Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital hosted its 40th annual Children’s Day on Wednesday offering a fun and interactive way for young children to learn about healthcare Presented by Farmer Boys and organized by the hospital’s Child Life Department the long-running community event welcomed children ages 3 to 8 to explore the world of hospitals and dentists in a fear-free environment designed to ease anxieties and build familiarity This year’s event featured the popular Teddy Bear Clinic where children brought their stuffed animals for mock checkups to learn what happens during a real doctor’s visit Attendees also watched finger casting demonstrations interacted with therapy dogs from the PAWS program A highlight of the day was the venomous animal showcase led by Dr along with a petting zoo that gave children the chance to meet and learn about animals up close Click through the photos below to see some of the fun highlights of the event Give to Support LLUH Leapfrog Saftey Grades give high marks to Loma Linda University Health Loma Linda University Medical Center and East Campus hospitals received their 13th and 14th consecutive “A” safety ratings and Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta received its third consecutive “A” from the Leapfrog Group for Spring 2025 updated twice annually in the spring and fall recognize Loma Linda University Health’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital our consistent achievement of nationally recognized quality indicators reflects the intentional commitment to excellence demonstrated by every member of our team,” said Anthony Hilliard CEO of Loma Linda University Health Hospitals “These Leapfrog awards are a testament to our enduring legacy of prioritizing patient safety and delivering exceptional care.” an independent national watchdog organization assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” safety grades to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and patient harm The organization’s grading system is peer-reviewed Visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org to see the hospital’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital. For more information about Loma Linda University Health services and providers or to schedule an appointment, please visit lluh.org or call 909-558-4000 Get the world's #1 plant‑based magazine The metal cans always caught the light beneath the flickering grocery fluorescents nestled between aisles of sprouted bread and nutritional yeast somewhere between the carob chips and organic carrots but the vegan meat brand named after it—shelf-stable Opening those cans was opening yourself up to possibility to a belief system—a time machine taking you both forward and back all at once Long before selfies with Impossible burgers and Oatly oat milk They reminded me of the alien-esque gefilte fish jars that lined the nearby deli almost as if they’d been placed on the shelf for one person only They sat there like messages in bottles washed ashore sent from someone who saw where food was headed someone who imagined a pantry of compassion and convenience long before I ever did the North Carolina-based owner of Loma Linda The company listed between $10 million and $50 million in assets and between $1 million and $10 million in liabilities Loma Linda has long been more than a brand; it is a spiritual artifact a culinary gospel handed down by the Seventh-day Adventist Church which first founded the Sanitarium Food Company in 1905 in Southern California known for its deep commitment to healthful living It was the Adventists who helped popularize soy protein as a viable meat alternative in the region creating a lineage that predates Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods by more than a century RELATED: The Sweet Snack Both Millie Bobby Brown and a 101-Year-Old Swear By one of the world’s five recognized Blue Zones—regions where people live significantly longer The average lifespan is nearly a decade longer than the US norm Not the seductive kind cooked over open flames on TikTok The kind of diet Michael Pollan summed up as “eat food Loma Linda sat patiently on health food store shelves like altar offerings as the industry moved fast around it Long before Whole Foods became a lifestyle before Erewhon smoothies were celebrity shorthand for wellness Loma Linda waited for those who sought it out Back when natural food stores carried thick bars of soap that smelled of patchouli macrobiotic booklets sat stacked near the register always there was a sense that what you ate had a higher purpose Loma Linda’s products were not fancy They were not made to garner likes on Instagram They were made to fuel a vision—one where the earth was treated gently In a world now driven by clickbait cuisine by velvet-textured veganism and faux-blood burger drama Loma Linda fell victim to its own antiquity.  BECOME A VEGNEWS VIP: Get exclusive product deals, freebies, and perks galore! a Canadian company focused on regenerative agriculture pulled out of a proposed $30 million acquisition of Atlantic Natural Foods in late 2024 never loud—could not compete in a market now saturated with bold-faced names and venture-backed marketing budgets for the shopper out there—a whole community in fact—who would open a can of vegan meat and feel as spiritually fed as they were physically.  “We are drawing on tried-and-true food preparation and supply methods that have withstood the test of time to meet the needs of our global consumers,” Doug Hines, chairman of Atlantic Natural Foods, said in a statement to Food Business News last year it seems—though they may need that kind of steady principled offering now more than ever with tariffs and inflation pushing food prices ever higher—have moved on perhaps—hope that the company will emerge from bankruptcy that consumers will once again embrace the simple nourishment that the cans will remain and quietly line shelves like they always have and unfashionably fashionable in its own right—remains It lingers like the scent of nutritional yeast and granola in the air of a dusty co-op like the mysterious promise sealed inside a can and just waiting for someone to open it DON'T MISS OUT: Get breaking news, recipes, and our weekly vegan deal by signing up for our FREE VegNewsletter Jill Ettinger is the Director of Digital Strategy for VegNews and co-founder of the sustainable luxury platform, Ethos CHECK IT OUT All things plant‑based,in your mailbox and inbox An official website of the United States government The .gov means it’s official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil make sure you're on a federal government site The https:// ensures that you're connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and sent securely Karandeep Sraon was appointed Medical Center Director at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System on March 17 he oversees a budget of $800 million annually to deliver health care services to more than 78,000 military Veterans in Southern California Sraon leads a team of over 3,400 clinicians and business professionals in service of our nation's heroes Sraon joined VA in 2004 and has served in progressive roles throughout his health care leadership journey making positive contributions at seven different VA facilities and the VA Central Office in Washington His primary focus is continuous improvement in delivering safe Sraon earned his medical degree at Dayanand Medical College in Ludhiana and is a non-practicing physician who transitioned to a career in healthcare administration He completed his Master of Business Administration in Healthcare and Marketing at Loyola University Chicago Graduate School of Business He is a graduate of the Health Care Leadership Development Program and the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program Sraon is a board-certified health care executive and fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives Fine Arts Festival art and photography display and musical events highlight Loma Linda University Health’s 52nd Fine Arts Festival (FAF) The Festival schedule runs through June 3 The presentations illustrate LLUH’s understanding that an important part of “making man whole” is promoting the creative side of humankind.  Organizers say the festival’s goal is to introduce those who see LLUH only in its educational and healing roles to another side of the Loma Linda campus—a side no less concerned with the human condition and finding its insights in the aesthetic perceptions of writers The breadth and depth of talent found in LLUH’s students and staff are remarkable and deserve community support The Fine Arts Festival commences with “Agnes of God,” an award-winning dramatic work from the 1980s created by playwright John Pielmeier The play is a fact-based story of innocent devotion and naivete Actors depict the dramatic tension between an angelic nun Performances are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday Saturday evening's program will begin at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to dialogue with the performers following the March 15 performance. Agnes of God performances will take place in Damazo Amphitheater and Mixed Media Exhibition will open Monday Loma Linda University Health exists within an artistically rich and talented community and faculty to appreciate and make a virtual connection with the larger community in which we all interact and thrive Both the Loma Linda Civic Center (next to Loma Linda City Hall) and LLU Drayson Center will display photography Members from eight choirs in the Inland Empire region will combine to form a 200-voice mass choir The 2025 concert theme is “Jesus Is Coming Again,” and will feature Michael Spencer’s commissioned work “Lift Up the Trumpet.” Many of the choir members are also students Seventh-day Adventist church choirs participating include: Loma Linda Korean Church The Sacred Choir Festival takes place Saturday Seventy-five percent of inventions come from people who mastered activities outside their primary professions This program features creative individuals who invest their “spare” time and resources in their artful hobbies and vintage collectibles—creating amazing masterpieces for us to enjoy on the grounds of the Romanian Adventist Church Loma Linda University Health’s celebration of the talents of students residents and faculty is an important part of each Fine Arts Festival LLU’s Got Talent showcases special performances of the best of the talent that LLU has to offer on Saturday in the Centennial Complex’s Damazo Amphitheater Loma Linda University physician Michael Orlich initiated Poetic Voices—a group that meets monthly. This FAF event will feature LLU students The group’s monthly sessions vary in size from a dozen to 150 the sharing is quite informal but always inclusive and supportive and you'll likely be invited to share. Poetic Voices takes place at 7:00 p.m on May 7 in Room 3208 of the Centennial Complex Featuring the Sanctuary Choir (Brenda Mohr conductor) Sanctuary Orchestra (Adriana Perera conductor) and the renowned Kimo Smith on the organ and piano this concert is a highlight of the