The Pulse Navy Medicine

NAVAL HOSPITAL JACKSONVILLE, FLA. World Class Care…

Anytime, Anywhere
Spring 2009

Inside ths issue

CO’s Message 2

Women’s Heart Health 4

Food For Your Eyes 5

Baby News 6
Red Cross Recruiting
Teen Volunteers
TRICARE Advisors 7
in new offices
Tooth Care Promotion
Pet Visitation Program 8

Grapevine—Walker is 9
NH Jacksonville
Sailor of the Year

NH Jacksonville 10
Civilians of the Year

NH Jacksonville Core 11
and Branch Health
Clinic Top Sailors

More Top Sailors 12

First in Service
Disaster Preparedness 13
Training keeps

New Officers in 14
‘Navy Medicine’s humanitarian civil assistance (HCA) missions offer Charge at Kings Bay
a positive vision of hope and opportunity rooted in our history and and Albany Clinics
in the promise of our future. HCA missions reflect our belief in the
worth, dignity, equality and value of every person in the world.’ — More NH Jax News 15
Surgeon General of the Navy Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr.
Naval Hospital Jacksonville staff members joined an international civilian and Phone Directory 16
government team in making a difference in the lives of thousands in Latin America
during Operation Continuing Promise 2008. The photos above show Lt. Cmdr.
Celeste Santana, Lt. Carmon Harmon and HN Shanisha Fitch and other Operation
Continuing Promise volunteers working with home-
home-country patients and school For more NH Jax news go to:
children during the August—
August—December cruise. For more see page 8. navalhospitaljax.med.navy.mil
 A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER
N aval Hospital Jackson-
ville is focused on taking
the health care we offer
from “Good to Great.” This re-
flects a business philosophy out-
lined in the well-known book of
that title by Jim Collins.
A central theme in the book
is that organizations that make
Capt. Bruce Gillingham
the leap from “Good to Great”
steadily build on their successes to accelerate “the
flywheel” of improvement. They objectively face the
“brutal facts” learned from less successful outcomes
and study them in detail to improve the way they op-
erate. Lasting success is not based on the stellar
achievements of a star figurehead, but on the cumu-
lative improvements of the entire team. Great organi-
zations empower all team members to recognize
problems before they become a crisis and to speak
up and be heard.
This may sound familiar to those of you who are
members of the aviation community. Aviation has
long practiced the concepts of “crew resource man-
agement” emphasizing the importance of clear com-
munication between all levels of the crew, starting
with a pre-flight brief that emphasizes each crew
members responsibilities to the common mission.
These techniques are honed in a simulation environ-
ment in which aircrews simulate scenarios in which
unexpected, even frightening challenges are thrown
into the mix. The idea is that if the crew members
effectively communicate, collaborate and coordinate
their response in the drill situation, they are better
prepared to respond correctly under the pressure of
a real event.
Navy Medicine, working with the DoD Patient
Safety Program, TRICARE Management Activity and
the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, is
implementing a program based on the principles of
crew resource management to better prepare medi-
cal teams to recognize and resolve crisis issues.
This program, called TeamSTEPPS™, stands for
Team Strategies & Tools to Enhance Performance
and Patient Safety. I’m proud to report that NH Jack-
sonville is one of the first military treatment facilities
to implement this program.
Through this program health care members are,
in the jargon of the aviation community, trained to
hear low amplitude signals before they become high
volume. In other words they spot potential problems,
surface them by communicating with other members
Page 2
of the team and are prepared through training
and practice to deal with them before they be-
come a disaster. The recent successful landing
of the US Airways passenger plane on New
York’s Hudson River is an example of an air crew
who had this down to an art. Similar “miracles”
can and do happen in the medical field and
TeamSTEPPS™ is a tool designed to make them
happen more often. This program holds promise
for improving safety for patients whether they are
treated in the hospital emergency room, the op-
erating room, in labor and delivery, or in a war
zone.
Patient safety and prevention of patient harm
occurs at three inter-related levels or tiers:
Tier I: System Approach. This tier recog-
nizes that the majority of patient harm comes
from errors in a systemic process. Improvements
at this level are made after careful review of the
systemic factors that contributed to the error in
order to minimize the chances that they will occur
again in the future.
Tier II: Anticipation. This tier is predicated
on the understanding that, even in the best de-
signed systems, errors will still occur. Therefore,
the strategy in this tier is to anticipate that these
errors will occur and build multiple buffers into
the system that will interrupt the chain of events
between the error and its harming of the patient.
Tier III: Prove It. This tier recognizes that
human beings are fallible. Although tiers I and II
minimize and anticipate errors, this tier requires
that health care workers adopt a “prove it” mind-
set. For instance, when a nurse is verifying a
medication prior to administering it to a patient,
the appropriate mindset is not to assume that it is
correct but to adopt an attitude that the medica-
tion is incorrect and could be harmful to the pa-
tient until he or she has proven it correct and
safe. Or when the nurse is transfusing blood, it
should be assumed that the blood is the wrong
type, even if the paperwork has already been
checked by others previously. In both instances
the caregiver must prove that it is correct, not
assume that it is.
TeamSTEPPS™ integrates concepts from all
three tiers, emphasizing the enhanced patient
safety that results from collaboration, communi-
cation and coordination. Although not a panacea,
it is an important step in strengthening our
Continued on page 3
culture of safety as we transition from “Good to
Great.”
More than 30 members of the NH Jax staff have
already completed TeamSTEPPS™ training and are
mentoring co-workers. We’re starting with the high-
risk, high-volume areas such as operating rooms
(OR), labor and delivery and the Emergency Depart-
ment but eventually this will touch every department
and every member of our staff. TeamSTEPPS™ is
truly multi-disciplinary, involving junior and senior
providers, nurses, interns and residents, civilians,
our enlisted and administrators – all essential mem-
bers of your health care team.
I was very involved in the implementation of
TeamSTEPPS™ at other Military Treatment Facili-
ties including Naval Medical Center (NMC) Ports-
mouth, Va. and NMC San Diego. The results were
impressive. As an orthopedic surgeon, I’ve seen how
the program empowers everyone, from the lowest
ranking operating room technician to the nurses and
surgeons, to effectively enhance patient safety. That
E-2 OR tech who calls a “time out” if they spot
something not quite right just before surgery, is just
as much a hero as the nurse, the anesthetist or the
surgeon, who catches an error in the patient chart or
realizes a sponge is unaccounted for just before
closing. Teamwork, effective communication and
real-time problem solving are crucial elements in this
program.
I saw this in practice while deployed to a surgical
shock trauma platoon in Iraq during Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Early on, our unit, which received a high
volume of severely wounded casualties from Fallujah
and Ramadi, received feedback from the higher
echelon treatment facilities that the patients we had
resuscitated and operated on were arriving to them
with lowered body temperatures. Our group brain-
stormed about possible solutions to this problem
which was due to the air currents in the helicopters
taking the patients to Baghdad. After we’d tried
NAVAL HOSPITAL JACKSONVILLE, FLA.
Commanding Officer
CAPT BRUCE L. GILLINGHAM, MC, USN
Executive Officer
CAPT JENNIFER VEDRAL-BARON, NC, USN
Command Master Chief
CMDCM(AW/SW) CAMERON W. BRACEWELL, USN
The Pulse is published quarterly by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Hospital Jacksonville. It is an authorized publication for members of the military
and their families. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy and
do not imply endorsement thereof. If you have questions or suggestions regarding this publication, please email: Loren.Barnes@med.navy.mil, call
(904) 542-7417 or mail your question to Public Affairs Office, 2080 Child St., Jacksonville, FL 32214-5000. Mail delivery subscription also available.
several options for keeping the patients warm, in-
cluding using special warming blankets to no avail,
a junior hospital corpsman suggested putting the
patients in body bags modified with openings for
their head. As you might expect, this was initially
greeted with muted enthusiasm, but after giving the
idea a chance, we discovered it worked extremely
well. This real time solution to a vexing and danger-
ous patient care challenge improved the patient’s
body temperature throughout the flight and greatly
improving chances for recovery. The lesson for me
was that great patient safety innovations don’t just
come from those with advanced healthcare de-
grees. Had the corpsman opted to stay quiet fearing
a negative response from his seniors a great idea
might have been wasted and many more patients
would have been at much greater risk.
Obstetrics/Gynecology Department Head Cmdr.
Mark Fowler, a key leader in our TeamSTEPPS™
implementation, notes that the program is evidence-
based with studies indicating a 30-50 percent de-
cline in adverse outcomes in health care facilities
that have adopted it. Although our program is still in
its infancy, Fowler said he sees great promise. He
predicts it will help NH Jax develop an even
stronger culture of patient safety, not only benefit-
ting patients but enhancing staff job satisfaction as
well.
I share his enthusiasm. The TeamSTEPPS™
philosophy will be integral to the care you receive at
Naval Hospital Jacksonville. I have challenged my
staff to think back to the best team they were ever
involved with and to replicate that level of collabora-
tion, coordination and communication here. High
performance organizations never rest on their lau-
rels. Implementation of the TeamSTEPPS program
is yet another example that we are never satisfied
with the status quo and will continually pursue cut-
ting edge strategies to ensure the high quality
healthcare you deserve.
Public Affairs Officer
NEIL GUILLEBEAU
Editor
LOREN BARNES
Marketing, Special Contributor
MARSHA CHILDS
Photographers
HM1(SW) Michael Morgan & HN Jermaine Derrick
Page 3
 NH Jax observes Red Dress Day
‘Heart Disease, #1 Killer of American Women’
By Marsha Childs
Naval Hospital
Jacksonville ob-
served Red Dress
Day on Feb. 6 with
a health fair to raise
awareness about
heart disease and the
risks to American women. Terry Botkin, RN secures a Red Dress pin on Fran
Heart disease is the na- Smith , RN . (Photo by Marsha Childs)
tion’s leading cause of
death for men and women, al-
though many women think it is a
man’s disease and fail to take it
as a serious threat.
February is designated as
American Heart Month. It is a
natural fit as we think of Valen-
tine’s Day associated with im-
ages of the heart. But the heart
is much more than a symbol. It
is also the vital organ that
pumps blood throughout our
bodies. Many of us tend to take
our heart for granted until it
stops working properly.
The hospital’s Wellness Center
Department Head, Lt. Cmdr.
Stacey Dawson, organizer of the
event, believes you are what
you eat. She said, “Sixty-five
percent of all Americans over 20
are overweight or obese. That’s
a pretty scary statistic.”
Dawson explained Americans
are getting bigger from a combi-
nation of factors. Americans are
leading inactive lifestyles, eating
bigger portion sizes, and eating
more processed foods with
fewer nutrients.
Page 4
Eating well-balanced meals and
reducing or avoiding certain foods
can lower your risk for heart dis-
ease. A serving of lean meat
should be no larger than the size
of your computer’s mouse. At din-
nertime, fill your plate with twice
as many fruits and vegetables as
other foods and choose fat-free
dairy products whenever possible.
Naval Hospital Jacksonville’s
Public Health Director, Cmdr. Jo-
seph McQuade, warns about the
two major risks associated with
heart disease. He said, “Cigarette
smoke contains carbon monoxide,
a toxic gas that decreases the
blood’s ability to carry oxygen.”
Long-term exposure at lower
levels can lead to heart disease
and brain damage.
Smoking also prompts the liver
to increase the production of low
density lipoproteins (LDL) that is
rich in cholesterol. Unfortunately,
it is the bad kind that forms plaque
and clogs the arteries resulting in
cardiovascular disease.
McQuade also warned about a
new fad many young adults are
trying. “Many smokers believe
that smoking flavored tobacco
through a hookah water pipe re-
moves the nicotine, but this sim-
ple isn’t the case. They are sub-
ject to all the dangers a regular
smoker faces,” he said.
Another key factor that contrib-
utes to heart disease is physical
inactivity. Most Americans are
not physically active enough to
gain any health benefits. Activi-
ties such as swimming, cycling,
jogging, skiing, dancing and
walking can all help you heart.
The American Heart Associa-
tion suggests healthy adults
ages 18 to 65 should be getting
at least 30 minutes of moderately
intense activity five days each
week or vigorous aerobic activity
for a minimum of 20 minutes
three days weekly. But be sure
to check with your doctor before
starting any exercise program,
especially if you have long term
medical conditions or physical
conditions that affect your ability
to move.
Sometimes getting started is the
hardest part, but fitting physical
activities into your daily life is
easier than you think. Start with
short walks and work up to 30
minutes. To keep fit at the office,
start off your day by parking far-
ther away from the building and
walking the extra distance.
Include activity in your life
through play and recreation. Go
dancing, fly a kit or play Frisbee.
Play tennis, play badminton, play
anything. Just keep moving!
 pening your
eyes to healthy
eating habits

From the NH Jax Optometry Clinic

March is “Save Your Vision Month.” Honoring that

observance the NH Jax’s Optometry Clinic reminds
you that caring for your eyes includes paying atten-
tion to nutrition.
Approximately 43 million Americans suffer from
age-related macular degeneration or cataracts, the
two leading causes of vision loss and blindness.
Based on research from multiple studies, there is a
strong correlation between good nutrition and the
prevention of these age-related eye diseases. By
eating foods rich in seven nutrients—lutein, zeax-
anthin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E,
and zinc—you can help protect your eye sight and
vision.
“Basic and clinical research has shown that nutri-
ents in eye-healthy foods can lower the risk of vi-
sion loss,” said Dr. Todd Lauby, department head
of Optometry.
“While vision loss may not occur until your senior
years, I recommend specific nutrients to all my pa- well-balanced diet that includes the currently rec-
tients. I also emphasize the necessity of wearing ommended five to nine servings of fruits and vege-
UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors as well as smok- tables a day whenever possible.
ing cessation in order to help prevent future vision Lauby recommends consuming the nutrients
loss due to certain eye diseases.” above as key nutrients for eye health. Ingestion
The American Optometric Association recom- through food is preferred instead of pill form; how-
mends eating a diet with a variety of foods loaded ever, in some cases, dietary supplements may be
with key nutrients for maintaining and improving necessary. Always consult your primary care pro-
eye health. Avoid hydrogenated fats and eat a vider before taking any dietary supplements.

New babies the TeamSTEPPS™ way
Participants remain standing during the brief
which is usually done in five minutes or less and
only proceeds when all the key players are pre-
sent. (Photo by HN Jermaine Derrick)
Communication between all members of the health care team is key to
quality and patient safety. This is particularly true in obstetrics. The
new evidence-based program (TeamSTEPPS™) is being implemented
here to facilitate better communication between doctors, nurses, hospi-
tal corpsmen and other staff caring for the new mom and baby (See
CO’s Message, page 2). A key initiative in this approach is the shift turn
over brief in which unit leadership share the specifics on each patient’s
case enabling the development of a mental picture of every patient as
the shift begins. This ensures that everyone is on the same page with
patient care expectations. Like an aircrew doing flight checks before
take-off, this process decreases surprises and better prepares the staff
to deal with the unexpected. The hand-off covers 4 Ps: patient, problem,
plan and precautions. Also discussed are scheduled procedures, staff-
ing issues, expected admissions and discharges, and equipment is-
sues. This approach is promising for managing complex pregnancies
and proactively identifying high-risk situations.

Page 5
 Red Cross recruiting
Welcome Junior Volunteers
aboard Noah The NH Jax Red Cross Junior
NH Jax’s first baby of ‘09 Summer Volunteer Program is tak-
ing applications for 2009. If your

C
teen is dependable, accepts re-
elebrating the New
sponsibility and has a desire to help
Year’s Day birth of their
the community and meets the re-
son Noah Rylan Jacobs,
quirements, then the Junior Volun-
hospital Executive Officer Capt.
teer Summer Program is for them.
Jennifer Vedral-Baron present
High school students 15 to 18 are
Melissa and CSCS Greg Jacobs
encouraged to apply by May 1. En-
a congratulatory certificate from
rollment is limited, so apply early.
NH Jax on Jan. 2. Noah was the
The Red Cross volunteer chairman
hospital’s first delivery in 2009,
will interview all applicants for ap-
arriving at 9:16 a.m., Jan. 1.
proval. The teens will be assigned
Chief Jacobs serves aboard the
to designated hospital areas under
USS Vicksburg. Mom’s preg-
staff supervision. The program re-
nancy was followed by Cmdr.
quires a minimum of four hours per
Ruth Duda and the delivery was
week and a maximum of 24 hours a
performed by Lt. Cmdr Jason
week. Return applications to the
Bosco assisted by Lt. John
Red Cross Office by May 1, with a
Saenz with follow-up care in the
hospital’s OB/Gyn and Maternal copy of the applicant’s current
Infant Unit. PPD. Orientation is June 8-9,
(Photos by HN Jermaine Derrick) Room 205, Bldg. 2004 on the hos-
pital campus. Call 542-7525.
Free Weekly Parenting E-mail
Perinatal Class Schedule
Step by step through baby’s first year

