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  • Wellstar Foundation Receives Additional Funding to Support Child Literacy and Address Social Determinants of Health Through the Small TALK Program
Article Category: Highlights

Wellstar Foundation Receives Additional Funding to Support Child Literacy and Address Social Determinants of Health Through the Small TALK Program

Published on June 13, 2023

Last updated 03:08 PM June 13, 2023

Illustration of parent reading to child

Thanks to generous donations from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation and United Way, the Small TALKTM literacy development initiative will complete implementation in the Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center market and create a model to expand the literacy ecosystem system throughout Wellstar Health System and beyond.

With more than 80% of brain growth occurring in the first three years of life, early language development is vital for literacy proficiency. Third grade is a critical milestone – by this time, children switch from learning to read to reading to learn. In the Greater Atlanta area, only 1 in 5 third graders are strong readers. Those who are not reading proficiently by this time are four times more likely to drop out of high school, and Black children and children who speak English as a second language are disproportionately impacted, according to the Cox Campus - Literacy and Justice for All initiative.

The Literacy and Justice for All initiative, a coalition of leading organizations such as the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, United Way of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta Speech School Rollins Center, Marietta City Schools and Wellstar Health System, is committed to creating a literacy ecosystem in Georgia and ensuring that youth have the literacy skills needed to succeed in life.

Through an initial grant from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, Wellstar Kennestone and its affiliated pediatric offices have implemented Small TALK and their OB/GYN offices will complete rollout of the program this fall. Leveraging learnings from Grady Health System’s Talk With Me Baby initiative, Wellstar’s expanded program supports children of all ages as they continue to learn and grow. Small TALK is designed to help families understand the ongoing importance of early language nutrition for healthy brain development and engage in meaningful, quality interactions that expand vocabulary, literacy skills and cognitive development. Wellstar is the only health system in Georgia to provide this level of literacy support throughout the entire spectrum of pediatric care, from pre-birth through third grade and beyond.

Dr. Susan Staviss, a pediatrician with Wellstar, is one of the first physicians to integrate the Small TALK program into patient appointments. “The literacy ecosystem starts with parents and families even before a baby is born, and it continues throughout childhood,” said Dr. Staviss. “Starting with our tiniest patients, we make a point of talking to the child just as much as we talk to the parent or caregiver. Through our interactions and with resources and coaching, we help the whole family see how easy and natural it is to begin building literacy skills early.”

Small TALK teaches parents and caregivers to tune in to their child’s interests and what they’re doing as well as regularly ask open-ended questions to encourage responses with more than one word. By using complete sentences and complex vocabulary when speaking to children, the child begins to learn how to lift their own language and grow cognitive understanding. Talking, reading, playing and singing together help even the youngest children establish these skills.

Recently, Wellstar Foundation received nearly $1 million in additional funding from the Whitehead Foundation to finish implementing Small TALK across its broad service area and expand the program into neonatal intensive care units, prenatal and mother/baby care appointments and throughout Wellstar women’s health services. This support will also help Wellstar begin to share the Small TALK program and resources with other communities and health systems as a national model for early childhood development and literacy.

“Literacy is a key social determinant of health, and a healthier future begins with the health and well-being of our young people,” said Julie Teer, president of the Wellstar Foundation. “Ensuring our kids have access to the care they need has never been more critical than it is today. At Wellstar, we care for the whole family, and we’re there for every life milestone. The Small TALK program is just one of many ways philanthropy and partnership is helping us meet families where they’re at with innovative, personalized care close to home. We’re grateful to have partners like the Whitehead Foundation who are helping accelerate this important work.”

Through philanthropy and community partnerships like the Literacy and Justice for All initiative, the Wellstar Foundation is helping transform healthcare and fueling innovation and action to address the vital needs of Georgia’s diverse urban, suburban and rural communities.

To learn more about the Wellstar Foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit wellstar.org/give. If you’re preparing for the arrival of a new family member, you can learn more about prenatal care at wellstar.org/womenshealth. To find a pediatrician to keep your child healthy, visit wellstar.org/kidcare.

