Reading Hospital Foundation Archives

Reading Hospital Foundation receives more than $41,700

Clockwise, Michael Coveney, Chris Cosce, and Dr. Michael Macciocca

“No Shave November” netted Reading Hospital Foundation more than $41,700 for men’s health.

Nearly 300 participants donated to the month-long event that helps raise awareness for men’s health and supports patients undergoing cancer treatment and experiencing hair loss, the foundation said.

Tony Forino, founder and CEO of Forino Co., L.P., and a patient donated $25,000 of the $41,746 in support of the initiative.

Donations support the McGlinn Cancer Institute at Reading Hospital. One participant, Dr. Robert McMurtrie, donated the funds he raised to the Phoenixville Hospital Cancer Center.

At the end of the month, individuals voted for the best beard, best mustache, best goatee, and most creative selfie. This year the best beard was Dr. Michael Macciocca, Tower Health Medical Group Cardiology, West Reading; best goatee and best mustache is Michael Coveney, associate vice president of nursing; and most creative selfie is Christopher Cosce, nutrition services.

“The team at Reading Hospital is so appreciative of Mr. Forino’s generous gift that will go a long way to provide aid to our patients,” said Dr. Charles F. Barbera, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “I’d also like to thank the Reading Hospital team members. Each day they come to work with the health of our patients and community as a top priority. Through ‘No Shave November’ they also provided financially to support the programs that help our patients and their families.”

Katherine Thornton, president, Reading Hospital Foundation, said, “I’d like to thank Anthony’s Barbershop, Wilson High School, Allegro Dance, and American Barber & Beauty Academy for their support of ‘No Shave November’ this year. Because of their kindness and the generosity of our community, team members, and participants the Reading Hospital Foundation can continue to provide programs and services for the patient at McGlinn Cancer Institute.”

Reading Hospital Foundation unveils new mobile mammography coach Thursday

From left: Katherine Thornton, Reading Hospital Foundation president; Desha Dickson, Tower Health vice president Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Wellness; Paul Cohn, chair, Reading Hospital Foundation; Dr. Charles F. Barbera, Reading Hospital president and CEO; P. Sue Perrotty, Tower Health president and CEO – PHOTO/PROVIDED

Reading Hospital Foundation will host a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Thursday for Reading Hospital’s new mobile mammography coach at the Hospital’s 6th Avenue (Clock Tower) entrance.

Outfitted with the latest technology, including 3D tomosynthesis, the mobile mammography coach uses a digital mammography screening tool that improves the accuracy of imaging, reducing unneeded follow-up visits, and enables caregivers to detect more invasive cancers, the foundation said.

Women who use the mobile mammography unit will get the same patient care as they do at any of Tower Health’s mammography imaging locations, with coordinated scheduling, testing, follow-up, and referrals.

“We know early detection saves lives when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer’ said Dr. Charles F. Barbera, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “Reading Hospital prides itself on being a partner and we are committed to ensuring all women have access to mammogram services, including those underinsured and those without insurance.”

Tower Health’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment identified access to health services as a challenge for many in the community, said Desha Dickson, Tower Health vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Community Wellness. “I’m proud to share we have 48 mobile mammography screening events scheduled through the end of the year. These events will bring life-saving screenings directly to our patients and remove any transportation barriers they may face.”

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and most don’t have a family history of the disease. The American College of Radiology recommends that all women get their first mammogram at the age of 40.

Fundraising for the mobile mammography coach began in August 2020, and was completed in November 2021, through a combination of donations, pledges, grants, and the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credit program. “We appreciate the support from all of our corporate and individual donors,” said Katherine Thornton, Reading Hospital Foundation president. “Every donation to the mobile mammography fund, regardless of the amount, will make a significant impact on the health of women in our community.

Reading Hospital Foundation funds new programs at Reading Hospital

The Reading Hospital Foundation is providing funding for seven new programs at Reading Hospital.

