President's Message - Spring 2013
Dear Friends of Heywood Healthcare,
It is my pleasure to welcome the residents of the North Quabbin region to the Heywood Healthcare family. As the newly branded parent company of Heywood Hospital in Gardner and Athol Hospital in Athol, Heywood Healthcare brings comprehensive new healthcare services and programs to all the communities of North Central Massachusetts, from Westminster to Erving and Richmond, NH to Barre.
You will notice a new look to both Heywood and Athol Hospital marketing which leverages the strengths of both organizations. Our fresh new feel represents the many positive changes on the horizon for both our healthcare family and our patients.
We begin by addressing one of the most serious and pervasive health concerns in our region, and in our nation, diabetes. It is estimated that nearly 7,000 people in the greater Gardner/Athol area have diabetes, many unknowingly, and an additional 28,000 residents qualify as “pre-diabetic.” Left unchecked, these alarming statistics represent the potential for an onslaught of chronic disease associated with diabetes, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and visual impairment.
Heywood Healthcare is committed to preventing and controlling diabetes through education and early intervention. For the second year in a row, Heywood Hospital’s annual Golf Challenge benefits the Diabetes Center of Excellence and its’ many educational and outreach programs designed to combat this silent killer. In addition, we are expanding our class offerings to include new, free or low-cost Health and Wellness classes that promote lifestyle changes known to prevent diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
I would also like to pay tribute to my friend, healthcare colleague and former President and CEO of Athol Memorial Hospital, Steve Penka. A strong and thoughtful leader, Steve helped steer Athol on a course of success as a critical access hospital during his seven years at the helm. Despite his recent passing, Steve’s legacy will live on through the many lives he has touched, and in the hospital’s continued success and service to its community.
We look forward to providing quality, community-focused, care tailored to meet the health needs of all the residents of North Central Massachusetts. Together, we can make our region a better place to raise our families and enjoy the benefits of stronger, healthier lives.
Yours in good health,
Win field S. Brown, MSB, MHA, FACHE
President & CEO
Heywood Healthcare
