DAVENPORT, Iowa -- October 13, 2014 -- Genesis Health System and DaVita Kidney Care today announced they have entered into a joint venture agreement for the continued operation of the Quad Cities' only hospital campus-based hemodialysis center.

The center provides treatment to patients with kidney failure on an out-patient basis. The agreement calls for patient care services to continue uninterrupted at the recently remodeled and expanded Genesis dialysis center located on the East Rusholme Street campus of Genesis Medical Center, Davenport.

According to Genesis Vice President of Corporate Communications Ken Croken, the decision to enter the joint venture agreement with DaVita Kidney Care was driven largely by the increasing operational complexity and high costs of maintaining a single dialysis center. Specifically, Croken noted that the regulatory demands and technical requirements of hemodialysis have grown more challenging over the years. And, the operation of an independent center in Davenport has become cost-prohibitive because Genesis cannot benefit from the volume discounts on equipment and supplies available to larger, multi-site providers. Moreover, smaller providers cannot provide the highly specialized technical support available within a larger organization focused exclusively on hemodialysis.

"DaVita Kidney Care is a national leader in the innovative care of patients with chronic kidney failure and end-stage renal disease," Croken said. "Today, DaVita Kidney Care operates or manages more than 2,100 dialysis centers across the U.S. The company's commitment to quality care and customer service is evidenced by its nearly 170,000 patients nationwide."

The GHS Board of Directors has determined that DaVita is the right partner to help ensure the stability of this critical patient service in the community. In this way, patients who currently rely on the life-saving care they receive at our state-of-art Genesis out-patient center -- as well as in the hospital - can continue to do so." Genesis provides nearly 20,000 dialysis treatments annually.

"We are pleased to expand our services in the Quad Cities region and honored to partner with Genesis Health System to provide world-class kidney care," said Mark Bratland, Divisional Vice President for DaVita Kidney Care. "I want our new patients as well as the Genesis medical staff to know that we are dedicated to provide a smooth transition and to live by our Mission as the Provider, Partner and Employer of Choice."

About DaVita Kidney Care

DaVita Kidney Care is a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company that, through its operating divisions, provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. A leading provider of dialysis services in the United States, DaVita Kidney Care treats patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita Kidney Care strives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health management services. As of June 30, 2014, DaVita Kidney Care operated or provided administrative services at 2,119 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 168,000 patients. The company also operated 84 outpatient dialysis centers located in 10 countries outside the United States. DaVita Kidney Care supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company's leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit DaVita.com.

About Genesis Health System

Genesis Health System, its affiliates and partners offer a continuum of health care services for a 12-county region of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Our affiliates include : Acute and tertiary hospital care at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport and DeWitt, Iowa and at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis and Genesis Medical Center, Aledo, Ill.; home health and hospice services through Genesis VNA and Hospice; Genesis Workplace Services, including occupational health, employee assistance program and wellness services for employers and their employees; the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House; senior living facilities offering rehabilitation and long-term care; Genesis Health Group, with nearly 200 primary 

care providers and specialists; the Genesis Quad Cities Family Practice Residency program; Genesis Psychology Associates; three Convenient Care clinics; and Genesis Home Medical Equipment. Partners include Genesis Medical Park, Crow Valley and Spring Street Surgical Center, Davenport and Genesis Imaging Centers. Genesis manages Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa, Iowa. Genesis is one of the largest employers in the Quad Cities region with more than 5,000 employees. For more information, visit our Web site at www.genesishealth.com.

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New moms at Genesis BirthCenters are discovering a baby's peaceful sleep and peace of mind are attainable. Even for brief moments at the same time.

Since Valentine's Day, babies born at Genesis BirthCenter locations in Davenport and Silvis get a first bath and then are wrapped in a HALO SleepSack wearable blanket. The SleepSack wearable blankets are replacing loose blankets, crib bumpers and stuffed animals in baby sleep spaces.

The idea is to establish a safe, comfortable sleep routine in the hospital with hopes the routine will go home with the baby and parents.

The SleepSacks wearable blankets have a design that swaddles the baby with closeable cloth "wings.'' The baby's arms can be within the blanket or out. A zipper allows easy access for diaper changes.

SleepSacks also allow babies to kick their feet naturally and unrestrained. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has called SleepSacks "hip healthy."

"It allows the babies to have their feet and legs in a frog kick position rather than having them restrained by blankets,'' explained Genesis Health Group pediatrician Curt McClellan, D.O. "The babies seem to sleep more comfortably and soundly.

"A lot of hospitals across the country are now starting to use these in their birth centers.''

Unexplainable Tragedy

What isn't known scientifically yet is whether the wearable blankets further reduce the tragedy of sudden unexplained death in infants. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, remains a mystery because the condition cannot be explained after an autopsy or a review of the infant's clinical history.