LLU Church Music Department’s annual calendar This year’s concert theme is “We Have This Hope: Songs of Eternity” and takes place on Saturday A piano recital joyfully celebrating the musical accomplishments of students (ages 5-18) and families interconnected with LLUH and the surrounding community a contributing author and pregnant surgeon was featured on the cover of the Journal of Urology A new study by urologists at Loma Linda University School of Medicine has found that fluoroscopy techniques and protective protocols developed at Loma Linda University were effective in dramatically reducing radiation exposure to pregnant surgeons These findings offer reassurance to practicing pregnant surgeons using fluoroscopy and could help establish future radiation safety protocols Urology has been traditionally predominated by male urologists with only 12% of urologists and 5% of endourologists being women according to the American Urological Association The study was driven by concerns regarding the low number of women choosing to specialize in endourology —a minimally invasive subspecialty of urology. “I was afraid that one of the reasons they might have been hesitant to become an endourologist was due to fears of radiation exposure,” explained Duane Baldwin, MD professor of urology and the study’s principal investigator The study determined surgeon uterine radiation dose during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and compared effectiveness of several radiation reduction strategies in a cadaver model Using techniques of reducing pulse frequency and wearing enhanced lead shielding could significantly lower radiation exposure to levels considered safe for pregnant surgeons The Department of Urology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine is the first to investigate the effects of different radiation reduction techniques during PCNL a pregnant surgeon using protective measures could perform approximately 11,000 PCNLs before reaching the 1-mSv annual radiation exposure limit — compared to only 12 PCNLs without any protection The research process yielded some surprising findings particularly regarding the effectiveness of radiation protection strategies “I was surprised how high the radiation dose was without radiation protection and I was even more surprised at how low we could get the dose if we used aggressive radiation protection strategies,” Baldwin noted There is an upward trend of women entering the field This study’s findings support that women should not have to compromise their surgical training in residency and/or fellowship due to fears of radiation exposure if they choose to conceive The study featured contributions from Loma Linda University School of Medicine urology residents has fostered an environment supportive of research which has allowed the department to make these groundbreaking discoveries   Loma Linda University Children’s Health (LLUCH) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov a facility that will streamline access to comprehensive pediatric care and consolidate a wide range of specialized services under one roof 105,000-square-ft building will house a wide range of services will be at the southeast corner of the Barton Rd LLUCH's specialty clinics are currently spread across various locations The event welcomed about 300 attendees to celebrate this significant milestone in pediatric healthcare Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, highlighted the significance of this project during the ceremony "This community-centered building represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled care for the children and families in our community," said Hart "Having this dedicated building in such a convenient location is vital to the health and well-being of our community's most vulnerable children." LLU Children's Hospital has been the only dedicated pediatric hospital in the region a 5-year-old patient who recently received a heart transplant after waiting in the hospital for more than six months A heartfelt video played during the ceremony and provided attendees with a glimpse into his family's journey caring for a child with a chronic illness senior vice president and administrator of LLUCH reflected on the hospital's mission and the resilience of its patients "Each child who will come through these doors is an inspiration Their positivity and light motivate us to provide the best care possible offering hope and support to their families," Baker said The Specialty Clinics building also represents the collective generosity of the community Hart expressed gratitude for the foundation board members and corporate champions who have supported the hospital's mission through the Stronger Together campaign "This building and all it represents stand as a testament to your compassion For more information on corporate giving opportunities, visit our website. ALBUQUERQUE – The City’s Inclusive Recreation Program has a new permanent home with the grand opening of the newly renovated Loma Linda Community Center This groundbreaking space is designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities This state-of-the-art facility is part of the City’s commitment to creating accessible “We’ve waited a long time for this beautiful space where Inclusive Recreation finally has a true home,” said Inclusive Recreation Program Manager Olyvia Lee “With the new gym and all of the other thoughtful features Loma Linda will be able to serve our diverse community across a full range of abilities.” “The new Loma Linda Community Center demonstrates that inclusion isn’t just a feature—it’s the foundation,” said Mayor Tim Keller “Everyone deserves spaces where they feel safe and seen We’re committed to building an Albuquerque where everyone belongs.” and community leaders are encouraged to attend and celebrate this milestone for accessible recreation in Albuquerque  For more information on the City’s Inclusive Recreation Program or Loma Linda Community Center, visit cabq.gov/inclusion The 311 Community Contact Center is a centralized call center for the City of Albuquerque The 311 service is a single telephone number for all non-emergency City of Albuquerque inquiries and services The official website for the City of Albuquerque Neuromodulation is a one-hour outpatient procedure Chronic pain sufferers may finally have a reason to hope thanks to a groundbreaking procedure called neuromodulation This one-hour treatment offers relief without the need for major surgery or medications that risk becoming addictive Neuromodulation uses a small wire that is implanted in the brain or spinal cord and connected to a battery-powered device This device delivers electrical stimulation that modifies nerve activity providing relief from chronic pain and other neurological conditions Neuromodulation has been around since the 1960s This minimally invasive procedure is emerging as a game-changing solution because of rapid technological advancements and expanding insurance coverage.  Neuromodulation can help conditions such as: For those living with constant pain, Namath Hussain a neurological and spine surgeon at Loma Linda University Health says that neuromodulation offers relief that doesn’t involve on-going medication or frequent doctor visits.  “This technology isn’t just about reducing pain,” Hussain says “It’s about giving people their lives back — helping them return to work implanted wire and a battery-operated device to send electrical impulses to specific brain or spinal cord areas These impulses interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain which is implanted in the chest just beneath the skin –– like a pacemaker –– is controlled via a Bluetooth remote giving patients the ability to adjust settings depending on their needs The technology behind neuromodulation also leverages artificial intelligence’s ‘closed-loop’ systems the newest generation of AI technology that reads signals from the brain or spine and adjusts them in real-time to deliver tailored stimulation “It’s not like a traditional surgery where we remove tissue or bone,” Hussain says with just a needle-sized incision guided by X-rays if you walk every day or engage in an activity that increases your pain the AI in the system will analyze patterns and adjust to provide more support.” Completed in two stages –– trial and implant –– neuromodulation is straightforward and simple: neuromodulation offers a trial phase for patients to try the device for one week before getting the permanent implant a temporary wire is inserted through a small needle in the neck or lower back and connected to an external battery allowing patients to assess its effectiveness in managing pain symptoms.  patients can proceed with a permanent implant This minimally invasive procedure places a 3-millimeter-wide wire into either the brain or spinal canal for long-term use The entire surgery takes approximately one hour and does not require a hospital stay.  Hussain also emphasizes the following benefits of neuromodulation: Quality of life: Neuromodulation is a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix like medications or injections which need replacement roughly every 10 years offering patients better functionality with each upgrade Customer support: Patients receive support for device assistance including 24/7 access to company representatives Although neuromodulation is tailored for individuals experiencing chronic pain Hussain says that medications like opioids and joint injections have been the standard treatments for chronic pain for many years “Patients often view surgery as a last resort,” Hussain explains but those methods can have long-term side effects and they do little to improve overall quality of life.” recent stricter regulations on opioid prescriptions and joint injections are shifting the focus toward sustainable solutions like neuromodulation As neuromodulation gains popularity as a long-term solution that decreases pain and increases quality of life Hussain expects to see more people opting for this option rather than relying on addictive medications.  If you’ve been searching for a solution to your chronic pain, neuromodulation might be the answer you’ve been waiting for. For more information, call 909-558-2880 or click to visit our website here.   Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article Dozens of heavily armed deputies swarmed Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital on Wednesday night after a caller told officials he was planning on “shooting up” the San Bernardino County medical facility A man with a gun was believed to be in the pediatric emergency room Officials rushed to evacuate the hospital as reports of an active shooter spread on social media About 8 p.m., the county Sheriff’s Department issued an all-clear. The incident was the result of a “swatting” call, officials said in a statement Experts say such calls are not just disruptive but also dangerous as law enforcement officers respond to areas believing an armed confrontation could occur the FBI formed a database to track cases and share the information with local agencies Authorities on Wednesday also noted the resources expended on a fake emergency “Law enforcement officers responded from two counties taking away their ability to handle emergency calls in their own communities,” San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said in a statement “All of this caused by a hoax to falsely portray a catastrophic event.” Investigators are searching for who made that call “Swatting calls and hoax threats are a daily occurrence,” the U.S Department of Homeland Security said in a bulletin last year They “often come in clusters across the U.S. and/or retaliate against their intended target.” Past incidents have involved high-profile people, including celebrities, politicians, activists and public figures. Perpetrators have also targeted schools, hospitals, churches, voting locations and government buildings. Their motivations included personal grudges, racial hatred and political leanings. At times, the calls have had deadly consequences. On Wednesday, the Sheriff’s Department issued an initial statement about 6:40 p.m saying deputies were at the scene and clearing the facility in response to reports of a possible armed person A text message alert was sent to students on campus and medical buildings nearby, saying, “This is not a drill: Initiate immediate protective actions. If confronted with a threat, RUN, HIDE, FIGHT,” according to reporting from ABC 7 The 364-bed Children’s Hospital serves about 90,000 patients a year Photos and videos shared on social media showed a massive response of law enforcement vehicles and helicopters A spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said swatting can cause panic-related injuries as officers swarm locations Law enforcement must treat the incidents as real Not doing so could also place the public at risk if the caller’s threat turns out to be real in January 2024 the FBI and National Counterterrorism Center tracked more than 100 separate threats to over 1,000 locations in 42 states during a one-month period Last month, a young Lancaster man was sentenced to four years in prison after he made nearly 400 swatting calls to high schools places of worship and government officials Filion made the calls for amusement and hired out his services to others touting on social media that he could get police to “drag the victim and their families out of the house and cuff them and search the house for dead bodies.” In 2021, Los Angeles Police responded in full tactical gear to the home of Black Lives Matter L.A co-founder Melina Abdullah after receiving a call from someone claiming they would shoot three hostages if they weren’t given a $1-million ransom alleging that she and her children feared for their lives because of the police response which her attorneys alleged was due to her activism More than a dozen officers and a helicopter were involved even though during trial a sergeant testified he was “70%” sure the call was fake The Los Angeles Police Department had said a group of teenagers, motivated by racial hatred, were behind the swatting incidents. Clara Harter is a breaking news reporter at the Los Angeles Times. Previously, she covered politics and education for the L.A. Daily News. While at the Daily News, she published a series on fentanyl addiction that won a first-place investigative journalism award from the L.A. Press Club. Harter majored in political science and Middle Eastern studies at Columbia University. She loves surfing and, when not reporting, can most likely be found in the ocean. Andrew J. Campa is a member of the Fast Break team at the Los Angeles Times, having previously covered the Eastside and San Gabriel Valley. Before, he worked at several medium and small daily newspapers and has covered education, sports and general news. He’s a proud University of Alabama (#RollTide), Cal State Fullerton and Pasadena City College alumnus. Salvador Hernandez is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, he was a senior reporter for BuzzFeed News, where he covered criminal justice issues, the growing militia movement and breaking news. He also covered crime as a reporter at the Orange County Register. He is a Los Angeles native. California Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map Loma Linda University's annual homecoming welcomed alumni and faculty during the four-day event of fellowship This year marked the eighth time the organization has hosted a unified homecoming across all eight schools The event is designed to foster unity as people from multiple generations and faiths memorialize their shared heritage at Loma Linda University Health Click through the photo gallery below to view the weekend’s festivities President Richard Hart's State of the Institution presentation Parents Eric King and Alise Bailey hold their newborn who was born on New Year's Day at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital celebrated its first newborn of the year at the San Manuel Maternity Pavilion Baby Carter King was born at 12:32 am on New Year’s Day to proud parents Alise Bailey and Eric King of Fontana Carter's due date was at the end of the month making his early arrival a delightful surprise “It’s special to have a New Year's Baby,” said Eric King so I'm happy and excited… I can't wait to see how he's going to turn out when he gets older and what he’s going to accomplish in life.” At Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta the New Year’s celebration continued with the birth of baby Kehlani at 2:24 a.m Proud mother Samantha Perez and her family are from Winchester Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta has been recognized as part of the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care. To learn more, visit online. on infusion day making Norah the first noncancer patient to receive gene therapy using her own cells at Loma Linda University Health Norah Awad has lived with beta thalassemia major a severe blood disorder that has required monthly transfusions since she was just three months old she embarked on a transformative journey at Loma Linda University Health the first hospital in Southern California to deliver ground-breaking FDA-approved gene therapy are celebrating her normal hemoglobin levels and not having to receive recurring red blood cell transfusions “I'll be there for her until my last breath and I insist on leaving this Earth before her.” Norah was diagnosed with beta thalassemia major at just three months old after her parents noticed her skin turning yellow and excessive crying What they initially thought was jaundice turned out to be a life-altering condition requiring constant medical intervention and the risk of fatal organ damage monthly blood transfusions and iron chelation therapies were the only treatments she received Gene therapy is a personalized treatment that involves engineering a patient's own blood stem cells to correct the disease at the gene level Similar technology is used to treat cancers such as leukemia and myeloma using patients’ own immune cells This technology is being used and researched to treat other forms of blood diseases and cancers These technologies are offered at the Cancer Center for various diseases for children and adults where engineered receptors enable T-cells to recognize and bind to specific proteins on the surface of cancer or diseased cells we strive to provide specialized novel cutting-edge therapies for these patients with complex hematological disease in our community and to the broader California community," said Mark Reeves “This new therapy is a life-changer for beta thalassemia patients, who have required cumbersome, expensive, and lifelong monthly blood transfusions,” said Hisham Abdel-Azim, MD division head of transplant and cell therapy/hematological malignancies “The main reason gene therapy is so exciting is that each person is their own donor We don’t have to look for a brother or sister or alternate donor – we can use the patient’s own blood stem cells and this leads to a relatively milder short course treatment.” the therapy was still awaiting FDA approval pushing her doctors to explore every possible avenue Her persistence paid off when she connected with LLUH’s team “Some doctors said treatment didn’t exist for patients like her complex conditions are approached with a multidisciplinary disease teams’ approach to deliver treatment “It takes a village of experts including physicians and specialized clinical and administrative teams to provide this complex therapy,” Abdel-Azim said Norah is the first noncancer patient to receive gene therapy using her own cells at LLUH Though she faces post-treatment challenges this gene therapy treatment can result in a complete and permanent cure of the disease and her blood stem cells are producing corrected hemoglobin rather than the defective hemoglobin that caused her disease she’s gone longer than a month without needing a red blood cell transfusion “The goal is that she can live a normal life,” Waddah said “He never missed a day at the hospital,” Norah said the Awads want their story to inspire others facing similar struggles “The goal is to come out with the healthiest life you’ve ever had.” the dream is simple: to feel better and go home she stands as an inspiration for others considering gene therapy the more the disease takes a toll,” Norah said As they look ahead to the 100-day mark in May one thing is clear: the therapy is working Loma Linda University Cancer Center is the only center in the Inland Empire and Desert region that provides advanced cancer treatments The institution provides various cutting-edge FDA approved and experimental gene and CAR T therapy for patients with non-malignant and malignant blood disease as well as solid tumors LLUCC is FACT accredited and is designated a center of excellence by the California Department of Health for Cell Therapy with various modalities and indications for children and adults For new referrals or inquiries contact us at [email protected] or 909-558-9602 Researchers at Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) Level I Trauma Center are participating in an international observational clinical study to determine how partial resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, or partial REBOA could increase trauma patients’ chances of survival from non-compressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH) by buying time to treat This study is funded by the United States Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) to fix one of the most important medical challenges on the battlefield and at home - death from NCTH LLUH was chosen by the USAMRDC to participate in this study along with seven other leading Level I trauma centers across the United States and Canada The trauma team at LLUH already performs partial REBOA to help stop a patient’s internal bleeding through a device called pREBOA-PROTM (Prytime Medical Devices Now the team will participate in the clinical study called PROMPT (Partial REBOA Outcomes Multicenter ProspecTive) Study to share prospective data about the use of the device There are four key endpoints of the PROMPT Study: 1 “The PROMPT study may one day change how sick trauma patients are cared for worldwide,” said