by Brian Malone | Jan 6, 2016 | CMG News
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis has been honored recognized for quality care by The Joint Commission and for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group.
The Joint Commission recognized Saint Francis as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®. According to its 2015 annual report, Saint Francis was recognized for attaining and sustaining excellence in Total Joint Replacement – Hip and Knee, and for Stroke. The hospital was only one of 1,043 hospitals out of more than 3,300 eligible hospitals nationwide to achieve the 2014 Top Performer distinction.
The Leapfrog Group, an independent hospital industry watchdog, presented Saint Francis with its 8th straight “A” Hospital Safety Score. It was one of only two hospitals in the Memphis area to receive an “A” grade. Saint Francis was also recognized by The Leapfrog Group as a “Straight A” hospital for being one of just 133 hospitals nationwide to have achieved an “A” grade in every grading period since the Hospital Safety Score first launched in June 2012. To see how the Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis score compares nationally and locally, visit www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.
“Our physicians and employees are dedicated to providing our patients with high quality care in a safe environment,” said David Archer, Saint Francis Healthcare CEO. “We are proud to have earned both of these prestigious recognitions. They support our belief that Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis has a culture that is committed to excellence in quality care and one that makes patient safety its highest priority.”
The Joint Commission Top Performer program recognizes hospitals for improving performance on evidence-based interventions that increase the chances of healthy outcomes for patients with certain conditions. The performance measures used in the recognition program include heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, inpatient psychiatric services, stroke, venous thromboembolism, perinatal care, immunization, tobacco treatment and substance use. For more information about the Top Performer program, visit www.jointcommission.org/accreditation/topperformers.aspz.
The Hospital Safety Score was calculated under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is administered by The Leapfrog Group. The Hospital Safety Score is designed to provide consumers with information they need when making decisions about a hospital stay.
by Brian Malone | Jan 6, 2016 | CMG News
Mobile consumer center also visiting Memphis in January
BlueCross is providing one-to-one assistance to members and those seeking insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace at the Church Health Center Jan. 6-8 and at the Blue of TennesseeSM mobile center through the end of Marketplace open enrollment on Jan. 31.
BlueCross insurance advisors will be available at the Church Health Center to help consumers understand health insurance options and eligibility for financial assistance, as well as assist them in enrolling in a Marketplace plan. Bilingual and sign language assistance is available.
Hours for the Church Health Center events are:
- Jan. 6, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Jan. 7, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Jan. 8, noon-5 p.m.
Church Health Center is located at 1115 Union Avenue, Memphis.
The Blue of Tennessee mobile center will also be in Memphis from Jan. 9-31 providing enrollment assistance and a variety of services for BlueCross members such as finding a doctor, understanding benefits and ordering member ID cards. The mobile center is wheelchair accessible and also provides bilingual and sign language services.
The mobile center will be located at Ridgeway Trace Center (near Best Buy), 5959 Poplar Avenue, Memphis from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on these dates:
- Jan. 9
- Jan.11-16
- Jan. 18-23
- Jan. 25-31
by Deidre Malone | Oct 13, 2015 | CMG News
The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) launches a three-year public health education campaign across the country to help the underserved and all Americans understand the nutritional benefits of eating seafood and the positive impact on improving heart health. Memphis was one of two pilot cities last year. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of more Americans prematurely than any other preventable disease. Memphis native and Food Network star Gina Neely is a national spokesperson and ambassador for SNP and cardiologist Claro Diaz, M.D. a local ambassador. The other cities include: Birmingham, Alabama; Charleston, West Virginia; Golden Isles, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Jacksonville, Florida; Lexington, Kentucky; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Toledo, Ohio.
The Memphis events include the following:
- October 11-17 Memphis Restaurant Week: These restaurants are SNP partners that are promoting eating seafood to educate citizens on some of the benefits like a healthier heart and life. The participating restaurants this week include: Tsunami, 928 South Cooper; Flying Fish, 102 South 2nd; Pearl’s Oyster House, 299 South Main; and the Trolley Stop Market, 704 Madison.
