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Expansion project celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Fianna’s Healing Garden; led by daughter Rebecca Dickson and brother Harvey Fennell. Renown Health Foundation announced today the re-opening of the newly renovated Fianna’s Healing Garden at Renown Regional Medical Center. Fianna Dickson Combs, a longtime Reno resident, business leader and master gardener, shared Renown’s belief in the healing power of nature. Fianna lost her battle to ovarian cancer in 2008 and her family and friends carried out her wishes after she passed away, opening the original healing garden in 2009 to benefit patients and caregivers. Today, the garden continues to grow – the expansion includes connected walking paths, fountain, benches and seating areas, additional sculptures and a grass area with a covered pavilion.   Fianna’s Healing Garden is open to patients, their supporters and employees. Members of the media are invited to tour the garden on Monday, June 22 from 10 am – noon. Please bring a face mask and be prepared to receive a health screening upon entering. Donors and individuals from Renown Health Foundation will be available for interviews. Please call 775-691-7308 or email news@renown.org to RSVP by June 22 at 9:30 a.m.  “For over a decade, our staff, patients and their loved ones have found peace and solace in spending time in Fianna’s Healing Garden,” said Tony Slonim, MD, D.Ph., president and CEO of Renown Health. “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to all who played a role in the garden’s renovation, and those who bring such beauty to our campus. I hope everyone gets a chance to experience the garden’s healing effects, and with it, the beautiful legacy Fianna and her incredible family, continues today.”  Key Features  The expanded healing garden now spans 28,388 square feet and includes the following new features: More than 2,000 plants and trees Covered pavilion on the east side of the garden offers protection from the elements and can seat up to 75 people. Featured on the back wall of the pavilion is a stunning mural of Mt. Rose. Supported by the E. L. Wiegand Foundation 1,257 square feet of natural grass located in front of the pavilion, allowing garden guests a beautiful, relaxing spot to picnic. Supported by the Reno Aces Traditional rose garden featuring a variety of 20 different award-winning David Austin roses. Supported by the Fennell and Dickson families Weeping cherry tree dedicated to our healthcare heroes for their extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and to those in our community who lost their lives. Combs’ legacy is sustained through the work of her family, friends and community members. Fianna’s eldest daughter Rebecca Dickson and her brother, Harvey Fennell, played an important role in the expansion and helped lead the effort to generate over $800,000 in community support. Fianna’s other brother, Thomas M. Fennell, designed the garden’s new pavilion. Greg Walaitis, chief development officer of Renown Health Foundation said, “On behalf of Renown Health Foundation, we would like to thank Becca Dickson, Harvey and Nancy Fennell for all their hard work and leadership on this project. They knew Fianna’s vision and brought together the community support to make it a stunning reality. We thank them for their extraordinary gift of this Garden to help improve the health and wellness of patients, families and caregivers.” “It brings me great joy knowing my mother’s contribution to Renown has already made a difference in the lives of countless individuals in need of comfort and relief,” said Dickson. “The renovated garden has even more places to sit, reflect, walk, picnic, read or talk, all while embracing nature’s beauty. I can think of no better way to honor my mother’s legacy, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support of our friends and family to bring this project to life.” Ways to Support Fianna’s Healing Garden   Make a gift at renown.org/give Call Renown Health Foundation at 775-982-5545 Mail a check to Renown Health Foundation, 1155 Mill St., O2, Reno, NV 89502 Venmo: @RenownFoundation Special Thanks  Renown Health Foundation would like to thank the following organizations and individuals, for the garden expansion would be impossible without their support:   E. L. Wiegand Foundation Reno Aces Harvey and Nancy Fennell  Rebecca Dickson  Thomas M. Fennell, Fennell-Purifoy Architects Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation Monroe/Schuler Foundation Thelma and Thomas Hart Foundation E.L. Cord Foundation Marie Crowley Foundation Jerry and Roxie Enneking Dr. David and Jennifer Smith  David Geddes Victor Bucher Cary Lurie Renown Employees Architect: Dale Cox Architects  Landscaping: Reno Green Landscaping Contractor & Builder: Clark/Sullivan Construction  Sounds of Garden: Sierra Integrated Systems   “My belief is that nature is the most healing element in our environment, it brings us to a more natural and comfortable place within ourselves” - Fianna Dickson Combs   About Renown Health  Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, Renown Children’s Hospital, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Healing Garden at Renown Expands Over 14,000 Square Feet

Funds used to stand up virtual screenings, purchase telehealth equipment, provide virtual care and enhance remote monitoring services to help keep the community safe Renown Health Foundation announced today that it is the recipient of a $977,720 grant from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The funding will be used to offset the expenses of various telehealth programs implemented during the current COVID-19 pandemic. A portion of the grant will also be used to help Renown expand its remote monitoring capabilities, reshaping the way patients receive care from the comfort of their homes.  “Virtual technology is shaping the future of medicine and how we deliver care to our patients,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, president and CEO of Renown Health. “It’s convenient, fast, reliable and accessible to everyone with a mobile device. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I have witnessed the incredible power of technology to ensure our patients receive quality care when and where they need it. I look forward to the future of digital health as we continue expanding our virtual service offerings, contributing to a happier, healthier community.” Renown will use a portion of the funding to offset expenses incurred to establish the virtual COVID-19 visit screenings for the pandemic. These on-line, virtual visits allowed individuals with signs of respiratory illness across Nevada and California to be screened by a care provider for COVID-19. Previously, a screening was required for patients to receive a test, making this a critical tool to help our region flatten the curve.   