Wound Care Awareness Week 2019
Baptist Health Wound Care is helping raise awareness of chronic wounds by observing Wound Care Awareness Week June 3-7.
Baptist Health Wound Care is helping raise awareness of chronic wounds by observing Wound Care Awareness Week June 3-7. The center will dedicate the entire week to educating physicians, patients and the public about the chronic wound epidemic and advanced wound care solutions.
The Problem
Millions of people throughout the U.S. suffer every day from an epidemic that is expected to grow over the next decade: Chronic wounds. This problem drastically affects people by diminishing their overall quality of life and potentially decreasing life expectancy if left untreated. Not only are wounds painful, dangerous and scary, but it is also estimated that wounds cost the healthcare industry over $50 billion a year.
Non-healing wounds affect approximately 6.7 million people in the U.S. and the incidence is expected to rise at a rate of two percent annually over the next decade. An aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, obesity and vascular disease, contribute to the chronic wound epidemic. If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possible amputation of the affected limb. Approximately 30 percent of untreated chronic wounds result in amputation. Five years post-amputation the mortality rate is 50 percent.
The Solution
Fortunately, there is hope for people who suffer from chronic wounds. Every team member of Baptist Health Wound Care dedicates themselves each day to healing and caring for people with hard-to-heal wounds. The expertise of our specially trained providers allows the center to treat a variety of both chronic and acute wounds. An evidence-based approach and individualized treatment plans are developed based on each patient’s needs. Chad Bassi, DPM, Melissa Wilson, APRN, Jason Cumbers, MD, and Griffin Bicking, DO, all provide care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy supervision at Baptist Health Wound Care, a member of the Healogics network. The support staff includes a team of Registered Nurses who help manage and assess patient progress during their care.
“After only weeks of treatment here in our center, patients regularly ring our healing bell after having lived with their wound for years,” said program director Jamie Ehling. “The looks on their faces when they leave the center for the last time are looks of amazement. The gratitude they express to our team reminds us that we are truly changing lives.”
Baptist Health Wound Care is the only center in Kentucky and one of only 28 centers in the United States to be a President’s Circle Center of Excellence. For treatment of a wound or to refer a loved one, please call Baptist Health Wound Care at 270.575.2414.