- October 24 “SNP Chat and Cook” at Sam’s Club with SNP Ambassadors Gina Neely and Chef Ayanna Johnson at Sam’s Club at 7475 Winchester. Chef Johnson will create a cost-effective seafood meal and Gina Neely will discuss the benefits of incorporating seafood into your diet twice a week. This event will be on Saturday, October 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- October 31 “SNP Memphis Healthy Heart Summit” will share information on the importance of eating seafood and the effects it has on your health, physical fitness and a cooking demonstration. Participants include: Cardiologist Claro Diaz M.D., a nutritionist, a fitness expert and a chef to demonstrate how to prepare a cost-effective seafood meal at the Church Health Center. This event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 31.
About the SNP
The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit whose mission is to inspire a healthier America through partnerships that raise awareness about essential nutritional benefits of eating seafood. SNP, a member of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Roundtable, leads education efforts to help Americans gain the skills to select, order and prepare fish and shellfish, and to inspire a healthier America by promoting a nutrient-rich diet that includes seafood. For more information, visit seafoodnutrition.org.
by Brian Malone | Sep 8, 2015 | CMG News
The City of Memphis, along with Black & Veatch, has launched a new website – www.SARP10.com. The website is a tool for keeping citizens informed and up to date on the progress and projects undertaken by the 10-year sewer assessment and rehabilitation program, known as SARP10. The program will improve the City’s sanitary sewer infrastructure system.
“The SARP10 website will keep Memphians informed about this project,” said Robert Knecht, Director of Public Works, City of Memphis. “The features on this site make it simple for community members to know what is going on and when.”
SARP10.com provides dates for scheduled community meetings, outlines current projects, and features an address locator application that allows community members to easily see what projects are underway near them. The site explains the SARP10 project, its necessity, and houses additional reference information.
The website is part of the larger SARP10 program implemented to assess and improve Memphis’ sewer infrastructure system. The system consists of approximately 2,400 miles of sewers. This program is funded using sewer fees. Although this represents a substantial commitment by Memphis to its infrastructure system, the city’s long-standing and aggressive maintenance program reduced this cost considerably when compared to other systems of similar size facing the same age-related issues.
The program will move from neighborhood to neighborhood assessing the sewer system. This website gives the public and vendors a chance to track the progress with SARP10 and learn about upcoming projects.
by Brian Malone | Jul 15, 2015 | CMG News
Memphis BikeFest 2015 Rolling In at High Speed Revealing Music Line Up and Onsite Activities
Memphis BikeFest 2015 announces plans for their five day Fest including their music line up and multiple on-site activities set to take place on Tiger Lane at the Liberty Bowl from July 22-26, 2015. The kick off to the event will feature a Wednesday evening parade from Beale Street to the Liberty Bowl in conjunction with both Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell. Later that evening, bikers from all across the city will light a Unity Torch on the main stage on Tiger Lane.
Memphis Bikefest 2015 is a fundraising event for the 501C3 Non-profit “Bikers & Social Clubs for Change”, an affiliation of over 130 motorcycle and social clubs that promotes motorcycle safety, racial unity and community service. Preacha Chambers is the club president. “Our primary goal for the BikeFest is to raise money to assist “at-risk” youth who live in the most dangerous neighborhoods of Memphis with mentoring programs, education scholarships and safe-house resource centers,” said Chambers.
The BikeFest 2015 will feature the legendary band WAR on Saturday, July 25th. The classic funk-rock band has multiple classic songs such as “Low Rider”, and the question we are most asking at this year’s event, “Why Can’t We Be Friends”. Other musical performers include season eight “American Idol” winner Kris Allen on Friday, July 24th, as well as top ten finishers and native Memphians Lil Rounds, Alexis Grace, and numerous other local talent.