Kaushik Mukherjee, MD trauma medical director and division chief of Acute Care Surgery at Loma Linda University Health The PROMPT study will provide the trauma community with in-depth clinical data by enrolling 340 patients in two years across all eight selected centers LLUH patients who match the inclusion criteria will be automatically enrolled in the study beginning in September 2024 Loma Linda University Health’s Level 1 Trauma Center cared for 3,300 injured patients in 2023 and has been verified as an Adult and Pediatric Level I trauma center since 2018 Learn more about Loma Linda University Health’s Level I Trauma Center. About Loma Linda University Health (LLUH)Loma Linda University Health includes Loma Linda University's eight professional schools Loma Linda University Medical Center's six hospitals — including The Dennis and Carol Troesh Medical Campus housing the new adult hospital and Children’s Hospital expansion — and more than 1,100 faculty physicians located in the Inland Empire of Southern California Loma Linda University Health is a global leader in education It offers over 100 academic programs and provides quality healthcare to over 40,000 inpatients and 1.5 million outpatients each year Loma Linda University Health is a faith-based health system with a mission "to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ." INC.The pREBOA-PROTM device is a product of Prytime Medical Inc a leading innovator and global provider of lifesaving REBOA products Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) to receive nearly $6 million awarded through the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) under Other Transaction Number W81XWH-15-9-0001 ABOUT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE CONSORTIUM (MTEC)The Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium is a 501(c)(3) biomedical technology consortium that is internationally dispersed collaborating with multiple government agencies under a 10-year renewable Other Transaction Agreement with the U.S Army Medical Research and Development Command The consortium focuses on the development of medical solutions that protect and optimize the health and performance of U.S Disclaimer: The views expressed in this news release/article are those of the authors and may not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army Congratulations to our Supervisory Employee of Quarter winner Tawnia Lola Transition in Care Nurse Manager at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System Lola was recognized in the Fourth Quarter of 2024 for her instrumental leadership dedication and collaboration while implementing the Referral Coordination Initiative (RCI) Nurse First model at VA Loma Linda.  RCI streamlines the referral process to ensure Veteran care is accessible convenient and delivered in a timely manner As VA Loma Linda prepared to launch the new initiative Chief Nurse of Specialty Care Angela Andress identified Lola as the perfect person to help implement the program with her knowledge experience and willingness to go above and beyond for Veterans and the VA team Lola eagerly accepted the assignment with a grateful and cheerful heart.  “I saw it as a program that can bring Veterans back to VA so they can receive the care they deserve,” said Lola who has cared for Veterans at VA since 2005 “I just wanted to do a good job and I was not anticipating any type of award.”  Lola immediately started breaking down barriers for the new team and connecting them with other RCI nurses in the VISN and their assigned departments including Cardiology Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) she is learning right alongside her team so that she is ready to help if they encounter any issues,” said Andress “She has provided access to data to show the team how bringing patients back into the VA system will increase our access reduce our budget and provide excellent patient care.” Lola’s leadership enabled the education teamwork and communication needed for a streamlined referral process “Lola was able to bring everyone together and make this initiative a reality in a few months,” said Andress “The team had to be well-versed on MISSION Act eligibility The RCI teams review consults in their assigned area and discuss available care options with Veterans VA Loma Linda addresses 22,000 consults per quarter VA Loma Linda is committed to improving referral timeliness and empowering Veterans with understanding the full range of their care options RCI leverages cross-trained multidisciplinary teams to improve timely access to care and the Veteran experience Lola provides oversight for Utilization Management and a Coordinated Transitional Care program that decreases hospital re-admissions “Every day I come in and try to give my best,” said Lola whose father is a Korean War Navy Veteran “I have always been aware of the sacrifices our Veterans make to ensure our freedom I wanted a way to give back and working at VA has given me that Each day we have the opportunity to make a difference for our Veterans and I am truly blessed to work here alongside professionals all with one goal to care for our Veterans.” Thank you for answering the call to make lives better today than yesterday, Tawnia Lola a rare congenital heart defect in which a single blood vessel exits the heart instead of the usual two Hernandez underwent the partial heart transplant that replaced his damaged valves and outflow tracts with living tissue from a donor’s heart Post-operative ultrasound results revealed that his heart now functions as if he had been born with a normal one Ymiliano had already undergone two major surgeries followed by a catheter-based procedure,” said Razzouk a valve infection left him facing a fourth major surgery to replace two prosthetic valves a partial heart transplant offered a better solution providing viable tissue that could resist infection Hernandez’s cardiologist, Natalie Shwaish, MD, said she believes this is the future of valve replacement for many patients "It's incredible to think about the benefits of this approach,” she said That means patients often need repeat surgeries an average of every 10 years for the rest of their life The risks increase each time the chest is opened making repeated procedures a significant concern require blood thinners which are challenging to manage in children and always have the risk of bleeding." The procedure currently requires immunosuppression to prevent rejection which carries risks such as increased infection susceptibility This groundbreaking procedure was made possible through the generosity of the donor family and the support of OneLegacy LLUCH's Cardiology & Heart Surgery program has been ranked #10 for 2024-2025 by U.S. News & World Report. Emergency departments across the nation are overwhelmed with patients due to the quad-demic hospitals are struggling to keep up with the influx of sick patients it’s important to know how to manage symptoms at home and how to prevent the spreading of illness to others Richelle Guererro-Wooley, MD an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist talks about addressing symptoms at home and knowing when it's time to go to urgent care or the emergency department.  Guererro-Wooley says staying home from work or school is the best way to prevent spreading illness For respiratory symptoms like coughing or sneezing she recommends sticking to one bathroom at home if possible and sanitizing surfaces regularly Read: Norovirus is on the rise. How is it different? staying home and resting is the best course of action contact your primary care provider to discuss telehealth options or obtain a prescription for antiviral treatment for COVID-19 or the flu Guerrero-Wooley says to seek medical attention if you experience: visiting an urgent care clinic or emergency department may be necessary Read: Stay out of the emergency department — Managing flu symptoms at home staying home helps ease the burden on the healthcare system especially since most mild illnesses resolve on their own.   Guerrero-Wooley emphasizes that lingering coughs and congestion can last for weeks after an illness there’s no need to rush to the emergency department By taking precautions and making informed healthcare decisions we can all do our part to reduce the spread and ease the strain on hospitals.  Many symptoms can be evaluated virtually, which minimizes the risk of spreading illness to others and helps avoid wait times in a clinic. Check if your provider offers video visits here Need to see a provider in person but not sure where to go? Here is your guide to help you quickly find which service is right for your situation: Know Where to Go  Nichol Hall on the School of Public Health Campus at Loma Linda University Watch Video For 60 years, Loma Linda University School of Public Health has worked to protect and improve the health of communities locally and globally. From leading research for the Adventist Health Study beginning in 1974 to conducting a Health Expo in Zimbabwe in 2017 the School of Public Health has been preparing future leaders to make a lasting impact Adam Aréchiga, PsyD, DrPH, dean of the School of Public Health brings a unique perspective to his role, having once been a student at the school himself. He graduated with a doctorate in public health in 2006 embodying the school’s mission of nurturing the next generation of public health leaders the Loma Linda University School of Public Health was focused on the impact of diet and exercise on people's well-being,” said Aréchiga which she put forth into all her endeavors We took that foundation and started researching it." The School of Public Health’s rich history dates back to September 1 when it became California's third public health school the school became fully accredited by the Executive Board of the American Public Health Association which granted full accreditation and offered four majors: Tropical Health The School of Public Health conducted the first Adventist Health Study mailing a 63,530 census questionnaire to every Adventist household in California to explore the links between lifestyle “I am very proud of our legacy.” Arechiga added “The Adventist Health Study was a big contribution and it has changed the science of nutrition in this country I am proud to be a graduate of a school that did that.” he was named to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee “I have devoted my entire professional career to Loma Linda University School of Public Health and the diverse array of experienced professionals here has been a tremendous source of personal enrichment,” said Sabaté “We’ve demonstrated the vital role of nutrition proving that others can achieve similar impacts by excelling as educators The school recently received a three-year $1.5 million grant from the U.S Health Resources and Services Administration to provide scholarships to local Inland Southern California public health agency employees the school has continually strived to improve health Loma Linda University School of Public Health proudly looks forward as it educates the next generation of public health professionals and conducts research that will shape the future of global health Two Upland police officers celebrate their agency's wins across multiple categories at the 2024 No-Shave November event Law enforcement departments from across the Inland Empire joined forces with Loma Linda University Health leadership and community members for the 10th annual No-Shave November fundraiser This year’s event raised $14,555 to support the Loma Linda University Cancer Center’s mission to advance cancer awareness Participants from San Bernardino County Unified School District and six law enforcement agencies — San Bernardino Police Department San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Redlands Police Department — competed alongside Loma Linda University Health team members throughout November showcasing their hair-growing efforts to bring attention to the cause we get to respond to life threatening events differently this time around,” said Nelson Carrington whose agency donated an additional $950 at the event to their initial $4,500 During the celebratory event held in Loma Linda University’s Centennial Complex expressed his gratitude and emphasized the impact of this fundraiser “Our goal is simple but powerful: we want every person who has faced cancer to feel not hopeless or restless but supported and filled with hope knowing they have a team of cancer experts and researchers working tirelessly on their behalf,” Hart said and this event is a perfect example of how a community can come together to make a lasting impact.” This year’s month-long friendly competition included unique categories such as hairiest legs Winners were announced during an award ceremony led by John Marshall director of security for Loma Linda University Health senior vice president for patient care service Chief of the San Bernardino Police Department with participants receiving lighthearted accolades for their contributions to cancer awareness.  a pop-up barbershop offered free straight-razor shaves closing the chapter on a month of letting it grow for a cause assistant vice president of the Cancer Center commended participants for their support over the past decade “These contributions are fueling research and care that give our patients hope and healing as we pursue National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation for our Cancer Center.” Some targeted programs for the future of Cancer Center include: The annual No-Shave November event continues to inspire community unity and amplify awareness for cancer prevention and treatment The Loma Linda University Cancer Center offers leading-edge cancer care and research to patients in the Inland Empire and beyond the center is dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for patients and their families For more information about the Cancer Center or to support its initiatives What a year it’s been for us as a Loma Linda University Health family We experienced so many successes and triumphs we wish you a wonderful and Happy New Year Relive some of Loma Linda University Health's moments through the year-in-review photo gallery below Baby girl Dove marked her entry into the world on January 1 at 2:09 a.m. becoming the first newborn of the year at our San Manuel Maternity Pavilion at LLUCH Loma Linda University held its annual Open House for prospective students to come explore healthcare careers Our Murrieta team spent a heartwarming day in February holding learning sessions and discussions on heart health LLUH launched the “Stronger Together" campaign a $300 million initiative intended to expand cancer treatment and enhance access to healthcare for the Inland Empire's residents Alumni traveled from around the nation to attend Homecoming February 29 through March 3 Some brought their children for pre-coursework activities Local community members gathered at the Riverside Convention Center on April 4 for the 31st annual Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala raising more than $1 million to support Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Loma Linda University Surgical Hospital in Redlands celebrated its 15th anniversary with an employee event The 39th annual Children’s Day presented by Farmer Boys transformed the Drayson Center Superfield into a fun-filled learning experience on May 8 Hundreds of children aged 3 to 8 and their families participated in the event’s unique blend of activities Our Nurses Week celebration in May included a visit from Inland Empire Therapy Dogs Children’s Hospital held its 24th annual Cops for Kids Fly-In event on November 6 Over 24 law enforcement agencies from throughout Southern California came to deliver toys to patients after making a grand entrance on the university lawn LLU Children’s Health hosted a groundbreaking ceremony November 19 for its new Specialty Clinics building Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer presented a check for $250,000 to Loma Linda University Cancer Center in August part of the funds raised at the 16th annual Believe Walk last year and will help fund cutting-edge treatments and research LLU Faculty Medical Group kicked off Season 3 of Evening Rounds a podcast in which physicians discuss real-world healthcare challenges and lessons learned along the way News & World Report named LLUMC–Murrieta as a 2025 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study including non-melanoma basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma Crowe has undergone nearly every skin cancer procedure available to treat lesions on various parts of his face and body.  it wasn’t until Crowe’s wife was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and received treatment at Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) that he decided to transfer his care to the dermatology department at LLUH The excellent care both he and his wife received for their cancer treatment prompted the couple to give back by volunteering their therapy dog at the children’s hospital.  Since discovering melanoma on his stomach in 1994 Crowe and his wife have remained vigilant in monitoring suspicious moles or growths on his body.  who credits his wife with identifying the cancer in the first place “If we notice a mole that seems to be growing quickly receiving the necessary care hasn’t always been easy After feeling neglected by a previous provider he knew he needed more comprehensive care to maintain his recurring skin cancer The decision to transfer to LLUH came after witnessing the exceptional care his wife received while battling lung cancer.  “We were spending all our time at Loma Linda hospital so I decided to switch my dermatology care over to them,” Crowe said “I’m glad I did because they’ve taken excellent care of me.” Crowe has undergone a variety of procedures ranging from quick excisions to more involved procedures “A lot of his visits were all-day procedures taking care of the skin cancers,” said Ashley Elsensohn It’s a tissue-sparing procedure that removes cancer layer by layer while preserving healthy skin As a way to give back for the care both Crowe and his wife received the couple began volunteering their therapy dog to spend every Thursday at the children’s hospital.  we would never have volunteered to share our dog with the children,” Crowe said spent every Thursday with the kids –– over 630 hours before she retired We would also go to oncology to visit all the nurses that treated my wife during her chemo and cancer treatments.” Crowe also made sure to bring Emma to visit the dermatology department something the entire team started looking forward to While people with Crowe’s condition can often experience medical fatigue from numerous procedures his positive outlook underscores the importance of a strong patient-doctor relationship “He treats us as much as we treat him,” Elsensohn said “His positive attitude and Emma’s visits brighten our days just as much as we try to brighten his.” While skin cancer is often not life-threatening when detected early consistent care remains essential in preventing complications such as pain Elsensohn also notes that melanoma commonly develops in areas with minimal sun exposure such as the back in men and the upper arms or legs in women non-melanoma skin cancers typically occur in sun-exposed areas and seeking shade remain the most effective ways to safeguard the skin from sun damage As awareness of skin cancer prevention grows Crowe serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection.  "If people feel like something isn’t right they need to get it checked out,” Crowe remarked about the dangers of skin cancer “If they notice something getting bigger and bigger Loma Linda’s dermatologic surgeons are leaders in treating complex surgical skin conditions such as melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, lipomas, and cysts. If you need specialty care for skin cancer or complex skin conditions, call 909-558-2890 or click here for more information.  The Walter’s Children’s Charity Classic (WCCC) has once again extended its longstanding support for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) donating $300,000 to benefit the hospital’s pediatric cancer program WCCC committee members and fundraiser golf tournament founders Steve and Cathy Kienle presented the check to hospital leadership on February 12 you are on a global mission,” said Steve Kienle the annual tournament has raised a total of $7 million including the cardiac intensive care and neonatal intensive care units The presentation featured a special guest, Oakley Quinonez, a young cancer survivor. Oakley’s mom recalling how their lives changed in September 2022 when what seemed to be a common cold was later diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) a cancer affecting white blood cells in the blood and bone marrow “We will forever be grateful for Loma Linda Children’s Hospital,” she said I’ve even heard from people at other hospitals saying ‘I wish my kids were treated at Loma Linda,’ because of the warmth and compassion here They recognize that children are the future and do everything possible to help them thrive.” The Kienles surprised Oakley and her family with a trip to Disneyland for her fifth birthday made possible by the generosity of tournament participants They also gifted her a pink Disneyland sweater and a Minnie Mouse toy “I’m going to tell Minnie I have a beautiful Minnie with shiny red shoes just like her,” Oakley said with a smile For those looking to support pediatric patients in the Inland Empire, more information is available through the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation or 909-558-4000 ext 55368 Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity (RICA) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the state of California to develop a model for addressing childhood adversity and improving long-term health outcomes part of the UCLA-UCSF ACEs Aware initiative will be utilized over 18 months in partnership with Inland Empire Health Plan The initiative is in collaboration with the California Surgeon General and the Department of Health Care Services The grant will support the creation and implementation of a model that can be replicated statewide to enhance services for foster youth and children who have experienced violence RICA's approach integrates trauma-informed medical and mental health care offering extended appointment times and developing collaboration among doctors and mitigate trauma and toxic stress in children "Our goal is to create a community of support, so when a child or caregiver faces a challenging situation, they know they can turn to us for help," said Amy Young, MD, director of RICA. "We want them to think of their doctor's office as a place where they can receive medical care and the support and resources they need to navigate their challenges." The grant will also help implement an Enhanced Care Management team for foster youth and expand the Community Health Worker (CHW) workforce providing certified patient navigators to assist at-risk children in accessing medical and mental health care Since opening in 2021, RICA has served more than 3,500 children across the Inland Empire including San Bernardino and Riverside counties with patients traveling from as far as Coachella and Victorville For more information about the Loma Linda University Children's Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity, visit online.  