancer

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Hyundai dealers in partnership with Hyundai Motor America have donated more than $14 million to support childhood cancer research since 1998
Hyundai Motor America and its dealers announced today that Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee has been selected to receive $50,000 from Hyundai Hope On Wheels™. The 2010 Hope On Wheels Tour is traveling nationwide to donate more than $2.1 million to childhood cancer research institutions. The tour will stop at Children's Hospital at 11 a.m. today to present the check at a ceremonial event. Monica S. Thakar, MD, pediatric oncologist, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and assistant professor of Pediatrics (Hematology/Oncology), at The Medical College of Wisconsin, has been named a 2010 Hyundai Scholar. She will use the funds to research how optimizing donor cells can combat high-risk blood cancers such as leukemia. Dr. Thakar will be recognized at the ceremony. Patients from The MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Hospital will take part in the Hope On Wheels Handprint Ceremony. The kids will dip their hands in finger paint and apply their colorful handprints to a white Hyundai Santa Fe. The car, which is covered in children's handprints from across the country, is the symbol of Hyundai Hope On Wheels. "We are inspired every day by the brave children we meet at our Handprint Ceremonies," said Mike Juneau, owner of Arrow Hyundai. "When the kids place their handprints on the car, we are honoring their brave battles against cancer, commemorating their triumphs and sharing their hope for the future with other children and their families across the country." "On behalf of Hyundai dealers across the country, Hope On Wheels is honored to continue its support for childhood cancer research in 2010 and recognize the brave children who are battling this disease," said Oscar Leeser, president of Hyundai Hope On Wheels Foundation, and dealer owner of Hyundai of El Paso, Texas. "We are proud to be able to award research grants to the Hyundai Scholars. They are the pediatric oncologists whose unwavering dedication to research helps to care for children facing cancer and gives them hope for a healthy future." "We are very fortunate to receive this funding from Hyundai," said Dr. Thakar. "This gift will help us study a new therapy that hopefully will reduce the risk of relapse in cancer patients." This year, Hyundai Hope On Wheels marks 12 years of commitment to childhood cancer research efforts. Hyundai and its dealers have donated more than $14 million to children's hospitals nationwide and collected hundreds of handprints from children fighting childhood cancer. For more information and the complete list of stops on the 2010 Hyundai Hope On Wheels Tour, visit www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin re-verified as a Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Hospital provides highest level of pediatric trauma care in southeast Wisconsin

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has been re-verified as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons. This achievement recognizes the hospital's expertise in providing the highest level of care to injured patients, from newborns through adolescents. The hospital first became designated as a Level I Trauma Center in May 2001. Children's Hospital is one of only two Level I Pediatric Trauma Centers in the state. "Children's Hospital's Trauma Center sees more than 11,000 injured children each year," said David M. Gourlay, MD, pediatric surgeon and medical director of the Trauma Program at Children's Hospital. "More than 1,100 injured patients are admitted to the hospital each year. This verification ensures that we continue to provide the highest level of care to children in our community." Gourlay is an assistant professor at The Medical College of Wisconsin. Key elements of Level I Pediatric Trauma Center status include:

Trauma surgeons, medical specialists and subspecialists must be in the hospital and available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Specialized facilities, including emergency services and an operating room dedicated to and ready for trauma cases. Neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, specially trained trauma nurses, anesthesia services, intensive care units, rehabilitation services, CT and other imaging facilities available for trauma patients at any time of the day or night.
A trauma director, trauma registry, a coordinator, outreach programs and an organized research effort to help direct new innovations in trauma care.

www.facs.org

Six Children's Hospital of Wisconsin specialties are ranked in U.S. News and World Report America's Best Children's Hospitals

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Six pediatric specialties at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin have been ranked in the 2010-11 edition of Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report, published online at www.usnews.com/childrenshospitals and featured in the August issue of U.S.News & World Report, available on newsstands starting July 27. The rankings are as follows: Heart and Heart Surgery, 8; Digestive Disorders, 14; Urology, 20; Respiratory Disorders, 28; Neurology and Neurosurgery, 28; and Neonatal care, 30. "Children's Hospital is a national leader in pediatric health care," said Cindy Christensen, JD, RN executive vice president, chief operating officer, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. "The rankings clearly reflect the knowledge, compassion and dedication of everyone who provides direct patient care or supports those who do." The mission of the Best Children's Hospital rankings is to identify hospitals that provide the highest quality of care for children with the most serious or complicated medical conditions, using the most robust and sensitive measures available. The methodology behind this year's rankings weighed a three-part blend of hospital resources directly related to patient care, outcomes and care-related measures such as nursing care, advanced technology, credentialing and other factors. The hospitals were judged based on a combination of peer review from pediatric specialists about the hospitals they would recommend for the sickest children and data gathered in a survey covering important medical information ranging from surgical death rates to whether pediatric anesthesiologists and other sub specialists are on the staff. A detailed description of the methodology can be found at www.usnews.com/childrenshospitals. Ranking-eligible facilities were largely drawn from two membership categories of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI): freestanding children's hospitals, or "hospitals within a hospital" (large, multidisciplinary pediatric departments within a medical center). Several non-NACHRI members were added because of known expertise or at the recommendation of experts. The survey was created and administered by RTI International, the same respected research organization that collects the data and oversees the methodology behind the adult Best Hospitals rankings. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been re-designated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2008, the health system invested more than $114 million back into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at www.chw.org.

Gastrointestinal diseases spread via water new research finds link between rainfall and disease in children

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 06:00:00 GMT

A new study by researchers at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and The Medical College of Wisconsin released today reveals a link between rainfall and gastrointestinal disease in children. The study, published in the June issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, shows an increase in emergency department visits that may represent an unrecognized endemic in areas served by high-quality drinking water systems, with implications for impact of health under global climate change. The increase in emergency department visits occurred in the absence of any health outbreaks reported to public health . This suggests that rainfall-associated illness may be underestimated. Previously, microbial water contamination after periods of heavy rainfall has been well-described, but its link to acute gastrointestinal illness in children is not as well-known. The study, led by Marc Gorelick, MD, looked at visits to the Children's Hospital Emergency Department/Trauma Center for gastroenteritis or diarrhea from 2002 through 2007. This data was then compared to local rainfall data. Gorelick is the Jon E. Vice Chair in Emergency Medicine at Children's Hospital, associate director of Children's Research Institute, professor, Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine) and Population Health, and chief, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, at the Medical College. During the time period, 17,357 visits for gastrointestinal disease were identified. Any rainfall four days prior was significantly associated with an 11 percent increase in gastrointestinal disease visits. Higher amounts of rainfall were associated with greater increases. "Our results show a direct correlation between rainfall and an increase in this illness," said Gorelick. "This knowledge will be important when considering how climate change, such as increased rainfall, will impact health care systems and the health of our children." The study was funded by the Children's Environmental Health Sciences Research Core Center. Collaborators included Sandra McLellan, associate scientist at UWM's Great Lakes WATER Institute, and Patrick Drayna, MD, pediatric emergency medicine fellow at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. "In cities where there is aging infrastructure and leaking pipes, untreated sewage could be leaking into stormwater systems, and children can be exposed to this contaminated water through playing in water in the stormwater culverts in their neighborhoods, for example." says Sandra McLellan, PhD. "There certainly is strong evidence that exposure is happening at some point and more detailed studies are needed to figure this out."

Safe Kids Wisconsin reminds parents to never leave children alone in a car

Tue, 18 May 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Warmer temperatures are on the horizon. Safe Kids Wisconsin Coalition is working to increase awareness and urge parents and caregivers to never leave children alone in a vehicle. The warmth of the spring sun can heat the interior of a vehicle very quickly. Already this year, three children have died in the U.S. from being left in a car. Safety experts and child advocates want to remind caregivers to always check for sleeping children before leaving a vehicle. Between 1998 and 2009, 445 children died in the U.S. from heat stroke because they were unattended in vehicles that became too hot for them to survive. "A child's body heats up 3 to 5 times faster than an adult's and unattended children have no way of protecting themselves in a hot vehicle," said Libbe Slavin, Safe Kids Wisconsin coordinator. "We want parents and caregivers to take precautions so this tragedy does not happen to them." More than 50 percent of the children who died from heat stroke were forgotten by a caring adult who became distracted when they left the vehicle. When left unattended by an adult, 30 percent of affected kids gained entry into an unlocked vehicle, became trapped and were overcome by heat. It takes only minutes for a child to be at risk of death and serious, permanent injury in a hot car. Drivers must keep car doors locked and keys out of reach of young children. Safe Kids Wisconsin urges all adults who transport children to take the following steps:

Call 911 if they see a child unattended in a vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a car – even for one minute.
Set their cell phone reminder to be sure they drop their children off at daycare.
Set their computer programs to ask, "Did you drop off at daycare today?"
Place a cell phone, PDA, purse, briefcase, gym bag or whatever is to be carried from the car on the floor in front of the child in the back seat. This forces the adult to open the back door and see the child.
Have a plan with their child care providers to call if their children do not arrive when expected.
Keep keys and remote entry key fobs out of children's reach.
Lock all vehicles at all times.
Check cars and trunks first if a child goes missing.