Daily activities include seven tons of sand for the first ever “Memphis Beach” with swimming pools and water slides, a motorcycle give-away, a “Ride for a Veteran” motorcycle ride including a Win $10,000 Basketball shot for the winner of the Ride, “Amazin’ Blazin” Buffalo Wild Wings Hot Wing Competition, Drag Racing, Ms. Bike Fest Queen competition, Motorcycle Safety Classes, Car & Bike Shows including a Parade of Lights contest, BBQ Contest, a wonderful photography exhibit by Ernest Withers, inflatables/bouncers for the kids, and much more!
This is a family friendly event with a variety of on-site food and merchandise vendors throughout, plus special dinners for other local charities, including two steak dinners prepared by the award winning Tuscany Italian Steakhouse of Olive Branch, MS. “American Idol” winner Kris Allen will be present Friday which benefits Birthright of Memphis. A repeat performance by Tuscany Italian Steakhouse for Saturday’s special steak dinner with headliner WAR will support “West Tennessee Veterans Home”.
Lasik at Southern Eye presents “Memphis Bikefest 2015” along with Title Sponsors FRS Powersports, Bumpus Harley Davidson, and Yarbrough’s Music. . Other sponsors include The Carter Malone Group, Buffalo Wild Wings, Domino’s, Tan-N-Go, Tuscany Italian Steakhouse, The Joint, TCBY, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Hutch Entertainment, Control alt Designs, Tony’s Trophy Room, River City Pedaler’s, Sleepy ZZZ’s Mattresses and Champion Tee Shirts. For the full music line up, event activities, and ticket information please visit www.memphisbikefest.com
by Brian Malone | May 27, 2015 | CMG News
The City of Memphis is interested in hearing from Memphians about what they believe is the best use for the Memphis Fairgrounds. As a sponsor of the Roundhouse Revival on Saturday, May 23, 2015, the City of Memphis will be there, asking citizens to share their views on the future of the Fairgrounds by participating in an in-person or online survey and through social media. The City of Memphis is also hosting four community meetings giving the public even more opportunities to express their opinions. Two meetings will be held on June 1 & 2 across the city.
“It has been several years since the original meetings were held about the Fairgrounds’ future, and because of renewed public interest, we wanted to give the public new opportunities to weigh in with their ideas and opinions,” said Mayor A C Wharton Jr. “It’s a rare opportunity to create jobs and expand our economy without any tax dollars from city government, and we want to make sure we make the best decision possible. We can’t do that without the help of our citizens.”
Robert Lipscomb, director of City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development, said the meetings are part of a “new model for planning in Memphis.” “We have created a process that has never been used in Memphis,” he said. “Two national organizations with reputations for finding solutions for highly complex development opportunities across the U.S. — the NCI and Urban Land Institute— will lead a process that invites community input, evaluates ideas for development, and issues recommendations.
The public engagement meetings will be facilitated by NCI, which is nationally known for its programs to engage the public in the planning and design of major development projects.
Memphians are encouraged to participate in this very important public engagement information-gathering process.
At the meetings, Memphians will be asked for their opinions about the future of the Fairgrounds and also what citizens love about Memphis. The results of the public meetings will be forwarded to a special ULI team of national experts which will analyze scenarios for the future of the Fairgrounds and make its recommendations
The Roundhouse Revival is a free event on Saturday, May 23rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in front of the Mid-South Coliseum, 996 Early Maxwell. The community engagement meetings in June start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m.
Community Engagement Meetings
Monday, June 1 The Airways Professional Building
3385 Airways Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116
Bert Ferguson Community Center
8505 Trinity Road, Cordova, TN 38018
Tuesday, June 2 Memphis Kroc Center
800 E. Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104
Cunningham Community Center
3773 Old Allen Road
Memphis, TN 38128
In order to give every citizen the opportunity to voice their opinions, if they are not able to attend a community meeting, they can provide input through the website www.memphisfairgrounds.org, Facebook: Memphis Fairgrounds, Twitter #whatiloveaboutmemphis and #MemFairgrounds, or text to 9017307570.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jan 23, 2015 | CMG News
Now in its third year, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s 2015 Diversity Scholarship application process is open. This year, the scholarship amount has been increased from $5,000 to $10,000.