to support pediatric patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital battling cancer and other serious illnesses “Our children are among the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Anthony A “Providing comprehensive care to children of the Inland Empire is so crucial We are so grateful for the partnership with Stater Brothers Charities and K-FROG Radio to support the kids of the Inland Empire.” broadcasting live on 95.1 FM and 92.9 FM from Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga brought energy and inspiration to the event and updates about the hospital’s lifesaving work.  Charities served as the presenting sponsor while additional businesses also contributed generous amounts brought holiday cheer by dressing as Santa Claus and greeting families who attended in person or called in to donate the K-Froggers for Kids Radiothon has raised more than $7 million for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital The funds provide critical resources for young patients and their families during their medical journeys To support oncology patient care at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital through the K-Froggers For Kids Radiothon, click here. medical director of geriatric medicine at Loma Linda University Health’s Department of Family Medicine The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) selected Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Group (LLUFMG) to participate in a new Medicare alternative payment model designed to support people with dementia and their caregivers. Under CMS' Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, LLUFMG is one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the country working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports for people living with dementia and their caregivers "Loma Linda University Health is proud to be a part of the GUIDE Model. This initiative aligns with our commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for people living with dementia and their caregivers," said Wessam Labib, MD the GUIDE Model introduces innovative features such as the implementation of Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) that focus on critical supportive services person-centered assessments and care plans round-the-clock access to interdisciplinary care team members or helplines A key aspect of the program is the introduction of Care Navigators a unique feature that will assist patients and caregivers in accessing clinical and non-clinical services "Participating in the GUIDE Model is a significant step forward for our geriatric services," Labib said "By providing our patients with more robust support systems we aim to reduce the burden on caregivers and help more individuals with dementia stay in their homes and communities longer." Loma Linda University Health is the heart of a Blue Zone with a strong emphasis on addressing the unique needs of older adults The GUIDE Model provides an opportunity to further these efforts by integrating additional resources and support structures that can improve patient outcomes and caregiver well-being This model delivers on a promise in the Biden-Harris Administration's Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers and aligns with the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. For more information on CMS' GUIDE Model, please visit https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide To learn more, contact Ruben Murillo, GUIDE care navigator at Loma Linda University Health, 909-558-6600, [email protected] This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page (fifth from right) and team celebrate the first renal denervation case in the region on March 11 Loma Linda University International Heart institute is now offering a newly approved treatment for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure: a minimally invasive procedure called renal denervation (RDN) performed using the Symplicity™ Spyral system This FDA-approved technology targets overactive nerves near the kidneys that contribute to elevated blood pressure offering hope to patients whose hypertension has not responded well to conventional treatment and a large portion of those individuals still struggle to manage the condition despite taking medication or making lifestyle adjustments Untreated or poorly controlled hypertension increases the risk of heart attack Vinoy Prasad, MD director of interventional cardiology at Loma Linda University Health says this new option fills a critical treatment gap for patients living with chronic high blood pressure “This procedure represents a valuable next step for patients who have exhausted first-line treatments but still face cardiovascular risks,” Prasad said “Renal denervation gives us a way to calm the overactive nerves that may be contributing to a patient’s high blood pressure The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure involves guiding a thin catheter through a blood vessel to reach the arteries near the kidneys the physician uses controlled energy to disrupt the nerve signals contributing to elevated blood pressure The treatment is performed under mild sedation and typically requires minimal recovery time Loma Linda University Health continues to integrate the latest medical advancements into its cardiovascular care programs combining evidence-based treatments with its mission to provide whole-person This new option reinforces LLUH’s focus on prevention and proactive disease management but for patients who have tried multiple medications and still cannot reach target blood pressure levels As part of its integrated approach to treating hypertension, LLUH also offers a dedicated Hypertension Clinic for the comprehensive management of systemic hypertension. Led by medical director Alec Kherlopian, MD the clinic focuses on evaluating reversible causes and initiating medical therapy with close blood pressure monitoring This multidisciplinary effort is a cornerstone of the broader Renal Denervation program often called the “silent killer,” can cause serious damage to the heart Regular blood pressure monitoring and management are key to long-term health Loma Linda University International Heart Institute care teams are committed to providing patients with compassionate, comprehensive, and personalized cardiovascular care. To learn more, please visit Peripheral Arterial and Venous Disease or call 1-800-468-5432 to make an appointment Our outpatient clinic offers primary care and specialty health services and the health services we offer at our Rancho Cucamonga VA Clinic Select a service on this page to check the hours Wheelchair availability:  Wheelchairs are available upon arrival for patients who need them to access the building We work with Disabled American Veterans and county Veterans Affairs directors to provide transportation for Veterans and authorized caregivers to get to scheduled medical appointments Many localities in the region provide other van services to Veterans Learn more about DAV and the other van services available in your county OmniTrans Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center Find out if you qualify for beneficiary travel benefits Our laboratories provide a full range of clinical and diagnostic testing services Our laboratory and pathology services include: Our medical center and clinics provide consultation and treatment for a range of issues that may impact your mental health or emotional well-being Our confidential outpatient services include individual and group therapy for: Learn more and connect with a care coordinator My HealtheVet is a web-based tool you can use to manage your care and improve your health from your computer or mobile device You can access your personal health records and use tools to manage your care through our My HealtheVet online system You can also use My HealtheVet to refill your prescriptions you can contact our coordinator by phone or in person Learn more and register for My HealtheVet Our pharmacy provides you and other Veterans with convenient efficient service to make it easy to get your medications and medical supplies Learn more about our pharmacy Your VA primary care provider will work closely with you to plan for all the care you need to stay healthy and well throughout your life They will also work with family members or caregivers who support you A strong network of family and internal medicine specialists and services can offer you the best possible care Internal medicine doctors (internists) prevent Doctors who specialize in family medicine provide primary health care to the entire family Your primary care team can coordinate the many services you receive such as: NOTICE TO PATIENTS: Some of our medical doctors are licensed and regulated by the Medical Board of California. To check up on a license or to file a complaint go to https://www.mbc.ca.gov/, email: licensecheck@mbc.ca.gov Loma Linda University (LLU) welcomed more than 2,000 prospective students and guests to this year’s Open House on Sunday offering a firsthand look at the university’s academic programs The Main Session featured inspiring testimonials from three current students along with a surprise giveaway of 20 fully funded mission trips—an incredible opportunity for students to serve communities around the world attendees explored program and financial aid sessions and tours of the Medical Simulation Center The Campus Fair provided a dynamic space for guests to connect with schools and departments across LLU spirits remained high as visitors gathered for a haystack lunch on the lawn and enjoyed the Answer Your Calling umbrellas provided for the occasion Thank you to all who contributed to making this event a success We look forward to welcoming future students to the LLU family!  