August 2024
At HonorHealth, we hold ourselves to a higher standard by caring for the whole person, not just their symptoms. Through the support of a generous community, HonorHealth Foundation helps us make investments to solve healthcare's toughest challenges.
With more than 90 years of experience delivering quality healthcare, no organization knows and understands our communities like we do.
HonorHealth experts collaborate with Blue Zones to improve community health
Where you live, learn, work and play impacts your health!
These non-medical factors may not be the first thing you think of when talking about your health, but research shows they influence your behaviors and choices.
Referred to as social determinants of health, or SDoH, they can raise or lower your risk for developing chronic diseases.
“Social determinants of health play a crucial role in shaping your well-being and health outcomes,” says Priya Radhakrishnan, MD, internal medicine physician, chief academic officer and vice president of Health Equity at HonorHealth. “Understanding and addressing these are essential for improving the health of our patients and our community, and creating a deeper level of care that will help them live their best lives.”
According to Dr. Radhakrishnan, the social determinants of health fall into one of five categories:
• Economic stability and financial resources
• Food insecurity or not being able to afford healthy foods
• Access to, and understanding of, healthcare services
• The neighborhood you live in
• Your relationships with family, friends and community members
HonorHealth’s history of addressing these issues in the Valley dates back nearly 100 years through its work at HonorHealth Desert Mission.
Desert Mission has been improving the health and well-being of community members of all ages through programs that embrace the power of resiliency and foster self-sufficiency. Programs include early childhood development and education, senior enrichment, food access and nutrition support, and financial coaching and resource navigation.
“Income is a significant determinant of health,” according to Haeli J. Miceli, MPA, executive director, HonorHealth Desert Mission. “Healthcare accounts for only 20 percent of a person’s health status. In order to improve health outcomes for vulnerable families, we need to address the root causes of social and economic factors that influence health, such as education, employment and financial stability.”
HonorHealth also conducts community health needs assessments every three years to understand which diseases and other issues are affecting our community and impacting their ability to live a healthy life. After which, HonorHealth develops an implementation plan with steps the organization will take over the next three years to improve outcomes on what was identified through the assessments.
“As a locally run nonprofit, HonorHealth’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of those we serve,” says Todd LaPorte, HonorHealth CEO.
“Annually, our community investment of more than $500 million targets gaps in regional health needs through financial assistance to help patients afford healthcare, supporting community programs that promote health to all.”
Learn more about Desert Mission and how you can help our vulnerable neighbors.
What’s driving the increase in colorectal cancer among young people?
Potential factors contributing to the increasing diagnosis in young people are lifestyle and dietary habits. High consumption of processed foods, red meat and sugary beverages, coupled with low fiber intake, can increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
Additionally, sedentary lifestyles and obesity, which are becoming more common among younger populations, have been linked to a higher risk of this type of cancer.
As with all cancers, early detection leads to better outcomes. But young people may be less likely to undergo routine screenings that could detect early signs of colorectal cancer. The symptoms in young people often go unnoticed or are misattributed to less severe conditions leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Watch for symptoms such as:
• Changes in bowel habits
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms can be mistakenly attributed to conditions like hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome or dietary issues. As a result, many young patients are diagnosed at more advanced stages of the disease when treatment options are limited and less effective.
In response to the growing concern, medical professionals are advocating for increased awareness and earlier screenings for colorectal cancer in younger populations, crucial for ensuring timely diagnosis and intervention.
Learn more about HonorHealth Cancer Care services, including cancer screening, customized care, research and clinical trials.
HonorHealth Research Institute studying new treatment options for colorectal cancer
HonorHealth Research Institute is part of an international study to create one of the first immunotherapy drug combinations to treat colorectal cancer.
“The combination immunotherapy can overcome cancer’s attempt to hijack the body’s immune system,” explains Dr. Michael S. Gordon, chief medical officer for HonorHealth Research Institute and author of the study, along with Dr. Sunil Sharma, HonorHealth Cancer Care and chief of translational oncology and drug development for the Institute.