As health care reform brings increased access to insurance to populations never covered before, it also creates a greater need for a qualified, diverse workforce to deliver health care. To address this need, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust, in collaboration with the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), is offering three $10,000 college scholarships to Tennessee minority students pursuing careers in health care.
The scholarships – which recognize outstanding achievements in academics, community service and leadership – are awarded to undergraduate students who wish to pursue careers in health care.
“These scholarships provide a much-needed resource for minority students to achieve continued academic success,” said Ron Harris, director of workforce diversity for BlueCross. “This financial assistance will not only help deserving students achieve their dreams but should also improve diversity in the health care field.”
According to BlueCross’ research on health care reform and its impacts on minority populations in Tennessee, African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians as well as other Pacific Islanders remain underrepresented in medicine relative to their numbers in the U.S. population and populations in specific states, regions and localities.
The money will be distributed in two increments of $5,000 over two semesters. Applications are due Feb. 28.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jan 7, 2015 | CMG News
(January 7, 2015 – Memphis, TENN)Two campaign veterans, Deidre Malone and Jeff Sullivan, have joined forces and formed a new business Malone Sullivan Public Strategies, LLC (MSPS), a subsidiary of The Carter Malone Group, LLC. The firm will offer government relations, campaign management, corporate partnership development and grassroots advocacy services. Malone Sullivan officially opened its doors on January 1, 2015.
Sullivan serves as the President of MSPS. “Deidre and I have known each other for years and worked in a few political campaigns together,” said Sullivan. “I’ve always admired her business acumen. We believe there is a great deal of opportunity and we plan on being strong advocates for our clients.” Sullivan has managed campaigns for Democrats and Republicans and has served as a lobbyist for more than 25 years.
For Malone Sullivan, Deidre Malone serves as its Chief Executive Officer. “I’m excited about this new venture with Jeff and the potential to represent businesses who need assistance sharing their business solutions with government,” said Malone. “I’ve been a candidate and I’ve actually managed political campaigns. Our expertise complement each other and that level of experience we will bring to our clients.”
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Dec 6, 2014 | CMG News
Saint Francis Hospital Hosts Animal Blessing Ceremony/ Hospital to Kick Off Week-Long 40th Anniversary Celebration
As part of their 40th anniversary celebration, Saint Francis Hospital will host an animal blessing ceremony in honor of its namesake Saint Francis of Assisi –the Patron Saint of animals and ecology.
Father Victor Larochev will begin blessing the animals at 3 p.m. on the lawn across from the hospital parking garage just south of the medical office buildings. The animal blessing is free and open to the public. Community members with pets are welcome to bring their animals to have them blessed.
About Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis is a 519-bed full service hospital located at 5959 Park Avenue in Memphis, Tenn. Offering a wide array of medical services, Saint Francis is noted for its many Centers of Excellence, including its Center for Surgical Weight Loss, Joint & Spine Center, Heart & Vascular Center, Sleep Center, Chest Pain Emergency Center, Surgical Services including its Center for Robotic Surgery, Diabetes Center, and Cancer Care Center. The hospital has been recognized for excellence of care by United Healthcare, CIGNA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Aetna.
Saint Francis Hospital serves as an academic training site for University of Tennessee Surgical, and Family Practice Residents. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. To learn more about Saint Francis Hospital, visit www.SaintFrancisHosp.com
Who: Saint Francis Hospital- Memphis
What: Animal Blessing Ceremony
When: Sunday, December 7, 2014 3-4 p.m.
Where: Saint Francis Hospital- Memphis
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Nov 12, 2014 | CMG News
Wine in Retail Food Stores Approved by Voters in All 78 Tennessee Municipalities
Organizers of the effort to allow the sale of wine in Tennessee food stores hailed the thousands of grassroots supporters and volunteers who helped propel the effort yesterday in all 78 eligible locations.
