Boden

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Piedmont Hospital and Piedmont Fayette Hospital Named 2010 Most Wired

Piedmont Hospital and Piedmont Fayette Hospital are two of only four Georgia hospitals to be recognized as the nation’s MOST WIRED according to the results of the 2010 Most Wired Survey released in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. This is Piedmont Hospital’s seventh consecutive year and Piedmont Fayette’s sixth consecutive year to receive the honor.

Hospitals understand the importance of health information technology (IT) and the benefits of its widespread adoption, yet as a field still face significant barriers to implementation according to a newly released survey of America's Most Wired hospitals and health systems.

“We are proud the Most Wired Survey has recognized Piedmont Hospital and Piedmont Fayette Hospital, two of only four in Georgia” said R. Timothy Stack, president and CEO of Piedmont Healthcare. “This recognition shows our dedication to quality and excellence in the use of information technology to improve patient care and safety.”

This year’s survey reveals continued progress for hospitals in patient safety initiatives:

* Fifty-one percent of medication orders were done electronically by physicians at Most Wired hospitals, up from 49 percent last year.

* Over half (55 percent) of Most Wired hospitals match medication orders at the bedside through bar-coding or radio-frequency identification, up from 49 percent in 2009 and 23 percent five years ago.

* Additionally, Most Wired hospitals have made improvements when it comes to sharing information during care transitions. For example, new medication lists are electronically delivered to caregivers and patients 94 percent of the time when a patient is transferred within the hospital, 98 percent at discharge, and 86 percent when transferred to another care setting.

“The survey results highlight that continued progress is being made, but the full potential of health IT has not been meet,” says Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). “Hospitals embrace health IT and recognize the many benefits it can provide to patients, but even Most Wired hospitals face barriers to adoption. We have asked that the federal government stimulate greater adoption by making Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments more widely available to hospitals and physicians so more hospitals can move in this direction.”

The 2010 Most Wired Survey is redesigned this year to reflect two years of work with an advisory group to continually improve the Most Wired Survey. The 2010 Most Wired Survey represents a new structure and methodology with an increased use of analytics and reporting. The advisory group was comprised of leaders from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), chief information officers, Most Wired staff and vendors. Additionally, the new methodology was made available to the entire CHIME membership for review and comment.

Hospitals & Health Networks conducted the 2010 survey in cooperation with McKesson Corporation and CHIME. The July H&HN cover story detailing results is available at www.hhnmag.com.

----

About the AHA
The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes more than 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, and 38,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.

About the Most Wired Survey
Hospitals & Health Networks, the journal of the AHA, conducts the voluntary Most Wired Survey annually which uses the results to name Most Wired hospitals and health systems. It is based on organizations’ level of achievement in four focus areas: Business and Administrative Management, Clinical Quality and Safety, Care Continuum and Infrastructure.

McKesson Corporation is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to helping its customers deliver high-quality healthcare by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and improving the quality and safety of patient care.

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an executive organization dedicated to serving chief information officers and other senior healthcare IT leaders. CHIME provides a highly interactive, trusted environment enabling senior professional and industry leaders to collaborate; exchange best practices; address professional development needs; and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and healthcare in the communities they serve.

About Piedmont Healthcare 

Piedmont Healthcare (PHC), a not-for-profit organization, is the parent company of Piedmont Hospital, a 481-bed acute tertiary care facility in the north Atlanta community of Buckhead; Piedmont Fayette Hospital, a 143-bed, acute-care community hospital in Fayetteville and one of the 100 Top Hospitals® in the nation; Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, a 42-bed community hospital in Jasper; and Piedmont Newnan Hospital, a 143-bed, acute-care community hospital in Newnan. Piedmont Healthcare also is the parent company of the Piedmont Heart Institute (PHI), comprised of more than 85 cardiovascular specialists in Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians with over 30 locations across north Georgia and North Carolina; the Piedmont Physicians Group, with more than 100 primary care physicians in over 30 offices throughout metro Atlanta; the Piedmont Clinic, a 600-member physician network; and Piedmont Philanthropy, the philanthropic entity for private fundraising initiatives. Three Piedmont Healthcare hospitals—Piedmont Hospital, Piedmont Fayette Hospital and Piedmont Mountainside Hospital—have received top ratings from patients among metro Atlanta hospitals according to the HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey results for the past two years. For more information about Piedmont Healthcare, visit piedmont.org.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Premier Middle School Science Competition Announces Student Semifinalists