Wellstar CEO Candice Saunders visits Small TALK program

Wellstar CEO Candice Saunders visits Small TALK program

Wellstar CEO Candice Saunders visits Small TALK program

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Susan Gail Williams Staviss Wellstar Foundation KidCare
Womens Health
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Illustration of group of women and pink ribbon. Text reads "CatchItEarlyCare"

Highlights

CatchItEarlyCare

When it comes to diagnosing breast cancer, time is of the essence.  

That’s why Wellstar uses state-of-the-art imaging technology to help identify cancer sooner, so we can treat it faster. Getting a screening mammogram can save your life, so don’t delay. 

“The earlier we detect a breast cancer, the better we are able to treat it,” said Dr. Rhonda Wachsmuth, medical director of the Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program. 

With 14 imaging centers offering mammography, it's easy to find one that's convenient to you.

Who should get screened?

If you do not have any risk factors that increase your chance of developing breast cancer, you should start annual screening mammograms at age 40. 

If you’re at higher risk for breast cancer, your provider may recommend you start screenings earlier and can help you create a personalized plan.

“Being female at birth gives you a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer, but there are other components that can increase that risk,” Dr. Wachsmuth said.

You may be at higher risk of developing breast cancer if:

  • You have a family history of breast cancer. If any of your relatives have had breast cancer, talk to your provider about starting screenings earlier. Find out how old your relatives were when they were diagnosed with breast cancer and begin screenings when you are seven to 10 years younger than their age of diagnosis. 
  • You have had previous radiotherapy treatment in the chest area. Previous radiotherapy for other cancers or lymphomas can also raise the potential for breast cancer development.
  • You have had breast cancer before. A previous breast cancer diagnosis often means a patient is more likely to develop breast cancer again.

Wellstar offers several locations to get a mammogram. Call (678) 581-5900 to schedule yours. You can also ask your Wellstar provider to put your mammogram order in MyChart and you'll be able to schedule the test online.

What should I expect when I get a mammogram?

A mammogram uses low dose X-rays to examine the breast for abnormalities and signs of cancer. Wellstar offers 3D mammograms, which provide a series of detailed images of the breast, allowing healthcare providers to better evaluate breast tissue layer by layer. In these images, fine details are more visible as compared to 2D mammograms and are no longer hidden by overlapping tissue.

The mammography unit is a rectangular box that houses the X-ray tubes and special accessories so that only the breasts are exposed to radiation. Attached to the unit is a device that holds and compresses the breast and positions it so images can be taken from several angles. 

The technologist is with you throughout the procedure and will ensure that the necessary images have been taken before completing the exam.

Once you have completed a mammogram, you may resume your normal, everyday activities.

If your screening mammogram results are normal, your next mammogram will be the following year, unless your provider recommends more frequent screenings due to family history or other risk factors. Continue to perform breast self-exams monthly, and if you notice any changes such as a lump, sore spot or a difference in the appearance of the skin, contact your provider.

What if I receive abnormal screening mammogram results?

When a mammogram result is flagged for follow-up care, it can be scary and intimidating for patients and their loved ones—but at Wellstar, you won’t have to navigate your health journey alone.  

As you search for answers about your breast health, the Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program and its complimentary concierge services will make your experience more seamless with a tailored care plan, advocacy for your physical and emotional well-being, dedicated team members for scheduling appointments and education about your care options. Our team of experts will stay by your side through the entire diagnostic process, offering personalized counsel at every step.

For more information on our Comprehensive Breast Health Program, call (470) 610-1910 or email [email protected]. Learn more about our personalized breast care at wellstar.org/breasthealth.

What are some symptoms of breast cancer?

In addition to yearly mammograms, conduct monthly breast self-exams to look for any changes you’ll need to discuss with your provider. Signs of breast cancer can include:

  • Lump development in the breast or underarm
  • Breast swelling or development of thickness
  • Redness and/or skin flaking around the breast
  • Discharge other than breast milk from the nipple
  • Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
  • Pain in any area of the breast

If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to your provider and schedule an appointment to evaluate your breast health.

Your Wellstar care team will support you at every step of your breast health journey, from screening mammograms to follow-up care.

Learn more about breast cancer screening at Wellstar.

