News and Updates
“Shore to Shore” Health Screenings Event in Rock Hall Attracts Watermen, Marine Industry Workers
“Shore to Shore: Free Health Screenings for Marine Industry Workers” attracted strong participation from watermen, boat builders and other marine industry employees from the Kent County region.
University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown’s Mobile Wellness Team is now called Shore Community Outreach Team. The rebranding is in anticipation of Choptank Community Health System’s plans to launch a mobile wellness program that will include a van staffed by medical care providers offering health care services in locations throughout Kent County.
Free Health Screenings Offered for Marine Industry Workers in Rock Hall on March 16
“Shore to Shore,” an afternoon featuring free health care screenings for marine industry workers, is planned for Thursday, March 16, 12 noon to 4 p.m. in Rock Hall.
Clinical Trial Aids Chestertown Man in Beating Aggressive Cancer
When Chestertown native Rick Miller began exhibiting puzzling and severe symptoms — fainting spells, changes in his speech and behavior, trouble walking, migraines and periods of confusion — he and his wife, Diana Miller, knew that he would likely require highly specialized care. The 61-year-old was ultimately diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and received a combination of surgery and cancer treatments, thanks to the coordinated efforts of physicians within the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS).
Courtyard Renovations Near Completion at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown
Thanks to the generosity of local residents, the courtyard at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown has undergone a much-needed refresh. The courtyard is a secure outdoor space used by patients and team members for meals, relaxation and occasional meetings.
Due to an unforeseen construction event, mammography equipment at the Eleanor and Ethel Leh Women's Center at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown is non-operational. University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is in the process of replacing the mammography machine with new, state-of-the-art equipment.
Kristen Owen appointed to Chester River Health Foundation Board
Chester River Health Foundation (CRHF) recently elected Chestertown native Kristen Owen to its board of directors for a three-year term. Chester River Health Foundation raises funds to enhance excellence in health care at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown.
Chester River Health Foundation Sponsors Angel Tree
The Chester River Health Foundation sponsored its annual Angel Tree on which "holiday wishes" were hung for children in the foster care programs for Kent and Queen Anne's counties and Kent Center, which provides services for adults who have developmental disabilities.
UM Chester River Health Foundation Announces Annual Appeal
The University of Maryland Chester River Health Foundation's 2022 annual appeal will benefit several projects at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown including the continued development of the Aging & Wellness Center, the acquisition of a second chemistry analyzer and a hematology analyzer for the lab, and scholarships for advanced training and education for team members. Funds will also be used to help complete the renovation of the courtyard, a secure outdoor space used by patients and team members for meals, meditation and occasional meetings.
Due to renovation and expansion projects now under way at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, the offices of UM Shore Medical Group providers in Pulmonology and Urology will be relocated.
UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown Team Presents to Next Generation Scholars
Health care professionals at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown recently hosted Kent County High School students participating in the Next Generations Scholars Program. Thirty-six 10th grade students learned about careers in radiology, laboratory services, emergency and acute care nursing and infection control.
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) will visibly demonstrate support for the state's veterans this week by illuminating all of its hospitals in green. Each evening, as part of the national Operation Green Light initiative, member hospitals will literally shine the light on veterans and available resources to help them transition into civilian culture.
Construction Moves Forward on UM Shore Medical Center’s Aging & Wellness Center in Chestertown
Renovations are now underway at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown’s medical office building, as the hospital advances its plans to establish a dedicated Aging & Wellness Center of Excellence. The first phase of the project concentrates primarily on the second floor, making room for the relocation of several specialty practices (now located at Philosopher’s Terrace in Chestertown) at the end of this year.
Ruehrmund Recertified as a Certified Fund Raising Executive
Maryann Ruehrmund, Executive Director, UM Chester River Health Foundation, has been recertified as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) by CFRE International. Ruehrmund joins over 5,500 professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation.
UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Team members at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown joined forces last week to highlight October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Representatives of The Leh Women’s Center, The Chester River Health Foundation, Rural Health Care Transformation, Radiology, Mobile Wellness and Surgery were on hand for a brief ceremony at the “pink ribbon tree” in Chestertown’s Memorial Park. The tree was chosen and decorated with assistance from the Chestertown Garden Club and the Town of Chestertown.
UM Shore Regional Health Board of Directors Welcomes New Members
The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Board of Directors recently welcomed seven new members: Cassie Burton, PhD; Kenny Kreiser; Robert Roth, JD; Kim Herman, MD; Jane Wang, MD; and University of Maryland Medical System senior leaders Kristin Jones-Bryce, JD and Michelle Lee, CPA. The Board’s composition includes representatives from the five counties served by UM Shore Regional Health, the regional physician community and UMMS.