Learn how clinical trials at HonorHealth Research Institute provide new hope through access to groundbreaking cancer drugs before they are available to the public.
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Celebrates 40 Years of Healing
The year was 1984 and Scottsdale Healthcare, now HonorHealth, opened its second hospital, Scottsdale Memorial North, at 92nd Street and Shea Boulevard.
To get the doors open at this flagship location, the 60 team members had to get creative with tools used by the construction workers (screwdrivers, wrenches and more) to put equipment together.
The first patient, who ironically was a doctor, spent time recovering in his room watching a TV that used a coat hanger as an antenna. Sometimes you just have to make do with what you’ve got.
“Reflecting back, I recall the excitement of opening up a new facility,” said Kathy Stinson, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at Sonoran Crossing Medical Center and one of the original Scottsdale Shea team members. “We worked hard to the get the doors open and added services incrementally over time.”
First Lady Nancy Reagan was on hand for the ribbon cutting with her Secret Service detail in tow, having been personally invited by Dr. James Schamadan, former president and CEO of Scottsdale Healthcare Network. A former team member remembers seeing them in their three-piece suits escorting Mrs. Reagan and setting up a command post in one of the imaging rooms, completed with a “red phone.”
A lot has changed since then. Scottsdale Shea Medical Center now boasts 427 beds, comprehensive maternity services including a dedicated pediatric ICU, a Level III neonatal ICU, a bariatric surgery center of excellence, a certified Cardiac Arrest Center, a designated Primary Stroke Center and is home to HonorHealth Cancer Care, the Virginia G. Piper Surgery Center and the HonorHealth Research Institute.
“The HonorHealth story continues to be written one day, one patient and one donor at a time,” says Todd LaPorte, HonorHealth CEO. “We will always do whatever it takes to care for our patients and community building upon the legacy of those who have come before us.”
Happy 40th HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea! And thank you to the inaugural HonorHealth Foundation donors who helped make it happen!
You can make a difference for a sick child!
Hospitals can be scary for sick kids! But we know that toys can help ease the fears of our young patients. However, today our toy boxes are nearly empty.
• $25 will help us provide toys like musical toys, baby dolls, or board games
• $50 will help us provide toys like stuffed animals, crafting kits, or dinosaur toys
• $100 will help us provide toys like Lego sets, remote control cars, or video games
Make your tax-deductible donation to the HonorHealth Toy Fund so that our young patients can receive toys to help calm them during their time at HonorHealth.
Plus, if you make a donation of $50 or more before August 31, we would be happy to send a stuffed animal to the HonorHealth hospital location of your choice in your name.
Remember, donations of all sizes matter. Make your gift to the HonorHealth Toy Fund today and help ease the fears of our pediatric patients!
7th Annual NICU Tea and Luncheon
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
HonorHealth Foundation’s annual tea was so much fun, we had to expand it to a luncheon! Join us to support our tiniest and most fragile patients in the HonorHealth Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. RSVP early, as this event always sells out!
Learn more and reserve your spot at the NICU Tea and Luncheon today!
Desert Mission Morning of Gold fundraising breakfast
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
At this year's Morning of Gold we are excited to have keynote speaker Lauren Bailey, CEO and Co-Founder of Postino’s + Upward Projects. Lauren will speak on What Feeds her Soul, as well as the topic of “Food is Medicine,” which links nutrition and healthcare. Proceeds from this extraordinary event benefit the programs and services of HonorHealth Desert Mission.
Learn more and reserve your spot at Morning of Gold today!
Jared Langkilde, president and CEO of HonorHealth Foundation, invites you to a complimentary lunch
Join us to learn about the ways HonorHealth Foundation is partnering with friends like you to transform the health and well-being of our community.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Noon - 1 PM
HonorHealth Corporate Office
8125 N Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Space is limited, so please reserve your seat today. You are welcome to bring a guest!
