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Perspectives on suicide from a psychiatrist and a patient
The United States has about 46,000 deaths by suicide each year, compared to 700,000 worldwide. To raise awareness of these devastating statistics, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital wants to help educate the public, give tips on how to help someone and amplify the resources available in our community. We spoke with Scott Parker, M.D., a psychiatrist at CMH Behavioral Health in South Hill. One of his patients was willing to share her story, as well.
Who is at risk?
Scott Parker, M.D., a psychiatrist at CMH Behavioral Health in South Hill, talks about suicide for National Suicide Prevention Month in September.
“The single-most determining factor of suicide is previous attempts,” Parker said.
He’s seen an increase in demand for his services, but he attributes it to psychiatrists retiring at a faster rate than new ones starting to practice.
Certain demographics can determine a higher rate of suicide, such as race, residence, occupation and sexual orientation. For example, Native Americans and whites are more likely to commit suicide than other races.
People in rural areas are more at risk than their urban counterparts. Working in a rural area, Parker sees how people have more access to guns and less access to care. There are plenty of therapists in our area, but insurance is a limiting factor for many.
“People in the construction industry are more likely to experience substance abuse,” Parker said. “Nursing has come to the forefront during the pandemic as a high-stress job.”
The LGBTQ+ community is more susceptible to feeling ostracized.
“As society becomes more accepting of sexuality, that will improve,” Parker said. “It’s a long-standing problem that transgender individuals have a higher rate of being targeted, verbally abused and physically assaulted, which leads to increased rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.”
A patient’s perspective.
Lori Kidd, of Brodnax, is a four-time suicide attempt survivor.
Lori Kidd, of Brodnax, is a four-time suicide attempt survivor.
“People need to know more about suicide,” she said. “It’s real. It’s not a joke. People are going through tough times and need comfort, not judgment. Sometimes they just need a hug.”
She’s lived in the area all her life and understands the struggles in a rural community.
“There’s no outlet; no social interaction,” Kidd said. “We don’t have bowling alleys, movie theaters or other ways to get together. Drug activity is rampant.”
Kidd has benefited from calling the suicide lifeline.
“They once texted me for three hours,” she said. “It was very helpful; they talk to you like a person with emotions.”
She has a good support network of friends who reach out and tell her not to go through with it. They remind her of her family that depends on her and would miss her if she was gone.
“COVID isolation has made everything worse,” Kidd said. “The economy is not helping, either. It has put pressure on people in rural areas.”
But things are looking up for Kidd. She’s starting a new job in retail management and launching her side photography business. She’s got a family that relies on her, and she is making new relationships.
What can we do to help?
The 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s slogan for National Suicide Prevention Month is “Be the one to…” followed by five simple steps: Ask, be there, keep them safe, help them stay connected, and follow up.
Ask. The last thing anyone wants to do is ask someone if they’re thinking of killing themselves. It’s awkward and uncomfortable.
“Asking does not increase the risk,” Parker said. “It’s harder for the person asking than the person who feels suicidal. The best approach is to be direct.”
The person needing help will feel relieved and being able to talk about it may even reduce the chances of them going through with it.
Be there. If someone is confiding in you, don’t be judgmental. Use active listening by making eye contact and repeating their concerns to make sure they feel heard.
Keep them safe. Guns are the most lethal way of ending life.
“The most important thing you can do for someone having suicidal thoughts is to get guns out of the house,” Parker said. “Removing the deadliest means of suicide is half the battle.”
Help them stay connected. People need to have a network of resources and support. Make sure they know where to turn in an emergency. The new lifeline is now easy to remember: 9-8-8.
Follow up. Check back in to make sure the person is improving, especially if they’ve recently been discharged from a hospital. Support groups, churches and therapy are all great options.
What resources are available in the community?
First and foremost, call 9-8-8 in an emergency.
There are many local counselors in the 434 area code. It may be difficult to find one that accepts your insurance. Visit vcu-cmh.org and click on Services: Behavioral Health to see a list of resources in the community.
Psychiatrists are meant to diagnose mental illness and manage medications, while psychologists, therapists and social workers can provide more in-depth therapy.
CMH Behavioral Health has telehealth options for college students and those who live out of the area, though on-site visits may be required. Call (434) 584-5400 to make an appointment with a psychiatrist.