Editor's Note:  Super Kudos to Erica Kim of Cumming, Georgia!  Good luck as you continue on in the competition!

PRNewswire -- Today, Discovery Education and 3M announced the top 47 middle school students from across the country as semifinalists in the 12th annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

The semifinalists were selected based on their science communication skills exhibited in a short video explaining the science behind issues millions of Americans face in everyday life, including preventing the spread of germs, ensuring food safety and sun protection. All video entries were evaluated by a panel of judges and assessed on creativity, persuasiveness, classroom suitability and overall presentation -- not on video production skills.

Each semifinalist will receive $250 and a prize package including a plaque honoring their science teacher or mentor. Judges will announce the top ten finalists in August, each of whom will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip to New York City to compete in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge finals on October 5, 2010. The winner will receive $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value), the title of "America's Top Young Scientist" and a trip to St. Paul, Minnesota to work alongside 3M's top scientists and visit the 3M Innovation Center.

"We are extremely pleased with the quality and ingenuity exhibited by the 2010 Young Scientist Challenge entries," said Bill Goodwyn, President of Global Distribution and CEO of Discovery Education. "These semifinalists have demonstrated their ability to successfully communicate a variety of scientific ideas, and Discovery Education, together with our partner 3M, is pleased to recognize their outstanding efforts."

As the nation's premier science competition for middle school students, the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge targets students in the years when research indicates their interest in science begins to fade and encourages them to explore scientific concepts and creatively communicate their findings. For more information on the challenge, including the full list of 47 semifinalists, their hometowns and ages, go to www.youngscientistchallenge.com.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Newnan Hooters Girl Ashleigh Dunn Received Second Runner Up at Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant

/PRNewswire/ -- Ashleigh Dunn, a Hooters Girl at the Hooters of Newnan, GA, returned home $10,000 richer after placing 2nd runner up of the top 10 finalists at the Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant on July 10th in Fort Lauderdale. She was selected from 100 Hooters Girl contestants that traveled from as far as Australia to represent the 455 Hooters restaurants around the world.

"Ashleigh is a stand out Hooters Girl and always carries a smile on her face," stated Beth Taylor, Pageant Director. "Newnan was well represented with Ashleigh who caught the judges' eyes and stood out amongst the competition."

The contestants received a cumulative score from Hooters photographers and a panel of 5 celebrity judges. The Hooters Girls that competed in Fort Lauderdale were selected from over 17,000 Hooters Girls by either advancing through local and regional contests or were selected by their management team to represent their market.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Monday, July 12, 2010

Youth Organization Founder Wins 38th Annual World Open Speed Chess Competition to Inspire Youth to Be Someone

/PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta Be Someone founder Orrin Checkmate Hudson celebrated Independence Day by taking first place in the 5-Minute Blitz Chess Championship at the 38th Annual World Open International Chess Tournament in King of Prussia, PA. Hudson, the creator of the award-winning leadership chess program for kids and parents, also finished first place last year in the 10-Minute Blitz. These important wins prove Hudson's message is correct when he tells his students, "Nature is neutral. If you make the right moves you get the right results." Be Someone is a nationally acclaimed crime prevention program that uses chess to teach at-risk youth self-esteem, as well as responsibility and analytical thinking.