The grants totaling $346,502 will fund:

How Do You Eat An Elephant? will support the stroke therapy program. Patients will be given a small stuffed elephant and a printed copy of the story of a stroke patients strength and resilience. Funding will also be used to create a video of a patient’s successful stroke journey to be shared with recovering patients.
Bike to Beds will support the purchase of in-bed cycling equipment for patients at Reading Hospital to improve function and mobility and aid in recovery of acute patients.
Emotional Support for Pediatric Emergency Room Patients will provide a certified, Child Life Specialist in the Pediatric Emergency Department who will utilize evidence-based tools to reduce fear and anxiety in pediatric patients, especially those patients with developmental disabilities.
Play Catch: An Innovative Approach to Therapy, Mobilization, and Recovery will purchase therapy balls for patients to use during inpatient therapy and then can be taken home by the patient following discharge for additional therapy.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program will train hospital staff who are part of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). This program will initially focus on training care-for-the caregivers who can then teach other staff in MBSR.

Nurse Call Tracking and Assignment Boards will purchase communication boards for nursing floors to help improve patient communication and safety. The communication boards will help quickly identify call lights and patient requests for assistance.
Pathways Initiative is a series of programs designed to provide healthcare career exploration opportunities for local students. Reading Hospital’s programs have an additional focus on supporting students belonging to racial and ethnic minorities and those that are traditionally underrepresented.

“I thank the Reading Hospital Foundation and the generous donors who make these programs possible,” said Dr. Charles Barbera, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “Our team members are our greatest asset and I am proud this grant program provides them another opportunity and resources to make a direct impact in the care and recovery of their patients.”

Katherine Thornton, president, Reading Hospital Foundation said, “What’s unique about Reading Hospital Foundation is that all generous gifts we receive stay right here in Berks County and benefit our patients, caregivers, family, friends, community, and team members. We are thankful to the grateful patients, community members, and employees that support our efforts to make our community a healthier place to live.”

Mid Penn Bank donates $25,000 for mobile mammography in Reading

From left to right: Katherine Thornton, Reading Hospital Foundation President; Matt Miller, Mid Penn Bank Chief Marketing Officer; Therese Sucher, Reading Hospital Interim CEO; Joe Butto, Mid Penn Bank Regional President; Tony Balistrere, Reading Hospital Foundation Director of Development; Turie Sotzin, Mid Penn Bank Community Relations Officer. –

Reading Hospital Foundation received a $25,000 donation from Mid Penn Bank for the mobile mammography patient assistance fund.

Donations to the Patient Assistance Fund support women who are uninsured or underinsured in receiving this important screening without worry about access or cost, the foundation said.

“Supporting the health of our community is something our team is very passionate about,” said Joe Butto, Mid Penn Bank regional president. “Mid Penn is proud to support the mobile mammography patient assistance fund and support women who might otherwise not receive this potentially life-saving screening.”

Women who use the mobile mammography unit will get the same patient care as they do at one of Tower Health’s mammography imaging locations, the foundation said. Care will include scheduling, testing, follow-up, and referrals.

“The generous donation from Mid Penn Bank will make a significant impact for so many women in our community,” said Katherine Thornton, Reading Hospital Foundation president. “Our mobile mammography coach will travel around the community breaking down the barriers to care and ensuring women in our community have access to mammography services.”

Donations are being accepted to support the Mobile Mammography Patient Assistance Fund. Individuals interested in donating can visit towerhealth.org/RHFoundation, click “Make a Gift,” and select “Mobile Mammography Coach” for the Gift Purpose drop down menu.

Reading Hospital Foundation raises $2 million to take mammography screening on the road

Reading Hospital Foundation will put a mobile mammography vehicle on the road this summer after reaching its $2 million fundraising goal to buy the vehicle.

The fundraising campaign, which included donations, pledges, grants from 129 organizations and individuals and the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credit program, started Aug. 1, 2020, ended Nov.15. The vehicle is expected to be delivered this spring with the first screenings expected to begin in the summer.

The mobile mammography program removes transportation barriers by bringing screening services to patients. Outfitted with the latest technology, including 3D tomosynthesis, the vehicle uses a digital mammography screening tool that improves accuracy and reduces the need for follow-up visits. It also enables caregivers to detect more invasive cancers.

