Updated 1:20 p.m. — UVA Health says its medical centers in our region are affected by the global CrowdStrike computer outage. The firm operates hospitals in Manassas, Haymarket, and Culpeper.
From UVA Health:
UVA Health is being impacted by a worldwide system outage affecting computers that run on Microsoft Windows. As a result, UVA Health is operating on a modified schedule Friday, July 19. Some ambulatory clinics will be closed today. Patients and team members can find the latest schedule updates at uvahealth.com/status.
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge and its ancillary regional offices usually operate.
We are closely monitoring the IT outage linked to the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike.
Sentara does not utilize CrowdStrike so our IT systems are not directly impacted.
However, we are currently in the process of evaluating the impact on third-party providers and partner organizations who do work with this vendor.
Normal operations remain in process at Sentara hospitals and facilities.
Meanwhile, flights were grounded across the country due to the outage, affecting Windows operating system computers.
Mary Washington Healthcare, which operates hospitals in Stafford County and Fredericksburg, is not affected.
There has been no word yet from Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.
Meanwhile, the computer outage has not affected local government operations in our region.
Representatives from governments in Prince William and Stafford counties and Manassas and law enforcement agencies in the counties tell us it’s business as usual.
Virignia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued this statement:
Amidst the global tech outages, overnight we have conducted an initial assessment to determine impacts across government agencies and departments for functionality,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Critical health and safety systems, including 911 call systems and transportation infrastructure, are operational. However, airlines continue to experience significant disruptions. The assessment determined that government administrative functions are experiencing disruptions, and we are coordinating with local, regional and federal authorities and private sector critical infrastructure partners in order to reestablish normal operations. As a result of the administrative disturbances, Virginians may experience delays and we ask everyone to remain patient as we work to remedy and reestablish the high standards that Virginians deserve.
Photo: Photo by Irvan Smith on Unsplash
Sometimes, we get buried in breaking local news, and some essential interviews get pushed back. Though we conducted our interviews for this story last month, it is still important to share.
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center featured a documentary photo exhibit titled “Innovation on Maternal Health Exhibition.” The exhibit, created by photojournalist Karen Kasmauski in collaboration with WHRO, was displayed on May 21 outside the hospital’s maternity ward.
The exhibit showcases powerful images that highlight the crucial role of midwifery and doula services in improving maternal health outcomes, particularly for non-Hispanic Black mothers. Sheena Kundid, a nurse at the medical center, explained the significance of the display, emphasizing how midwifery bridges gaps in maternal healthcare. “Midwifery services support and really bridge the gap for our non-Hispanic Black mothers and really all of our mothers. It’s been shown that midwifery and doulas improve outcomes through trust and active partnership in the birth experience,” she said.
The photos in the exhibit capture various stages of the birthing process, from a mother enduring contractions to the care provided post-delivery. Kundid highlighted the importance of showcasing both home and hospital births, demonstrating the collaborative relationship between midwives and hospital facilities. “It paints a picture of how midwifery supports that collaborative relationship with hospitals and facilities,” Kundid added.
Misti Gray, an OB-Gyn at About Women in Woodbridge, which is affiliated with Sentara, underscored the alarming disparities in maternal mortality rates. “The headline of the main focus is, ‘I just don’t want to die.’ It’s powerful but true,” Gray stated. She pointed out that Black mothers are disproportionately affected by pregnancy-related complications, being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. Gray attributed this disparity to systemic issues such as racial biases, unequal access to care, and lack of education.
Gray also addressed common misconceptions about midwifery, emphasizing that midwifery care is not limited to home births. “Midwifery care is everywhere. It’s hospitals, birthing centers, at home, and in the community,” she said. She highlighted the growing presence of midwives in hospitals, a trend that has increased over the past decade.
The exhibit aims to educate the community and break down misconceptions about midwifery. Kundid shared that Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is working to increase its midwifery presence and build partnerships with providers. “Midwives help our OB/GYNs, and it increases access to care, which is a dire need across the entire United States,” Kundid explained.
