Bianca Taylor is the unit secretary for one of Methodist Hospital’s critical care units. Before stepping into this role she worked in environmental services for close to 20 years. “My supervisor asked me if I wanted to [make the move to unit secretary]. He thought I would make a good candidate and I just said yea, I’ll go for it.”

The City of Indianapolis recently awarded IU Health a $250,000 grant to establish an Opioid Engagement Team, consisting of an IU Health social worker and a police officer from IU Health’s Department of Public Safety. The new team, modeled on other cities’ crisis intervention team concepts, will pilot a program focused on immediate crisis response as well as long-term prevention and support efforts for people experiencing a substance use crisis or other emergencies in and around IU Health’s downtown Indianapolis medical campus. The program will prioritize people at high risk for overdose.

The grant funding, secured by IU Health Foundation, will cover salaries, training and benefits for the police officer and social worker, plus a vehicle and additional equipment. The team will work 40 hours a week, during shifts to be determined by need.

“New approaches are desperately needed to treat opioid and other substance use disorders, instead of just sending people to jail,” said Cassandra Tice, Director of Grants at IU Health Foundation. “IU Health is grateful to the City of Indianapolis for its vision.”

In addition to addressing immediate health needs, the team will offer long-term services including detoxification programs and abstinence-based treatment, as well as wraparound services focused on social determinants of health such as inadequate housing and poor nutrition that result from addiction and related mental health challenges.

The team will work closely with internal and external partners to build relationships with referral partners so they can make appropriate recommendations to the people they encounter. They will also be trained to identify and understand cultural and systemic barriers that lead to distrust of law enforcement, particularly in historically marginalized communities. The project is funded for a year, with benchmarks and metrics established to gauge success and guide discussion of a broader implementation of the program.

To learn more about how government grants as well as individual gifts are helping to make Indiana healthier, visit allthedifferencein.org.

Written by Joni Fiscus, clinical dietician and certified diabetes educator at IU Health West

Living with diabetes requires a thoughtful and strategic approach to dietary choices, and a clinical dietician plays a pivotal role in guiding individuals towards optimal health and wellness. Understanding the dietary needs of someone with diabetes is crucial for managing blood sugar levels, preventing complications and enhancing overall well-being.

It’s all about balance.

One of the key principles in managing diabetes through diet is maintaining a balance between carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Carbohydrates directly impact blood sugar levels, and a dietician helps individuals with diabetes choose complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. This includes whole grains, vegetables and legumes, which provide sustained energy without causing rapid spikes in blood sugar. Portion control is emphasized, ensuring that meals are well-balanced and tailored to individual needs.

Proteins help the muscles.

Proteins play a crucial role in muscle maintenance and repair, but the source matters. Lean proteins such as poultry, fish, tofu and legumes are recommended, as they contribute to satiety without causing significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels. A clinical dietician assists in creating meal plans that incorporate the right balance of proteins, considering the individual’s preferences and dietary restrictions.

Not all fats are bad.

Healthy fats are an essential part of a diabetes-friendly diet. Dieticians educate individuals on incorporating sources of unsaturated fats, such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil, while limiting saturated and trans fats. This not only supports cardiovascular health but also aids in blood sugar management.

Don’t forget to count carbs.

Monitoring carbohydrate intake is a fundamental aspect of diabetes management, and dieticians educate their clients on the importance of counting carbohydrates to maintain blood sugar control. This involves understanding portion sizes, reading food labels and utilizing tools to track daily carbohydrate consumption. Dieticians work closely with individuals to develop practical skills for managing their diet in real-life situations.

Fiber is important.

In addition to macronutrient balance, a clinical dietician addresses the importance of fiber in the diet of someone with diabetes. Fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, contribute to digestive health and help control blood sugar levels. Dieticians guide individuals in incorporating a variety of fiber sources into their daily meals.

The dietary needs of someone with diabetes are multifaceted and require a comprehensive understanding of nutrition. A clinical dietician plays a vital role in empowering individuals to make informed choices, achieve a balanced diet and manage their diabetes effectively. Through personalized guidance, individuals with diabetes can embark on a journey towards improved health and well-being, fostering a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. To learn more, click here.

When Wayne Hasell arrived at Methodist Hospital he was in agonizing pain due to a flesh-eating soft tissue infection. Surgeons were able to save Wayne’s life, but he was left with a massive abdominal wound. “It was such a big area that I didn’t want to jump to using his own skin grafts because you want to make sure that when you use the patient’s own skin that it’s really going to work,” said Rachel Danforth, an IU Health plastic surgeon. “For him I decided to use a fish skin graft, [cod from Iceland]… that requires minimal processing because there is no risk of viral transfer from this kind of fish’s skin to humans. We put it on as a temporary thing and then we applied the patient’s own skin graft on top of that.”