Prostate Cancer Screenings Scheduled in Chestertown and Easton in September
To promote early detection of prostate cancer, the Cancer Program at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health plans to offer free prostate screenings in Chestertown and Easton in September.
UM Shore Regional Health to Offer Fall Healthy for Life Courses
The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is launching a series of free virtual classes this fall for people who may need encouragement to keep up with a healthy lifestyle. Jeanette Jeffrey, MS, MPH, MCHES, Health Educator for University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown will lead the Healthy for Life evidence-based community nutrition and well-being program designed to empower individuals to make healthy food, nutrition and lifestyle choices.
Mobile Wellness Team Participates in National Night Out at Worton Park
UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown’s Mobile Wellness Team engaged the community in wellness activities during National Night Out activities at Worton Park on August 2, 2022. Mobile Wellness Team members provided blood pressure screenings and pre-diabetes screenings, and distributed masks and hand sanitizer at the annual event which brought out community members and organizations together with law enforcement personnel for an evening of solidarity.
Pink Polar Bear Golf Tournament Returns to Chestertown
Members of the Chester River Yacht & Country Club organized and participated in the 11th annual Pink Polar Bear Golf Tournament on Sunday, July 24, raising over $2,600 to benefit patients served in the Eleanor & Ethel Leh Women’s Center at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. This year’s event attracted 65 club members and guests.
UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown Earns Age-Friendly Health System Designation
University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown has been awarded designation as a Level 2 Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS) by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).
AFHS is a national movement of hundreds of health care organizations committed to ensuring that older adults receive evidence-based care. UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown achieved Level 1 designation in March 2022. Being awarded Level 2 AFHS designation signifies that UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown is recognized by IHI as a leader in the movement to advance the care of adults over age 65.
Social Worker Michelle Matthews Joins Chestertown Mobile Wellness Team
University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown has welcomed Michelle Matthews, MSW, LSCW-C, to the Mobile Wellness Team.
UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown Recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion
UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown is now recognized by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a Healthy People 2030 Champion.
Mobile Wellness Team Launches Grant-Funded Community Garden Project
The University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown’s Mobile Wellness Team is one of 18 organizations in Caroline, Dorchester and Kent counties awarded $5,000 grants in April 2022 by the Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition. The Mobile Wellness Team requested the grant funds to create produce gardens at local schools, churches, residential care communities, YMCAs and senior centers, and at organizations serving persons with disabilities and those in recovery from substance abuse.
UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown Earns Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation
The Emergency Department at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown has earned accreditation as a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
Chester River Health Foundation Hosts 28th Annual Golf Fundraiser
The Chester River Health Foundation will host its 28th annual golf fundraiser at the Chester River Yacht & Country Club just outside of Chestertown on Friday, June 3, 2022.
State Tax Credits Awarded to Chester River Health Foundation
The University of Maryland Chester River Health Foundation (CRHF) was awarded an allocation of state tax credits to support its efforts to raise nearly $150,000 to fund a replacement hematology analyzer for the laboratory at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. CRHF is one of just two health-related organizations awarded tax credits this year from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
University of Maryland Medical System Buildings Lit in Blue and Yellow In Unity With Ukraine
Throughout the last week as the world has witnessed terrible and unprovoked violence against the people of Ukraine, we are reminded that the mission of the University of Maryland Medical System to support the health and well-being of others extends beyond our state to all of those in need across the globe.
Emily Welsh, BSN, RN, has been named Nursing Coordinator of the Mobile Wellness Team based at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. The Mobile Wellness Team collaborates with community partners to bring health care access and support services to Kent County residents in their home and community settings.
UM Shore Regional Health to Offer Healthy for Life Courses Beginning February 1
Need encouragement to help you keep your healthy New Year's resolutions? Join Jeanette Jeffrey, MS, MPH, MCHES, Health Educator for University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, for Healthy for Life®, an online evidence-based community nutrition and well-being program designed to empower you to make healthy food, nutrition and lifestyle choices. Attend one or all 10 sessions.
Chester River Health Foundation Sponsors Angel Tree
The Chester River Health Foundation sponsored its annual Angel Tree on which "holiday wishes" were hung for children in the Kent and Queen Anne's counties’ foster care programs, and the Kent Center, which provides services for adults who have developmental disabilities.