Jenny Atzen, nurse midwife with The Group in Davenport, was a Genesis BirthCenter nurse in 2002 when Elizabeth, her 31/2-month-old daughter, died in the home of a care giver. There was no explanation for the death.

"I still miss her like crazy every day,'' Atzen said. "I was a nurse and it happened to me. If this can happen to me, the message is 'wow, this can happen to anyone.' SIDS doesn't only happen to someone else. It happens to people who think they are doing everything right.''

Atzen said she has never placed any blame on anyone. Elizabeth was sleeping in an adult bed with pillows around her and she was sleeping on her stomach.

"She slept on her stomach at home too,'' Atzen said. "We knew about the recommendations for back to sleep but Elizabeth slept better when she was sleeping on her stomach.

"Unfortunately, this is a very common practice by many parents. We paid the worst possible consequence of not following the recommendations.''

The national "Back To Sleep'' campaign recommends that newborns be placed on their backs to sleep. Since the campaign began in 1994, unexplained infant deaths have decreased by more than 3,500 each year.

"That day changed everything for me,'' Atzen said. "I can talk about it now because I think our experience can help educate others. It's very important to educate everyone about the safe sleep of babies.''

Genesis BirthCenter manager Deb Renner said the transition to SleepSacks at Genesis is part of a national trend. Hospitals across the country are creating safer sleep environments for newborns by using the wearable blankets.

"As a Magnet organization, we are very in tune with best practices and using these wearable blankets is certainly a best practice,'' Renner said. "If we can get new parents to experience the safest sleep practices for the baby in the hospital, it is a good start toward them following best sleep practices for baby at home.

"We would like to think SleepSacks could prevent the tragedy that Jenny experienced. Her experience impacted everyone she worked with because at the time we had a lot of nurses who were having babies. It made us all aware that this could happen to anyone.''

Tips For Safe Sleep

While SIDS is still a mystery in many ways, there are standard recommendations for safe sleep for infants.

• Babies should have their own sleep space, like a crib or bassinet, not an adult bed

• Babies should be put on their backs to sleep

• All toys and bedding should be removed from the baby's sleep space

• Never dress the baby too warmly for sleep

• Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby at home, or in a car

Renner said the Genesis BirthCenters would like to be able to send the SleepSacks home with babies but the expense doesn't make that possible at this time.

"We'd love for someone to say, 'this sounds like a very good idea' and make a donation through the Genesis foundation,'' Renner said. "We think this is important enough that every baby should go home from Genesis with a SleepSack.''

Gifts to the Genesis Foundation have an impact on the health of the communities served by Genesis Health System. Find out more by calling (563) 421-6865.

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Davenport, Iowa - Making ends meet should not mean going without your medication. Medicare prescription drug coverage, known as Part D, helps fill the gap for eligible Quad Citians but unfortunately many don't review their policies and find themselves spending more money on prescriptions drugs then may be necessary. This is why it is so important for Medicare recipients to take part in the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, October 15 through December 7.

On October 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will announce its Part D plans for 2015.  According to CMS, there are several plan changes which will impact Iowans. "Iowa will have 29 stand-alone drug plans in 2015, compared to 32 for 2014," says Kris Gross from the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).  "It is very important that Iowans do a Part D check-up and see if their current plans will still provide the best coverage for 2015."

According to SHIIP, seven plans were dropped and four new plans were added. Thirteen plans show reduced premiums and thirteen plans increased theirs.  None of the plans cover brand name drugs in the coverage gap, but several cover generic drugs.  There are five plans which are available at $0 for people who qualify for the full Part D extra help.

Going through this process can be confusing that is why the Center For Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) is offering free assistance through its SHIIP program. Five specially trained SHIIP volunteers will be available, during the open enrollment period, by appointment, Monday through Friday, to offer assistance in finding coverage that best fits a Medicare recipient's needs.

Those interested in meeting with a CASI SHIIP counselor must make an appointment, in advance, by calling 563-386-7477. Counselors will offer this free assistance from October 15 through December 7 on the following days and times: Noon-5 p.m. on Mondays, 1-6 p.m. on Tuesdays; 9 a.m. - Noon on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - Noon and 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays and from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. Counselors ask that you have a valid photo identification card, your Medicare card and a list from your pharmacy of all current medications. If a list cannot be provided, CASI's SHIIP counselors ask that you bring all your prescription medications to your schedule appointment.

During this same period you can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan if you missed the enrollment deadline earlier this year.  SHIIP counselors can assist you with enrollment in a Part D plan also.  If you're happy with the plan you have and what it's going to be offering next year you don't need to do anything.  Your enrollment will continue into next year.

CASI was established in 1972 and serves the needs of older adults by providing a variety of events and activities focused on health and wellness, social engagement, lifelong learning, and community involvement. CASI also provides a senior advocacy program to assist older adults, their families, and caregivers in needs assessment and referral for services. Jane's Place at CASI is the only adult day services center in Eastern Iowa serving adults with Alzheimer's and dementia. Please contact CASI for additional information.