Kelly Smerker, pharmacy manager at UPMC Northwest, demonstrates how to access workout-related features using the QR code and free mobile app

The Northwest Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of a new outdoor fitness station at UPMC Northwest.  This exciting addition aims to promote health and wellness in the community, providing an inclusive space for teens and adults to engage in physical activity.  It also allows the public to take advantage of more workout options in addition to the existing walking trail.

Located conveniently behind the pavilion along the walking trail, the fitness station features ten units of state-of-the-art exercise equipment, three of which are wheelchair accessible.  Signs include a QR code for downloading a free app to access workout-related features showing how to use each exercise machine.  The app includes workout demos, help creating exercise routines and assists with logging progress.

The initiative reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthier community by encouraging outdoor physical activity.

“We are excited to provide this new, free of charge resource for our community,” said Foundation Executive Director, Theresa Edder.  “The fitness station is designed to be inclusive and accessible, encouraging all community members to incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives.”

The Foundation wishes to thank the Laura M. Smedley Trust, United Way of Venango County, UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Northwest, Dr. & Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust, and the UPMC Northwest Medical Staff for their generous contributions.

For more information about the Northwest Hospital Foundation or to contribute to this project, please visit NorthwestHospitalFoundation.org or contact Theresa Edder, Executive Director by calling 814-676-7145 or emailing edderta2@upmc.edu.

In the realm of gynecological surgery, advancements in technology continue to enhance the safety and efficacy of procedures. One notable development is the utilization of the LigaSure Generator for the removal of fallopian tubes during c-section deliveries or for postpartum sterilization immediately after vaginal delivery. Historically, surgical sterilization has been a bilateral partial salpingectomy or tubal ligation, which means that only a portion of the fallopian tube is removed. This technology allows the surgeon to remove both fallopian tubes safely and completely by sealing tissues and preventing excessive bleeding. Full removal of the fallopian tubes, or total bilateral salpingectomy, reduces a patient’s risk of ovarian cancer by approximately 65% and provides improved contraceptive rates compared to historic tubal ligations. This innovative technology is now in use at UPMC Northwest thanks to two new OBGYNs and the Northwest Hospital Foundation.

Emily Carbaugh, MD and Kristin Romutis, MD joined the UPMC Northwest medical staff last September. They both completed their medical residency at UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. Drs. Carbaugh and Romutis deliver babies and perform surgeries at UPMC Northwest and see patients at their physician offices in Clarion and Franklin.

In their residencies, the doctors trained and practiced in using the LigaSure Generator to perform postpartum bilateral salpingectomies for sterilization. With the Northwest Hospital Foundation’s donation of this device for the Family Birthing Center, Drs. Carbaugh and Romutis can apply the state-of-the-art skills they learned in residency to treating patients here in Venango County.

“It allows us to perform two procedures in one, the delivery and the bilateral salpingectomy, so it reduces risk of complications and prevents the patient from needing to have a second surgery,” said Dr. Carbaugh. “This technology allows us to be at the forefront of providing this service.”

Dr. Romutis added, “Patients are getting preferred care every time because we have a safe device to do it. We are very grateful to the Foundation for equipping us to provide the best possible care for women and families.”

For more information about the Northwest Hospital Foundation, please visit NorthwestHospitalFoundation.org or contact Theresa Edder, Executive Director by calling 814-676-7145 or emailing edderta2@upmc.edu.

Oil City Area High School Choir performs in the UPMC Northwest lobby

The Northwest Hospital Foundation held a Light Up Night Kick-Off event on Wednesday, November 29 in the hospital lobby to celebrate the lighting of the campus. With assistance from Barrow-Civic Theatre director Zachary Covington, choirs from Rocky Grove, Oil City, Franklin, and Cranberry High Schools performed carols in the hospital lobby for patients, visitors, and staff who were treated to free hot cocoa and cookies.

The main lobby Doves of Peace and Cardinals of Caring tree was lit for the first time, and visitors could view the decorations sponsored by local individuals and businesses in memory or honor of loved ones.

The Rocky Grove choir also performed for patients receiving treatment in the Cancer Center.

For more information about the Northwest Hospital Foundation, please visit NorthwestHospitalFoundation.org or contact Theresa Edder, Executive Director by calling 814-676-7145 or emailing edderta2@upmc.edu.

