“Inova’s consistent attainment of top grades from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, with four hospitals securing A grades, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to patient safety,” said Dr. Chapy Venkatesan, chief quality officer of Inova. “This achievement reflects our steadfast dedication to providing the highest standard of care across our healthcare system to every patient, in every community we are privileged to serve.”

A national distinction, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades recognize Inova’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer healthcare. Only 40 hospitals in Virginia were awarded “A” grades for the spring term of 2024. Of those, four are Inova hospitals.

• Inova Loudoun Hospital is one of only 15 hospitals nationwide and one of 3 in Virginia to earn “Straight A’s” since the program’s launch – marking 25 consecutive A grades
• Inova Fair Oaks is one of only 21 hospitals in the country and one of only four in Virginia to earn 24 consecutive A grades
• Inova Mount Vernon has earned 20 consecutive A grades. Only 34 other hospitals in the country and five in the state have achieved the same number of A grades in a row
• Inova Fairfax has earned 12 consecutive A grades

“It is with immense pride that I commend our hospitals for their consistent excellence, particularly this year with Inova Loudoun achieving A grades for an impressive 25 grading periods, Inova Fair Oaks for 24 and Inova Mount Vernon for 20,” said Dr. J. Stephen Jones, president and CEO of Inova. “This remarkable accomplishment reflects our unmatched commitment to providing the highest level of safe, quality care.”

“Everyone who works at Inova should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes complete dedication of at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Inova its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. To see Inova’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram and via The Leapfrog Group newsletter.      

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A dedicated race category for wheelchair users has been introduced for the upcoming Run the Greenway event on May 4th at Loudoun Station. The Roll 5K category allows wheelchair participants to compete for medals, recognition, and prizes. 

This step towards inclusivity and equal opportunity offers awards to the top three finishers, including medals and a gift card to PR Run & Walk. The initiative has received positive feedback from the Ability Fitness Center team at The Arc of Loudoun, who collaborated with the Dulles Greenway to improve wheelchair accessibility for the event. Members of the center, like Anthony Ringenberg, have utilized assistive technology such as wheelchairs in past races, with Ringenberg being the first wheelchair finisher in previous events. He described crossing the finish line as the most fulfilling moment of the race.

“It’s like working through the suck, and getting to the end and feeling the burn, and knowing that hey, I did it,” he said. “And also being number one. That’s a nice thing.”

This year, for the first time, Ringenberg might take home a gold medal for his accomplishment.

“If we had more people, there might be someone out there who can beat me,” Ringenberg said. “Might be.”

The Run the Greenway event is important to the Ability Fitness Center team, especially M.J. Weier, who sees it as a return to their passion of cycling after a spinal injury.

“One of the reasons I like competition and this particular event is that it gives me something to train for,” she said. “Rather than just going and doing it just to get exercise, it gives me a reason to do it, it gives me a goal to try and improve my time.”

Measured in kilometers, the Greenway has become a significant achievement for participants like Lindsay Roberts. During the inaugural Run, Walk or Roll event two years ago, she navigated the entire route in her wheelchair. The following year, she made a triumphant return, receiving a round of applause as she crossed the finish line on foot.

“My goal for this year is to walk more than just the finish line,” she said. “Assisted—I still use a cane—but one day, I’m going to be able to drop it and just walk it, no problem.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with The Arc of Loudoun to make Run The Greenway race accessible for individuals with disabilities,” Dulles Greenway Public & Customer Relations Manager Terry Hoffman said. “Our annual race is inclusive for all Northern Virginia athletes, and we look forward to providing a welcoming and accessible venue for all our participates to display their skills.”

The new category is thanks in part to a new partner in the race: Potomac River Races, the race management company that added a wheelchair category to its timekeeping.

“We’re excited to work on Run the Greenway,” Potomac River Races Director of Operations Terri Marlin said. “It’s a race in our backyard. We’re really happy to be part of this and to help raise money for all the local community organizations that means so much to so many people.”

Each year, Run the Greenway helps raise funds for local nonprofit organizations. Last year, the race drew around 2,000 runners and raised nearly $270,000 for local nonprofits.

“Since we partnered to create Run, Walk or Roll the Greenway two years ago, the race has been more than just a fundraiser for our clients, staff and families,” The Arc of Loudoun CEO Lisa Kimball said. “It brings out that same indomitable spirit that our staff and clients bring to work and school every day. That’s part of building a lifetime of opportunities and a just, equitable world for people with disabilities.”

Registration is open now for Run the Greenway’s 5K, 5K Roll, 10K, and Kids Fun Run races, along with virtual options to donate or create your own fundraising site without running. For more information, visit dullesgreenway.com/run-the-greenway. To register, visit thearcofloudoun.org/greenway.

