Zanesville, Ohio (May 15, 2020) – Members of the Zanesville United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Board of Directors presented a check for $4,000 in February to the Genesis Cancer Care Center for its Breast Cancer Fund. The money was raised during the Strike Out Breast Cancer event held by the Zanesville USBC in 2019.

“Genesis Cancer Services and the Genesis Breast Care Center are grateful to the Zanesville USBC and its bowlers for their support and generous donation,” said Pebbles Thornton, RN, BSN, OCN, director of Genesis Cancer Services. “The funds will be used to provide our patients with much-needed services geared toward early detection and treatment of breast cancer.”

Pictured during the check presentation are left to right: Pebbles Thornton, director of Genesis Cancer Services; Linzey Allen, event chairperson; David Hildebrand, association president; Tammy Asberry-Hildenbrand, event chairperson; and Vicki Smith, association vice president.

Zanesville, Ohio (Nov. 5, 2020) - Genesis HealthCare System began its pediatric hospitalist program in partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital on Nov. 1. Pediatric hospitalists from Nationwide Children's are at Genesis Hospital around the clock to provide high-quality care to pediatric patients when they are hospitalized.

"We are pleased to partner with Nationwide Children's Hospital, a national leader in pediatric medical care, to provide inpatient hospital care to children locally," said Sharon Parker, chief operating officer, Genesis HealthCare System. "Pediatric patients will benefit from the high-quality care the pediatric hospitalists provide, and children and families can stay closer to home while receiving care."

"Nationwide Children's looks forward to leveraging our neonatal and pediatric expertise to enhance the exceptional care already in place at Genesis HealthCare System," said Darrell Mosby, vice president for regional development at Nationwide Children's. "We value this partnership tremendously and commend Genesis for their proactive approach to optimizing neonatal and pediatric care for the children and families in Muskingum County."

Nationwide Children's pediatric hospitalists are board-certified pediatricians who provide care for patients in the Pediatric Unit, the Special Care Nursery and the Newborn Nursery at Genesis Hospital. They are also available for high-risk deliveries and Emergency Department consultations. There is a dedicated team of Nationwide Children's pediatric hospitalists working alongside the Genesis team to provide high-quality, specialized care at Genesis.

Zanesville, Ohio (June 2, 2020) – On June 1, Genesis HealthCare System became the first hospital in the region to perform WATCHMAN Implant procedures. The one-time, minimally invasive procedure can reduce the risk of stroke and eliminate the use of blood thinners for patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. The procedure is performed by Mohamed Ahmed, M.D., interventional cardiologist, and Shaun Bhatty, M.D., electrophysiologist, who are part of the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute.

“By performing the WATCHMAN Implant procedure, we can reduce stroke risk and eliminate the use of blood thinners preventing the threat of uncontrolled bleeding. This improves our patients’ health outlook and state of mind. We are proud to continue bringing new advanced procedures to our community,” said Mohamed Ahmed, M.D.

The WATCHMAN Implant is inserted through a thin tube that runs from a blood vessel in the upper leg to the left atrial appendage of the heart. Once in place, the WATCHMAN Implant seals off the left atrial appendage, where 90% of stroke-causing blood clots come from within the heart. Most patients return home the day after the procedure.

With WATCHMAN, most patients can stop using blood thinners 45 days after the procedure. The WATCHMAN Implant is the only implant of its kind approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Over 100,000 people worldwide have received the WATCHMAN Implant.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of heart arrhythmia that causes the heart to beat irregularly. It occurs when upper chambers of the heart (right and left atria) no longer contract in coordination. This can allow blood clots to form, especially in the left atrial appendage.

Zanesville, Ohio (June 1, 2020) – Genesis HealthCare System is opening a new facility to offer an enhanced patient experience for physical, occupational and speech therapy. Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation will be located at the former Big Lots building, near Northern Lights Imaging. Planning for the outpatient rehabilitation project began more than a year ago and is projected to open in autumn 2020.

“We have outgrown our former location,” said Lisa Lynn, MA CCC/SLP, manager, Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation Services. “We’re looking forward to providing the same expert care our community depends on in a warm and welcoming space.” The previous facility, the Genesis Center for Occupational & Outpatient Rehabilitation (COOR), is more than 30 years old.

The new location will offer convenient access, with plenty of parking, improved patient flow and wayfinding. In addition to general physical, occupational and speech therapy, there will be specialty services such as vestibular, lymphedema, counseling, Parkinson’s (Rock Steady Boxing), women’s health, sports therapy focused on running, throwing, concussion management and Sportsmetrics™.

“The additional space will give us the opportunity to expand services,” Lynn said. “We’ll be able to incorporate new technology and expand our sports therapy services such as running and throwing analysis and women’s health/pelvic control therapy – programs that we didn’t have the space to provide or enhance before.”

Renderings were made before the COVID-19 epidemic occurred. Social distancing will be in place in Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation.

Our volunteers are a committed group of individuals dedicated to helping our community

Zanesville, Ohio (Feb. 5, 2020) – Genesis Volunteers presented a check for $8,000 to Genesis Hospice Care today. The donation comes from the Genesis Volunteers Tree of Love fundraiser and helps provide hospice care to those in need. “Our volunteers are a committed group of individuals who are dedicated to helping our community. We are glad that the Genesis Volunteers donated a portion of the funds raised from the Tree of Love to Genesis Hospice,” said Jerry Nolder, executive director, Genesis HealthCare Foundation.