 

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Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program logo (illustration of person and pink ribbon)

Highlights

Navigate Your Breast Care with Concierge Services from the Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program

When a screening mammogram result is flagged for follow-up care, it can be stressful and scary for patients and their loved ones. The Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program supports patients with a full team of experts dedicated to navigating what can otherwise be an overwhelming process.

This concierge service helps patients who have received abnormal screening mammogram results, along with their support systems, make informed breast health decisions. Our dedicated team of schedulers, nurse navigators and breast care specialists will stay by your side through the entire diagnostic process, offering personalized counsel at every step—and it’s complimentary for anyone who has their screening mammogram performed at a Wellstar imaging center.

Our care team is invested in patients’ physical and emotional well-being and provides personalized guidance as patients follow up on their mammograms and set next steps. At Wellstar, no patient has to walk through their health journey alone.

This integrative program, available at no additional cost to patients who have received abnormal screening mammogram results, offers consultation services via secure MyChart messaging, email and telephone calls, so you can get care anywhere.

Take the first step with screenings

Regular mammograms are essential to helping in the early detection of breast cancer.

“If you’re at average risk of developing breast cancer, you should start annual mammograms at age 40,” said Medical Director for the Comprehensive Breast Health Program Dr. Rhonda Wachsmuth. “However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your provider may recommend starting earlier and will help you create a screening plan.”

When it’s time for your mammogram, Wellstar offers 14 mammography locations, and our patients have state-of-the-art technology on their side. We offer high-resolution breast screening, including 3D mammograms.

A 3D mammogram provides a series of detailed images of the breast, allowing healthcare providers to better evaluate breast tissue layer by layer, making fine details more visible and no longer hidden by overlapping tissue. A 3D mammogram is clinically proven to provide more accurate breast cancer screening and can help reduce false-positive callbacks for additional imaging.

Call (678) 581-5900 to schedule your mammogram. You can also ask your Wellstar provider to put your mammogram order in MyChart and you'll have the ability to schedule online.

Compassionate follow-up care with the Comprehensive Breast Health Program

If you are of average risk and your screening mammogram results are normal, your next mammogram will be the following year. Continue to perform breast self-exams monthly, and if you notice any changes such as a lump, sore spot or a difference in the appearance of the skin, contact your provider.

If your screening mammogram is abnormal and you need follow-up care, a member of the Comprehensive Breast Health Program team will contact you to schedule additional imaging, automatically including you in this complimentary concierge program. They can also answer any questions you have about the program, next steps, what to expect at your follow-up appointment and more. If your additional imaging also shows an abnormal result, your care team will remain by your side, guiding you through every needed follow-up care step, which may include additional imaging, breast biopsy or specialist referral.

In the event you are diagnosed with breast cancer, treatment transitions from the Comprehensive Breast Health Program to the Wellstar Cancer Care team. The Comprehensive Breast Health Program team will coordinate this transition, and your breast health navigator will connect you with one of our oncology nurse navigators—registered nurses who bring a highly personalized level of guidance and support to each patient. The Wellstar Cancer Care team will continue to provide compassionate care with a multidisciplinary team of experts. 

How the Comprehensive Breast Health Program can help

An abnormal screening mammogram result can be overwhelming and upsetting for patients and their support systems. As you seek answers about your breast health, the concierge services of the Comprehensive Breast Health Program can make the process more seamless by helping with steps including:

  • Creating your personalized care plan
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Assisting with insurance preauthorization
  • Managing referrals
  • Providing patient education

Learn more about how our team can support you at wellstar.org/breasthealth. Contact our team by calling (470) 610-1910 or emailing [email protected]. 

Keep reading
Illustration of mom and daughter holding hands

Highlights

Don’t forget your keys to family health—checkups, screenings and vaccinations

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on July 14, 2023.

The key to avoiding health problems is prevention, and the keys to prevention are annual checkups, regular screenings and vaccinations. With the start of the next school year looming in late summer, healthcare experts in Atlanta say it’s a good time for families to get back into the routine of scheduling and keeping these important appointments—not just for children, but for parents too, especially that one parent who tends to be the primary scheduler, often the mother.

