Nearly three years ago, 24-year-old Danielle White feared for her life and the lives of her unborn twins.

Her boyfriend was physically abusive and addicted to methamphetamine and opioids.

“I thought he was going to kill me,” said White. “I lived in fear every day.”

White sought help from assistance programs in the community, including the philanthropy-funded Indiana University Health Nurse Family Partnerships Program.

“This program saved my life,” said White. “It was and is my safe haven.”

Launched in 2018, Nurse Family Partnerships pairs first-time, low-income moms with IU Health nurses who provide educational resources and support throughout the entirety of the pregnancy and until the child turns two years of age.

“The program has three main priorities — mom’s health, baby’s health and economic self-sufficiency of our clients,” said program director Amy Meek, MSN, RN. “And that last one is the big one. Economic self- sufficiency means jobs, careers, stable housing, mental healthcare, substance use care and more.” And in the case of Danielle White, that meant help with escaping her abuser.

Once the expectant mother is paired with her nurse, the two meet biweekly so that the nurse can check on mom and baby’s health. And although these meetings involve discussions around nutrition, growth and development, many of their conversations focus on social health — anything from mom’s support system and understanding who is in her household, to budgeting her income and finding employment and career opportunities for her. The nurse can even help mom secure basic needs for her baby, such as diapers and formula, if she cannot afford them.

“It’s very relational,” said Meek. “The clients tend to be very good friends with their nurse by the time it’s over.”

When White was pregnant with twins, Nurse Family Partnerships paired her with IU Health nurse Kim Cramer, RN. The two had to be strategic about when and where they met, because White’s boyfriend did not want her speaking to Cramer by herself.

“He would always be at the house when Kim came,” said White. “We would try to go on walks by ourselves so that we could talk about how I was going to get out of this situation.”

Four months after her sons Ryder and Reece were born, Cramer helped White escape her boyfriend’s abuse. During that tumultuous time, Cramer was White’s port in the storm, helping her not only purchase a new breast pump, find formula, buy diapers and secure books for her children, but providing her with the security she so desperately needed.

“Danielle is wise and motivated for the sake of her twins,” said Cramer. “I’ve affirmed her strengths, determination and resiliency throughout this program.”

With Cramer’s guidance, White has secured a full-time job and insurance and is living with her mother while she saves for a down payment for a new home. Both she and her sons are healthy, and White’s mental health is improving every day. The trauma she suffered from her boyfriend’s abuse affected her ability to socialize or function in public — but now, she’s able to manage a normal routine.

“I can even take my kids to the park without having to look over my shoulders,” White said.

She credits her success to the Nurse Family Partnerships Program, but more specifically to Cramer.

“Without her support, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” White reflected. “My children are safe, and I’m thriving, all thanks to Kim.”

If you’d like to learn how you can support community initiatives like the Nurse Family Partnerships Program, contact IU Health Foundation Senior Development Officer Emily Trinkle at 812.345.5625.

In a foundational story in the Christian faith, Jesus describes a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep in the field to go in search of one that is lost.

This is a story that could be seen as a model for the Indiana University Health Congregational Care Network (CCN) — a multi-faith program supported through grants and philanthropic dollars, including a three-year, $1.37 million investment from IU Health.

The program connects specially trained volunteers, called “companions,” from faith communities in Marion and Monroe counties with IU Health patients who are high utilizers of care and need extra support when they are discharged to homes or care facilities. Companions receive four weeks of training that helps them understand everything from HIPAA laws to making medical referrals. Their assistance also helps patients ease back into their normal, at-home routines — and they even work with patients to offer resources and solve problems. In many ways, the companions serve as mentors to IU Health patients in need.

In 2021, the network provided companionship to more than 300 patients discharged to their homes — many of which lived alone or in long-term care facilities. CCN helped to reduce inpatient re-admissions among these patients by 64% and reduce emergency department visits by 24%.

Ivan Douglas Hicks, PhD, is the pastor of First Baptist Church North Indianapolis — a church that helped pilot the CCN program. According to Dr. Hicks, CCN allows members of his congregation do what they are called to do: care for their community.

Located in an economically challenged neighborhood and drawing membership from a wide geographic area, First Baptist provides a range of programs to meet the needs of neighbors. “We are a social service hub, and in many ways, ‘ground zero’ for community help,” Dr. Hicks said.

Nichole Wilson, IU Health vice president of Community Health Operations, knows that ground zero well: She grew up in the area and has watched it evolve over the years, thanks to the support of churches like First Baptist and programs like CCN.

“The Congregational Care Network embodies community health,” said Wilson. “It reduces social isolation — something that greatly contributes to poor health and behavioral health. IU Health hopes to deepen our partnership with churches and neighborhoods to establish even more place-based solutions that will impact the health of the community.”

Wilson also noted that the program could not exist without philanthropic support. Like other community health programs, CCN doesn’t charge fees, nor does it collect any revenue from participants. This means philanthropy supports everything the program does — such as training volunteers, providing resources to participating congregations, recruiting new faith communities and more.

Wilson is inspired to think of what the program could become with more support. “There is great opportunity for expansion,” she said. “The program is intended to include faith communities from all faith traditions.”

Meanwhile, the members of First Baptist Church North Indianapolis will continue to support the lost and lonely in their neighborhood – an act of service that Dr. Hicks says benefits the “shepherds” as much as the individual “sheep” they seek to help. “Our parishioners are blessed to be a blessing.”

If you’d like to learn how you can support community initiatives like the Congregational Care Network, contact IU Health Foundation Development Officer Veronica Onofrey at 317.963.9032.

While June may be Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness month, IU Health makes it a yearlong focus working with patients who struggle with PTSD daily. It’s important to bring awareness to PTSD as many people suffer from this very treatable condition and don’t seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) results from a traumatic event that can be experienced directly or indirectly. While most people can resolve their symptoms by seeking treatment, there are lasting impacts from experiencing PTSD, especially when experienced in childhood.

It is not uncommon for untreated PTSD to result in the use of or dependence on drugs and alcohol to cope with intense feelings of anxiety and depression. Addiction has its own negative long-term health outcomes and can lead to occupational, legal, physical, and relationship problems.

According to a study by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, persons that experience four or more adverse childhood events on the ACE screening appear to have a higher risk of addiction, depression, smoking, heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and liver disease.¹

How does PTSD affect relationships?

When someone is suffering from PTSD, their bodies are in a heighted state that puts them on guard. Stress is a normal response we all experience, and hormones that play an important role in maintaining this response are called cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline). Adrenaline is most often referred to as the ‘fight-or-flight’ hormone as it’s released when we experience a threat – such as seeing a bear in the wild. A person with PTSD may always be in this hyperaware state, scanning for and overreacting to perceived threats.

However, these hormones can also be released when the threat is no longer present. Over time, these hormones at high levels can cause negative impacts on the body. People with PTSD stay in that “fight or flight” mode – leading to an inability to relax and participate fully in life.

PTSD can make it difficult to trust others, and survivors may feel numb and distant from other people. Interest in social activities can be affected. Social withdrawal and isolation may occur. Persons with PTSD may push away loved ones. All of this can make it difficult to create and maintain close, meaningful relationships.

Friends and family may not understand what their loved one has experienced and how it is affecting them. They may be upset that their loved one hasn’t been able to resolve their trauma. They may be angry and upset due to irritability and behaviors the person with PTSD exhibits. Having PTSD can affect relationships with employers and make it difficult to maintain employment due to irritability, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and depression. People with PTSD often do not disclose their condition to employers due to stigma associated with mental health disorders.

In addition, PTSD symptoms in parents appear to be linked to lower positive engagement with their children. It is important that parents seek help for their trauma, as higher levels of engagement lead to better outcomes for kids.

Living with PTSD

Living with PTSD can have a negative impact on activities everyday life. Elizabeth Sarchet, Supervisor of Behavioral Health Services at IU Health shares “In my experience with patients I work with, often activities that most of us wouldn’t think twice about doing such as driving a car, socializing, going to the grocery store, attending an event with large groups of people, etc. can incite fear and lead to avoidance due to irrational thoughts associated with previous trauma.”

Recovery from PTSD can be challenging and includes finding a new way of reacting to things that are reminders of the traumatic event, examining and changing irrational beliefs about self, others, and the world, and discovering a way to become fully engaged in life and with the people around you.

Each person has their own experience and timeline for recovery – but recovery does happen.

Resources

The National Center for PTSD has information and videos to help you understand the treatment options available and help you choose the treatment that’s right for you or a loved one.

If you or a loved one is in a crisis, there are resources available that can help:

• Veterans Crisis Line 800.273.8255 (press 1)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline 800.950.NAMI (6264)

References:

• Vincent Felliti, MD, FACP et al. “Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, no. 4, 1 May 1998.

Start by believing.

That is the plea Megan Shupe, MSN, RN, CEN, SANE-A, shares every day. It is a plea for those who come to the Emergency department bruised and battered—the victims of abuse and assault.