Front Left to Right: Becky Waters, Auxiliary member; Nancy Bradshaw, Auxiliary member; Ashton Carter, scholarship recipient; Sandra Pearce, respiratory supervisor; Candi Allen, scholarship recipient; and Dot Saunders, Auxiliary member.
Twice a year, Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) Auxiliary awards hospital employees with a $500 scholarship toward furthering their education through the Tree of Love – Elizabeth T. Moseley Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is funded by community donations made to the “Tree of Love” in memory of, in honor of, or as a military salute to a loved one. Recipients must meet certain criteria, such as being employed by VCU Health CMH for at least a year, providing a letter of recommendation from their department director, maintaining a 3.0 GPA or greater, and writing a 100-word essay on how the scholarship would enhance their lives. The degree or certification pursued must enhance the employee’s capabilities in a position at the hospital.
The Auxiliary awarded two winners for the fall semester, both for respiratory therapy students. The winners are Candi Allen of Bracey and Ashton Carter of Chase City.
Allen has worked at VCU Health CMH for nine years as a registered respiratory therapist. She is attending Liberty University to earn her bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy.
“I want to better educate my patients and their families. I also want to expand my knowledge, provide better care to the patients, and make a positive impact on their lives,” Allen said.
Allen enjoys working at VCU Health CMH and calls it home. Originally from Tennessee, both of her parents’ families are from Virginia. She completed clinicals at CMH while going to Reynolds Community College. She’s lived in the area for 40 years and has family close by.
She doesn’t qualify for tuition reimbursement due to her previous part-time status, but with a young son now in school, the timing was right for her to go back to school.
“Winning this scholarship felt great because I’m paying for it out of pocket,” Allen said.
Carter has always worked in health care. She started out as a dental assistant. She has worked at VCU Health CMH for four years in acute care as a cardiac monitor technician. She is currently attending Reynolds Community College for an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. She sees the impact respiratory therapists have on improving their patients’ health and likes the variety of ways they touch all hospital departments. With the pandemic affecting lung health, some might wonder why become an RT now?
“COVID actually made me want to do it more,” Carter said. “I can serve my patients in a better capacity and use critical thinking skills.”
Carter wants everyone to know they’ll receive top quality care when they come to VCU Health CMH.
“Our hard work is being recognized, and there’s no limit to what we can do in health care to further our education,” she said.
VCU Health CMH is proud of their employees who are pursuing additional education to benefit their career path and improve patient care.
Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp is coming up September 23-25, 2022, at the Airfield Conference Center in Wakefield, Virginia.
Stroke camp was started by Marylee Nunley and her husband, John. He suffered a stroke at 55 and could no longer engage in his community like he used to. They developed this camp to re-engage in a new community and develop new relationships. He was able to enjoy his new “normal”.
Since the camp began in 2004 there have been more than 170 camps across the country. There have been four Stroke Camps in Virginia, all sponsored by VCU Health.
“Last year we treated more than 150 people for stroke,” said Stroke Program Coordinator Tonya Wright at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital. “The changes these people and their families go through takes a toll on their lives. This is a great way for survivors and their friend or family member to heal and experience camaraderie with others in their shoes.”
The mission of Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp is to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, and their friend or family member. Activities include campfires, hiking, golf cart rides, singing, dancing, music therapy, pampering, karaoke and breakout support groups.
Quotes from past campers:
“It was especially meaningful as a celebration and honor to all caregivers as they were able to get pampered with manicures, facials, and massages, while enjoying a weekend socializing with other caregivers, sharing stories, and merriment the whole time.”
“Little did I know when we signed up how much fun and knowledge I would gain from Stroke Camp.”
The cost is $150 per person. Scholarships are available through Retreat and Refresh. Visit www.strokecamp.org for more information, email info@strokecamp.org or call (309) 688-5450.
Ahmed Hamed, M.D., is the new gastroenterologist at VCU Health CMH Gastrointestinal Services. He comes from a family of physicians. Both his parents are doctors in Egypt, and his two sisters practice pathology and obstetrics/gynecology in the United States. Hamed chose gastroenterology because it is a rewarding discipline that allows him to catch cancer and improve his patients’ quality of life.
Caring comes naturally for Hamed so he treats his patients like family.
“We believe a patient is a person to be cared for, not a medical condition to be treated,” he said.
Hamed earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Alexandria University in Alexandria, Egypt. He completed a residency in internal medicine and a gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He speaks English, Arabic and German.