In an Atlanta Business Chronicle panel discussion in partnership with Wellstar, physicians from Wellstar and Cobb & Douglas Health District discuss why checkups are important and how families can overcome obstacles to stay on track with preventative care.



Taking care of the family and the family’s No. 1 manager

David Rubinger, Atlanta Business Chronicle market president and publisher: When we think about family wellness and how it intersects with our daily work routines, it can get very complicated, given how busy working professionals are. We’re trying to figure out a way to manage not only our children’s health, and maybe our parents’ health if we’re in the sandwich generation, but our own health. The checklist is longer and longer every day. Let’s start with the basics. We’re a few weeks away from the start of school. Dr. Stinson, what are you telling your parents of kids of school age right now?

Dr. Carrie Stinson, Chief, Pediatric Service Line, Wellstar: The summer is a great time to get caught up on all the things that fall through the cracks during the busy school year. Our lives are very hectic, and when school starts back, things get even busier.

One big thing is the annual well-child exam. Every child should have a well-child exam every single year. When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine — you’re scheduling these frequently. When kids get older and busier, these visits may feel less important and fall off your radar.

Well visits are important every year. They focus on the comprehensive health and well-being of your child. Pediatricians focus on physical health, development, emotional, social, and even behavioral health. During these visits, the care team collects information on patient and family history, talks about developmental milestones and how your child is doing in school socially. We also assess sleep habits and nutrition. As they become adolescents, well-child exams become even more important as we ask questions about your child’s mental and sexual health.

Those are important conversations to start having and your pediatrician can be a great facilitator. Sometimes parents are uncomfortable talking about those topics with their children even at an early, pre-adolescent stage, so those well checkups are really great places to get insight on how to approach sensitive topics.

Rubinger: Dr. Stinson, since COVID, tell me what you’re seeing that’s different in terms of talking to both parents and children. I am sure the pandemic took some families off their schedules for well checkups. How has the doctor-patient pediatric conversation changed over the past couple of years?

Dr. Stinson: What we’re hearing from our pediatricians since COVID is also what we’re hearing in the news. The behavioral and mental health crisis that we’re experiencing in this country has been really impactful on children, especially teenagers. During COVID, the social isolation of being out of school for periods of time had a significant impact on adolescents. The rise in social media popularity during that time also had a negative impact on pediatric mental health.

Our pediatricians are really seeing that impact now. They’re feeling the strain our teenagers are experiencing. We’re seeing many more cases of depression and anxiety, and cases that escalate to dangerous proportions such as suicidal thoughts and actions.

We’re trying to respond to it by increasing the resources in our communities, but it’s hard to move fast enough to keep up with the demand. At Wellstar, we are developing an integrative model for behavioral health into our pediatric offices. Five of our pediatric practices will have embedded behavioral health professionals, so pediatricians can make direct referrals and patients have immediate access to behavioral health providers in their pediatric office setting.

Rubinger: Dr. Greaves, the mother might be the caretaker who takes care of the child. Most mothers would put their kid’s health ahead of their own health. Tell me what you are experiencing in terms of women’s health as it relates to those people who are the caretakers. What are the issues that they’re having to face to address their own needs?

Dr. Paula Greaves, Chief, Women’s Health Service Line, Wellstar: Women are usually considered the CEOs of their households and the drivers of healthcare in the community. Most women are the care bridge between several generations. They take care of their children, their parents, their partners and at times their communities.

Unfortunately, they sometimes forget to take care of themselves. As physicians, it is our duty to ensure that women are made aware of the warning signs their bodies may be sending them and encourage them to seek help earlier to improve health outcomes.

There are nine signs that I tell my patients to watch out for:

  1. Fatigue: Most women think, “Oh, I’m tired. It’s because I’m doing too much or I’m not getting enough sleep.” But fatigue can be a sign of something more than simply lack of sleep. It could be thyroid dysfunction. It could be menstrual irregularities causing them to be anemic and thus feeling fatigued. It could be heart disease. Fatigue could also be a sign of depression or menopausal symptoms. Every household should own a blood pressure monitor, and women should know their numbers (blood pressure, weight, and last menstrual period).
  2. Women should be aware of physical changes within their bodies, including breast changes. Changes in the texture of the skin or a lump or pain in the breast should always be checked out.
  3. Bloating is another subtle symptom to be aware of. Most women feel bloated and think, “Oh, it’s time for my menstrual cycle, so that’s why I am bloated.” But bloating can be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem or an enlarged pelvic organ. If you have bloating that doesn’t resolve after one or two cycles, let your doctor know.
  4. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, shoulder, or arm are also red flags. Heart attack signs and symptoms can be completely different in women than the typical ones seen in men. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, so it is very important that these signs are not ignored.
  5. Lung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease. If you notice an unusual cough or wheezing, have it checked out.
  6. Weight changes: Either too much weight gain or unexpected weight loss should be mentioned to your physician. Fluid retention can also affect weight gain.
  7. Blood in the urine or stool should be reported.
  8. Irregular or heavy periods—heavy enough to change pads every hour or soil through clothes.
  9. Skin changes such as discolorations, new moles or growths are definitely worth having a professional take a look.


Rubinger:  Is there ever a situation, Dr. Stinson, where you are treating a child and you see a mother whom you can tell is having health issues, even without an exam? As a pediatrician, do you ever say, “Hey, I think you need to get that checked out?”

Dr. Stinson: As pediatricians, we really focus on the whole family. While we’re seeing the child, we’re also interacting with the parents, guardians, grandparents, or whoever’s bringing the child in to see us on a routine basis.

I think we often get questions from family members about their own health because of exactly what Dr. Greaves mentioned. People think, “I am in a doctor’s office. I don’t have time to go to my own doctor. Let me just see if I can get this question answered.

While being careful not to give medical advice to a patient who is not ours or who is outside of our scope of practice as pediatricians, we are very willing to give recommendations on where that person should seek care. One benefit of our health system is we have the expertise to take care of patients from before they’re born until they need end-of-life care. We have a scope of providers within our system who can help with pretty much any problem that might come up. I would not hesitate to refer a patient to Dr. Greaves and say, “This mom is really worried about her own health. Can you please help? She’s very busy, but her symptoms sound concerning. Can you maybe work her into your schedule?

I practice in the hospital, and we have sent several parents to the emergency room in our hospital for their own health while we’re taking care of their child in the pediatric unit.

How providers are addressing rising mental health needs

Rubinger: Dr. Memark, you get to look at this from the standpoint of two counties that are in great need of public health support. What are the trends that you’re seeing at a 30,000-foot view? What do you see within your communities that your organization tries to address?

Dr. Janet Memark, District Health Director, Cobb & Douglas Health District: From my point of view, one of the big things that we do at Cobb & Douglas Public Health is a large community health assessment. Dr. Greaves is actually a member of our board. We just finished a 2016-2020 five-year assessment. This was at the beginning of the pandemic, so keep that in mind. Our next assessment will capture 2021-2025. One of the things that was surprising to me was looking at causes of death in our communities. The assessment showed that in older people, it’s what you’d expect. For example, in Cobb County for those age 75 and older, the leading causes of death are things like vascular disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s. For ages 65 to 74, it’s heart disease and cancer. But when we started looking at the lower age groups, I was very surprised at what I saw:

  • For people in their 30s and 40s, the leading cause of death was accidental poisonings, and that includes drug abuse and drug overdoses. Number two was suicide.
  • For ages 25 to 34, number one was overdoses and poisonings and number two was suicide.
  • For ages 20 to 24, motor vehicle accidents were number one. Suicide was also number two for this group.
  • For 15 to 19, suicide took the number one spot. Number two was motor vehicle accidents.
  • For 10 to 14, number one was motor vehicle accidents followed by suicide.


After the timeframe studied in the assessment, we went through two more years of the pandemic, which affected almost everyone’s mental health in one way or another. We’ve heard on the news how pediatricians in medical school are now being trained on how to provide more extensive mental healthcare because there just aren’t enough mental health experts.

It’s wonderful to hear Dr. Stinson say they are really trying to bolster up mental health screenings for our young people during their pediatric visits. I’d also like to add that we have high rates of maternal mortality in Georgia. The state Department of Public Health did a deep dive and found that mental health is a huge component of maternal mortality. You see these same themes of mental health running through several different medical specialties.

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