"Winning two consecutive years in a row where the best in the world compete is the greatest feeling in the world. I am living my dream. If I can do it, anyone can. It was exciting to win in both the 10-minute and 5-minute speed categories. These high-profile victories enable me to show the youth of America that making the right choices can make you a champion at life and at chess," said Hudson. "I've devoted more than a decade of my life to teaching children to play the game of chess and apply the same rules to the game of life."

Hudson uses similar quick-response techniques when he teaches chess to large audiences of kids, often in at-risk communities. Repeating catchy phrases such as, "Think it out, don't shoot it out" and "Push pawns, not drugs," Hudson teaches kids that the game is a metaphor for making good decisions and taking charge of their education and lives. Through Be Someone, he inspires communities to start their own chess programs to give young students a stimulating and healthy after-school activity.

"Orrin is a real champion because he is giving our children the greatest gift they could receive, the ability to think, act, and solve problems. It was a great honor to award someone who is truly making a difference," said Brenda Goichberg of Continental Chess, the organization that organized the tournament, which brought together more than 1,200 players from 25 countries. Hudson took honors in the side event G/5 Blitz Under 1800 section.

A former state trooper and Air Force veteran, Hudson turned his focus from detention to prevention. He started using the game of chess as an educational tool after he learned of an incident in which seven Wendy's employees were shot -- five of whom died -- for a mere $2,400. This tragic incident compelled Hudson to start Be Someone because children need to understand that the life we save is our own. Be Someone also offers inspirational programs for corporations and parents, designed to foster teamwork and encourage participation in the lives of children.

Today, Hudson is an internationally recognized speaker and advocate for helping at-risk youth. He travels the globe teaching children to value KASH - Knowledge, Attitude, Skills and Habits - over cash. Since its founding, Be Someone has touched the lives of over 20,000 students internationally. Hudson's mission is to positively impact the lives of one million young people.

"I am very encouraged and excited," says Hudson. "I had some discussions with the Mayor's office in Philadelphia, and Mayor Nutter will be participating in the 2011 World Open at the Sheraton Hotel, downtown Philadelphia, June 30-July 4."

Continental Chess has organized chess tournaments in America, including the World Open, for more than 40 years. For more information, please visit http://www.chesstour.com/

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Monday, July 5, 2010

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2010 Award Winners in Alabama-Georgia and Tennessee Announced

/PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP is pleased to announce the winners of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award in the Southeast region. This group of leading entrepreneurs was selected by an independent judging panel made up of regional business, academic and community leaders. The winners were revealed at a gala event on June 24, 2010 at the InterContinental Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Ernst & Young believes in the power of entrepreneurship," said Joseph A. King, Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year Program Director for Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. "These Entrepreneur Of The Year award winners have made substantial financial and civic contributions, and we are proud to honor their outstanding success."

The Alabama/Georgia/Tennessee award recipients for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year award in 2010 are:

James A. Haslam, III Pilot Travel Centers LLC Knoxville, Tennessee
Michael F. Mansfield Sr. Mansfield Oil Company Gainesville, Georgia
Michael McMenamin Access Insurance Holdings Atlanta, Georgia
John C. Portman, Jr. Portman Holdings Atlanta, Georgia
David R. White IASIS Healthcare Franklin, Tennessee
Mark Wilson Ryla, Inc. Kennesaw, Georgia
R. Halsey Wise Intergraph Corporation Huntsville, Alabama

The Entrepreneur Of The Year® program honors entrepreneurs regionally in June, leading up to the national awards in November. Additionally, venture-backed companies that win an Entrepreneur Of The Year® award regionally are also eligible for the Venture Capital Award of Excellence on a national level. The overall national US winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year title in June.

This year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 24th anniversary. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Entrepreneurs are nominated and evaluated by those in each region, including local business, academic and community leaders.

All regional honorees are invited to the national Entrepreneur Of The Year® gala, hosted by Jay Leno, on November 13, 2010 in Palm Springs, California. The gala is the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. For more information on the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, please visit www.ey.com/us/strategicgrowthforum.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.

In Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, the regional sponsors include King & Spalding, SolomonEdwardsGroup and Bowne.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage