HJAR May/Jun 2021

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  MAY / JUN 2021 35 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalAR.com Through the Community Grant program, the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation seeks to expand access to oral health care in underserved areas. Grant recipients were selected based on the innovativeness of the proposed project and its potential impact on the oral health of Arkansans. “We are proud to recognize the work being done by the Conway Regional Interfaith Dental Clinic by selecting it as one of our grant recip- ients,” said Chrissy Chatham, executive direc- tor of the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation. “By increasing access to dental care, we can help improve the oral and overall health and well- being of children and adults by preventing seri- ous health issues down the road.” COVID-19 Vaccination of Surgical Patients Should be Priority, Study Involving UAMS Finds Providing COVID-19 vaccines for patients awaiting elective surgery could save 58,687 lives worldwide over the next year, according to results of an international study in which the Uni- versity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) participated. The study findings, based on data gathered in 2020 by COVIDSurg Collaborative, an interna- tional network of surgeons, suggests that patients should receive a COVID-19 vaccine before sur- gery to reduce risk of postoperative death. Patients who develop COVID-19 infection have a four to eight times higher risk of death in the 30 days following surgery. For example, where patients aged 70 years and over undergoing cancer surgery would usually have a 2.8% mor- tality rate, this increases to 18.6% if they develop COVID-19 infection. Based on the high risks that surgical patients face, scientists calculate that vaccination of sur- gical patients is more likely to prevent COVID-19 related deaths than vaccines given to the popu- lation at large — particularly among those 70 and older who are undergoing surgery for cancer. For example, where 1,840 people aged 70 and over in the general population need to be vaccinated to save one life over one year, this figure drops to only 351 in patients aged 70 years and over who are having cancer surgery. “Surgical patients, particularly patients 70 years or older having cancer surgery, are a vulnerable group who are at increased risk of COVID-19 related death,” said Emmanouil (Manos) Gior- gakis, MD, a transplant surgeon at UAMS and an assistant professor in the College of Medicine’s Division of Transplant Surgery who led UAMS’ participation in the study. “Preoperative vaccina- tion can significantly reduce postoperative mor- tality. Vaccination is also likely to decrease post- operative pulmonary complications, reducing intensive care use and overall health care costs.” The study concluded that as the global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines proceeds, patients need- ing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population. It recommends that governments prioritize vaccination of surgical patients. Jefferson Regional to Develop Cancer Center Jefferson Regional is making an $8 million investment to develop a fully integrated cancer center, which will be located on campus in the Jefferson Professional Center 1 building (JPC 1). Construction will consist of two phases — the first being an expanded medical oncology clinic with an infusion center capable of treating 27 patients, which will be open in June 2021. The second phase will include the construction of a radiation oncology suite that will be complete near the end of 2021. The cancer center is the health system’s latest investment in building a comprehensive cancer program designed to meet the unique needs of residents in Pine Bluff and throughout South- east Arkansas. Arkansas ranks among the states with the highest incidences of new cancers in the U.S., and the Jefferson Regional Cancer Center is a direct reflection of the organization’s con- tinued commitment to ensuring local residents have access to exceptional cancer care when and where they need it. “For many decades, cancer care has been an important part of the services we provide to our region, but it has never been more impor- tant than it is today,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Thomas. “As the region’s trusted healthcare provider, we have a responsi- bility to continually listen and learn as the needs of our patients grow and evolve. With this recent investment, all of our cancer care services will now be conveniently located under one roof and designed with one person in mind – the patient.” “In addition to our physicians who specialize in cancer care, we are fortunate to also have an experienced group of surgeons and other spe- cialists who help treat cancer patients. Because the Cancer Center is supported by the health sys- tem, our doctors share information via electronic medical records. This allows complete patient information to be available to doctors who care for the patient. Jefferson Regional is here for our community – no matter the day or time – and our patients can always get the care they need, when they need it,” said Chief Medical Officer Reid Pierce, MD. UAMSWinthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Unveils NewBreast Center A new center offering comprehensive breast imaging services opened in the Winthrop P. Rock- efeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkan- sas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). The Breast Center is located on the third floor of the Cancer Institute and offers mammography, ultrasound, and image-guided biopsy. An MRI dedicated exclusively to breast imaging is sched- uled to be installed in the center later this year. The center, which was previously housed in the UAMS Outpatient Center, encompasses about 12,000 square feet and includes five mammog- raphy rooms, five ultrasound rooms, space for image-guided biopsies, large patient dressing rooms, and a waiting area filled with natural light. Original artwork by female Arkansas artists will be featured throughout the center, adding to the relaxing environment. “By increasing the number of mammography and ultrasound rooms we offer, we increase our capacity to serve more women each day,” said Bryant-Smith, who also is division chief of breast imaging at UAMS and director of the mobile mammography program. The center will continue to offer same-day results for all screening and diagnostic mammo- grams, as well as the ability to follow up immedi- ately with additional imaging and procedures for women who require more testing. n