The mobile unit can conduct up to 4,000 screenings a year, but hospital officials anticipate it will take some time to build awareness of the service in the community.

“Our team is excited to offer screenings at various locations throughout the county,” said P. Sue Perrotty, Tower Health president and CEO. “Our goal is to serve a diverse group of patients in locations that are familiar and convenient so we can ensure that any woman who needs a mammogram has convenient access to this life-saving screening.”

“The philanthropic response from the local organizations, community members, hospital employees, and Reading Hospital Foundation Board of Directors was remarkable,” said Katherine Thornton, president, Reading Hospital Foundation. “Despite the many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, our community stepped forward to ensure that underserved women have access to screening. Every donation, regardless of the amount, made a significant impact in our ability to fulfill our mission.”

Donations are still being accepted to support the Mobile Mammography program. Additional donations will be used to support the Patient Assistance Fund and ensure that women who are uninsured or underinsured can receive this routine screening without worry about access or cost. Individuals interested in donating can visit towerhealth.org/RHFoundation, click “Make a Gift,” and select “Mobile Mammography Coach” for the Gift Purpose drop down menu.

Reading Hospital Foundation opens Serenity Space for parents who face death of newborn

Reading Hospital Foundation opened a special Serenity Space for maternity patients and their families to cope with the death of an infant.

The room is designed to provide a quiet, calm and more relaxing environment where important communication can occur among patients, their families and healthcare providers, and support team when coping with severe illness or death of an infant. Staff may also meet to discuss challenging cases and provide support to one another.

The room was funded by an employee grant program from the family of the late Russell Bickel Jr. to support a project that improves patient-centered care, with a special focus on communication with patients and family and care providers. The Serenity Space grant application was co-authored by obstetric nurses Kelly Bower and Melissa Spang.

“The Reading Hospital Beginnings Maternity team has had a bereavement program in place for many years,” said Bower. “Within the hospital environment, it is extremely difficult to find a quiet space where mothers and fathers can receive the news that their baby is either no longer living or is not expected to live beyond the initial hours after delivery. We created the Serenity Space as an area where grieving families can go to be alone, or to talk quietly with their providers. It will also be a place where staff can retreat to gather their thoughts and reflect after a traumatic event.”

The Serenity Space is set away from the busy patient care areas to provide privacy. The room includes self-help and inspirational materials and support resource information.

“Communication between patients and providers is critical,” said Swoyer. “The Russell S. Bickel, Jr. Memorial Grant Fund for Quality Improvement was started to support and strengthen the patient and provider relationship. This room is so significant for families dealing with loss, and I am honored that my brother’s legacy will support such an important initiative.”

“The Reading Hospital Foundation appreciates the ongoing support of Barbera Swoyer and the Bickel family to identify projects that encourage communication between patients, their families, and providers,” said Katherine Thornton, Reading Hospital Foundation president. “We are proud to be able to provide this safe space for those who need it.”

Reading Hospital adds emergency tent, virtual ICU

Reading Hospital has added an emergency tent adjacent to the hospital’s emergency department, one of several changes to adjust to the hospital’s needs during the COVID-19 crisis.

The tent will add capacity and be used to treat suspected COVID-19 patients, according to the Tower Health Network, the Reading-based parent health organization of Reading Hospital. The tent can also be used for future emergencies as needed.

In addition, a virtual intensive care unit will allow the hospital’s critical care physicians to remotely monitor patients in all ICU’s and provide direction to caregivers onsite. The virtual intensive care unit will be a permanent fixture at Reading Hospital after the pandemic is over, according to Tower Health.

The hospital has also placed a trailer on site to serve as a temporary morgue in the event their internal facilities reach capacity.

Reading Hospital Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping the hospital fund its mission, donated $250,000 dollars to help pay for these COVID-19-related changes.

“The Foundation is here to support the Reading Hospital community, physicians, and staff,” said Jeff Rush, Foundation chairman in a statement. “We’ve never seen anything like this in the storied history of our hospital and we are committed to providing the assistance needed at this critical time.”

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Reading Hospital Foundation opens Serenity Space for parents who face death of newborn

Reading Hospital adds emergency tent, virtual ICU

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