About TRIP II/Dulles Greenway

Toll Road Investors Partnership II, L.P. (TRIP II), headquartered in Sterling, Virginia, operates the Dulles Greenway. The Dulles Greenway is a privately owned 14-mile toll road that provides a non-stop connection between Washington Dulles International Airport and Leesburg, Virginia. Dedicated to providing a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation solution for communities in Northern Virginia since 1995, the Dulles Greenway has stood as an innovative model for advancing infrastructure through public and private cooperation.

About The Arc of Loudoun

The Arc of Loudoun, founded in 1967, is a 501(c)(3) with a rich history of supporting individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the Washington, DC Region. An affiliate of The Arc of the United States, The Arc of Loudoun is home to multiple direct-service programs that serve the most vulnerable and underserved in our community — children and adults with disabilities, their families and caretakers, and the professionals who work to help them achieve their greatest potential. The Arc of Loudoun’s primary programs, Ability Fitness Center, ALLY Advocacy Center, Aurora Behavior Clinic, Aurora School, and Open Door Learning Center Preschool, continue to thrive in Leesburg, VA, providing a lifetime of opportunities for people with disabilities.

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While some requests may be higher or lower, the average funded request will be approximately $25,000, with awardees meeting the following criteria at a minimum:

• Not a recipient of a 2023 Inova Health Equity Opportunities award

• Tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code

• Located in and serve residents in one of the areas evaluated by the Inova Community Health Needs Assessments

• Project focus area of behavioral health, health access and/or economic stability

• Participate with the Unite Us/Unite Virginia platform, if awarded

Applications will be accepted until April 19, 2024 at noon.

For more information, please refer to these related links:

• Inova Health Equity Opportunities Website: https://www.inova.org/about-inova/inova-your-community/community-health-needs-assessments/inova-health-equity-opportunities

• Community Health Needs Assessments: https://www.inova.org/about-inova/inova-your-community/community-health-needs-assessments

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On February 11, Rocky Elardo passed away from Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. She received her diagnosis in 2019 and embarked on a courageous fight against this devastating disease. Remarkably, Rocky even summoned the strength to return to the basketball court during her battle.

The sad news comes nearly a year to the date of her game-winning basketball shot during her Heritage High School varisty basketball game. Rocky made a three-point shot at the buzzer to defeat a neighboring school in Ashburn, Virginia.

A live vigil was held a few days before her passing outside her home. Varisty basketball teammates, parents, neighbors, friends and family lit up the yard and played Rocky’s favorite music.

Shouts of “we love you Rocky” could be heard throughout the evening as she listened by her open window above the crowd. Through tears her parents spoke and expressed their gratitude.

Rocky who played basketball since the age of 4, is quoted on novahoops.com as stating: “Always see the best in every situation because there is always positivity somewhere. There is light at the end of the tunnel.” –Rocky Elardo

Rest in peace, Rocky.

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As part of the national Stop the Bleed® campaign, the Inova Virts Miller Family Emergency and Trauma Center at Inova Loudoun Hospital is hosting a free, in-person workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. This free course is designed for community members who may find themselves at the scene of an emergency. 

During an emergency, no matter how quickly emergency professionals respond, the individuals on-scene are best positioned to assist and potentially stop life-threatening blood loss. This is critical because a person who is bleeding profusely can die from blood loss within five minutes.

Workshop attendees will enhance their emergency preparedness by learning the difference between bleeding and life-threatening blood loss, and how to react to both. Participants will practice with tourniquets and wound packing.

The workshop will be held at Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., The Ladies Board Education Center, Suite 160, Leesburg. Follow signs for the South Hospital Entrance.  Free on-site parking is available. 

Participation is free but space is limited. To register visit inova.org/stopthebleed.

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Each year, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office collects new toys for Christmas to deliver to sick children at area hospitals. The toy drive, now in its eigth year, received a big boost when the Waterford kindergarten class raised $800 through their annual ornament sale to purchase and donate new toys.

A social media post by the LCSO published on Dec. 14, read “Our hearts are bursting with gratitude as we share some heartwarming news from our local elementary school! This morning, the LCSO Motor Elves stopped by Waterford Elementary School and Ms. Pack’s class to pick up toys for Cole’s Closet. These kindergarten superheroes raised $800 through their annual ornament stand to purchase toys. The future looks bright with these amazing young minds leading the way.”

Cole’s Closet is a non-profit that helps fill “closets” at area hospitals for children receiving care. For more information about Cole’s Closet, please visit www.colescloset.org.

