Las Vegas HEALS News

Hospital Earns High Performing Designation for Second Consecutive Year

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center as a 2024 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy). This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, and the second consecutive year Centennial Hills Hospital has received this designation.

Best Hospitals for Maternity Care is an annual evaluation designed to assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care that best meets their family’s needs.

Centennial Hills Hospital earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as newborn complication rates.

“I’m very proud of our Birthplace team for the outstanding care they provide to our expectant parents and their babies,” said Craig McCoy, CEO of Centennial Hills Hospital. “Every delivery is unique and our health care professionals are prepared to provide a successful labor, delivery and post-partum experience for all families.”

U.S. News evaluated hospitals from across the nation that provide labor and delivery services and submitted detailed data to the publication for analysis; 680 hospitals, an all-time high, participated in this year’s U.S. News survey. Fewer than half – 46% – of all hospitals that offer maternity care and participated in the survey received a High Performing designation.

“Hospitals that receive a High Performing designation as part of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care meet a high standard in caring for parents with uncomplicated pregnancies,” said Jennifer Winston, health data scientist at U.S. News. “These hospitals have C-section rates that are 26% lower, and newborn complication rates that are 37% lower than unrecognized hospitals. Parents-to-be can research their local hospitals’ performance metrics for free at health.usnews.com to help them choose where to have their baby.”

Located in the fast-growing northwest Las Vegas community, Centennial Hills Hospital added more labor and delivery suites and 36 mother-baby suites in late 2020. In 2021, the Birthplace expanded its NICU from 15 to 25 beds, including nine private baby suites, including larger suites for twins and triplets.

The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates, birthing-friendly practices and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.

About Centennial Hills Hospital
Centennial Hills Hospital is a member of The Valley Health System, a system comprised of acute care and specialty hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, outpatient services and physician practices, cares for patients throughout Southern Nevada and surrounding communities. Located in northwest Las Vegas, the hospital offers a wide range of healthcare services including emergency care, surgical services, cardiovascular and advanced neurological care, women’s health, maternity and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, and specialty programs in stroke, chest pain, orthopedics, advanced wound care and hyperbaric medicine, and outpatient therapy and two freestanding emergency facilities, the ER at Valley Vista in North Las Vegas, NV, and the ER at West Craig (opening late 2023).

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Task Force Meetings Return on January 18^th and January 25th. Details and links are below:

January 18th Meetings Location:
USI Risk & Insurance Services
8360 W Sahara Ave Ste 110
Las Vegas, NV 89117
Link to Map

Legislative Task Force Meeting
January 18 | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Learn More/Register

Healthcare Technology Task Force Meeting
January 18 | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Learn more/Register

Workforce Task Force Meeting
January 18 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Learn more/Register

Physician Engagement Task Force Meeting
January 18 | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Learn more/Register

January 25th Task Force Meeting (via Zoom)
Learn more/Register

The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) joins with community partners in observing World AIDS Day on Friday, December 1, a day of solidarity for those affected by HIV. More than 32 million people have died worldwide from AIDS-related illness. In Clark County, more than 11,000 people are living with HIV and 488 were newly diagnosed in 2022.

On World AIDS Day, SNHD will offer free, rapid HIV testing from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at its Fremont Public Health Center, 2380 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104. Information about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will also be available. Additionally, Express Testing is available Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed noon – 1 p.m.) at SNHD’s Southern Nevada Community Health Center Sexual Health Clinic, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Testing at this location is for those who are asymptomatic and would like to know their HIV status.
SNHD also offers rapid HIV testing options including home HIV test kits. The Collect2Protect program allows users to conveniently and privately order an at-home HIV test kit at no cost and get their results at home. Test kits for chlamydia and gonorrhea are also available for a fee.

Area residents are invited to collectively create a community AIDS quilt on December 1 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Center, 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, 89101. This event will also feature music, food and free HIV testing. Also on the 1^st, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation will provide free HIV testing from 7 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. at Entourage Spa & Health Club, 953 E. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89104, and a reception will be held at Community Counseling Center, 714 E. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89104.

The local schedule of observances is being extended to include the following partner activities:

Thursday, November 30

• 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Free rapid testing will be available at the Southern Nevada Community Health Center Sexual Health Clinic, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107.
• 4 p.m.: Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) will host the “Turning the Sign Red” event at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

Saturday, December 2

• Noon – 3 p.m.: People wearing red shirts will form a “human AIDS ribbon” on the south side of  the Commercial Center, 900 E. Liberace Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89109.

Sunday, December 3

• 1 p.m.: The 35^th Annual Ribbon of Life Holiday Spectacular will be held at the Tropicana Las Vegas, 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, NV 89109. Sponsored by Golden Rainbow, this event supports people who are impacted by HIV/AIDS by providing emergency assistance, education, financial aid and affordable housing in a safe and inclusive environment.

For more information on World AIDS Day, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at World AIDS Day | CDC.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first flu-related death in a Clark County resident — a man in his 60s. Reports of hospitalizations and people seeking care for influenza-like-illness in the community are also continuing to increase, and the Health District is encouraging everyone to do their part to protect themselves and others from spreading the flu or getting severely ill by getting the flu vaccine.

“This death is a tragedy, and I offer my condolences to this man’s family and friends,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Unfortunately, the flu can be a serious illness causing severe illness and deaths each year. I encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine and to practice healthy habits to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Flu season typically peaks between December and February but can last until May. It’s not too late to protect yourself for the remainder of the flu and holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get the vaccine each year. Older adults, younger children, pregnant people, and those with underlying medical conditions are more at risk for severe illness from the flu. People who care for children who are too young to get the flu vaccine should get vaccinated instead. Flu vaccines are available at Health District clinics as well as doctor’s offices and pharmacies throughout Southern Nevada.

The Health District also encourages people to take steps to stay healthy. Simple measures can help prevent the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and running water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Stay home when sick and limit contact with others.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue away after using it.
• Take a COVID-19 test if flu-like symptoms develop.
• Take antiviral drugs for flu if prescribed by a doctor.

The Health District Influenza Snapshot and Influenza Report by Age Group is available each week at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/news-info/statistics-surveillance-reports/influenza-surveillance/.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Patient First at Center to Receive Drug Outside of Clinical Research for Treatment of Mild Alzheimer’s Disease

Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health marked a milestone in Alzheimer’s disease care by administering its first infusion of the anti-amyloid drug, lecanemab (LEQEMBI®), for the treatment of mild Alzheimer’s disease.

In conjunction with National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas administered its first dose of lecanemab in a clinical setting following the drug’s traditional approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July.

As one of the leading and largest Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial sites in the country, the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health has taken part in the phase 3 CLARITY study of lecanemab since 2020 and continues to study the drug in the ongoing AHEAD trial for individuals at risk for dementia. The center is the only site for both studies in the state of Nevada.

Dan Harrington getting first dose of new medicine.

Dan Harrington, a 64-year-old living with Alzheimer’s disease, is originally from southern California and moved to Las Vegas six years ago specifically to receive care at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. He and his wife, Andrea, are grateful to have the opportunity to try this new treatment.

“Since I started in this field 20 years ago, patients and their families have often asked, ‘If this is Alzheimer’s, you can’t even slow it down, right?’ Today, I can say ‘Wrong. A treatment is now available for this disease that is different from anything that was available before,” said Dylan Wint, M.D., director of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. “This drug won’t solve the Alzheimer’s crisis, but it represents a significant step forward, slowing progression of the disease and delaying some of its devastating symptoms.”

The milestone marked the first time outside of its research program that the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’s infusion center has administered a therapy that is proven to slow Alzheimer’s disease progression, not just treat its symptoms.

“We’re really excited about this. If it’s a few months more, then we have a few months more,” said Andrea Harrington. “We can continue to make memories, enjoy what we have and do what we can. We’re really grateful.”

Harrington continued, “There’s so much hope. If we can help somebody else who is out there and let them know that there is hope, try and don’t be afraid, that’s what we’ll do.”

About the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health 
Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, which opened in 2009, provides expert diagnosis and treatment for individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body, frontotemporal and other dementias; Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, multiple system atrophy and other movement disorders; and multiple sclerosis. With locations in Cleveland, Ohio; Weston, Florida and headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, the center offers a continuum of care with no-cost opportunities for the community to participate in education and research, including disease prevention studies and clinical trials of promising new medications. An integrated entity, Keep Memory Alive, raises funds exclusively in support of the Nevada location.

About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 77,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,658 salaried physicians and researchers, and 19,000 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,699-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, more than 275 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2022, there were 12.8 million outpatient encounters, 303,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 270,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries.

Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, in collaboration with the Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity and the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program, recently hosted “Breaking Barriers: Advancing Diversity in Healthcare & Research,” an interactive, candid community discussion.

With more than 30 community advocate organizations and, in attendance, and remarks from Nevada State Senators Dina Neal and Pat Spearman, the event focused on the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in Nevada as well as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities with a specific focus on the importance of diversifying healthcare and clinical research.

The candid community dialogue featured a diverse array of panelists who spoke to a variety of topics including the barriers BIPOC communities experience in seeking Alzheimer’s clinical care and research, as well as how Nevada’s healthcare community can remove these barriers.

Panelists included:

Dylan Wint, MD, Director of Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (pronounced “Die-Lan”)
Charles Bernick, MD, MPH, is a staff neurologist with the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health
Brenda Harris-Carter, AHEAD research participant
Tina Dortch, Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity
Josh Perez, All of Us Research Program

As Las Vegas is home to one of the largest Alzheimer’s clinical trial sites in the country – Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health – attendees learned about ongoing clinical research opportunities, the safeguards in place and firsthand experience from a current clinical research participant.

Racer Part of Special Event Held During the NASCAR Alsco Uniforms 302 Race in Las Vegas

During the Alsco Uniforms 302 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) on Saturday, Oct. 14, one car held a very special meaning. The images of five local organ, eye and tissue donor heroes adorned driver Joey Gase’s vehicle along with donor families’ “Messages of Hope.”

In 2011, Gase’s mother Mary died of a brain aneurysm and helped save and heal the lives of 66 people as a heroic organ, eye and tissue donor. Nevada Donor Network and Gase have partnered together since 2013 to promote the gift of life and health through donation by honoring local heroes and their courageous families each time he races at LVMS.

The donor heroes honored this year included: Bernice Jones; Jesse Dalton Valdez, Jr.; William Monk; Kyle Ray Reyes; and Bobby Pierce. Gase will be having dinner with the family members of the donor heroes being honored the night before the race at Nevada Donor Network.

Joey Gase has developed a passion for educating others about the need for organ, eye and tissue donation, along with honoring other donor heroes like his mom. Through Nevada Donor Network’s partnership with Gase, these special honoree tributes and “Messages of Hope” are intended to inspire Nevadans to say ‘YES’ to registering as organ, eye and tissue donors. Registering to become a donor hero brings hope to more than 600 Nevadans and over 100,000 Americans currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

One heroic donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation and help restore sight for up to two people through cornea donation. Learn more about how you can help by becoming a donor.