Adventist Health Bakersfield | You + Us | Summer 2018

7 Sharing comfort and kindness Kathleen Thomas saw a need in the patients she sees every day—and knew she could help. That’s when Kathleen, a nurse in the radiology department at Adventist Health Bakersfield, began making what she calls “port pillows.” Many patients being treated for cancer receive chemotherapy through a port, a type of catheter that is often placed under the skin in a person’s chest. Kathleen’s handmade pillows are designed to pad the shoulder portion of a seat belt and provide welcome comfort for patients with a port. She makes the port pillows in a variety of fun fabrics to appeal to different people, from polka dots to sports themes. Thank you, Kathleen, for inspiring us all! Central Valley,” says supervisor Melissa Vega. “We give thanks to First 5 Kern for their continued funding and Adventist Health Bakersfield for their support. Without collaboration, this program could not be successful.” Another important part of the program is education. Members of the Mobile Immunization Team teach parents and parents-to-be about why it’s so important for kids to stay up to date on shots. They also make sure the mobile unit’s We love them. We protect them. Without proper vaccination, preventable diseases—such as measles, mumps and varicella—can threaten the health of children in our community. On a roll for healthy kids So far, the mobile unit has: Offered 3,345 clinics Seen 93,876 patients Given 246,298 vaccines Inspired to help: Kathleen Thomas sews “port pillows” to help make her patients more comfortable on their travels. monthly schedule is shared at schools, churches and other community gathering places, as well as printed in local publications. Unique program brings no-cost shots to Kern County families New look, same important mission. While the current immunization unit has a jungle-animal theme, that will be changing soon! The new design will feature Pip the Penguin, Adventist Health’s new pediatric mascot. MAYBE you’ve seen it around. It’s a colorful RV on a mission. The Children’s Mobile Immunization Program wants to help vaccinate as many Kern County kids as possible. Funded in partnership with First 5 Kern, the program provides immunization clinics via a brightly colored RV unit that travels throughout Bakersfield and surrounding communities in Kern County. Clinics are held at public places—like shopping centers, health fairs and parking lots—throughout the week, including weekends. The program provides these shots at no cost to uninsured or underinsured children under the age of 18 (some restrictions apply). “It is the only program of its kind in the