www.ggwweather.com/heat

www.safekids.org/nlyca

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin one of two pediatric hospitals in nation to implement EOS scanner

Wed, 05 May 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Scanner offers sharper, one-pass imaging, and lower dose radiation when treating children with scoliosis and other chronic orthopedic conditions. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has installed an EOS low-dose radiation scanner, one of two in a pediatric hospital in the nation. Children's Hospital, located in Milwaukee, is one of the top-rated pediatric hospitals in the country. The Variety Orthopedic Center at Children's Hospital primarily will use the scanner to aid in treating children with scoliosis and other chronic orthopedic conditions that require frequent full-spine imaging. The scanner was funded, in part, by a donation from Variety-The Children's Charity of Wisconsin. The EOS scanner will be in use starting Monday, May 10. "The EOS scanner will provide us full front and side view images, similar to CT scanners, but with fewer radiation risks," said John G. Thometz, MD, medical director, Orthopedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and professor of Orthopedics, The Medical College of Wisconsin. "EOS imaging will offer us greater precision in our surgical planning resulting in even better and safer care for our patients." "We are extremely pleased to be able to provide this higher level of imaging to our patients," said Channing Tassone, MD, orthopedic surgeon, Children's Hospital. "We image our scoliosis patients every six months until skeletal maturity in order to follow their growth and development and to determine their course of treatment. To now be able to perform these studies with much less radiation is incredibly beneficial." Tassone also is an associate professor of Orthopedics at the Medical College. EOS can capture head-to-toe images of patients in a standing, weight-bearing position with a dramatic reduction in radiation dose – up to 10 times less than a conventional X-ray and up to 89 percent less than a CT (computed tomography) scan of the spine. Additionally, EOS images are designed to provide sharp detail and empower physicians to better diagnose and plan an effective course of treatment. The Orthopedic Center at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is one of the busiest in the nation. Orthopedic surgeons in the center provide state-of-the art treatment to more than 25,000 children annually for both routine and rare pediatric orthopedic conditions. "Variety is thrilled to make it possible for Children's Hospital to continue to provide the best state-of-the-art care for Wisconsin children challenged by orthopedic health problems," said Gerise LaSpisa, executive director, Variety-The Children's Charity of Wisconsin. "By bringing EOS to the Variety Orthopedic Center, we ensure that every year, thousands of children will benefit from this cutting-edge technology."

Bob Duncan to join Children's Hospital and Health System as executive vice president of Community Services; Tom Gazzana to retire

Mon, 03 May 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Bob Duncan will join Children's Hospital and Health System Tuesday, June 1, as executive vice president of Community Services. In his new role, Duncan will provide leadership for services and public health initiatives to enhance the lives of children in Wisconsin. He will serve as president of Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, as well as provide executive leadership for other community programs and services. In partnership with key stakeholders, he will ensure child welfare programs meet all quality measures and standards and will be responsible for improving the medical coordination, treatment and care of children in the community. Duncan currently serves as director of the Governor's Office of Children's Care Coordination and CoverKids in Nashville, Tenn. He has more than 15 years of experience in community relations, business development and public policy with the state of Tennessee and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Prior to joining Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center in 1995, he was in commercial property insurance. Duncan has a bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Memphis and a master's of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He has served as a volunteer board member for a number of community organizations, including the ABLE (Athletes Buidling Life Experiences) Youth Board, the Tennessee Community Service Agency Board, the University of Tennessee at Martin School of Business Advisory Board and the United Way of Tennessee Public Policy Board. In 2009, Duncan received the United Way Child Advocacy Award and, in 2007, he was a UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Fellow. He was a finalist for the Memphis Business Journal Healthcare Hero Award and is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Memphis. Duncan and his family will be relocating to Milwaukee. Tom Gazzana to retire Tom Gazzana, who has served as corporate vice president of Government Relations, Managed Care, Community Ventures and Planning and Marketing for Children's Hospital and Health System; president of Children's Community Health Plan; and interim president of Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, is retiring from Children's Hospital and Health System Wednesday, June 30. Gazzana's many achievements since he joined the health system 15 years ago include:

Led efforts that resulted in the formation of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley.
Introduced the health system to child welfare services, which led to bringing Children's Service Society of Wisconsin into the health system in 2004. The affiliation was undertaken to provide comprehensive medical and social services to children in Milwaukee County and to expand the health system's services throughout Wisconsin.
Created Children's Community Health Plan in 2007 to provide Medicaid (T-19)/Badger Care Plus coverage, now covering more than 34,000 members in southeastern Wisconsin. The plan has more than 5,000 providers and 25 hospitals in its provider network and recently received notice by the state that it will be one of four plans to negotiate for the next BadgerCare contract.

Prior to joining the health system, Gazzana was president and CEO of Managed Health Services, a local managed care organization. He became involved in the health insurance delivery and financing system during his years with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin, where he ultimately served as vice president of Health Management. Gazzana and his wife, Nancy, reside in Wauwatosa, Wis.

Children's Physician Group Echocardiography Lab earns accreditation

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Physician Group in Gurnee, Ill., has been granted accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories. The Children's Physician Group laboratory is one of a growing number of echocardiography labs in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico to be recognized for its commitment to high-quality patient care and quality diagnostic testing. Participation in the accreditation process is voluntary. Accreditation demonstrates that the laboratory has met or exceeded high standards for echocardiography testing. The echocardiography accreditation program was established with the support of the American Society of Echocardiography, the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Pediatric Echocardiography to provide a peer review process to encourage and recognize facilities that provide quality echocardiographic diagnostic evaluations. Echocardiographic testing is useful in the detection and management of many types of heart disease. This noninvasive test has become a standard diagnostic tool, with about 10 million echocardiograms performed each year in the U.S. Echocardiography is a complex imaging test that relies on the experience and training of both the physician and sonographer. Their interpretive and technical abilities determine the diagnostic accuracy of the exam.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin names director of Newborn and Fetal Care Services

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Lisa Jentsch, MBA, BSN, RN, as been named director of Newborn and Fetal Care Services for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. In her new role, Jentsch will lead the development and implementation of a vision and strategy for fetal and newborn services for Children's Hospital sites throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. She will begin her new role June 4. Jentsch, who was selected after a nationwide search, has been with Children's Hospital since 1986 and currently is executive director of the southeastern Wisconsin region. She began her career with Children's Hospital as a pediatric nurse in the infant care unit. She was promoted to supervisor of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in 1990 and manager of the NICU and Lactation Management in 1998. As executive director, Lisa has overseen hospital and clinic operations in Kenosha, Wis., and facilitated strategic partnerships with other health systems. Jentsch resides with her husband, Jeffrey, and their two children in Hartland.

Sensient Technologies Corp. steps up to help end child abuse and neglect

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:00:00 GMT

For the second year, Sensient Technologies Corp. is the presenting sponsor of the 2010 Safe At Home campaign in support of the Child Abuse Prevention Fund. The campaign begins in April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The campaign's goal is to raise money for child abuse prevention programs. It incorporates various media, including a Web site (safe-at-home.org), direct mail, paper blue ribbons that are sold through participating retailers and sponsor-related activities, such as company dress-down days. New this year, Safe At Home is spreading its message through social media. For a small donation, Facebook users can post a blue Safe At Home prevention ribbon on their profile to show their support for the Child Abuse Prevention Fund. During the campaign, a "TweetUp" also will take place. During a TweetUp, people are invited to a celebration. The date, time and location of the event are spread through Twitter and other social media sites. Safe At Home, benefiting the Child Abuse Prevention Fund, is a project of Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation. In the past 20 years, the Child Abuse Prevention Fund has distributed more than $8.5 million throughout Wisconsin to help prevent child abuse and neglect. The fund supports home visitation programs that provide in-home services to help new parents cope with stress and get off to a good start. "Safe At Home experienced a slight drop in sponsorships in 2010 and was without a presenting sponsor until March," said Lisa Manske, Children's Hospital and Health System event coordinator. "Without the support of Sensient Technologies Corp., the campaign would have made a significantly smaller contribution to the Child Abuse Prevention Fund in 2010."

North Shore Bank teams up with Children's Hospital for 2010 Safe at Home campaign to raise awareness of child abuse

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:00:00 GMT

North Shore Bank today announced it has partnered with Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation to promote the 2010 Safe at Home campaign that benefits the Child Abuse Prevention Fund. North Shore Bank will use several social media outlets to spread the word about child abuse in Wisconsin and help raise money for abuse prevention programs around the state. In support of the campaign, North Shore Bank has posted a child abuse quiz on its Web site. For every person who takes the quiz, North Shore Bank will donate $1 to the Child Abuse Prevention Fund, up to $3,500. The quiz will be promoted on the bank's Facebook and Twitter pages. The bank also will host a "tweet-up" tailgate party prior to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game at Miller Park on Friday, May 7. During a tweet-up people are invited to network and connect face to face with people from their online communities. North Shore Bank will cover the cost of admission to the game for up to 100 people who respond to the Twitter event invitation. A raffle will be held at the tailgate tweet-up with prizes that include pairs of tickets to a suite to see the Brewers play, a Milwaukee County Zoo family package, Milwaukee Public Museum admissions and more. "We're proud to support Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation with this worthwhile endeavor and bring to light the problems and horrible abuse that many Wisconsin children face every day," said Steve Steiner, senior vice president for North Shore Bank. "We're part of this community, too, and we feel it is important to do our part in helping eradicate this problem and help our kids." The Safe at Home campaign kicked off at the beginning of April in conjunction with National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Foundation will incorporate several ways to spread the word, including the campaign Web site (www.safe-at-home.org), direct mail and the sale of paper blue ribbons at participating local retailers and at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Through the campaign's Facebook page, users can make any size donation to purchase a blue ribbon to post on their profiles. In the last 20 years, the Child Abuse Prevention Fund has distributed more than $8.5 million throughout the state to help prevent child abuse and neglect. "The Child Abuse Prevention Fund supports home visitation programs that provide in-home services to help new parents cope with stress of raising a child and get the tools they need to get off to a good start," said Jennifer Hammel, director of the Child Abuse Prevention Fund. "We're grateful to businesses and organizations like North Shore Bank that support and spread the word about this cause."

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's New Berlin Clinic awarded LEED Silver certification

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin has been awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The award was given for incorporating sustainable design and construction into the building's core and shell elements. The clinic is located at 4855 S. Moorland Road. "Children's Hospital is proud of our new facility in New Berlin. Our patients, their families and our staff benefit from the environmentally responsible building," said Sue Widmann, director of Ambulatory Services for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. "Many of us live in the surrounding community and take extra pride in knowing that green strategies and designs went into the construction of the clinic." LEED certification is established on a point-based rating system that acknowledges water efficiencies and waste reductions, energy and atmosphere management, materials and resource repurposing, and recycling. Some of the recognized environmentally conscious features of the building include:

More than 76 percent of the construction waste was recycled or reused diverting more than 134 tons of waste from a landfill.
High-efficiency, dual-flush toilets and low-flow showers reduce water use by 39 percent compared to a typical building.
Bicycle racks and changing rooms are provided inside the building to encourage alternative modes of eco-friendly transportation.
High-efficiency, glare-free windows provide generous access to natural daylight and views.
Site landscaping requires nearly 75 percent less water to maintain than typical landscaping because of minimal mowed turf, plentiful native vegetation and plantings that include trees, shrubs, perennial flowers and native or well-adapted grasses.

"The LEED certification for core and shell is a green building rating system that allows real estate developers and building owners to create and benchmark sustainable projects. Irgens is committed to incorporating sustainability into all our projects. The Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics - New Berlin project is a great example of how we partner with forward-thinking clients to achieve tangible results in sustainability," said Dan Cowell, vice president of Irgens Development Partners LLC. Irgens worked with Hammel, Green and Abrahamson to design the facility and CG Schmidt to construct the facility. Children's Hospital leases the facility from Irgens. To learn more about the New Berlin clinic, visit www.chw.org/newberlin.

Ultrasensitive Detector Pinpoints Big Problems in Tiny Fetal Hearts

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Collaboration leads to significant findings At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, one of the most powerful magnetic detectors in the world is helping screen high-risk pregnant patients for rare but very serious fetal heart rhythm problems. Thanks to a collaboration with The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; and Hope Children's Hospital, Chicago, the ultrasensitive detector measures magnetic signals coming from the tiny beating hearts of fetuses. The translational research program allows pediatric cardiologists and obstetricians from around the country to gather additional data and offer their patients the best treatment options. "It's the only place in the country dedicated to evaluating rare and very serious fetal heart rhythm problems using biomagnetism," says Dr. Ron Wakai, the professor of medical physics at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health who created the lab. "In a typical year, we see between 50 and 70 patients, the vast majority around their 25th week of pregnancy." Janette Strasburger, a pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and a professor of pediatrics at The Medical College of Wisconsin (both in Milwaukee), supervises each patient during the procedure along with her obstetrical research nurse, Gretchen Eckstein. Strasburger and Wakai teamed up eight years ago to study how biomagnetism could be used to diagnose fetal heart problems. They were soon joined by Bettina Cuneo, a pediatric cardiologist from Hope Children's Hospital in Chicago, who also specializes in fetal cases. With a solid scientific foundation now under their belts, the team has almost single-handedly created the emerging field of fetal cardiac arrhythmia care. The result, says Strasburger, "is the closest thing there is to a cardiac intensive care unit for fetuses, with continuous monitoring while the mother and fetus are with us at the lab." The hearts of the fetuses referred for evaluation may skip beats, race or beat too slowly. Structural abnormalities may also affect cardiac performance. Doctors must know exactly what's happening so they can treat accordingly. Results of the recordings, in conjunction with data obtained from current technologies such as ultrasound, allow physicians to offer appropriate treatment options-from cautiously waiting and seeing, to prescribing medications, to delivering the fetus as soon as possible. "We may determine that the fetus has a potentially fatal arrhythmia that must be treated immediately," says Strasburger. "While rare, this treatment might include medications that the mother takes, or direct shots of medication given by a pregnancy specialist, similar to an immunization injection." The passive detector, mounted on a track above a table upon which the patient lies, is positioned over the pregnant woman's belly, where it picks up the faintest magnetic signals and sends the information back to a computer in an adjacent room. The safe, non-invasive test takes about an hour. Unlike MRI, which produces a magnetic field, this magnetic recorder does not. It listens for naturally-occurring magnetic fields. "Currents flowing through the heart and brain generate these magnetic signals," explains Wakai. "They're the same currents that generate electrical signals detected by EKGs and EEGs." The EKG is the standard test for adults with heart rhythm problems, but it doesn't work on fetuses, adds Wakai. "A slimy protective layer on the fetal skin, called the vernix, prevents electrical signals from being conducted to the surface of the expectant mother's body, where they could be measured," he says. "Magnetic signals, which don't require electrical conductivity, aren't affected by the vernix." The only detector sensitive enough to measure these signals is a superconducting quantum interference device, or SQUID, which was invented by physicists and has been used for submarine detection and oil exploration in addition to its medical usage. Only a handful of hospitals now have SQUIDs, using them almost exclusively for adult brain mapping studies. Another big advantage of the SQUID detector, says Wakai, is that it makes hour-long, continuous recordings, while ultrasounds, by far the most common technology used today in measuring fetal heart rhythms, capture only a small window of activity. "While ultrasound measures the pumping action of the heart, this new magnetic recording device measures the rhythm signals that cause the heart to pump," he says. The Wisconsin team has used the detector to analyze heartbeat irregularities in more than 300 patients so far, but they see it as just the tip of the iceberg. "So many miscarriages and stillbirths are unexplained, and we think cardiac conditions often may be the explanation," says Strasburger. "We can use this technology to identify fetuses with many of those conditions." There is hope for those fetuses, Strasburger adds. "Many of the diseases fetuses are dying of in utero are preventable and treatable," she says. Right now the testing is confined to patients who come to Madison. But Wakai and Strasburger plan to provide scientific and technical support for a project that will take the show on the road--with a mobile unit currently under construction. "This is a big project involving many players, including a company based in rural Wisconsin, Shared Medical Technologies," Wakai says. "We will need a smaller SQUID sensor, a special shield that blocks magnetic interference from the environment and a truck large enough to carry it all." He expects the first mobile unit to be ready for testing in about one year. Strasburger, who practices primarily in the small town of Neenah, is committed to making connections with Badger State communities. "One of my goals in practicing as an outreach physician with the Herma Heart Center at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has been to integrate research into the community," she says. Her role as a member of the Northeast Wisconsin community advisory committee for the UW-Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) reinforces this goal. ICTR aims to quickly move discoveries from academia to communities where they are needed the most. "I'm convinced it's possible to do research from anywhere in this day and age," Strasburger says. In addition to funding through the National Institutes of Health, support for the biomagnetism lab has also come from the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin fund, provided by the Blue-Cross/Blue-Shield endowment to support promising research at the Medical College. "Collaboration with the committed goal of the best care for mothers and their babies remains the vision of this work," says Strasburger.

Sickle cell disease pain studied at Medical College of Wisconsin

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 06:00:00 GMT

The Medical College of Wisconsin received a four-year, $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to study how sickle cell disease pain is sensed. Cheryl Stucky, Ph.D., associate professor of cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy, and Cheryl Hillery, M.D., professor of pediatric hematology and oncology and program director of Sickle Cell at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, are leading a research team to investigate the causes of the severe pain in sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that creates crescent-shaped red blood cells. The pointed ends of the abnormally-shaped cells cause them to stick together and clog blood vessels. In addition to the organ failure that can occur from clogged vessels, sickle cell disease produces severe and chronic pain that is difficult to treat and profoundly erodes the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Sickle cell disease affects millions of people worldwide. It is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting 70,000 to 80,000 Americans - primarily, but not exclusively, African Americans. The disease has a large potential impact on the city of Milwaukee, in which African Americans make up 40 percent of the population. Drs. Stucky and Hillery are studying mice with sickle cell disease to determine the precise nerves and pathways that sense and carry the pain message to the brain. The goal of their research is to gather data that will help develop more effective methods of treating the devastating pain that affects people afflicted with sickle cell disease.

Children's Hospital Respiratory Care earns national quality recognition

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition from the American Association for Respiratory Care. This national program is aimed at helping patients and families make informed decisions about the quality of respiratory care services available in hospitals. Hospitals earning the designation ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services. Respiratory therapists are specially trained health care professionals who work under physicians' orders to provide a wide range of breathing treatments and other services to people with asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, AIDS and other lung or lung-related conditions. They also care for premature infants and are key members of lifesaving response teams charged with handling medical emergencies. To qualify for the recognition, Children's Hospital demonstrated:

All respiratory therapists employed by the hospital to deliver bedside respiratory care services are recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory care services or hold the Certified Respiratory Therapist or the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential.
Respiratory therapists are available around the clock.
A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is designated as medial director for respiratory care services.

The American Association for Respiratory Care program grew out of concerns regarding the safety and quality of health care services. Hospitals that meet the program requirements provide a level of respiratory care consistent with national standards and guidelines. A list of recognized hospitals is maintained on the association's Web site for consumers, YourLungHealth.org. The AARC is a membership organization representing more than 46,000 health professionals involved in respiratory care nationwide.

Leadership reorganization announced at Children's Hospital and Health System

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital and Health System President and CEO Peggy Troy announced a reorganization among the health care system's senior leaders, effective April 1. The reorganization is designed to position leadership resources to effectively standardize care among the health system's hospitals, and specialty and surgical outpatient locations. Cindy Christensen, JD, RN, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, will expand her leadership role over all hospital inpatient and ambulatory operations throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois, including Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley in Neenah, Surgicenter of Greater Milwaukee in Greenfield, and outpatient clinics in Greenfield, New Berlin, Neenah, Kenosha and other communities. Larry Duncan, vice president - Regional Services, has been named senior vice president - Ambulatory, Diagnostic and Regional Services, a new leadership role with responsibility for strategic oversight for all ambulatory and diagnostic services in Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Duncan will continue his operational oversight for Regional Services, which includes facilities in Neenah, Kenosha and other communities in Wisconsin and Illinois. In his new role, Duncan will report to Christensen. Joseph Kerschner, MD, in addition to his role as president and CEO of Children's Specialty Group, is named an executive vice president of Children's Hospital and Health System, reporting to Troy. In his new role, Kerschner will facilitate collaboration in the physician community, creating synergies to help the health system better serve the needs of children.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's Booster and Car Seat Clinic opens new location

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

In an effort to better serve families in Milwaukee's urban communities, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin partnered with Bell Ambulance to open a new booster and car seat clinic location near downtown. "There were very few permanent fitting sites serving the urban/downtown population," said Deena Liska, motor vehicle safety educator, Children's Health Education Center. "Families who attend the Wauwatosa clinic said a location closer to this area would be welcomed." Santanna Dillon was among the first to have her child's infant carrier installed at the new clinic location. "I like that it's convenient to where I live. With the price of gas, I don't like to drive far if I don't have to." Schedule a free appointment at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Booster and Car Seat Clinic. A trained technician will help you to install your child's car seat and answer questions. Call (414) 607-5280 to schedule an appointment. Children's Hospital's Booster and Car Seat Clinic is at two locations: Downtown (new location) Bell Ambulance 1647 N. Fourth St., Milwaukee West Fleet Management Building 10320 Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, Wis. For more information about child passenger safety, go to safekidswi.org or chw.org/carseats.

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin finds homes for more than 3,000 Milwaukee County children

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin has helped more than 3,000 children find forever homes through adoption in Milwaukee County. In 2001, the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families contracted with Children's Service Society to find adoptive homes for children in need. The Department of Children and Families contracts Children's Service Society to recruit, license and finalize the adoptions for the children they serve in foster care. "When we assumed the contract, there were many children waiting for their adoptions to be finalized. In 2003 and 2004, we completed the adoption of more than 1,200 children who had been waiting a long time for a family," said Cathy Swessel, director, Foster Care and Adoption. Once the backlog of waiting children was resolved, the numbers stabilized and Children's Service Society now averages approximately 250 adoptions per year.

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin offers incentives to recruit foster homes

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

In an effort to recruit more licensed foster parents, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, in partnership with the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, is offering a recruitment bonus to community and faith-based organizations that encourage potential foster parents to attend a New Family Information Meeting and submit an application for licensing. An additional recruitment bonus will be paid when the referred individual becomes licensed and takes placement of a foster child. Organizations that help recruit and recommend foster parents will be paid:

$500 for each new potential foster parent who attends a New Family Informational Meeting and turns in an application.
$2,000 for each referred individual who becomes licensed and takes his or her first foster child placement.

Organizations wishing to learn more about this recruitment program are encouraged to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are scheduled:

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 23, Maximus Job Center, 6550 N. 76th St., Milwaukee
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, Children's Service Society, 620 S. 76th St., Milwaukee
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 8, Children's Service Society, 620 S. 76th St., Milwaukee
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 10, HeartLove Place, 3229 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee

Please contact Reggie Riley at (414) 231-4859 to confirm your attendance.

Flip for National Pancake Day and raise money for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

For the fifth year, IHOP will give away millions of its signature pancakes for National Pancake Day. Receive one free short stack of buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, to benefit Children's Miracle Network hospitals. IHOP hopes that guests will make a voluntary donation to support local children's hospitals such as Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley. Miss Wisconsin 2009, Kristina Smaby, will visit two southeast Wisconsin IHOP restaurants to celebrate National Pancake Day. She will be at the Miller Park IHOP, 1110 Miller Park Way, West Milwaukee, Wis., from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the Layton Avenue IHOP, 1010 W. Layton Ave., Milwaukee, from 11 a.m. to noon. IHOP launched its National Pancake Day fundraising effort in 2006 to benefit the communities in which it operates. Last year's fundraiser served 2.5 million pancakes and raised nearly $1.5 million for local children's hospitals. This year, IHOP is hoping to serve up more donations than ever before, with a goal to raise $1.75 million, for a total of $5 million in five years. For more information about National Pancake Day, to find a local IHOP or to donate to Children's Miracle Network, visit IHOPPancakeDay.com.

Bessinger first to graduate from Therapist in Training program

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Sharon Bessinger, therapist, is Children's Service Society of Wisconsin's first graduate of the Therapist in Training program. The program provides master's-level graduates of social work, counseling or marriage and family therapy programs the opportunity to complete 3,000 hours of supervised practice, which is necessary to receive state licensure. The program helps increase the number of providers available to care for children and families. Insurance companies do not reimburse therapists while they are accruing their supervised hours, so it often is difficult for new graduates to obtain the supervision necessary for licensure. Bessinger recently received her Licensed Professional Counselor certification. She works in the Eau Claire office of Children's Service Society where she completed her training. She has been trained in play therapy and works with families and children. "I'm very excited to be the first to complete the Therapist in Training program, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to complete my licensure hours. I have been fascinated by human behavior since I was ten years old, and becoming a child and family therapist is like a dream come true! I look forward to my continued work at Children's Service Society," said Bessinger. Children's Service Society's program is unique in that it pays a stipend to trainees. In addition to building the next generation of therapists, the program offers an incentive to graduates who continue their employment with Children's Service Society after receiving their licensure.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin opens the state's first pediatric hybrid catheterization lab

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's Herma Heart Center will open the state's first and only pediatric hybrid catheterization lab Monday, Feb. 15. The hybrid cath lab will allow specialists to perform procedures that could require a combined catheter-based and surgical interventional approach – a capability that no other pediatric cath lab in the state has available. Cardiac catheterization is used to find and then repair heart abnormalities. This new state-of-the-art cath lab allows staff to provide safe heart repairs for infants and children in the most minimally invasive manner available today. "The hybrid cath lab enhances our commitment to providing the best and safest care for our patients," said Stuart Berger, MD, medical director, Cardiology, The Leigh Gabrielle Herma Chair for Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin; professor and chief, Pediatrics (Cardiology) at The Medical College of Wisconsin. "The lab combines a surgical room environment with advanced imaging technology." The lab will move from its current home on the first floor of Children's Hospital to the third floor. This will place it within a few feet of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and the Surgery Department, making it easier and safer to transport a patient to his or her hospital room after the procedure. The first patient will be seen in the hybrid cardiac cath lab Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Children's Hospital and Health System invests more than $114 million in the community

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital and Health System has released its 2008 community benefits report, detailing the more than $114 million that health system entities gave back to the community last year. Each year, the health system completes and submits a community benefits survey to the Wisconsin Hospital Association. The survey highlights the programs, services and dollars invested in the community to improve the health status of children. "Whether it is through research, education, clinical care or advocacy, we're here to support children. We're proud of our work to improve the health of children in our community," said Peggy Troy, MSN, RN, president and CEO, Children's Hospital and Health System. The $114 million included: -Medicaid shortfall: $72,904,000. More than $1 million dedicated to charity care. -Health professions education: $13,114,000. -Pediatric research: $13,558,000. -Community health improvement: $5,658,000. -Subsidized health services: $7,065,000. -Financial and in-kind contributions: $1,623,000. -Other community programs and services: $910,000. To view the full report, visit chw.org/communitybenefits. Read our blog

Slow down for little ghosts and goblins

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Each year at about this time, little ghosts, goblins, even witches and more come out of hiding in search of tricks and treats. Halloween is one of a child's favorite holidays, but it also is one of the most dangerous. Children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween. Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin Coalition encourages you to check out these safety tips for a fun and safe Halloween. Streets

Make sure drivers can see costumes in the dark. Be original with a glow-in-the-dark costume or a reflective trick-or-treat bag. Children should use a flashlight or glow stick when walking at night.
Trick-or-treat in a group, not alone. Kids younger than 13 should go with an adult. Older kids always should go with buddies and follow a preplanned route.
Remind kids to slow down and stay alert. They should cross streets at crosswalks and intersections, stop at street corners, look left, right and left again before crossing. Kids should never cross between parked cars or step into the street without looking to see if a vehicle is coming.
Make sure children walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, they should walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.

