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Inside this issue:• Changing lives with palliative care: page 3• Christmas Forest schedule: pages 4-5• Healing Garden opens: page 6

MANY GENEROUS ACTS SUPPORTING ONE MISSION

CornerstoneF A L L 2 0 1 5

Published for donors, volunteers and friendsof Providence St. Peter Foundation

Continued on page 2

Marilyn Roberts works in the Spiritual Care department at Providence, and her 20-year career has offered unique insight into the vulnerability and harsh injustice that mentally ill people face in their lives. In addition, as a mom, she has experienced these struggles up close and personal.

Marilyn’s son Kevin, now 29, was diagnosed at age 16 with depression and ADHD; as his illness progressed he was considered “gravely disabled” with bi-polar disorder by the age of 22. Kevin has tried to hold down several jobs but because of his illness and medications he does not currently work, but does live independently.

When Kevin transitioned from a private health plan to Medicaid at age 24, his access to quality medical care and therapy deteriorated quickly. Provider turnover, lack of access to services, uncoordinated medication prescription—before long, Kevin started to fall through the cracks. “Mental health services are sort of a ‘revolving door,’” Marilyn says. “There’s nothing in our community to hold people up, or to connect services for people who need help from more than one agency.”

The catalyst for

Marilyn Roberts understands caring for those with mental health challenges

care

22 W W W . P R O V I D E N C E . O R G / G I V I N G

The catalyst for care (continued from page 1)

One of the aspects of Kevin’s illness is that he lacks awareness of the disease symptoms, a condition called "anosognosia." In 2014, Kevin was hanging around the bus terminal in downtown Olympia. He was smoking; transit officials asked him to stop. He reacted badly. He left the terminal, but police were summoned. “He was tanking,” Marilyn says. When a police officer confronted him, Kevin flicked his cigarette away. It landed on the rim of the

officer’s hat. Kevin was arrested for third-degree assault and taken to jail, where he would be held for more than two and a half months. Because of his mental condition, the state required that Kevin undergo a competency evaluation before he could be tried. Resources to perform these evaluations are scarce, so he had to wait. He waited in jail for 97 days, and subsequently hospitalized at Western State Hospital for 45 days

At present, mental health services in our community—access to food, housing assistance, insurance enrollment, and mental and physical health—operate as stand-alone programs.

For people who have mental health challenges, including those who need prescriptions and management of psychiatric and other medications, navigating this maze

can be an unsurmountable barrier. All too often, patients seek access in settings like the Providence Emergency Center, or end up in jail for a crime, like Kevin. Providence - together with a generous community - is addressing this need, serving as a catalyst to create a social service hub. This project will provide a single point of access for individuals, especially those with mental health challenges, in need of behavioral health, chemical

dependency, housing and many other services. Marilyn is delighted about the community care center, saying it will offer better coordination and access to these critical services. “Right now, every agency is like an island. This new program will create a central place to get services when a crisis arises. It will divert people away from hospitals, police and jails,” she says. “This is the most important thing we could do right now to help those living with mental illness.” Marilyn also says Kevin is doing better now. He has no prior offenses, and is participating in the county’s mental health court, under close evaluation. As long as he does not re-offend, the court will drop his charges after 18 months.

Seeking justice

With the help of Disability Rights Washington (DRW), Marilyn entered Kevin into a class action lawsuit against the Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services. The suit stated that it is “unconstitutional for the state to prolong detention of individuals with mental illness in jails simply because there are not enough resources to meet their needs.”

On April 2, 2015, the Federal Court found that the state must provide all competency services within seven days; the state has nine months to come into compliance.

Can you help?

Learn more andsupport the project at ProvForest.org

Kevin with his grandmother, Peggy Yates

“There’s nothing in our community to hold people up, or to connect services for people who

need help from more than one agency.” – Marilyn Roberts

33Your gifts allow us to fulfill our mission of sharing God’s love for all,especially the poor and vulnerable, through our compassionate service.

The catalyst for care (continued from page 1)

The Providence St. Peter outpatient palliative care clinic opened on Tuesday, May 19. Located on the hospital campus, the clinic is a precious resource for patients and families, and its impact is already being felt by the patients and families seeking care.