Through her small business Jewelry For A Cause, Brenda Montana raises funds for local causes near and dear to her heart. This October, Brenda held a special Facebook live show of Papparazi Jewelry for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From this sale, she donated $100 to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Northwest to help local patients battling cancer. She is passionate about supporting cancer patients because she lost her mother to the disease and watched her sister-in-law go through treatment. Brenda, a resident of Leeper, started Jewelry For A Cause three years ago to help others in her community. Her donation to the Cancer Center will go a long way to helping patients in their recovery. Thank you, Brenda!

If you would like to host a fundraiser on behalf of the Northwest Hospital Foundation, please contact Executive Director Theresa Edder at edderta2@upmc.edu or call 814-676-7145.

The winner of the Pumpkins for Patients contest is the SpongeBob pumpkin painted by Serria Amis and Anna Bish. Serria and Anna are both students of the UPMC Northwest School of Radiology. After graduation next year, Serria plans to continue her education into radiation therapy and medical dosimetry. Anna looks forward to becoming an x-ray tech after graduating in 2025. They each received $25 VISA gift cards courtesy of Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union. Congratulations to Serria and Anna and thank you to all the radiology students who painted pumpkins!

Because over 400 votes were cast during the contest, Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union has donated $250 to our Holiday Presents for Patients program which provides small gifts for patients at UPMC Northwest. Thank you, Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union and everyone who voted!

Megan Miller, Practice Manager of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Northwest; Dr. Shannon Penland, MD, Hematology Oncology and Medical Oncology at UPMC Northwest; Tanya Bain, Sales Manager of Seven Mountains Media Franklin office; and Theresa Edder, Executive Director of the Northwest Hospital Foundation

Seven Mountains Media and Northwest Hospital Foundation joined together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise funds for the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Northwest. With the help of several local businesses, nearly $900 was raised to support those locally battling cancer.

Throughout the month of October, participating businesses displayed pink pumpkins which they encouraged their customers to sign. Customers were also able to make a monetary donation to help meet patient needs.

Participating businesses included Anderson Furniture, Career Concepts, Polk Main Street Market, Oil City Warehouse Mall, All Seasons Temporaries, The Dive Bar Hydration and Wellness Lounge, Marsh Home Center, and Shambaugh Towing.

For more information about the Northwest Hospital Foundation, please contact Theresa Edder, Executive Director by calling 814-676-7145 or emailing edderta2@upmc.edu.

Emily Seyler, Franklin Oil Region Credit Union and Bethany Ochs, Clinical Coordinator of UPMC Northwest School of Radiology with the juniors and seniors of the UPMC Northwest School of Radiology

Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union and the Northwest Hospital Foundation are teaming up to raise funds this October. Between now and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, vote for your favorite pumpkin painted by the students of the UPMC Northwest School of Radiology.

Votes can be made in person at Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union in Oil City or online on the Northwest Hospital Foundation’s Facebook and Instagram pages. In-person votes are limited to once per day per individual, and online votes are limited to once per account.

For every vote cast, Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union will donate $1 to the Presents for Patients program up to $250. Presents for Patients provides small gifts for inpatients at UPMC Northwest during holidays. The students with the winning pumpkin will each receive a $25 gift card courtesy of Franklin-Oil Region Credit Union.

Dr. Ibrahim Bawab presenting at the Annual Corporation Meeting

90 members of the Northwest Hospital Foundation Corporation and UPMC Northwest representatives gathered for the Foundation’s annual meeting on Wednesday, October 11, at Wanango Country Club, where they discussed Foundation activities over the last year and were introduced to several new UPMC Northwest initiatives.  Board chair Joseph Keebler, Esq., welcomed 6 new members from surrounding communities to the corporation:  Matthew Bloom, Michelle Goodwill, Laura Ordaz, John Phillips, Alexander Spaid, and Natalie Toscano.

An important benchmark was reached when the Foundation board participated 100 percent as donors for the ninth consecutive year, personally demonstrating their commitment to the organization’s mission.  Noted was their collective vision for a healthier community where everyone has access to top-notch healthcare services.  Mr. Keebler stated, “We know that when we all pitch in, when every one of us contributes, we can achieve incredible things.”