Motorists

Drivers also need to do their part to keep trick-or-treaters safe from harm.
Be especially alert. Popular trick-or-treating hours typically are from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., however that varies among communities.
Slow down — expect a lot of pedestrian traffic.
It's darker earlier now, be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances.
Reduce any distractions inside your car, such as talking on the phone or eating, so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Treats

Check kids' treats before they eat them. Tell kids to pick only wrapped candy when they trick-or-treat.

Costumes

Make sure costumes fit properly. Costumes should be large enough to allow warm clothes underneath, but short enough to prevent tripping. Do not allow children to wear adult shoes or boots.
For the little superheros, be sure to fasten capes with Velcro® that easily pulls apart. Never tie capes or other costume pieces around a child's neck. Also, close and lock windows so children do not attempt to open and jump from them; explain the difference between what people do on television or movies and what they can do in real life.
Use facial paints and cosmetics in place of masks. If a mask is used, make certain the eye and nose openings do not restrict vision or breathing.
Children should remove masks in between trick-or-treating stops.

Other

Children should trick-or-treat only during your community's predetermined hours.
Kids should only visit homes of people they know and only accept treats at the door.

For more information about pedestrian safety, including interactive games parents and children can play together, go to BlueKids.org/KohlsCares.

Federal grant helps children in out-of-home care find biological relatives

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Service Society of Wisconsin received a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families – Children's Bureau. This grant will allow Children's Service Society to expand its Family Finding program to serve all Wisconsin counties. Family Finding locates biological family members for children placed in out-of-home care. Studies show that children thrive when cared for by family members. Unfortunately, when reunification with a parent is not possible, children often are placed in other out-of-home placements because it is difficult and time consuming to conduct extensive searches to locate other biological relatives. Family Finding specialists, employed by Children's Service Society, will partner with local child welfare workers to implement the Family Finding model. A Family Finding specialist will conduct an electronic search in partnership with US Search. The search follows a model developed by Kevin Campbell, founder of Family Finding. Campbell is providing training and technical assistance. "This grant is crucial to the children of Wisconsin," said Maria McDermott, director of out-of-home care for Children's Service Society. "This grant effectively allows us to provide services to the entire state of Wisconsin. Our goal is to help more than 300 children over the three-year grant period." One contingency of the grant requires Children's Service Society to secure $626,700 of matching community funding during the three-year period. A research evaluation is also included in the grant. Researchers will gather data on the outcomes of the youth who receive family finding services and are placed with family members, compared to youth not receiving family finding services. This data will be gathered from all participants nationwide and could impact child welfare regulations on a federal level. Children's Service Society has offered Family Finding in the Milwaukee area, teaming up with Children's Family and Community Partnerships, to find biological family members for children in foster care in Milwaukee County. One recent case involved finding a biological relative who was interested in taking permanent placement for a 23-month-old child who had spent nearly his entire life in the foster care system.

Michael Nauman named CIO of Children's Hospital and Health System

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Michael B. Nauman will join Children's Hospital and Health System as corporate vice president and chief information officer. Nauman, who begins his role Monday, Oct. 19, will provide the vision and business leadership for the Information Services Division. The CIO is responsible for developing the strategic plan for IS and for selecting, implementing, managing and integrating all information and telecommunications systems, and their respective technologies, to support the clinical mission and strategic goals of the system. Nauman currently serves as senior vice president and CIO at OSF Healthcare Systems, Peoria, Ill. OSF Healthcare Systems includes seven acute care hospitals and two long-term care facilities, with approximately 1,600 beds. Its network affiliates add another 1,000 beds. The system's primary care physician network includes more than 250 physicians at 50 locations. "Mike is an exceptional leader with strong interpersonal skills, extensive background in quality process improvement methodologies and successful staff development including service excellence culture development," said Peggy Troy, RN, MSN, president and CEO of Children's Hospital and Health System. "This experience will be invaluable as we implement our system-wide strategic plan and continue implementation of our electronic health record." Nauman has a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science from Illinois State University, Normal, Ill., and an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Ariz. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and the Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society. Prior to attending college, Nauman achieved Presidential Honor Guard Status in the U.S. Army. Nauman and his wife, Roxann, have two children. They will be relocating to Milwaukee.

FM 106.1 Care-A-Van for Kids rolls into Milwaukee

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The FM 106.1 Care-A-Van for Kids benefiting Children's Hospital and Health System's Child Abuse Prevention Fund, will roll into southeast Wisconsin Thursday, Aug. 27, through Friday, Aug. 28. Featuring inspirational stories told by child abuse and neglect survivors, the two-day radiothon will help raise dollars for valuable child abuse and neglect prevention services supported by the CAP Fund. "The CAP Fund is proud to partner with one of the area's leading radio stations to bring awareness to the issue of child abuse and neglect and support valuable prevention services," said Jennifer Hammel, director, Child Abuse Prevention Fund. "Through the support of the FM 106.1 Care-A-Van for Kids, the CAP Fund has distributed more than $8.5 million to support community-based prevention initiatives throughout Wisconsin." Listeners can tune in and pledge their support by calling (414) 944-KIDS or visiting www.capfund.org/careavan. An online auction features items such as an autographed Kenny Chesney guitar and a one-week vacation at a condo in any one of 40 U.S. destinations. Bid online at www.chw.org/capauction. All proceeds from the online auction benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Fund.

Drive by and drop off school supplies

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:00:00 GMT

On any given day in Milwaukee County there are approximately 2,600 children in foster care. Children's Service Society of Wisconsin is accepting school supplies for foster children. Supplies are needed for children from toddler to high school age. What: Children's Service Society is collecting schools supplies for foster children located throughout Milwaukee County. Examples of supplies needed include: backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, paper, hand sanitizer and Kleenex. Money donations also will be accepted and will be used to purchase school supplies. When: Drive by and drop off supplies from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21. Donations will continue to be accepted Monday, Aug. 24 through Thursday, Aug. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Children's Service Society's lobby. Where: Children's Service Society is located at 620 76th Street, Milwaukee.

Sachdeva named to corporate quality role at Children's Hospital and Health System

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Ramesh Sachdeva, MD, PhD, DBA, JD, has been named corporate vice president and chief quality officer of Children's Hospital and Health System. In this newly created position, Sachdeva will lead quality improvement efforts at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and throughout the health system's 14 entities. In addition, he will represent the organization in national venues and in the national health care reform debate and implementation. "Dr. Sachdeva is nationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in health care quality – he is the right person for this important role," said Peggy Troy, president and CEO of Children's Hospital and Health System. "This new corporate function is absolutely vital to our quality strategy and to our competitive advantage locally and nationally. We are ensuring a focus on quality at the system level that will help us succeed in this changing and highly competitive health care market." Since joining the health system seven years ago, Sachdeva has introduced increasingly sophisticated quality improvement tools and processes throughout the hospital and health system. He also established education and training programs for physicians and employees, creating front-line expertise in quality improvement throughout Children's Hospital. Sachdeva has led many state and national endeavors for quality improvement. He serves as medical director of Quality Initiatives for the American Academy of Pediatrics. He also serves as the physician champion for Improving Performance in Practice for Wisconsin and chair of the Quality Improvement Committee of the Wisconsin Chapter of the AAP. Sachdeva has served as faculty for the national collaborative for Catheter-associated Blood Stream Infection Reduction, sponsored by the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions. This collaborative drove a significant decrease in infection rates across the U.S. Sachdeva is a pediatrician and has been a practicing pediatric critical care physician. He also is a Professor of Pediatrics (Critical Care) at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He holds two doctorates, a PhD in Epidemiology focusing on outcomes research from the University of Texas, School of Public Health, and a DBA in Business Administration from Glasgow, UK, focusing on organizational change. Additionally, he holds a law degree and serves as an adjunct professor of Law at Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee. Sachdeva, his wife and two children reside in Mequon, Wis.