Written by Trisha Palencer, director of chronic pain and chemical dependency at the IU Health West Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness for alcohol abuse. Many families face difficulties when a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse. Supporting someone through this journey requires empathy, patience and a multifaceted approach aimed at both the individual and their support system.

Understanding alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse is a complex issue with multifaceted roots. It impacts not only the individual but also their relationships, work and overall well-being. Recognizing the signs, which may include increased tolerance, mood swings and neglect of responsibilities, is the first step in addressing the problem.

Open communication

Initiating open, non-judgmental conversations can pave the way for support. Express your concerns calmly, emphasizing care and understanding. Listening actively and without interruption fosters trust and encourages your loved one to share their struggles.

Educate yourself

Learning about alcohol abuse, its effects, and available treatments equips you to offer informed support. Understand that addiction is a complex disease, often requiring professional intervention.

Encourage treatment

Gently encourage your loved one to seek professional help. Offer to assist in finding resources, whether it’s counseling, therapy, support groups or an addiction treatment program. Highlighting the benefits of seeking help can alleviate the fear and stigma often associated with treatment.

Establish boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is crucial for both your well-being and that of your loved one. Enabling behaviors, such as covering up their actions or making excuses for them, can perpetuate the cycle of abuse. Express your support while maintaining boundaries that safeguard your own mental and emotional health.

Practice self-Care

Supporting someone with alcohol abuse can be emotionally taxing. Engage in self-care activities to recharge and maintain your own well-being. Seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors to navigate your own emotions and challenges.

Stay committed

Recovery from alcohol abuse is a journey with ups and downs. Stay committed to supporting your loved one through this process. Celebrate their milestones and remain a pillar of encouragement during setbacks.

Encouraging hope

Remind your loved one that recovery is possible. Share stories of individuals who have successfully overcome similar challenges. Instill hope and emphasize that seeking help is a courageous step towards a healthier, fulfilling life.

Remember, while you can offer support, the decision to seek help ultimately rests with your loved one. Encouragement and support are vital, but respecting their autonomy and readiness to change is equally important. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, you can call the IU Health West Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center at 317.217.2711.

Nancy Manuputy’s nearly 3-month hospital stay has taken a huge mental and emotional toll. “It’s just kind of destroyed my life for a while,” said Nancy, who credits art therapy for giving her something to look forward to in the hospital. “The art therapists help get your mind off of stuff… and art is theraputic, even if you’re lousy at it.”

Nursing is not Nick Geminden’s first career… or second… or third. After his military service Nick had several jobs, but deep down always knew he wanted to help save lives and make a difference. “There’s a lot of fear in change, especially when it’s a big career change, and financially in my other jobs I was fine. It just wasn’t very fulfilling. This career doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like more of a calling.”

Nothando Sibanda, RN, grew up over 8,000 miles away from Indiana, in the remote countryside of Zimbabwe. That’s where she found herself drawn to caring for others.

“I admired the volunteers who were offering home-based care services, family planning, and midwifery,” says Sibanda. “The determination shown by the nurses conducting monthly mobile clinics for immunization and treatment of minor illnesses, and the high degree of appreciation they received from the community ignited my passion to join the nursing profession.”

She turned to Westways Staffing Services for assistance with credential evaluation, NCLEX preparation, the VISA screening process, travel arrangements, job placements and more so she could join the International Nursing Program.

And in the summer of 2022, Sibanda was warmly welcomed by the IU Health Bloomington 3W team.

“Clinical Manager Suzanne Wright, MSN, RN, Clinical Advisor Kristy Todd, RN, NPD-BC, ONC, and many of her 3W co-workers have truly enjoyed helping her acclimate to Bloomington,” says Bloomington Director of Nursing Operations Lisa Aldridge, MSN, RN. “They’ve also reaped the rewards of being around the light Nothando exudes.”

Armed with a collection of material about the Bloomington community, including the bus transit system, restaurants, schools and recreational areas, Sibanda and her family started setting down roots in their new home.

“I enjoy the peaceful neighborhood around my place of residence. The people here are ever cheerful and friendly, and I love stopping to chat with them daily when taking a walk,” she describes.

Her son and daughter have made many friends at school, and her husband, a registered nurse, recently joined the 3W team as well. Even with her busy schedule, Sibanda has pushed herself to continue her education.

“We have all been so impressed as we have watched Nothando pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while working full time on nightshift as well as taking care of her beautiful family,” says Aldridge.

With her BSN in hand, Sibanda now plans to pursue a master’s program.

“We want to congratulate Nothando on her immense accomplishments,” says Aldridge. “And we are so grateful she will transition from our International Nurse program to being a permanent IU Health team member this summer.”

“My decision to join the IU Health Bloomington 3W team permanently was driven by the desire to work with a supportive and united team,” she explains. “I want to surround myself with people who wish me well and help me grow.”

There is lengthy testing to match the right organ with the right recipient. This healthcare worker is part of that process.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

She is seldom seen by patients, but Jessica Brown plays an important role in IU Health’s transplant program. From a lab located inside IU Health Methodist Hospital’s Wile Hall, Brown works alongside a team of people trained in histocompatibility.