UM Shore Regional Health Supports Maryland Food Bank Sites on the Eastern Shore
The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health has partnered with the Maryland Food Bank - Eastern Shore Branch to help address food insecurity challenges impacting local residents, providing a donation of $4,000. (November 29, 2021)
Lara Wilson Honored as Outstanding Rural Health Advocate
Lara Wilson, Director of Rural Health Care Transformation for University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, was recently honored by the Maryland Rural Health Association as recipient of the organization's 2021 Outstanding Rural Health Advocate Award. (November 22, 2021)
University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown and University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton each received an "A" Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for Fall 2021, making this the third consecutive period both hospitals have received the prestigious A grade. This national distinction recognizes the achievements of the hospitals in consistently protecting patients from harm and error. (November 22, 2021)
Guest Commentary: Transformation Continues at Shore Medical Center in Chestertown
As many in the communities that we serve know, Shore Medical Center in Chestertown is in the process of dramatic transformation and revitalization for the future of healthcare delivery. With the support of our parent organization, the University of Maryland Medical System, and University of Maryland Shore Regional Health leadership, Chestertown's Rural Health Care Transformation Team has identified several goals and strategies to deliver this transformation. Today, I am happy to announce an important milestone: the hospital's designation as a Level 1 Age Friendly Health System (AFHS). (November 19, 2021)
UM Shore Regional Health's Chestertown Rural Health Initiative Launches Mobile Wellness Team
University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown has welcomed three individuals to the hospital's new Mobile Wellness Team, a key component of the innovative models of care introduced by University of Maryland Shore Regional Health to serve the health care needs of Kent and northern Queen Anne's county residents. (October 11, 2021)
Jeanette Jeffrey has joined the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown as Health Educator on the hospital's Rural Health Care Transformation Team. (September 2, 2021)
Community Advisory Council Launched for Chestertown Hospital
University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown has launched a Community Advisory Council designed to bring community perspectives on existing and potentially new health services to the hospital and to the greater Kent County and northern Queen Anne's County region. (August 14, 2021)
Chestertown Emergency Department Welcomes Geriatric Specialist, Katherine Selman, MD
The University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown is taking a significant step in its plans to become a designated Age Friendly Health System with the addition of Katherine Selman, MD, to the hospital's Emergency Department. Dr. Selman comes to UM Shore Regional Health from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill where she completed a Geriatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship. (August 4, 2021)
Pink Polar Bear Golf Tournament Returns to Chestertown
Members of the Chester River Yacht & Country Club organized and participated in the sixth annual Pink Polar Bear Golf Tournament on Sunday, July 25, raising $2,610 to benefit patients served in the Eleanor & Ethel Leh Women's Center at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. This year's event attracted 84 club members. (August 3, 2021)
The University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown is being enhanced thanks to a newly-purchased high-technology telemetry system which plays a vital role in the care of patients. Philips IntelliVue Pic iX Patient Monitors telemetry system continuously monitors a patient's vital signs such as heart rate, respiration, oxygen level, pulse and temperature, and transmits the data to a technician at the nurses' workstation. The system, with a cost of nearly a quarter-million dollars, was purchased for the hospital by the University of Maryland Chester River Health Foundation. (July 24, 2021)
Michele Domenick, MD, Joins UM Shore Medical Group – Surgical Care
Michele A. Domenick, MD has joined the UM Shore Medical Group – Surgical Care practice serving the general surgery care needs of Kent and northern Queen Anne's counties. (July 20, 2021)
UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown Moves Toward Maryland Rural Hospital Designation
The transformation of University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown is moving forward as planned, as the hospital proceeds toward a Maryland Rural Hospital designation, the first in the state of Maryland. (June 30, 2021)
Maryland State Tax Credits Awarded to University of Maryland Chester River Health Foundation
The UM Chester River Health Foundation has been awarded a $32,000 allocation of Maryland state tax credits in support of its campaign to raise $150,000 to fund a second chemistry analyzer for the lab at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. (May 26, 2021)
Garret Falcone, Dr. Christopher Parry Named to UM Shore Regional Health Board
The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Board of Directors recently welcomed two new members, Garret Falcone and Christopher Parry, DO, FACOS. (May 7, 2021)
University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) and Choptank Community Health System (CCHS) have announced a collaborative plan to expand health care services for Kent and northern Queen Anne's County. The plan includes the introduction of primary care, behavioral health and dental care services offered by CCHS in Kent County, headquartered in Chestertown and complemented by mobile van health care delivery services in more remote locations such as Millington, Worton, Galena and Rock Hall. (April 14, 2021)
Dennis Welsh, Lara Wilson Named to Head Rural Health Transformation Team at UM SRH
Dennis Welsh has been named vice president, Rural Health Transformation and executive director, Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, and joined the UM Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) leadership team in early April 2021. Supporting Welsh in leading rural health transformation initiatives for UM SRH is Lara Wilson, who has been named director, Rural Health Care Transformation, UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, will begin in her new role in May 2021. (April 6, 2021)