The grant will also support Renown’s efforts to introduce a dedicated platform to enable all specialists and urgent care providers to deliver virtual care to patients, if their care needs can be met through a virtual platform. These visits have been essential as community members continue to practice physical distancing and many live in rural communities. “We are incredibly thankful for the support of the FCC, as this grant has already played a huge role in the way our community receives the care they need and deserve,” said Renown’s chief development officer, Greg Walaitis. “During the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, it will help us ensure all patients in our area have access to care from their homes or nearby locations.”  Furthermore, the grant will support some of the technology and equipment used in Renown’s Alternate Care Site located in its Mill Street Parking structure.  “Though we are fortunate our Alternate Care Site remains unused today, the facility is equipped with computers and tablets embedded with telehealth solutions, all supported by the FCC grant,” said Renown’s director of telehealth, Mitchell Fong. “This technology would allow our providers to treat and monitor our patients with COVID-19 without being exposed to the virus, so they can remain healthy and a vital part of the care team where they are needed most.”  Renown purchased video conference software licenses to support these virtual programs. Aside from connecting patients to care providers, the technology was used to enhance a patient’s hospital stay and make them feel more emotionally comfortable and connected.  “Before initiating our Patient Supporter program, we weren’t allowing visitors in our hospitals due to the pandemic to help keep patients, staff and our community safe,” said Fong. “The purchase of video conferencing licenses helped patients from all hospital units connect with loved ones via videoconferencing calls facilitated by their care providers. We know these interactions are an important aspect of a patient’s healing experience, and the FCC grant made it possible for countless patients to stay in touch with their external support networks.”  Finally, the FCC funding will allow Renown to expand and enhance its remote monitoring services, particularly for hospital patients who have recovered from COVID-19. Renown is currently exploring tools for providers to virtually – and seamlessly – monitor and track their patient’s oxygen levels, among other vitals, once they go home. This will aid in smooth and efficient transitional care, as the recovery period after a patient is discharged from the hospital is considered exceptionally critical.       About Renown Health   Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, Renown Children’s Hospital, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Health Awarded Nearly 1 Million Grant from the FCC

Flatbed concert by power house group Jelly Bread set to commemorate this monumental gift from the Robert and Dorothy Keyser Foundation. Renown Health Foundation announced today that the LOVE sculpture, a one-ton, welded aluminum artwork with letters 10-feet tall and eight-feet wide, has found a permanent home at Renown Regional Medical Center’s main entrance thanks to a donation from the Robert and Dorothy Keyser Foundation. To celebrate, Renown has partnered with Carson City’s Brewery Arts Center to bring music to the people of 89502with a flat bed concert by the nationally-touring band and Jelly Bread. The concert will be tonight from 5-8 p.m. and the truck will stop at various locations near the LOVE sculpture, playing feel-good, urban sounds of funk and rock. See the official concert route here and attached.    “Since April and the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the LOVE sculpture has been a powerful source of hope, inspiration and determination for our community,” said Blake Smith, chair of the Keyser Foundation. “Now, we can’t imagine the entrance of the hospital without it. We are happy that the incredible piece of art will continue shining a bright light while spreading warmth and comfort to all who care for those in our hospitals, patients and families, and those who pass by.” Blake Smith will be at the LOVE sculpture today from 11 a.m. – noon to speak on the Keyser Foundation’s donation. A Renown spokesperson will also be available to speak on the evening’s traveling flatbed concert festivities. Members of the media are invited to the LOVE sculpture tonight at 5 p.m. to cover the concert.    The LOVE structure was originally slated to be on display at Renown from April 16-July 16 as part of a partnership with local non-profit, Artown. However, because of the generosity of the Keyser Foundation, the sculpture will remain in its current location, clearly visible to employees, physicians, patients, families and vehicular and pedestrian traffic along the Mill and Ryland Street corridors.    Dr. Tony Slonim, president and CEO of Renown says, “Purchasing the LOVE sculpture to stay on our Regional Medical Center campus was an incredible act of love demonstrated by our former Renown Board Chair, Blake Smith and the Keyser Foundation— a love for our community, a love for those fighting for their health and a love for those fighting to keep our community safe. This piece of art has already inspired so many and comforted those in need during such a notable time in our nation’s history. I encourage everyone to experience this wonderful gift to our community.”   To celebrate the sculpture’s new home, Jelly Bread will play an upbeat musical set on a traveling flatbread truck, sharing the love with nearby neighborhoods and parks—beginning and ending at the LOVE sculpture.  “We are extremely grateful to Blake Smith and the Keyser Foundation for bestowing a gift our entire community can enjoy,” said Renown Health Foundation’s chief development officer, Greg Walaitis. “Since the concept of love and music are harmonious, we can’t imagine a better way to celebrate this gift than with a community-wide flatbed concert by a band that exudes positivity, and of course, LOVE.” Debuting at Burning Man in 2019, the LOVE sculpture was created by artist Laura Kimpton and fabricated by Jeff Schomberg. Over the years, the duo has collaborated to create 18 letter-based sculptures—including the popular BELIEVE and HOME, which are located in Reno and OINK and MOM pieces, which have been featured around the world.  Renown believes that healthcare and the arts work hand-in-hand to help heal the mind, body and soul. Displays of visual art and musical performances can be observed at Renown locations throughout the region, year-round.  Ways to Support the Arts at Renown Health: Make a gift at renown.org/give Call Renown Health Foundation at 775-982-5545 Mail a check to Renown Health Foundation, 1155 Mill St., O2, Reno, NV 89502 Venmo: @RenownFoundation     About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath, Neurosciences and Robotic Surgery. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Iconic Love Sculpture to Make Permanent Home at Renown