Providence St. Peter Hospital has provided superior palliative care for hospitalized patients for several years. This type of care is supportive; it focuses on relieving pain, symptoms and the stress of serious illness. Its goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to ensure the best-possible quality of life for patients and their families, like Greg Prosser, who lives on Harstine Island, Washington. Last year, at age 55, Greg was diagnosed with cancer in the throat and mouth. He had surgery that removed part of his jaw and half of his tongue. Greg completed rehab, but had trouble accessing all the care he needed. “I was in very, very bad shape,” Greg says.

Greg arrived at the Emergency Center this spring suffering from acute malnutrition and severe pain. He was admitted to the hospital, where he stayed for 18 days. The hospital’s palliative care team came to his room to see if they could help. “Their care was all-encompassing,” Greg says. “They coordinated with Department of Social and Health Services. They scheduled appointments and in-home care and helped with pain management and financial problems.”

With palliative care now available on an outpatient basis, patients like Greg can access these services at an earlier stage, with a focus on drawing attention to quality of life and integrating medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of care.

In fact, Greg says it was after he left the hospital that most

of the help really started. Greg says the palliative care team helped reduce his pain, change his medications so that they are now effective, and reduce his nausea.

“There’s nothing they haven’t helped me with. I went from nothing, to everything. Every single problem I have, they have addressed.” He now visits the outpatient palliative care clinic each month and has referred a friend to the clinic, as well. “I feel for the first time that anybody gives a damn.”

“They don’t quit on you,” Greg says. “They take their time, and it’s in depth. They have created a tremendous change in my life.”

The program expansion was funded through donor contributions, including last year’s 2014 Christmas Forest Fund-A-Need, which raised $268,000 for this clinic. Thank you for your investment in our work and our Mission. With you, we are making excellent health care accessible to all.

Changing lives with palliative care

Greg Prosser, grateful palliative care patient

“I feel for the first time that anybody gives a damn.”

– Greg Prosser

Thanks for your support

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his five-day holiday fundraiser showcases a festive display of Christmas trees and wreathscreated by Thurston County’s finest decorators. Attend one of our special events or stock up on your holiday needs at our Christmas Forest Gift Shop. Over the past 27 years, Christmas Forest has

generated significant funds to support mission-driven programs and fund life-saving medical equipment.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 // Red Lion Hotel - 2300 Evergreen Park Drive, Olympia

CHRISTMAS FOREST RAFFLE SENIOR DAY/PUBLIC VIEWING

HOLIDAY GIFT SHOP LADIES’ NIGHT OUT GALA DINNER & AUCTION • Allwest Moving & Storage

• The Rants Group

• Olympic Moving and Storage

• Collaboration of Local Veterinary Clinics

• Reliable Electric

• Providence SW Washington Leadership Team

Columbia Hills Building Company

The Stars Foundation of Thurston County

diventareCREATIVE

Theme Donated By

Media Sponsors

Silver Sponsor

Acme Fuel Company

Bronze SponsorGold Sponsors

PREVIEW NIGHT

2

3

5

6

Public Viewing ScheduleDecember 2 – December 6

Other Christmas Forest Activities

Tuesday, December 1

Preview NightPrivate Event - by invitation only

SPONSORED BY:

South Sound Radiology

Available Throughout the Forest

Christmas Forest Raffle Holiday Gift Shop

SPONSORED BY: SPONSORED BY:

McKinney’s Appliance Center, Inc. Anchor Bank

Wednesday, December 2

Ladies’ Night Out5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Celebrate the season with a night of shopping, savory and sweet treats, holiday beverages and live music by Chris Ward. Visit www.provforest.org for all of the details! A special program that night will raise money for the Providence St. Peter Sexual Assault Clinic and Child Maltreatment Center.

Reservations Required: $50 per guest

Friday, December 4

Gala Dinner & Auction5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.An elegant event to celebrate with friends. This event historically sells out immediately; limited seating.

Reservations Required: $250 / $325 per guest

This year’s fund-a-need will bring new and existing community services together to create a single point of access for individuals. This new community partnership will serve many -- especially those with mental health challenges -- in need of behavioral health, chemical dependency, housing, and many other services.

To learn more & donate, visit www.provforest.org

WEDNESDAYOpening Day Public Viewing / 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Admission: Adult $6, Child $1 (under 12)

THURSDAY

Senior Day Public Viewing / 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Admission: Adult $6, Senior $5, Child $1 (under 12)

SPONSORED BY:

Cardiac Surgeons: - Dr. Ronald Quinton

- Dr. Luis Santamarina

Saturday

Kids’ Day Public Viewing / 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Special kids’ crafts and activities by Hands On Children’s

Museum.