Children's Hospital and Health System brings pediatric specialty care to New Berlin and surrounding communities with the opening of a new three-story, 74,000 square foot outpatient center

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital and Health System is set to open its new outpatient specialty center just north of I-43 at the intersection of Moorland and Beloit Roads in New Berlin, Wis. A grand opening ceremony will be held 8 a.m. Thursday, July 30 and patient care begins when doors open to the public Monday, Aug. 3. The outpatient center includes Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin, which brings 15 pediatric specialties closer to the children and parents of New Berlin and surrounding communities. Specialties include: Adolescent Medicine, Allergy/Asthma (adult and pediatric), Audiology, Behavioral Health, Cardiology, Dermatology, ENT, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Pulmonary, Sinus, Sleep, Speech and Surgery consultation/follow-up with care provided by more than 40 pediatric specialty physicians and advance practice nurses. The clinic also will offer walk-in and scheduled laboratory and radiology services, including ultrasound, X-ray, fluoroscopy, MRI and CT. "This new outpatient center is our first, and is designed to bring Children's top-rated pediatric care closer to some suburban populations," said Sue Widmann, director, Ambulatory Services, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. "We hope this will offer greater convenience and make life easier for parents whose children need specialty care." Children's Medical Group-Forest View Pediatrics, a large pediatrician group with eight physicians, will relocate from Forest Home Ave. in Hales Corners to the new center, opening Saturday, August 29. The Forest View Pediatrics practice has been part of the community since 1962 and has more than 35,000 patient visits annually. "As pediatricians, we are excited to have this opportunity to better serve our families from the greater Milwaukee community," said Chris Zukowski, MD, Children's Medical Group-Forest View Pediatrics. "This new space will provide more convenient and improved access to our services and the specialty care from Children's Hospital." To learn more about Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin, visit www.chw.org/newberlin. For more information about Forest View Pediatrics, visit www.forestviewpediatrics.com.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin urges parents to prevent lawn mower injuries this summer

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Approximately 68,000 people are treated by hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to lawn mowers each year. More than 9,000 of those treated are children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children younger than 15 have the most mower accidents of any age group. Most of these injuries are caused by the unsafe use of power lawn mowers rather than a mechanical malfunction. Almost all of these injuries occur while a parent or other relative is driving the lawn mower. "Lawn mower injuries almost always are devastating, and too often they result in permanent injuries that can include the loss of a limb, or in severe cases, death," said Scott Van Valin, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and assistant professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatrics at The Medical College of Wisconsin. "Not only can this kind of injury affect a child for the rest of his or her life, as you can imagine, it can have serious psychological affects on the parent or relative involved in the accident." According to Children's Hospital and Safe Kids Wisconsin, parents should take the following precautions to prevent mower injuries:

Children should stay in the house and under the supervision of another adult while the lawn mower is in use.
Talk to children about the dangers of lawn movers. Kids need to know that mowers are "revolving knives," and never to approach one while it is running.
Never let children ride on a lawn mower, even when it is not moving.
Many injuries occur when children slide off and fall under the mower blades.
Always look carefully and stop the blades entirely before backing up.
Clear any and all loose objects from the mower's path.
Children should not operate lawn mowers until they display appropriate levels of judgment, strength, coordination and maturity. American Academy of Pediatrics general guidelines suggest that children younger than 16 should not operate a riding mower, and children younger than 12 should not operate a push mower.

"Lawn mower injuries easily can be prevented if parents and guardians take the necessary precautions to keep their children safe," said Kristin Lewis, APN, Trauma Program. For more information about lawn mower safety, visit chhsblog.org, chw.org or knowbeforeyoumow.org. To interview an expert about lawn mower injuries, contact Rose Davis, Children's Hospital Public Relations at (414) 266-5420 or toll-free (866) 416-1511, or email rdavis@chw.org.

Fund established for Milwaukee car fire family

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The Harper family has established a fund to assist with medical expenses for David Harper, the 4 year old who was injured in a car fire in Milwaukee on July 19. Donations can be made at any U.S. Bank location. Checks should be made payable to the David Harper Fund.

Tune in to the La Gran D 104.7 FM Hispanic Radiothon July 9-11 benefiting Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Thursday, July 9, through Saturday, July 11, La Gran D 104.7 FM, a Milwaukee area Spanish language radio station, will host a three-day radiothon to benefit Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Listeners can call in and pledge their support starting at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 9, toll-free at (888) 203-3049. Donations can be dropped off at the following remote locations in Milwaukee: El Rey grocery stores 1320 W. Burnham St., Milwaukee 3524 W. Burnham St., Milwaukee 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 9-10 Noon – 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11 Southgate Walmart 3355 S. 27th St., Milwaukee 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 9-10 Noon – 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11 Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics Building 92nd Street and Connell Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wis. 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 9-10 This is the second year for the all-Spanish radiothon, which is a Children's Miracle Network program. For more information, contact the Children's Hospital and Health System Special Events office at (414) 266-6309 or e-mail agreen@chw.org. Children's Hospital and Health System continually works to improve services to the Hispanic Community. Each year, thousands of Spanish-speaking families receive free, professional translation services at the hospital and clinics to ensure quality communication between families and health care workers.

Hospital bed count increased to 296

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:00:00 GMT

With approval from The State of Wisconsin – Department of Health Services, the official number of licensed beds at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has increased from 236 to 296. The new total includes 72 Pediatric Intensive Care Unit beds (up 42; 24 are designated Cardiac Intensive Care Unit beds), 43 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit beds (up two due to a reconfiguration of multiple-births rooms), 24 Hematology/Oncology/Transplant beds and 157 general acute care beds. With this change, Children's Hospital moved from 32nd to 15th in bed size among hospitals that are members of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions.

Children's Hospital and Health System launches innovative campaign to fight child abuse and neglect

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:00:00 GMT

On an average day in Wisconsin, 23 children are confirmed to be abused or neglected. Because Children's Hospital and Health System believes abuse is preventable, the organization is launching a community-wide campaign to raise money and awareness to fund prevention and intervention programs across Wisconsin. Safe at Home, Be an Advocate for Kids is a way for everyday people to stop the hand of abuse. About 12 Wisconsin children die each year as the direct result of child abuse or neglect. Adult survivors are much more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, be incarcerated and engage in prostitution, and the costs are enormous. "Child abuse and neglect doesn't have to happen," said Kenneth Munson, president, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin. Children's Service Society, along with the Child Abuse Prevention Fund and Child Advocacy Centers provide community-based family services with funds raised through Safe at Home. "Supportive family services provide a framework that reduces risk to children. We can make a real difference," said Munson. Visit www.takeourhand.org to learn more about supporting the children of Wisconsin.

BoDeans return to headline Imagine the Possibilities Dinner Celebration

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The BoDeans, one of the premier American roots-rock bands, is returning to Milwaukee to perform Saturday, July 18, for the Imagine the Possibilities Dinner Celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum, 500 W. Canal St., Milwaukee. The event benefits the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The PICU provides highly specialized care to critically ill children and neonates. The 72-bed unit, which is one of the best-equipped and staffed units in the nation, is directed by experts in pediatric critical care who provide care or serve as consultants in all cases. This team specializes in the care of children with heart or lung disease, life-threatening birth malformations, severe head and body trauma, critical burns, pre- and post-organ transplant, post-heart surgery and much more. The evening's activities, sponsored by Heartland Advisors, include dinner, silent and voice auctions and entertainment. The celebration coincides with the Children's Hospital Pro-Am Fore Kids presented by the Milwaukee Admirals taking place Monday, July 13, at Brown Deer Golf Course. Since 2000, the Pro-Am Fore Kids has brought in more than $3.5 million for programs, clinics and research throughout Children's Hospital and Health System. To attend the Imagine the Possibilities Dinner Celebration, call (414) 266-6100 or visit the evite at www.chw.org/dinnercelebration. About the BoDeans Getting their start more than 20 years ago in Waukesha, Wis., the BoDeans' first album in 1986 propelled them into the national spotlight. Rolling Stone named them "Best New Band," and they went on tour with U2. After releasing a few albums, the BoDeans released their album Go Slow Down in 1993. The album yielded the popular Party of Five theme song, "Closer to Free," which made it into Billboard's top 10. The band released their newest album, Still, in 2008.

Eight Children's Hospital of Wisconsin specialties are ranked in U.S. News Media Group's America's Best Children's Hospitals

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Eight pediatric specialties at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin have been ranked in U.S. News Media Group's 2009 edition of America's Best Children's Hospitals, published online at www.usnews.com/childrenshospitals and featured in the August issue of U.S. News & World Report, available on newsstands starting July 21. The rankings are as follows: Heart and Heart Surgery, 8; Digestive Disorders, 9; Urology, 20; Respiratory Disorders, 25; Cancer, 28; Neonatal care, 29; Neurology and Neurosurgery, 29; Kidney Disorders, 30. "Our rankings are yet another indication that Children's Hospital is a national leader in pediatric health care," said Cindy Christensen, RN, JD, executive vice president, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. "They clearly reflect the knowledge, compassion and dedication of everyone who provides direct patient care or supports those who do." "While they might be a small percentage of all hospital patients, a large number of children every year need high-quality hospital care," said Health Rankings Editor Avery Comarow. "The objective of the Best Children's Hospitals rankings is to help children with uniquely challenging medical needs, and for these special patients, it is essential they seek treatment at pediatric facilities with deep expertise. With this year's rankings, we're providing important information on the best of the best." The methodology behind this year's rankings weighed a three-part blend of reputation, outcome, and care-related measures such as nursing care, advanced technology, credentialing and other factors. The hospitals were judged based on a combination of opinions from pediatric specialists about the hospitals they would recommend for the sickest children and data gathered in a 65-page survey covering important medical information ranging from surgical death rates to whether pediatric anesthesiologists and other sub specialists are on the staff. A detailed description of the methodology can be found at www.usnews.com/childrenshospitals. Ranking-eligible facilities were largely drawn from two membership categories of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI): freestanding children's hospitals, or "hospitals within a hospital" (large, multidisciplinary pediatric departments within a medical center). Several non-NACHRI members were added because of known expertise or at the recommendation of experts. Of the 160 children's hospitals invited to complete the 65-page survey, 98 responded. The survey was created and administered by RTI International, the same respected research organization that collects the data and oversees the methodology behind the adult Best Hospitals rankings.