In his spare time, Hamed enjoys working out, playing sports and spending time with family. He prefers to keep a low profile, but that is difficult due to his height. He played professional basketball, so his team player mentality overlaps in his practice.
“We value the input and participation of our patients and their families and hope to empower them to improve their health with easily understandable information,” he said.
Make an appointment with Dr. Hamed by calling (434) 584-5539. The new practice is located on the second floor of the C.A.R.E. Building at 1755 N. Mecklenburg Avenue in South Hill.
Beth Cook and Michael Elliott join the CMH board of directors.
Beth Cook of Bracey, Virginia, is the newest board member at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital. With real estate licenses in Virginia and North Carolina, she has been servicing the Southside Virginia and Lake Gaston community since 1987 and is the co-owner of EXIT Town & Lake Realty. She is a native of Southside Virginia originally from nearby South Boston. Since 2011, Cook has also been serving on both the Roanoke Valley Lake Gaston Board of Realtors and MLS Board.
“I’m looking forward to being an ear for the citizens of how VCU Health CMH can better serve our community,” Cook said.
She hopes to impact the hospital’s continued growth to expand services so residents don’t have to drive out of town for health care.
Michael Elliott, Pharm.D., is also joining the CMH board as a VCU Health representative. He is the inaugural chief operating officer of VCU Health System. Elliott earned his Master of Science in Health Administration and his Doctor of Pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University. He serves on several professional and community boards and committees including the American Hospital Association Community and Population Health Advisory Committee. He comes to VCU Health from Centra Health in Lynchburg, Virginia.
“I’m excited to advance health equity throughout the commonwealth,” Elliott said. “I served at other health systems in rural areas so I understand the issues our patients face.”
VCU Health CMH is governed by a 14-member volunteer board of directors. The members leaving the board this year are William E. Wells Jr., and David Chelmow, M.D.
The officers of the CMH board of directors for this year are: Jay Stafford representing Lunenburg, Virginia, chairman; and Don Bright representing Mecklenburg, Virginia, treasurer.
Other board members include: R. Clinton Clary Jr., Krysta McKenna Luzynski, Michael Rowe, Cecil Shell, Kendele Underwood and Ronald Thornhill, Ph.D. Ralph “Ron” Clark, M.D., Catherine Palmer, M.D., and Tom Yackel, M.D., represent VCU Health. Kirk Hasenmueller, M.D., represents the CMH medical staff as chief of staff, and Will Woodall represents the CMH Auxiliary as auxiliary president.
Couple with stillborn child donates four CuddleCots to rural hospitals.
Haley and Robby Emerson donated a CuddleCot to Joanne Paynter and Sarah Carlton of VCU Health CMH's Garland Birthing Center.
It was devastating. You plan for a baby for nine months, posting progress on social media, celebrating with baby showers, and then all of that is ripped away from you. Every parents’ nightmare had come true for Robby and Haley Emerson of Danville, Virginia. Sydney Amelia Emerson was stillborn on March 3.
Just two months later, the grieving parents donated a CuddleCot to VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital. For the families that choose to use it, the little bassinette cools the deceased baby’s temperature to extend time to spend with their baby as part of the closure process. The Emersons’ GoFundMe page raised enough for four CuddleCots, which they are in the process of donating to smaller area hospitals that otherwise couldn’t afford the equipment.
“It was crazy,” Robby Emerson explained. “People we didn’t know were donating. It’s the good side of social media.”
“It restored our faith in humanity,” Haley Emerson added.
They didn’t have the luxury of a CuddleCot where they delivered and wanted to make sure that didn’t happen to anyone else. The cot has an engraved plaque that memorializes Sydney Amelia Emerson, letting new parents who go through this tragedy know they’re not in this alone.
“You’re taking a deep hurt and making something positive out of it,” said Joanne Paynter, the nursing director at the Garland Birthing Center at VCU Health CMH. “This will make a big difference in the lives of those who need it.”
This is no small gift. Each cot costs around $3,000. The couple plans to reopen the donations on Sydney Amelia Emerson’s birthday each March.
Stillbirths account for 1 in 160 pregnancies and sometimes the cause is unknown. VCU Health has resources to help parents experiencing pregnancy loss.
Scott Burnette, president of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill, Virginia, has announced his intention to retire at the end of this calendar year.