There is still time to donate new, unwrapped toys for children from ages infant to the age of 17. Donations will be accepted until December 19, and the toys can be dropped off at any LCSO Station, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

The drop-off locations are:

Eastern Loudoun Station – 46620 East Frederick Drive, Sterling

Ashburn Station – 20272 Savin Hill Drive, Ashburn

Dulles South Public Safety Center – 25216 Loudoun County Parkway, Chantilly

Western Loudoun Station – 47 W. Loudoun Street, Round Hill

LCSO Headquarters – 803 Sycolin Road SE, Leesburg

Loudoun County Public Schools – Waterford Elementary School

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In response to this, St. Peter’s will host a “Blue Christmas,” a service of light in the midst of darkness on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at 37018 Glendale Street in Purcellville. This service is open to everyone in the community, regardless of religious affiliation. Through peaceful and inspiring music, comforting scriptures, and healing prayers, you’ll be reminded of the presence and love of God and the comfort and hope He offers to all. Cookies and cocoa will follow in the fellowship hall.

For more information about St. Peter’s visit stpetes.net.

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This fund supports the critical needs of cancer patients in Loudoun County, both during and after treatment, including assistance with bills, prescriptions, transportation, housing, and much more.

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Did you know that 1 in 5 underserved households are not getting their kids involved in
athletics because of the rising price of sporting equipment?  Leveling the Playing Field
is a nonprofit that collects and redistributes equipment to expand access and equity within
youth sports and recreation programs in under-resourced communities.

The Michael and Sons Sportsplex at Dulles is partnering with AID Performance Physical Therapy as a designated donation drop-off location. The phsyical address is 21610 Atlantic Boulevard in Sterling. Donations will be accepted until December 21.  

The following gear is specifically needed:
Baseball gloves and baseballs, lacrosse sticks, lacrosse balls, basketballs, football cleats and soccer cleats, soccer balls and footballs, and pickleball equipment.

To learn more about LPF, please visit www.levelingtheplayingfield.org.

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There are a number of organizations that would appreciate your generosity in Loudoun County. Whether you’re passionate about children, animals, the homeless, mental health, domestic abuse support, hunger relief, or education, there are organizations that would appreciate any dollar amount.

Here are a few organizations in Loudoun County to consider supporting on Giving Tuesday 2023.

Children

The Arc of Loudoun

The Arc of Loudoun is an advocacy organization dedicated to serving people with disabilities and their families.

Back Pack Buddies of Loudoun

Backpack Buddy partners ensure their program participants confidentially receive bags of food to take home for the weekend (and long school holidays) that include meals, milk and snacks.

Women Giving Back

Women Giving Back (WGB) helps women and children in crisis by distributing clothing at no cost.

Animals

The Friends of Loudoun County Animal Services (FLCAS)

FLCAS is a nonprofit, independent, animal welfare organization.

The Humane Society of Loudoun County

The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) is a foster-based organization, meaning all adoptable cats and dogs live with their foster parents instead of a shelter. 

Veterans Moving Forward

This nonprofit provides service dogs, facility dogs, and emotional support dogs to veterans with physical and/or mental health challenges at no cost to the veteran or their family.

Homeless

Mobile Hope

Mobile Hope provides support and emergency shelter to youth up to age 24 who are at-risk, precariously housed, or homeless and empowers them to become self-sufficient.

Mental Health

Friends of Loudoun Mental Health

Since 1955, Friends of Loudoun Mental Health has assisted residents of Loudoun County that suffer with a mental illness lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Ryan Bartel Foundation

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-24 year-olds in Loudoun and across the nation. The foundation delivers resilience-based programs to teens and families.

Domestic Abuse

Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter

Monetary donations provide free, confidential, and life-saving services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Education

Loudoun Literacy Council

The literacy nonprofit offers adult and family reading programs. The Council provides free tutoring, EEL classes, and GED classes are coming soon.

Hunger

Loudoun Hunger Relief

This Loudoun food pantry provides access to adequate, nutritious food for those in need.

Dulles South Food Pantry

The Dulles South Food Pantry provides nutritious food, personal supplies and other services to those in need in Dulles South and the surrounding area regardless of income, faith or other criteria and strive to promote self-sufficiency.

Other Ways to Give

The global day of giving is a world-wide initiative for communities to give back, but doesn’t necessarily mean financially. The Giving Tuesday organization shared a list of 50 ways to give kindness via Instagram, which included:

• Paying for the coffee of someone behind you in line
• Beautifying a neighborhood corner by planting flowers
• Donating old laptops to a STEM school or nonprofit
• Picking up trash around the neighborhood
• Plan a neighborhood block party so everyone can connect
• Pay for an outstanding lunch fee at school
• Donate old books to a literacy program
• Create hygiene kits with travel size toiletries and samples for those who need them
• Bring a meal to someone with a new baby or is in need of care
• Thank your service people and delivery drivers

For more ideas, visit the Giving Tuesday website

.

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