Welfare Auxiliary makes record donation

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The Welfare Auxiliary of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has presented a check for $165,000 to benefit the hospital's Child Protection Center. The gift represents the largest donation to date raised by the auxiliary's annual fundraising event, the Swan Ball. Since its formation 83 years ago, the Welfare Auxiliary has raised nearly $2.2 million to support the Child Protection Center. The center provides comprehensive assessments of children suspected to be victims of child abuse or neglect. Its goal is to protect children from abuse and provide resources to help them heal. The Child Protection Center has grown to be one of the largest medical forensic child protection programs in the country, serving thousands of Wisconsin children since its inception in 1992. It is one of six centers in the state supported by Children's Hospital and Health System. This year's Swan Ball will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, at The Grain Exchange in downtown Milwaukee. The black-tie affair will feature a sit-down dinner, live entertainment, dancing and a chance to purchase "portable hugs." The hugs are colorful, handmade quilts distributed to children at the Child Protection Center, offering them comfort when they need it most. For more information about sponsorships or to request an invitation to the Swan Ball, call Beth Schroeder at (414) 962-5309 or Mary McKission at (414) 906-4016. The Welfare Auxiliary of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin was formed in 1926. Its members support Children's Hospital by sewing portable hugs, making toys for children, and planning and hosting the annual Swan Ball.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley opens Orthopedic Clinic

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-Fox Valley is expanding its services to include a pediatric Orthopedic Clinic, which opens today. Common conditions that will be treated at the new clinic include:

Congenital deformities.
Cerebral palsy.
Scoliosis.
Foot deformities.
Hip dysplasia.
Perthes' disease.
Neuromuscular conditions unrelated to cerebral palsy.
Blount's disease.
Leg length discrepancies.

The clinic will be staffed by two pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Jeffrey Schwab, MD, will begin seeing patients June 10. John Thometz, MD, will join Schwab in July. Schwab also sees patients at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and is a professor of Orthopedic Surgery and chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Schwab received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at The Medical College of Wisconsin. He is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery. He is most noted for his expertise in treating children with cerebral palsy, limb deformity leg length discrepancy and post-traumatic reconstruction. Schwab actively is involved in researching orthopedic problems in children with cerebral palsy. He has published original papers on a variety of orthopedic conditions. He was named one of the Best Doctors in America® in 2007. Thometz is medical director of Orthopedic Surgery at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and a professor of Orthopedic Surgery at The Medical College of Wisconsin. Thometz received his medical degree and completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. He completed a fellowship in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at Harvard University, Boston, and is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery. Thometz performs more spinal surgeries on children than any other physician in the state. He is a member of the Scoliosis Research Society. He has extensive experience caring for children with scoliosis, clubfoot and helped build a diagnostic center for foot and gait abnormalities at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee. An international speaker on pediatric orthopedics, Thometz is on the editorial boards of two national orthopedic publications. To schedule an appointment, call Central Scheduling toll-free at (877) 607-5280.

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin named brain injury State Lead Center for Wisconsin

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:00:00 GMT

52 top health care institutions work together to help kids Children's Hospital of Wisconsin has been named the brain injury State Lead Center for Wisconsin as part of a national network of health care institutions in what is being called the largest collaborative effort in the nation for children with brain injury. In conjunction with Children's Hospital, 51 other institutions will work together to address the No. 1 cause of death and disability for children and young adults in the U.S.: brain injury. "Head injuries result in serious, long-term health, function and economic consequences for our children, families and communities," said Elizabeth Moberg-Wolff, MD, who leads the center. Dr. Moberg-Wolff is program director of Tone Management and Mobility at Children's Hospital and associate professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at The Medical College of Wisconsin. "Our collaborative goal is it improve prevention, research, clinical treatment, education and transition for those impacted by pediatric brain injury." In January, The Sarah Jane Brain Project brought together more than 60 of the top pediatric neurologists in the country and drafted the first-ever National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan, which calls for the development of a national system of collaboration to address the issue. The Sarah Jane Brain Project held an open application period in March for children's hospitals, research universities and other health care organizations to apply to be the State Lead Centers to implement the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan. A selection committee of experts across the country reviewed the applications and selected one institution in every state, plus one each in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, most capable of being the State Lead Center for their state. As the State Lead Center, Children's Hospital will develop the master plan of care for children and young adults with brain injuries in Wisconsin. "We are so honored to have Children's Hospital of Wisconsin as the State Lead Center for Wisconsin and as part of this national network of the best health care institutions in the country," stated Sarah Jane Brain Project founder Patrick Donohue. "It is shocking to realize that despite brain injury being the leading killer and disabler of our children, nothing has ever before been done to develop a nationally standardized medical or educational plan to address it. There is very little public awareness of pediatric brain injury." Donohue started the Sarah Jane Brain Project in October 2007 after his daughter Sarah Jane was shaken by her baby nurse, causing a severe brain injury. The national announcement will be made at a press conference on Capitol Hill today, June 5.

UWM, Children's Research Institute and the Medical College receive $8.5 million for children's environmental health research

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), Children's Research Institute and the Medical College of Wisconsin have been awarded an $8.5 million federal grant to combine their individual areas of expertise to form a national research powerhouse in the area of children's environmental health. The Children's Environmental Health Science Core Center (EHSCC) is the only such center in the country devoted solely to this field and is unique in its broad, team-based approach. The five-year funding is provided by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The highly competitive award will provide, enhance and create special infrastructure to support research projects focused on children's environmental health. It also will provide resources to link research with community needs through outreach and education. "Issues such as asthma, lead poisoning, and toxic chemicals left behind at industrial sites disproportionally affect children in urban areas like Milwaukee," says Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker. "This center will allow all of us who care about the health of today's youth, and future generations, to access cutting-edge research, technology and creative community-wide solutions to environmental health issues." David Petering, Ph.D., UWM Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is the Director of the new center. Ronald Hines, Ph.D., Associate Director of Children's Research Institute and Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College, has been named Deputy Director. Gail McCarver, M.D., pediatric neonatologist and clinical pharmacologist at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College, is Clinical Director. Using zebrafish and other aquatic organisms as biomedical models, a long-standing, federally funded toxicology research program at UWM headed by Petering has conducted studies that address health issues such as lead exposure in children, the effects of mercury in children who eat large amounts of fish, and cellular repair mechanisms in developing central nervous systems. Children's Research Institute contributes the human health clinical and translational component for the research of the new center. Its researchers specialize in cardiovascular birth defects, gene-environment interactions, and community health. "Better understanding childhood disease and working toward prevention in metropolitan Milwaukee are very high priorities for our university and our many academic and clinical partners," said UWM Chancellor Carlos E. Santiago. "This center, with its inter-institutional membership, will both serve as one of the research anchors in our new UWM School of Public Health and be a resource for professionals involved in children's health issues here and across the country." "This is a great example of organizations collaborating to enhance the health care of our children and their families," said Ellis D. Avner, M.D., Director of Children's Research Institute and Professor of Pediatrics and Physiology and Associate Dean, Research, at the Medical College. "With this grant, we'll combine the expertise of both institutions to understand how our environment directly affects child health and development, and translate that knowledge into prevention and new therapies." The Children's EHSCC includes outreach initiatives designed to build the environmental health competency of educators and health professionals, increase the environmental health literacy of ethnic communities and foster the training of physician scientists in the area of children's environmental health. In addition, the center will award annual pilot project grants to stimulate new research ideas. Six grants have already been given to study topics like the effects of water-borne pollutants on cardiac birth defects and potential links between the release of untreated sewage into area surface waters and diarrhea in children. Plans are being made to house the administration of the Children's EHSCC in the UWM School of Public Health. Currently three additional faculty members are being recruited to join the planned UWM School of Public Health and the Children's EHSCC. For more information go to: http://www4.uwm.edu/cehsc/outreach/public_health.html.

Moe joins Children's Hospital of Wisconsin as a pediatric radiologist

Fri, 29 May 2009 06:00:00 GMT

David C. Moe, MD, has joined Children's Hospital of Wisconsin as an interventional and pediatric radiologist. Dr. Moe also is an assistant professor of Radiology at The Medical College of Wisconsin and a member of Children's Specialty Group. Dr. Moe has special expertise in vascular malformations, radiofrequency ablation in benign and malignant pediatric neoplasms and pulmonary interventions. He also is skilled in the use of the Boomerang device for vascular closure in children. Prior to joining Children's Hospital, Dr. Moe was a staff radiologist at Seattle Children's Hospital in Seattle. He also was a consulting radiologist in general practice at Hawkes Bay Hospital in Hastings, New Zealand. Dr. Moe received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He completed his internship in Internal Medicine and residency in Radiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Moe completed a Pediatric Radiology fellowship at Seattle Children's Hospital and a Vascular and Interventional Radiology fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle. "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Moe to our team. He brings new skills to our growing interventional radiology services," said Sheila Moore, MD, FACR, medical director of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Moe resides in Pewaukee.