Admission: Adult $6, Child $1 (under 12)

Sunday

Family Day Public Viewing / 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Admission: Adult $6, Child $1 (under 12)

For reservations or more information, call 360.493.7981.

Or register online at www.provforest.org.

Christmas Forest offers an exciting week of events, public viewing times and activities for the whole family!

facebook.com/provstpeter @provsouthwestwa

SPONSORED BY:

Heritage Bank,

SPONSORED BY:

Surgical Associates

Cardiac Surgeons:- Dr. Ronald Quinton

- Dr. Luis Santamarina

Major Sponsors Other Sponsors

Affinity Tree Sponsor

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FOREST CAUSE

Platinum Star Sponsor

T

4

5

his five-day holiday fundraiser showcases a festive display of Christmas trees and wreathscreated by Thurston County’s finest decorators. Attend one of our special events or stock up on your holiday needs at our Christmas Forest Gift Shop. Over the past 27 years, Christmas Forest has

generated significant funds to support mission-driven programs and fund life-saving medical equipment.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 // Red Lion Hotel - 2300 Evergreen Park Drive, Olympia

CHRISTMAS FOREST RAFFLE SENIOR DAY/PUBLIC VIEWING

HOLIDAY GIFT SHOP LADIES’ NIGHT OUT GALA DINNER & AUCTION • Allwest Moving & Storage

• The Rants Group

• Olympic Moving and Storage

• Collaboration of Local Veterinary Clinics

• Reliable Electric

• Providence SW Washington Leadership Team

Columbia Hills Building Company

The Stars Foundation of Thurston County

diventareCREATIVE

Theme Donated By

Media Sponsors

Silver Sponsor

Acme Fuel Company

Bronze SponsorGold Sponsors

PREVIEW NIGHT

2

3

5

6

Public Viewing ScheduleDecember 2 – December 6

Other Christmas Forest Activities

Tuesday, December 1

Preview NightPrivate Event - by invitation only

SPONSORED BY:

South Sound Radiology

Available Throughout the Forest

Christmas Forest Raffle Holiday Gift Shop

SPONSORED BY: SPONSORED BY:

McKinney’s Appliance Center, Inc. Anchor Bank

Wednesday, December 2

Ladies’ Night Out5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Celebrate the season with a night of shopping, savory and sweet treats, holiday beverages and live music by Chris Ward. Visit www.provforest.org for all of the details! A special program that night will raise money for the Providence St. Peter Sexual Assault Clinic and Child Maltreatment Center.

Reservations Required: $50 per guest

Friday, December 4

Gala Dinner & Auction5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.An elegant event to celebrate with friends. This event historically sells out immediately; limited seating.

Reservations Required: $250 / $325 per guest

This year’s fund-a-need will bring new and existing community services together to create a single point of access for individuals. This new community partnership will serve many -- especially those with mental health challenges -- in need of behavioral health, chemical dependency, housing, and many other services.

To learn more & donate, visit www.provforest.org

WEDNESDAYOpening Day Public Viewing / 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Admission: Adult $6, Child $1 (under 12)

THURSDAY

Senior Day Public Viewing / 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Admission: Adult $6, Senior $5, Child $1 (under 12)

SPONSORED BY:

Cardiac Surgeons: - Dr. Ronald Quinton

- Dr. Luis Santamarina

Saturday

Kids’ Day Public Viewing / 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Special kids’ crafts and activities by Hands On Children’s

Museum.

Admission: Adult $6, Child $1 (under 12)

Sunday

Family Day Public Viewing / 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Admission: Adult $6, Child $1 (under 12)

For reservations or more information, call 360.493.7981.

Or register online at www.provforest.org.

Christmas Forest offers an exciting week of events, public viewing times and activities for the whole family!

facebook.com/provstpeter @provsouthwestwa

SPONSORED BY:

Heritage Bank,

SPONSORED BY:

Surgical Associates

Cardiac Surgeons:- Dr. Ronald Quinton

- Dr. Luis Santamarina

Major Sponsors Other Sponsors

Affinity Tree Sponsor

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FOREST CAUSE

Platinum Star Sponsor

T

5

Cornerstone is published for friends of the Foundation.

About Cornerstone

If you have suggestions or wish to have your name removed from the list to receive fundraising requests, please contact the Foundation at (360) 493-7981, ProvStPeterFoundation@providence.org, or write: Providence St. Peter Foundation, 413 Lilly Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506. Archived newsletters and subscription to the electronic newsletter are available online at: www.providence.org/giving.