During “Medical Laboratory Professionals Week” (April 14-20), Brown explains her specialized role.

Q: You’re having dinner with friends, how do you explain your job?
A: “I usually describe what I do as donor and recipient compatibility. I do testing for solid organ transplants. We take blood from donors and recipients and we test donor cells to recipient serum to find out if they’ll be compatible for transplant. We also follow our patients pre- and post-transplant.”

Transplant recipient-donor compatibility is based on blood type and tissue typing. Age and size are also taken into consideration. If a healthy donor is incompatible with the intended recipient, the donor may opt to be part of paired donation. Also known as “donor swap” recipient /donor pairs are matched according to compatibility.

At the end of March 2024, IU Health performed 134 pediatric and adult transplants including heart, kidney, pancreas, liver, lung and intestine. IU Health’s Transplant program is not only nationally known by the number of patients served, but also by the team members in the program. Patients come from across the country and outside the United States. In addition to qualified nurses, the team includes surgeons, physicians, social workers, transplant coordinators, financial navigators, procurement specialists, and other staff members dedicated to excellent clinical care.

Brown grew up in Kokomo and attended Western High School. She started college at IU Bloomington and transferred to IUPUI. She graduated through the School of Medicine Health Professions Program with a bachelor in Cytotechnology, a medical laboratory specialty studying cell samples from various body sites to detect cellular changes indicative to cancer.

Q: How did you get into your role with IU Health?
A: “After working for a few years I didn’t think it was the path I wanted to pursue so I went to work in a gene therapy lab at IU School of Medicine. I needed a job while I was still exploring what I wanted to do. Cytotechnology jobs here weren’t that plentiful. I accidentally fell into this job. Because of my bachelor in Cytotechnology, I was able to apply. I’d worked in a clinical lab, I knew the basics. I did specific job training for a year and then was tested and certified.”

Q: Describe your daily work routine.
A: “Well, it’s a little like a high school chemistry lab with the big black countertops. There are several bays and lots of different testing – most is hands-on, but some is working with machines. We never know when we will be needed for a transplant so we may get notified two hours before surgery or six hours before surgery. I could be putting my kids to bed and get a call.”

Q: Is this a good job for an introvert?
A: “There are 14 of us working together who are extroverted. It’s a strong work family, and when you’re on call you are never truly by yourself because someone is always a phone call away.”

Q: What do you like best about your job?
A: “The most rewarding aspect for me is following particular patients through the transplant process – both pediatric and adults.”

Brown is married and the mother of three preschool children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children and pursuing a hobby of artistically painting denim jackets.

As the next generation of Indiana healthcare professionals begins to emerge, individuals like Huda, a senior at West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School, stand out as promising talents ready to tackle the challenges of the medical field. Whether volunteering at her local mosque, participating in fundraising clubs or indulging in her love for reading, she describes a schedule packed with extracurricular activities that allows little time for sleep. Huda, originally raised the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has envisioned herself in medicine since her middle school days.

Finding inspiration through anatomy

“I knew I wanted to be a doctor since seventh grade,” says Huda.

In her seventh-grade anatomy class, Huda says that she discovered her fascination with the intricacies of the human body. She explains that her competitive nature, compassionate spirit and ability to compartmentalize in stressful situations would make her a fitting candidate for a future profession as a doctor.

She has secured a spot at Purdue University for pursuing a pre-medical undergraduate degree. However, she already has some experience in the medical field thanks to her involvement in the Greater Lafayette Career Academy (GLCA).

GLCA, in collaboration with IU Health, provides high school students with hands-on experience in the medical field, going beyond mere job shadowing to offer real-world exposure.

“Since IU Health began offering clinical experience, we got hands-on experience,” says Huda. “We had the opportunity to be medical assistants.”

The academy supports multiple school corporations in Tippecanoe County and offers programs for high school students that lead to in-demand certifications for positions like certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical assistant (MA) and emergency medical technician (EMT).

Finding the entrance to the maze

Before becoming involved in her GLCA program, Huda states that she found extreme difficulty in figuring out her career path, further stressed by the prospect of having to pay for college and medical school.

“I felt so lost because I didn’t know where to start,” says Huda. “IU Health helped me find the entrance to the maze.”

Huda feels that this opportunity has been transformative. Working as a patient care assistant on the sixth floor of IU Health Arnett Hospital, she found her passion ignited and her career path illuminated. Last year, she became a Certified Medical Assistant, and she is working towards an Emergency Medical Technician certification this year.

“The fact that IU Health is willing to invest in us…is really motivating for me to pursue medicine and work for them in the future,” says Huda.

As Indiana faces projected shortages of healthcare workers, initiatives like the GLCA-IU Health partnership can help with nurturing and empowering the healthcare workforce of tomorrow.