“This is truly a great day for Tennessee consumers,” said Susie Alcorn, campaign manager of Red White and Food, the nonprofit organization that supports allowing wine sales in Tennessee’s retail food stores. “The voters have spoken, and the wine in retail food stores referendum has passed everywhere it appeared on the ballot.
Red White and Food is grateful to its retail partners who supported this campaign on behalf of their customers, the legislative leadership who enabled Tennessee voters to have a voice and the many voters who showed overwhelming support for wine in retail food stores.”
Among the qualifying municipalities where the referendum passed were Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County, Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport. (A complete list of municipalities that passed the referendum appears at the end of this document.)
“Kroger is thrilled with today’s results,” said Joe Bell, manager of marketing and public affairs for Kroger’s Delta division. “Our customers made their voices heard by contacting their legislators, signing their local petitions, and now by voting for wine to be sold in their retail food stores. We look forward to finally offering them this convenience.”
“Today’s results are a huge victory for Superlo Foods’ customers,” said Superlo Foods owner Randy Stepherson. “They have asked for the convenience of buying wine with their groceries for years, and we look forward to finally giving them that opportunity.”
Legislation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in March of this year was a compromise between retail food stores and liquor stores. Many liquor stores across the state began selling beer and party supplies on July 1 of this year as allowed by the new law.
The wine in retail food stores referendum appeared on the ballot in 78 qualifying municipalities across Tennessee. Petitions were filed in those communities this summer and were certified by the local election commissions to authorize the referendum. In the 78 communities where the wine Red White and Food is a coalition of 30,000-plusTennesseans who want to purchase wine where they shop for food. Initially founded by the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association, Red White and Food is now an independent 501(c)(6) organization that has the support of the state’s retail food stores. For more information about the wine in retail food stores campaign, please visit www.redwhiteandfood.com.
Following is a complete list of the 78 municipalities where the wine in retail food stores referendum was passed. This list appears in alphabetical order by county. Multicounty cities or towns are indicated by asterisks.
Anderson County
Clinton
Norris
Oak Ridge**
Bedford County
Shelbyville
Blount County
Alcoa
Maryville
Bradley County
Cleveland
Carroll County
McKenzie
Carter County
Elizabethton
Cheatham County
Ashland City
Pleasant View
Cocke County
Newport
Coffee County
Manchester
Tullahoma
Cumberland County
Crossville
Unincorporated Cumberland County
Davidson County
Metro Nashville
Goodlettsville **
Dickson County
Burns
Dyer County
Dyersburg
Fayette County
Oakland
Greene County
Greeneville
Grundy County
Monteagle **
Hamblen County
Morristown
Hamilton County
Chattanooga
Collegedale
East Ridge
Lakesite
Red Bank
Signal Mountain
Hardin County
Savannah
Hawkins County
Church Hill
Rogersville
Henry County
Paris
Knox County
Farragut
Knoxville
Unincorporated Knox County
Loudon County
Lenoir City
Loudon
Madison County
Jackson
Maury County
Mount Pleasant
Spring Hill**
McMinn County
Athens
Etowah
Montgomery County
Clarksville
Obion County
Union City
Putnam County
Cookeville
Roane County
Harriman
Kingston
Robertson County
Coopertown
Rutherford County
Murfreesboro
Smyrna
Sevier County
Gatlinburg
Pigeon Forge
Sevierville
Shelby County
Arlington
Bartlett
Collierville
Germantown
Memphis
Millington
Sullivan County
Bristol
Kingsport**
Sumner County
Gallatin
Hendersonville
White House**
Tipton County
Atoka
Covington
Munford
Washington County
Johnson City**
Jonesborough
Weakley County
Martin
Williamson County
Brentwood
Fairview
Franklin
Thompson’s Station
Wilson County
Lebanon
Mount Juliet