“I start by telling people ‘you may not be the first person to come into contact with a victim, but you are likely the one they will remember. Keep an open mind. Don’t give them an eye roll when they tell you their story. A person who has suffered trauma may not behave the way you behave, but it doesn’t mean their story is false.’”

Shupe’s passion for victims of abuse and assault inspired IU Health Arnett Hospital to open the Center of Hope in 2018, which is dedicated to caring for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and other violent crimes by providing compassionate, patient-centered, trauma-informed care delivered by highly skilled forensic nurses who perform comprehensive forensic evaluations.

This is why Megan Shupe is an outstanding example of who the YWCA looks to honor with the Salute to Women award. Shupe’s achievements and tireless work to improve Greater Lafayette and beyond deserves to be applauded and celebrated. She is a model leader and community member who works continuously to improve the lives of others.

Shupe takes sexual assault personally. She watched her mother endure an abusive relationship. She herself has been a victim. Not only has she advocated for a safe place to care for victims, her determination and passion has encouraged 13 additional nurses to train in forensic nursing and rotate on an on-call schedule with the Center of Hope.

Shupe advocates that a victim of assault should not be treated like a typical emergency room patient. This is often a traumatized patient who has worked up the courage to come in. There is a short window of time to collect evidence.

Through Shupe’s guidance, two private rooms have been created at Arnett Hospital to support the Center of Hope. The first room is designed more like a home setting with furniture rather than medical equipment. This room serves as a consult room to collect patient information. The second room serves as the exam room and has a private shower. It has all the medical tools necessary to collect forensic evidence.

Through Shupe’s dedication, the Center of Hope program has expanded and now also operates at IU Health Frankfort and White Memorial hospitals.

Today, Shupe spends her time between leading Center of Hope and bedside care as an emergency department nurse. She is always advocating for forensic education and victims of abuse.

If you have experienced abuse and need a safe place to go for help, please visit the Center of Hope, located in the Emergency department at IU Health Arnett, Frankfort and White Memorial hospitals. No appointment is required. Our caring, trained and discreet team is ready to help.

Ann Eich knew she could prove the Indiana University Health Fresh & Fit Program wrong. After all, the 4’11” former roller derby skater had tried for years to boost her low metabolism, but always to no avail. When the people at IU Health said Fresh & Fit could help, she was certain they would eat their words.

After 10 weeks, not only did her metabolism improve but she also lowered her cholesterol, blood pressure and A1C, all through a process that IU Health Guest Relations, Volunteer Services and Community Outreach Director Joy Davis describes as “healthy lifestyle changes that can lead to improved quality of life.”

Eich, who introduces herself as “Tiny,” isn’t the only one getting great results. A 2019 post-program assessment showed that the average participant lost 14 pounds, 60% of participants lowered their cholesterol, and 70% of those with unhealthy A1C levels improved them.

All from an IU Health program presented free to community members, whether or not they are IU Health patients. Offered in Hamilton, Hendricks and Tipton counties, the program is supported by IU Health Indianapolis Suburban Region community health dollars — dollars that could go further with philanthropic support.

“If we had a donor who was interested in supporting Fresh & Fit, it would allow us to change more lives and reach more people, potentially throughout the state,” Davis said. “Philanthropy allows us to reach deeper in our communities, doing more and having greater impact.”

A 10-week program offered through MAX Challenge of Fishers, Fresh & Fit accepts a limited number of participants each year, attracting them through Facebook and word of mouth, and choosing those who have clear health needs and a commitment to improving their health. It has attracted hundreds of applicants each year since it began in 2018, and this year expanded to accept up to 225 people for virtual fitness classes, nutrition plans and regular support from IU Health team members and MAX Challenge trainers.

Though Eich had her doubts, that winning combination of resources changed her life — and now, she goes out of her way to spread the word about the program.

“I set out to prove Fresh & Fit wrong,” Eich said. “Now I try and inspire others to do the same thing that I did.”

If you’d like to help Fresh & Fit expand statewide, contact IU Health Foundation Senior Development Officer Leigh Ann Erickson at 317.373.0142.

IU Health was once again proud to participate in, and support the Indy Pride Parade. This year was a special celebration after a two year in-person absence for the parade due to COVID-19 precautions. Scores of IU Health team members and family members walked in the parade to with hundreds of other participants to celebrate Pride Month.

Here are some photos from this year’s event.

Check out a special time-lapse of the parade.

Photos and video by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org