In March, the CDC reported a slight improvement in maternal mortality rates for non-Hispanic Black women, who are now 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. Kundid acknowledged the progress but stressed the need for continued efforts to address these disparities.
The “Innovation on Maternal Health Exhibition” will be on display at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center for the next few weeks. It offers a compelling look into the critical role of midwifery in maternal healthcare.
In a recent Potomac Local News poll, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center emerged as the overwhelming favorite among local residents for hospital recommendations to friends and family. The poll, which sought to gauge public opinion on the preferred medical facilities in the region, saw an impressive 369 votes (86.01%) in favor of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.
The poll results underscore the community’s strong preference for Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, which has established itself as a leading healthcare provider in the area. With a reputation for high-quality medical care, advanced technology, and patient-centered services, it’s clear why so many locals trust this institution with their health needs.
Coming in a distant second, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center received 24 votes (5.59%). While this facility is recognized for its comprehensive services and modern amenities, it has less of a footprint in the local community compared to Sentara.
Stafford Hospital garnered 14 votes (3.26%), indicating a modest level of community endorsement. Known for its commitment to patient care and community health, Stafford Hospital continues to dedicate itself to serving its local population, albeit with a smaller share of the community’s recommendations.
UVA Prince William Medical Center and Mary Washington Hospital followed with 11 votes (2.56%) and 7 votes (1.63%), respectively. Both institutions are well-regarded in their own right, with strong healthcare programs and a range of services, but they did not capture a significant portion of the poll votes.
UVA Haymarket Medical Center received 4 votes (0.93%), reflecting a minimal but notable presence in the local healthcare landscape.
The results of this poll highlight the community’s overwhelming confidence in Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center as the go-to hospital for their healthcare needs. As healthcare choices remain a crucial aspect of community well-being, the preference for Sentara underscores its vital role in the region’s healthcare ecosystem.
As always, Potomac Local News is committed to bringing you the latest insights and updates on local healthcare and other important community issues. Thank you to all who participated in the poll.
WWC member Phyllis Zimmerman launched the project nine years ago and continues to sew to this day. The tally of heart pillows created last year was 170 and the dedicated WWC craftswomen estimate that well over 1,000 pillows have been created since they began the project.
“Nine years ago, I was the chairperson of what was called the Home Life section of the Woodbridge Woman's Club. Our club president at the time asked me to find a project that would be of value in the community. I discovered these pillows that I thought we could make. They are helpful to women with breast cancer because the long ties on the pillow allow you to easily carry it with you, and by adjusting the ties, you can position it under your arm to bring relief where you might be feeling very tender,” explained Zimmerman.
While the pillows were originally made for those with breast cancer, now they are gifted to people coping with various forms of cancer, to radiology patients, and most recently to heart patients receiving care at SNVMC.
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Sentara Health: Carol Shapiro, MD, MBA, FACS, physician and director of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s Wound Healing Center, was honored with the 2024 Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce on February 23 during the chamber’s annual awards banquet.
The award, named in memory of longtime state Senator Charles J. Colgan, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions throughout their lives in service to the business community in Prince William County.
With more than 50 years of service in Prince William County, Dr. Shapiro was an original member of the medical staff at Potomac Hospital – now known as Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC). She went on to become the first elected female president of the hospital’s medical staff as well as president at Prince William Hospital.
Dr. Shapiro is a board-certified plastic surgeon who established her practice in Woodbridge and Manassas in 1972 following her training at Georgetown University. Recognizing the opportunity to build a practice in a community that had previously lacked necessary medical services, Dr. Shapiro played an integral role in the development of the healthcare community in Prince William County.
As director of the outpatient Wound Healing Center at SNVMC, she championed the introduction of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) services in eastern Prince William County five years ago.
Dr. Shapiro was integral in establishing the gang tattoo removal clinic in Prince William County, generously donating her time and expertise. Her commitment to her profession has included leadership roles with the Prince William Medical Society, the Medical Society of Virginia – where she served as the first woman president – and the American Medical Association, serving as chair of the Virginia delegation from 2007 to 2016.