Scott Burnette, president of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill, Virginia, has announced his intention to retire at the end of this calendar year.
Over the course of his remarkable career, Scott has logged more than 40 years of service in health care administration and operations. He has served as president of Community Memorial Hospital since 1999. He oversaw the affiliation with VCU Health in 2014. Under his leadership, they opened a brand-new inpatient facility in 2017. It is the first new hospital facility in South Hill since the original hospital opened in 1954.
Along with the new CMH facility, VCU Health and community donors made possible the construction of a modern, multi-specialty clinic that today houses more than 21 physician and dental specialty clinics to extend high-quality care to CMH’s rural service area. In 2016, CMH achieved designation as the region’s only Certified Primary Stroke Center.
During his tenure, the hospital received national recognition for its initiatives in patient safety, quality and patient satisfaction. Before joining CMH, Scott served as President/CEO at Effingham Hospital in Springfield, Georgia. Previously, he was a vice-president at Lynchburg General Hospital, a Division of Centra Health in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he worked for 14 years.
Scott has been very active in federal and state legislative advocacy representing the concerns of health care organizations, for which he received recognition from the American Hospital Association. He served 10 years on the Board of the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and is a past chairman. He also served as a Delegate to the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board. He was appointed by former Governor Warner to the Virginia Board of Health in 2004, was reappointed by Governor Kaine in 2008, and served until 2010 when he was asked by Dr. Bill Hazel, then-Secretary of Health and Human Resources of Virginia, to serve on the Virginia Health Reform Initiative Advisory Council. Scott also served on then Lt. Governor Ralph Northam’s task force on Health Care Quality and Payment Reform. He is currently a board member and Treasurer for the Virginia Health Catalyst.
Scott is very active in the community. He is a member of the Southern Virginia Region 3 GO Virginia Council (a legislated economic development initiative), the South Hill Industrial Development Authority and supports many economic development activities, as well as community organizations and events. At one point, he served as president of the South Hill Chamber of Commerce.
It is a testament to Scott’s professionalism and concern for his community that he is announcing his plans months before his actual retirement date, so leadership has time to recruit a worthy successor.
Throughout Scott’s long and distinguished career – the decades prior to his joining VCU Health up to today – he has served his teams and community with dedication and persistence. The health system appreciates his service to CMH, to the South Hill community, the Commonwealth of Virginia and American health care.
Amanda Green will discuss tips and tricks for dealing with vertigo.
Tips and tricks from a physical therapist.
Dizziness affects 40% of people over age 40. It can be temporary or chronic and quite debilitating. Learn the causes, symptoms and treatment in a virtual discussion hosted by VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital.
Amanda Green, D.P.T., has worked at VCU Health CMH in rehabilitation as a physical therapist for seven years. She obtained her bachelor’s in recreational therapy from East Carolina University and doctorate in physical therapy from Winston-Salem State University. She has a certification in vestibular rehabilitation, which refers to balance and the inner ear.
VCU Health CMH will resume diabetes classes June 7.
The education department at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital will resume in-person diabetes classes on the first and third Tuesday of each month starting June 7. Attendees will be required to wear masks and be screened on entry.
“We are excited to start these classes back up after two years of not being able to meet in person,” said Theresa Griles, RN educator. “We are following CDC guidelines to keep people safe.”
VCU Health CMH is offering three different classes.
Living with Diabetes will be held the first Tuesday of each month from 1:15 to 2 p.m. This class includes defining diabetes, avoiding complications, skin care, foot care and travel tips.
Taking Control of your Diabetes will be held the third Tuesday of each month from 1:15 to 2 p.m. This class will discuss medications, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, exercise, blood glucose monitoring, equipment disposal and sick days.
Planning for Eating Successes will be held the first and third Tuesday from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Here you will learn tools for meal planning, serving sizes and consistent carbohydrates.
All classes will be held in the C.A.R.E. Building, next to VCU Health CMH. Registration is required for classes by calling (434) 584-5437. Please enter through the C.A.R.E. Building, check in at the welcome desk for screening and keep your mask on at all times.
It was devastating. You plan for a baby for nine months, posting progress on social media, celebrating with baby showers, and then all of that is ripped away from you. Every parents’ nightmare had come true for Robby and Haley Emerson of Danville, Virginia. Sydney Amelia Emerson was stillborn on March 3.