6W W W . P R O V I D E N C E . O R G / G I V I N G

The Healing Garden on the oncology unit at Providence St. Peter Hospital opened in September. The new outdoor area provides direct access to nature and a healing environment for patients and their families. The project has been made possible by the generous support of many donors, including patients, families and caregivers.

Prior to the opening, Providence facility staff member,

Keith Edgerton, needed to do a test run of the space. He quickly found a patient who was receiving IV medication and was ecstatic to be able to go outside. “It was an amazing moment to see this cancer patient be in the space and grinning from ear to ear,” says Keith. “There are bright spots in my job that keep me going, and this was among the best, to have witnessed such a wonderful moment.”

Healing Garden opensto delight of patientsand caregivers

Peggy Sanderson and her spouse, Steve, in the Healing Garden

Donors and patients gather to celebrate the opening of the Healing Garden

Letter from the president

Patricia Gilmer, M.D., Board President, Providence St. Peter Foundation

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Over the past year, the Providence St. Peter Foundation Board of Directors has been adapting as the landscape of health care philanthropy changes. At Providence St. Peter Foundation, we are envisioning systemic changes to improve the health of the community, and nowhere is this more evident than in this year’s Christmas Forest fund-a-need.

The 2015 fund-a-need will support a community care center, creating a single point of access to help individuals, especially those with mental health challenges, navigate the maze of social and health services. Working collaboratively with partners who will address housing and community services, Providence will play a unique role by supporting those with mental health challenges, including those in the local homeless population. This new approach will help avoid great costs to the community by reducing the burden on emergency centers, law enforcement and jails.

We look forward to embracing new opportunities such as these as they emerge, with a constant focus on continuing the Mission that the Sisters of Providence envisioned: caring for the poor and vulnerable.

Sincerely,

Patricia Gilmer, M.D.Board President, Providence St. Peter Foundation

Your donations to Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice support a number of essential programs, including SoundCareKids, comfort care programs, adult grief support and so much more. Now, your contributions also help honor the veterans in our community as they reach the end of life.

The new We Honor Vets program will offer thanks and appreciation for veterans’ service to our country. Through this program, military veterans in hospice care may request an honoring ceremony, which will include a veteran volunteer if one is available. Veterans with a longer anticipated stay in hospice care will receive a pinning ceremony, which includes a reading, certificate, pin and salute, as well as ongoing weekly visits from a fellow vet to provide emotional support, as requested by the patient and his or her loved ones.

Joe Frederickson was a driving force behind this new program. “I have a special fondness for my fellow veterans, as I served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967 and am a Vietnam veteran,” Joe says. “I was attracted to being a hospice volunteer largely due to my personal experience with those who answered the calling for the work, in the case of my mother, who died in 1993, and my wife, who passed away in 2012.”

Joe has extensive volunteer experience working with veterans. For a Department of Veterans Affairs/Disabled American Veterans program, he provided transportation from Pocatello, Idaho, to the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City for veterans’ medical appointments. He also volunteered at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello.

Hospice Honors Veterans

Make your gift at www.providence.org/hospicetree or call (360) 493-7981. Please make your gift before Nov. 18 to have your loved one’s name included on the honor roll display.

Support this year’s

Hospice Tree!

Are you a veteran who would be interested in helping to develop and expand this essential program? Please call (360) 493-4689 or email PSHCH.Volunteer@providence.org.

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Serving:Providence St. Peter Hospital,Providence Mother Joseph Care Center,Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice,Providence St. Francis House, andProvidence Medical Group

413 Lilly Road NortheastOlympia, WA 98506-5166

www.providence.org/giving

W W W . P R O V I D E N C E . O R G / G I V I N G

Your generosity can provide hope and healing.

Consider a gift annuity withProvidence St. Peter Foundation.

Based on a $10,000 contribution, the income tax deduction is $4,426.20 for a 75-year-old. Payout rates vary depending on your age.*

For more information, please contact the foundation by phone at 360-493-7981 or by email at ProvStPeterFoundation@providence.org.

www.providence.org/giving

One-Life Rates*Age Rate65 ....................4.7%70 ....................5.1%75 ................... 5.8%80 .................. 6.8%85 ....................7.8%90+ ................ 9.0%

*Effective Aug. 29, 2015. Figures cited in examples are based on current rates at the time of printing and are subject to change.

(Rates slightly lowerfor husband and wife)