Children's Community Health Plan to pay $500,000 access bonus to providers

Tue, 12 May 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Community Health Plan, a three-year-old Medicaid-only Health Maintenance Organization, will distribute a total of $500,000 in bonus payments to physicians and providers in recognition of their commitment to improving access to health care for its members. Children's Community Health Plan (www.childrenschp.com) covers more than 26,000 children and adults eligible for BadgerCare Plus in the Wisconsin counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Washington and Walworth. It is announcing that the $500,000 bonus will be distributed among all primary care physicians, Ob/Gyns, office-based specialists, dentists and providers of behavioral health, physical and speech therapy, home health and durable medical equipment that were paid in 2008 for providing health care services to Children's Community Health Plan members. "Our health system started this health plan a little more than three years ago with the goal of providing increased access to quality health care for individuals covered by Medicaid, and improving the reimbursement for providers taking care of these individuals ," said Peggy Troy, president and CEO of Children's Hospital and Health System. "Finding access to quality health care is so difficult for many of the families covered by BadgerCare Plus. This is a way we can say thank you to the providers that are stepping forward and doing the right thing for our community." Individuals covered by BadgerCare Plus do not typically have access to the same breadth of providers as do individuals with commercial, employer-sponsored insurance. With the combined resources of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Children's Medical Group and many community partners, the health plan is committed to improving the medical and social well-being of its our members and the community at large. Children's Community Health Plan is affiliated with Children's Hospital and Health System, and has contracts with all of the major health care systems and physician associations in southeastern Wisconsin "We also are committed to rewarding quality and improved outcomes, and will be paying bonuses later this year to individual physicians in the areas of lead testing, diabetes management and asthma management," said Tom Gazzana, president of Children's Community Health Plan . The bonus amount for each provider is based on either the number of visits they had with Children's Community Health Plan members, or the total dollars paid for these visits, depending on the provider's specialty. The bonus checks will be distributed to all provider groups in the coming weeks.

Investigator receives award from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Mon, 11 May 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Mary Eapen, MBBS, MS, has been awarded a Scholar in Clinical Research Award from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Dr. Eapen is a pediatric blood and marrow transplant specialist at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and an associate professor of Pediatrics at The Medical College of Wisconsin. The award will help fund several projects Dr. Eapen is working on. Scholars in Clinical Research are highly qualified investigators who conduct original, independent applied research that advances the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of hematologic malignancies. Through the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research at the Medical College and Children's Research Institute, Dr. Eapen's research aims to identify the optimal unrelated donor and graft for leukemia patients who may benefit from a transplant but lack a suitable matched sibling. Currently, choosing an unrelated donor and graft type are subjective and vary by institution. "The goal of this research is to create guidelines for unrelated donors that can be used nationally," said Dr. Eapen. "By designing a more evidence-based practice for unrelated marrow donations, we can provide the optimal choice for patients regardless of where they are located."

Children's Health Education Center reaches more than 15,000 students with e-learning programs

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Children's Health Education Center's BlueKids.org e-learning programs now are being used to deliver health education to more than 15,000 Wisconsin students. CHEC introduced its BlueKids.org e-learning programs in 2006 to extend its reach beyond southeast Wisconsin and address growing health-related issues in children, like drug abuse, bullying, obesity, nutrition and body image. BlueKids.org e-learning programs use interactive games and activities allowing kids to learn in a way that is both fun and engaging. Featured titles include: Bullyfree Basics, The Real U, 4 UR Health, It's Up 2U and Drug Defense. "The BlueKids.org e-learning programs target the interest of a middle school student because in the age of technology students are apt to learn from a computer-based program such as BlueKids.org," said Tiffany Oeftger, district assessment coordinator, Fontana Joint 8 School District. "In walking through the program with my students it is very clear that the creators of the program put a significant amount of time and effort into making sure the students understand the content and that every aspect of drug awareness is covered. It's Up 2U has been so effective that we will be using other BlueKids.org e-learning programs in the future," she said. "I really liked the games and enjoyed the tests. They were really fun," said Hannah, a fourth grade student from Edgerton, Wis. "School districts from all over Wisconsin are seeing the benefits that our e-learning programs can bring to their classroom," said Bridget Clementi, executive director of Children's Health Education Center. "We are committed to providing schools with informative, engaging health education programs that easily can be incorporated into existing curricula." If you are interested in learning more about BlueKids.org e-learning programs or to arrange a visit to a local school that is currently using these programs, contact Catherine Sutryk at (414) 477-1683. A complete list of the schools using BlueKids.org e-learning programs is attached.

Psychiatrist joins Fox Valley Children's Mental Health Center

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The first of two psychiatrists is treating patients at the Fox Valley Children's Mental Health Center. Mark Rovick, DO, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who treats the full spectrum of mental health disorders. He has a special interest in post-traumatic stress disorder. He serves as assistant professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The mental health center, which joins Children's Service Society of Wisconsin in providing services at the Goodwill building, 1820 Appleton Road in Menasha, is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Affinity Health System, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley and ThedaCare. The three health systems joined forces to address a shortage of pediatric mental health services in the Fox Valley. Funding for the center came from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the John J. & Ethel D. Keller Donor Advised Fund in the Community Foundation and many local businesses and community members. Rovick earned his medical degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. He completed a residency in Adult Psychiatry and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Fairview-Riverside Hospital in Minneapolis. He also completed an Osteopathic internship at Michigan State University in East Lansing. He is board certified in Adult Psychiatry and board eligible in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Rovick believes the community plays an important role in the care of its children and that the Fox Valley community's role in the development of the mental health center was critical. "Medicine is only part of the equation," he said. "When I have a young person in my office in a controlled setting, they may be fine, but when they leave here and have all the other inputs of friends, family, school, church and just life in general, it's a complicated environment. When a community mobilizes to not just educate its members about mental health but also do something about it, that's an incredible opportunity to create a very healthy environment." Rovick is from Minnesota and his wife is from upper Michigan. They and their two children say they already feel at home in the Fox Valley. "When people ask why I came here it's easy to talk about the need for a child psychiatrist in the area, but we really came here because of the sense of community. It feels like home and a place where I can make a difference." "There is a clear shortage of child psychiatrists in the country – there are 6,000 when we need 36,000 – and we chose to come here because it's a wonderful place to raise a family. The bonus is that it's also a place where I can make a real difference practicing the kind of medicine that I've chosen to practice." The search for a second psychiatrist is under way, said Larry Duncan, vice president of Regional Services for Children's Hospital and Health System, who is leading the recruitment effort. If you are a parent or legal guardian and wish to obtain psychiatric services for your child, please call (920) 996-2215 to speak with the intake coordinator regarding a new patient appointment.

Miss Wisconsin Flips for Kids

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Miss Wisconsin 2008, Briana Lipor, will visit the Miller Park IHOP restaurant for National Pancake Day from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. IHOP plans to give away millions of its signature buttermilk pancakes, one free short stack at a time, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to benefit Children's Miracle Network. In return, IHOP hopes that guests will make a voluntary donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network and other local charities. IHOP launched its National Pancake Day fundraising effort in 2006 to benefit the communities in which it operates. Last year's fundraiser was the largest one-day event in IHOP's 50-year history – giving away more than 1.5 million pancakes and raising more than $875,000 for local children's hospitals and other worthy causes. To date, IHOP has raised nearly $2 million in support of local charities and hopes to raise at least $1 million in 2009. Known also as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, National Pancake Day is a centuries-old tradition dating back to when the English would rid ice boxes of dairy products in preparation for Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during then Lenten season, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products – hence the name Pancake Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday. For more information about National Pancake Day, to find a local IHOP, or to donate to Children's Miracle Network, visit www.IHOPpancakeday.com.

Cystic Fibrosis Center designated a research center by Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The Cystic Fibrosis Center has been named a Therapeutic Development Center by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The center, which is comprised of the clinics at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, will receive funding for research staff and equipment as a result of the designation. The grant, sponsored by Children's Research Institute, is awarded to The Medical College. The center also becomes eligible to participate in clinical trials with cystic fibrosis centers nationwide. The result of this type of collaboration is a more efficient and effective trial design that moves drug trials into larger studies faster. "Current cystic fibrosis research looks at the consequences of the disease. Our center will participate in Phase II and III studies on the genetic basis of the disease, hoping to find the defect and fix it," said Diana Quintero, MD, pediatric pulmonologist at Children's Hospital and assistant professor of Pediatrics (Pulmonary) at The Medical College. "This designation will enhance our ability to implement translational research, where results from these studies impact the patients we see in clinic today." Cystic fibrosis is a congenital disease that affects 30,000 individuals in the U.S. The center, one of the top 10 centers for pediatric outcomes in pulmonary function in the nation, follows 275 patients. In collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the center helped Wisconsin become one of the first two states to institute newborn screening for cystic fibrosis.