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Sentara sponsors Play4Kay Pink Game
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) is set to sponsor the George Mason University women's basketball Play4Kay Pink Game for the fifth consecutive year. The event, part of the #Play4Kay initiative by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, aims to combat cancers affecting women. The GMU women's basketball team will face Saint Joseph's University at EagleBank Arena on Thursday, February 8, with tip-off at 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by Sentara, the game includes activities to raise awareness and celebrate female cancer survivors.
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I’ve worked with Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center since 2012 to help its dedicated team reach our readers, members, and the larger community.
We’ve worked together on health education campaigns, community fairs, ribbon cuttings, and, of course, the pandemic, and through it all, I’ve considered Sentara a valued partner. So valued, my wife and I chose the hospital to deliver our son to us in October 2023.
After all, it’s good to know the folks at Sentara feel the same.
“Potomac Local News has been an invaluable partner for Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center for over ten years, playing a crucial role in communicating our healthcare message to the residents of Prince William and Stafford counties.
In our decade-long collaboration, Potomac Local News has been more than a platform for advertising; it has been a dedicated voice for the community. We appreciate their commitment to showcasing the stories of healthcare professionals who tirelessly work to provide high-quality medical care. Through Potomac Local News, we’ve had the opportunity to highlight the narratives of our doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, sharing their impact on our community’s health and well-being.
This partnership has allowed us to communicate our mission effectively and strengthened the connection between our medical center and the community. We thank Potomac Local News for their unwavering support and look forward to continuing our collaboration in promoting a healthier and more informed community.”
Are you tired of spending your money on ad campaigns on big social media only to wonder if you’re genuinely getting the reach they promise? Do you seek new, original, and out-of-the-box ideas or means of organically reaching your target local audience?
If you’re ready to partner with Potomac Local News, a locally-owned business with the community’s interest at its forefront and with a publisher that treats his clients as part of the team, please call me today, and let’s get to work.
Thank you,
Uriah Kiser
Founder and Pubilsher
Potomac Local News
Optima Health is changing our name to Sentara Health Plans to better reflect our enhanced focus on promoting the overall health and well-being of our consumers. You already know Sentara as a trusted provider with more than 300 sites of care in neighborhoods across Virginia and North Carolina, including Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center 1.
While the health plans have been a part of Sentara for over 35 years, under this new name—Sentara Health Plans— we will be able to further integrate them under a single, unified brand2. And, by providing healthcare that is simple, personal, and more affordable, we are practicing the future of healthcare today.
1 Sentara Health. About Us. sentaraproviderresources.com/about-us
2 Sentara Health Plans is a trade name of Sentara Health Plans, Sentara Health Insurance Company, Sentara Health Administration, Inc., and Sentara Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Sentara Health Plans, previously Optima Health Plan, has been issuing HMO plans under that license since 1984. Sentara Health Insurance Company, previously Optima Health Insurance Company, has issued PPO Accident and Sickness plans since 1991.
Press Release:Â “The Food Services team at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) in Woodbridge, received the honor as the Regional Account of the Year by Morrison Healthcare in an awards presentation held at the medical center on November 21.”
“Morrison Healthcare is a national leader in health care food and nutrition support services that partners with more than 975 hospitals and health care systems in the United States, including Sentara Health.”
“Food Services managers and staff were presented the award during a celebratory lunch that included Morrison representatives, SNVMC leadership, and Sentara Health President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Matheis in attendance.”
“SNVMC Food Services team was named Regional Account of the Year based on several criteria, including a priority on safety, being employee focused, financial stewardship, patient satisfaction, and food and nutrition services excellence.”
“In 2023, SNVMC scored in the 91st percentile on patient satisfaction scores rating food service, an increase of 10 points over the previous year. Additionally, through strategies that included inventory management, effective cross utilization of products, staff training, and eliminating precut produce, the team improved revenue while saving on cost of goods and labor, bringing a total savings of $464,000 to the hospital.”