Click through the photo gallery to see how much fun we had Take the next step. Whether you attended Open House and are ready to apply; or if you couldn’t make it, learn more here to get started Attendees toured the medical simulation center Attendees were treated to a haystack lunch Richard Hart spoke during the main session Attendees got a first-hand look (and feel) of the earth & biological sciences Volunteers were all smiles and ready to assist Current LLU students shared their experiences during the main session Annual Dishes for Wishes event at Loma Linda Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church in Redlands The Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild hosted its annual Dishes for Wishes event on Wednesday raising $85,000 for Loma Linda University Children's Hospital The Guild has pledged to contribute $100,000 toward pediatric cancer research and treatment as part of the Stronger Together Campaign The event was held at the Loma Linda Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church in Redlands which welcomed more than 300 guests and featured the theme "Cruising Through the Kitchen." Martha Green served as the mistress of ceremonies while chefs Lee Burton and Tony Ghostine from The Prep Table prepared culinary delights for the attendees Thirty-two officers from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Menifee Police Department volunteered as servers and generously donated $1,507 in tips to Children's Hospital Cancer survivor Ruben Andrade shared his journey battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia and his experience as the first patient at Loma Linda University Health to receive CAR T cell therapy Swingstreet provided music for the evening and seven vendors offered items such as watercolor artwork For more information about the Loma Linda Guild, membership, and upcoming events, visit the website online Members of LLUCH's child life team accept a check from Spirit of Children on Thursday Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital received $184,067 from Spirit of Children on Thursday, February 20 during a check presentation to support the hospital’s Child Life department. This most recent donation illustrates community generosity through donations at the Spirit of Children annual fundraiser held across their 28 Inland Empire locations through September and October Beyond financial support, Spirit of Children brings a unique experience to the hospital. Each year, they host the Spirit of Children Fall Festival providing patient families with festive costumes crafts and activities allowing patients and their siblings a sense of normalcy during their hospital stay senior vice president and administrator for Loma Linda University Children's Hospital said he is grateful for the longstanding partnership with Spirit of Children “Spirit of Children’s dedication to our young patients is truly heartwarming,” he said “The funds raised are instrumental in supporting the hospital's Child Life team they create a comforting and supportive environment.” The Child Life Program provides young patients and their families comprehensive support during hospitalization every day of the year Specially trained staff provide a range of services and education on medical procedures and diagnoses Spirit of Children has supported Children’s Hospital since 2013 directly impacting the lives of countless patients and child life fellows at the hospital provides training and development opportunities for new graduates Loma Linda University’s Child Life program Fellows gain a year of invaluable experience and develop projects to enhance child life services often extending these services to patients who would otherwise go without them and Spirit of Children not only supports the department but also builds the program through additional services demonstrating the program's transformative impact This partnership demonstrates how businesses can unite with the hospital to create a brighter future for children facing medical challenges To learn more about corporate partnerships, call the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation office at 909-558-5368 or click here Modern Healthcare honors Loma Linda University Health Loma Linda University Health is one of eight organizations recognized nationally as a 2024 Diversity Leader by Modern Healthcare magazine a national print and web publication focusing on healthcare business and policy issues The magazine’s annual award program honors healthcare executives and organizations committed to further equity and inclusion in their organizations and the industry “A key factor in Loma Linda University Health’s healthcare mission is taking advantage of our organization’s diversity of background “We seek to recruit and retain the best talent while we also reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve.” New employee recruitment efforts play an important role in shaping Loma Linda University Health’s diverse workforce prospective employees train in areas such as Medical Assistants Human resources personnel also recruit potential employees locally and nationally through their presence at higher education job fairs LLUH's Institute for Community Partnerships’ team of Community Health Workers works to bring healthcare equity to the San Bernardino community through providing home health visits and addressing children’s healthcare needs in two large school districts Current employees can better understand diversity and inclusion efforts by attending Loma Linda University Health’s annual Diversity and Health Equity conference completing mandatory Implicit and Unconscious Bias Training and participating in one of the numerous affinity groups available throughout the organization “Our 2024 Diversity Leaders in Healthcare award recipients set an example from their leadership ranks to their programming efforts of the results that can be achieved across a workplace,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik “Each honoree is a compelling example of how to prioritize equity and inclusion within the healthcare industry.” The profiles of all the winners will be featured in Modern Healthcare’s September 9 Loma Linda University is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for according to the Great Colleges to Work For program The 2024 results released today in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education are based on a survey of 216 colleges and universities 75 of those institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies with Loma Linda University included among the medium universities with 3,000 to 9,999 students Loma Linda University won honors in nine of the program’s 10 categories this year: Loma Linda University was also named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll a status granted to only 42 colleges each year who are highlighted most across the recognition categories “This recognition affirms our commitment and legacy of providing a workplace that demonstrates our commitment to a healthy work culture and honors the contributions of each of our employees,” said Richard Hart The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback The Great Colleges to Work For program is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country For more information and to view all current and previous recognized institutions visit GreatCollegesProgram.com and GreatCollegesList.com administered the survey and analyzed the results For more information about Loma Linda University, visit llu.edu, or for career opportunities at Loma Linda University, search Find a Job has been appointed acting chief executive officer for LLUH hospitals has been appointed as acting chief executive officer for Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) hospitals currently serving as chief operating officer of LLU Faculty Medical Group and chief of the Division of Cardiology will bring his extensive experience in healthcare leadership and clinical excellence to this new role Hilliard has been a pivotal leader in advancing LLUH’s cardiovascular services positioning it as one of the region's most respected programs and operational excellence has contributed significantly to the institution’s success Hilliard’s leadership in cardiovascular medicine and at Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Group combined with his ability to foster collaboration across clinical teams makes him uniquely suited to lead LLUH hospitals during this transitional period We expect the LLUH board to confirm this appointment at their next meeting in December,” said Richard Hart “He has an outstanding track record of improving patient outcomes and advancing innovation in healthcare delivery We are confident that his vision will continue to propel us forward.” Hilliard will assist in further integrating and aligning the work of physicians across the hospital system to ensure a strategic and cohesive approach to providing world-class patient care His leadership will be instrumental in maintaining the organization’s commitment to a patient-centered environment while navigating the complexities of healthcare today “I am honored to serve in this role and continue working closely with the exceptional teams at Loma Linda University Health,” said Hilliard we will ensure our hospitals remain at the forefront of innovation Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center –Murrieta, are recipients of the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award This award recognizes their commitment to providing stroke patients with the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.  “We are honored to receive this award for excellence in stroke care because it reflects our dedication to our patients and commitment to the highest standards,” said Vincent V, Truong Medical Director of LLU-Health Comprehensive Stroke Center “Every team member plays a vital role in achieving these outcomes and we will continue to maintain excellence and improve the lives of those we serve.”     5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.  "Anyone can be affected by a stroke, making it crucial to raise awareness and provide education on prevention and treatment,” said Ricardo Olivo Stroke Program Medical Director at LLUMC – Murrieta “It’s vital to uphold the highest standards in stroke care and continually strive for excellence in medical practices to improve outcomes and enhance patient well-being.”   Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.  program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients In addition to following treatment guidelines Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.     “We are incredibly pleased to recognize Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center–Murrieta for their commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center –Murrieta also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite award hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.    both hospitals also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes who might be at higher risk for complications evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.  