Philanthropic support was highlighted by Otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon Dr. Ibrahim Bawab who spoke about the purchase of new surgical equipment by the Foundation totaling nearly $250,000.  Key additions included an ENT Storz Endoscope, HAVAS Laryngoscopy, Medtronic StealthStation Navigation System, and PTeye Parathyroid Detection System.

Dr. Bawab, whose office is located at Home Depot Drive in Seneca, offers expertise in the treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat, as well as surgery and reconstruction of the face, neck, and jaw.  Dr. Bawab credits Foundation support as “having made a great positive impact on patient care by helping make UPMC Northwest a beacon of superior care in the region.”

Hospital President, Brian Durniok, emphasized the importance of the partnership between the Foundation and UPMC Northwest in providing advanced care in Venango County.  “The hospital’s goal remains to provide high-quality care with state-of-the-art equipment,” Durniok said.

Mr. Durniok reported UPMC Northwest’s annual economic impact to the region is $211 million.

He also shared that UPMC Northwest is a critical partner in serving patients with SUD (substance use disorders). Continued efforts in Venango County have significantly decreased the instances of newborns impacted by substance exposure during pregnancy.  Efforts provide for early intervention with at-risk mothers.

There were several capital equipment/construction projects for fiscal year 2023 including many projects to maintain safety and improve facilities for staff and patients.  Some of these include:  Upgrades to the HUGS security system in the Family Birthing Center; upgrades to the OR surgical lighting and painting and room repairs; and installation of patient lifts in several rooms in each department.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has given UPMC Northwest in Seneca four stars out of five in its annual comparison of the nation’s hospitals.  The star rating reflects comprehensive quality information about the care provided at our nation’s hospitals based on 64 quality measures.

Five physicians recently joined the medical staff, said Durniok, including:  Morgan Gallo, DPM, podiatrist; Kristin Romutis, MD, obstetrics & gynecology; Emily Carbaugh, MD, obstetrics & gynecology; Bethann Hamm, DO, family medicine; and Paul Hamm, DO, family medicine.

A review of the Northwest Hospital Foundation’s financial report was presented by McGill Power, Bell and Associates, LLP who declared a clean opinion of the Foundation audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, with work currently under way on the 2023 audit.

Mr. Keebler concluded the meeting by sharing with the Corporation membership, that “We are fortunate to have a hospital in Venango County proving care of this caliber which attracts patients from surrounding communities, and that is worthy of our support.”

For more information about the Northwest Hospital Foundation, please visit NorthwestHospitalFoundation.org or contact Theresa Edder, Executive Director by calling 814-676-7145 or emailing edderta2@upmc.edu.

Two UPMC Northwest employees were recently awarded Cenedella Nursing Scholarships.

Christopher Frye, a Patient Care Technician in the Emergency Department, is pursuing an Associate of Science in Nursing from Pennsylvania Western University-Clarion Venango. He anticipates graduating in May 2024 and taking the NCLEX examination to become a Registered Nurse.

Catherine Dinger, a Certified Nursing Assistant in the Transitional Care Unit, is currently enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program at Venango Technology Center. After completing the program and becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, she plans to continue her education to become a Registered Nurse.

The Stephen C. and Marie F. Cenedella Nursing Scholarship was established to offset the cost of education intended to advance the recipient’s skills or qualifications as a members of the Hospital’s nursing staff.

If you would like to contribute to the Cenedella Nursing Scholarship Fund, please visit NorthwestHospitalFoundation.org or contact Theresa Edder, Executive Director by calling 814-676-7145 or emailing edderta2@upmc.edu.

A mural funded by the Northwest Hospital Foundation was recently installed in the waiting room of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Northwest. Painted by local artist Deac Mong, the wall-size oil on canvas mural features the beauty of Venango County and gives peace and hope to patients and visitors. Animals and inspirational words are hidden among the details to make it even more interactive and engaging. Cancer Center staff celebrated the installation by posing with the new mural.

Pictured, back row from left: Robin Reisinger, Julie Snow, Kayla Swartz, Jodi Woods, Christie Whitling, Taylor Keverline, Sis McGrady. Front from left: Kali Barnes, Tamaria Flinspach, Janie Vlassich, Michele Lander, Dr. Shannon Penland, Megan Miller.