Pebbles Thornton, RN, BSN, OCN, director, Genesis Cancer Services, Hospice & Palliative Care, said, “We’re grateful for the Genesis Volunteers’ donation as well as the compassion the volunteers give to our patients and families each and every day.” Genesis Hospice is not for profit and has been offering care in our community for more than 30 years. The donation from the Genesis Volunteers also provides medications and supplies for those being cared for at home by Genesis Hospice. Go to genesishcs.org for more information about Genesis Volunteers, Genesis Hospice Care or ways to give.

Pictured left to right is Jon Brooks, president, Genesis Volunteers; Carol Kohler, treasurer, Genesis Volunteers; Pebbles Thornton, RN, BSN, OCN, director, Genesis Cancer Services, Hospice & Palliative Care; and Jerry Nolder, executive director, Genesis HealthCare Foundation.

Zanesville, Ohio (June 2, 2020) – Genesis Orthopedic Sports Medicine is offering free sports physicals for student athletes now until Friday, July 31. The physicals are being conducted by appointment in the Genesis Orthopedic Sports Medicine office at 950 Bethesda Drive, Building 5, in Zanesville.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling (740) 586-6828. Minors should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Student athletes need to bring the signed Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) form to the appointment.

Genesis Orthopedic Sports Medicine is staffed by two orthopedic sports medicine physicians, physician assistants and certified athletic trainers. They treat orthopedic conditions and injuries of all types in addition to providing sports medicine services.

Zanesville, Ohio (Oct. 22, 2020) - Genesis HealthCare System held a ribbon cutting for the new Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation Thursday, Oct. 22. The new Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation is located at 3297 Maple Ave., in the Country Fair Shopping Center. Genesis therapists began seeing patients in the new space Monday, Oct. 12.

Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation features a spacious environment for physical, occupational and speech therapy. The location offers additional space for programs like sports therapies, Parkinson’s disease, women’s health and more. The previous facility, the Genesis Center for Occupational & Outpatient Rehabilitation (COOR), was more than 30 years old and had limited space. 

"We are glad we can provide a modern healing environment for our community," said Matthew Perry, president & CEO, Genesis HealthCare System. "Patients will be able to receive the expert compassionate care they count on in a convenient and comfortable facility."

Speaking at the ribbon cutting were Matthew Perry; Lisa Lynn, manager, Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation Services; Dana Matz, president, Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber; and Pat Nash, chair of the Genesis Board of Trustees.

Pictured cutting the ribbon for the new Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation left to right is Lisa Lynn, manager, Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation Services; Dana Matz, president, Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber; Matthew Perry, president & CEO, Genesis HealthCare System; and Pat Nash, chair of the Genesis Board of Trustees.

Zanesville, Ohio (Jan. 24, 2020) – Genesis HealthCare System has been recognized with a second consecutive gold award by the Healthy Business Council of Ohio for its commitment to the health and well-being of its employees. Genesis provides employee programs that encourage physical activity, better nutrition and preventing or stopping tobacco use.

“Investing in employees through wellness programming is an effective way to promote healthy behaviors,” Heather Shuster, manager, Genesis Population Health & Wellness, said. “In an era when employer spending on health care has increased 51% in the last 10 years, Genesis is uniquely positioned to engage employees within our walls, as well as local employers, in healthy behaviors through innovative programming that promotes lifestyle changes.”

Participation in Wellness initiatives more than doubled in 2019, with 2,186 Genesis employees participating. Employees who participated in the Weight is Over program with weekly on-site weigh-in collectively lost 2,732 pounds. With a healthy worksite, employees are motivated to improve their own health, which reduces healthcare costs and increases workplace productivity and satisfaction. 

Zanesville, Ohio (June 30, 2020) – The Heart & Vascular Institute of Genesis HealthCare System is now offering diagnostic testing as part of their heart services in Coshocton. Testing, cardiologists and advanced practice providers (APPs) are located at 420 Downtowner Plaza, Coshocton.

“Letting a heart problem go undiagnosed and not treated is dangerous. To provide more resources for Coshocton-area residents, we have added diagnostic testing to our Heart & Vascular Coshocton office. This makes it easier for patients to undergo testing and receive a diagnosis and treatment,” said Tabitha McKenzie, RN, BSN, MBA, director of Genesis Heart & Vascular Services.

To keep all patients healthy, Genesis has increased its already strict cleaning and safety protocols. Patients, visitors and staff are required to wear masks and practice social distancing. Everyone arriving at a Genesis facility is screened. Facilities are frequently cleaned.

Diagnostic testing in the Coshocton office includes stress testing, echocardiogram, vascular studies and cardiac monitors. Patients can ask their family physician to refer them to the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group in Coshocton. For more information, call (740) 623-4481.

Genesis Heart & Vascular Group physicians and APPs are part of the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute. The Institute offers comprehensive heart care, from diagnosing cardiac conditions, to treatment, including minimally invasive heart surgery, robotic heart surgery and follow-up care.

Zanesville, Ohio (Aug. 21, 2020) - Genesis HealthCare System received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital's commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

"Genesis HealthCare System is dedicated to providing high-quality care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative," said Keela Barker, director, Genesis Rehabilitation & Ambulatory Services. "The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines, ensuring our patients get the timely stroke care they need."

Genesis earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

Genesis also received the Target: Stroke^SM Honor Roll award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient's arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

Additionally, Genesis HealthCare System received the Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed with more than 90% compliance for 12 consecutive months for the "Overall Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative Composite Score."

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.