Upadacitinib as New Treatment for Giant Cell Arteritis Filling the Gap: Creating a Prognostic Staging System for Patients Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Policies Spark Alarm Among Public Health Experts Editorial Policy Advertising Contact Us eNewsletters Contribute Career Center MashupMD Blood Cancers Today Cancer Nursing Today GU Oncology Now Urban Health Today © 2025 Mashup Media, LLC, a Formedics Property. All Rights Reserved. and the incident appears to be a swatting call Thank you for your patience and cooperation,” stated sheriff’s officials UPDATE at 8:01 pm — Sheriff’s officials said “At this time and no one has been injured.” People are asked to avoid the area due to heavy law enforcement presence UPDATE at 7:54 pm — All floors have been cleared and officials have called “Code 4” meaning the situation is under control and the scene is safe (VVNG.com) – Reports of a possibly armed suspect at Loma Linda University Medical Center prompted a swift police response Wednesday afternoon The hospital issued a Code Silver alert at approximately 6:16 PM confirming an active threat situation and urging staff to take immediate protective action The hospital’s message instructed employees to follow the RUN FIGHT protocol if confronted with the armed suspect The message read: “Code Silver – Active Threat LLUH has declared a Code Silver – Active Threat: Report of Armed Assailant at PEDS ED This is not a drill: Initiate immediate protective actions establishing a perimeter around the facility and conducting a floor-by-floor search to clear the building The incident was initially reported at the Pediatric Emergency Department of the hospital A CHP helicopter is providing aerial support while authorities work to ensure the safety of those inside Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department are also on site “Please avoid the area and use alternative routes,” the department tweeted or the suspect’s identity have not yet been released and law enforcement continues to work to resolve the incident 📢 Stay connected with the High Desert’s largest news community 🔗 For more local news, visit VVNG.com we’re dedicated to keeping the Victor Valley informed with essential Our newsroom works tirelessly to bring you the latest stories that matter—news that fosters awareness If you value our reporting and want to see it continue local news accessible to everyone—because an informed community is a stronger community Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus Hospital has been named a Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group for the fourth time VA Loma Linda Healthcare System is providing free seasonal flu shots to eligible Veterans now through May 1 Eligible Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can get a free flu shot at VA Loma Linda facilities at their next appointment or walk-in flu shot clinic Veterans can visit an in-network pharmacy or urgent care in the community VA is committed to keeping Veterans, VA employees, and visitors to our facilities safe. Step up to prevent flu and stay safe this flu season. To learn more, visit https://www.prevention.va.gov/flu/ If you have questions about getting a flu shot talk with your healthcare provider or contact the VALLHS Endemic Clinic at 909-825-7084 ext No-cost flu shots from a community provider are available to eligible Veterans who are:  There is no copayment charge if Veteran’s visit consists only of a flu shot Flu shot-only visits do not count towards visits and/or copayments associated with using VA’s urgent care benefit Verify your eligibility, then use the VA facility locator to find an in-network community pharmacy or urgent care near you. Bring your valid government ID and VA billing information card.  When you arrive, identify yourself as a Veteran enrolled in VA healthcare who would like to get a flu shot paid by VA. Show your government-issued ID and VA billing information card For help with eligibility and general questions For help receiving a flu vaccine from a VA community provider For help receiving a flu vaccine at VA Loma Linda has been appointed vice president of human resource management for Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) Gruzensky brings more than two decades of experience in human resources leadership he will oversee human resources strategies across the organization “We are pleased to welcome Denton Gruzensky to Loma Linda University Health,” said Richard Hart “His deep experience in human resources and his passion for building strong mission-driven teams will be invaluable as we continue to support our employees and grow our workforce to meet the needs of our community.” Gruzensky has held key human resources leadership roles at major healthcare organizations he served as chief human resource officer at Peterson Health where he led initiatives to enhance employee engagement His experience also includes HR leadership roles at Adventist Health and other prominent healthcare institutions where he played a critical role in workforce strategy and organizational transformation Gruzensky has been committed to creating positive workplace environments that empower employees and drive operational success he aims to build upon LLUH’s strong foundation by implementing innovative HR strategies that support both staff and the organization's mission Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for safeguarding children's health and protecting communities from spreading infectious diseases They work by triggering the body's immune system to produce antibodies against specific diseases This protects the vaccinated person and helps build what's known as herd immunity Herd immunity happens when a large part of the population is immune to a disease which reduces its spread and protects those who can't be vaccinated like newborns or people with certain health issues For babies and young children, vaccines are important for shielding them from a range of potentially deadly diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of vaccines starting in infancy These vaccines have been thoroughly tested and are proven to be safe and effective at preventing diseases that can cause serious complications A major concern among parents is the safety and efficacy of childhood vaccines. "Vaccines cannot cause the illness they are meant to prevent, nor do they cause autism,” said Sabiha Kanchwala, MD, a general pediatrician and medical director of vaccines at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital She advocates for open communication and joint decision-making between families and healthcare providers to ensure parents can access accurate information and feel confident in their decisions regarding their child's health Kanchwala stresses the importance of the flu vaccine for children "The flu can lead to severe illness in healthy children resulting in hospitalization or worse," Kanchwala said Recent studies indicate a 40 to 60 percent reduction in flu illness risk when the vaccine is well-matched to circulating strains She encourages families to stay informed and proactive about their children's immunizations "We welcome all family questions and aim to ensure they feel comfortable and informed about their vaccination decisions." For more information about immunizations, learn more online. Loma Linda University Medical Center and East Campus hospitals received their 12th and 13th consecutive “A” safety ratings and Murrieta received its second A from the Leapfrog Group for Fall 2024 recognize Loma Linda University Health’s performance in protecting patients from preventable harm and error while in the hospital “These grades demonstrate our accomplishment of protecting our patients as we deliver quality care at the highest level,” said Anthony Hilliard “Our longstanding consistency at this level shows how seriously we prioritize our patients’ safety.” The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization that assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors as well as systems that hospitals have in place to prevent harm Visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org to see the hospital’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital For more information about Loma Linda University Health services and providers or to schedule an appointment please visit lluh.org or call 909-558-4000 Amy Young, MD, chief of forensic pediatrics at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital has been named "Woman of the Year" for California Senate District 19 an honor bestowed by State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh The recognition underscores Young’s leadership in advancing pediatric forensic medicine and her commitment to protecting vulnerable children As the founder of the Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity (RICA) Young has transformed care for child abuse victims in and around San Bernardino County a region with one of the state’s largest foster care populations RICA offers a comprehensive range of services to ensure children don’t slip through the cracks of an overburdened system "One of the most devastating aspects of child abuse is that victims often aren’t believed," Young said Each year, RICA serves more than 3,000 children on an outpatient basis and provides care for hundreds more in the hospital no coordinated system ensured continuity of medical care for foster youth Young saw the need for a solution and built one RICA’s impact extends beyond medical treatment Through scholarships and employment opportunities Young and her team help young survivors rebuild their lives well into adulthood That's not why I went into medicine,” Young said I wanted to create a place where not only am I involved in being sure that a child is safe at this moment in time Young’s dedication to child advocacy began long before her medical career she learned that a close family member had suffered years of physical and emotional abuse I felt called to help women and children facing abuse and neglect,” she said Her convictions deepened in medical school, when she encountered a 7-month-old patient, an infant abandoned by their biological parents. Moved by the child’s fragile condition, Young and her husband decided to foster the infant, and they later adopted the baby, an experience that reinforced Young’s understanding of the long-term needs of abused children Young has served as the medical director of the San Bernardino Children’s Assessment Center a collaboration between the county and Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital She is also a professor of pediatrics and the director of the Child Abuse Pediatric Medicine Fellowship program training the next generation of specialists in forensic pediatrics Her work exemplifies the spirit of Women’s History Month honoring those who create meaningful change in their communities Young’s recognition as "Woman of the Year" reflects not only her expertise in medicine but also her dedication to helping children imagine and have a future beyond trauma and the health services we offer at our Sy Kaplan VA Clinic Our Audiology and Speech Pathology clinic provides diagnostic and rehabilitative services and screening for employee hearing conservation We offer a full range of audiology and speech pathology services like: Learn more about VA hearing aids