E
Classes are by appointment only. Call
xpecting and new parents receiving care at 542-BABY to schedule. All classes
NH Jax now have a trusted resource to guide except breastfeeding are in the Family
them through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and Medicine conference room. Breast-
the first year of their baby’s life: the NH Jax weekly feeding is in the main 2nd deck confer-
parenting e-mail. This free service, available on the ence room.
hospital’s Internet site,
Alisa Davis, RN http://navalhospitaljax.med.navy.mil, includes cus-
Baby Boot Camp
tomized information, news, and resources - and an- 8 a.m. - noon— May 6, June 3
nouncements from the hospital’s parent education staff, access to Prepared Childbirth
hospital classes, and tour information - all delivered to your e-mail 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.—April 18, May 16,
in-box. Besides providing great information to parents, it also al- June 13
lows staff to develop a richer, more supportive relationship with Third Trimester Class
patients. When you register for the weekly parenting e-mail, you’ll 9-10:30 a.m.—April 27, May 18, June
receive information tailored to your week of pregnancy and then 22
the age of your newborn. This service is powered by The Parent New OB Intake—First-time Moms
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.—April 17; 24 May 18
Review. Authorization is for the duration of your pregnancy and
and June 22
through the first year of infancy, and will automatically expire on
New OB—Experienced Moms
your baby’s first birthday. The Weekly Parenting E-mail provides: 1:15-3 p.m.—April 16, 13, 20, 27; May
• Weekly support, tips and advice from NH Jax 4, 11, 18; June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• Great resources to better support you Hypnobirthing
• Your baby’s developmental milestones, week by week Five weekly classes, 5:30-8 p.m., Next
session TBA.
• Research findings that impact your child’s development.
Page 6
 NH Jax TRICARE Office renovations
enhance privacy, comfort, efficiency
By Loren Barnes

V isitors to NH Jax’s TRICARE Health Benefits Office

are now being served in newly renovated spaces.
The TRICARE area, located on the second floor of
the facility’s main tower, has been divided into individual
offices in which each health care beneficiary advisor can
work with customers in a more private and comfortable set-
ting. Previously the HBA area was crowded and divided by
cubicle partitions. The renovation was completed by con-
tracting firm IAP Hill for $85,000. It was overseen by Jim
MacKinder of NH Jax Facilities.
“This is yet another testimonial to our desire to make sure
that we are offering the best possible experience to our pa-
tients,” Capt. Bruce Gillingham, hospital commanding offi-
cer, said. “It is another demonstration of how much we
value them… to have auditory privacy.” Gillingham also
NH Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce Gilling-
lauded the HBAs courteous, efficient service. ham, and Director, TRICARE Business Operations
“It’s all about patient privacy,” HBA Office Supervisor Capt. Brenda Baker, cut a cake for guests as part
Cathy Chapman said. “We can sit in our offices and give of the official opening of the newly renovated TRI-
them our full attention, one-on-one. We can conduct busi- CARE office suite. Looking on (left to right) is TRI-
ness, make phone calls, and work cases with complete pri- CARE Health Benefits Office Supervisor Cathy
Chapman, NH Jax Executive Officer Capt. Jennifer
vacy and fewer distractions. That change has been well re- Vedral-Baron and CMDCM(AW/SW), Cameron
ceived by hospital customers. Bracewell. There was also an official ribbon cutting
To meet with a TRICARE HBA visit their new spaces on for the Feb. 9 event.
the hospital’s second floor, room 2026 or call 542-9164.
(Photo by HN Jermaine Derrick)

Keys to good "Children's teeth are

HM3 Andrew
meant to last a lifetime
dental health and with proper care, a Herzberg

B
shows a
balanced diet and regu-
rushing – Done two lar dental visits, chil-
Sigbee
times a day, this re- Elementary
dren can have a lifetime
moves plaque, a sticky School
of healthy smiles." -- student how
bacterial film that's always ADA President Mark J.
forming in your mouth. Plaque to brush
Feldman, D.M.D. properly.
is a direct cause of cavities,
NBHC Key
it's also a major contributor to gum disease which can West Dental
lead to tooth loss in adulthood. Brushing keeps your teeth staff in-
and mouth clean and bright, your breath fresh. structed chil-
Flossing - Along with brushing, flossing can often prevent dren from 10
or reverse the gum disease "gingivitis.” classes on
Fluorides - prevents cavities by strengthening and pro- proper dental
tecting the tooth enamel from acid. Fluoride can be found hygiene on
in toothpastes, community water supplies, over-the- Feb. 20,
counter mouth rinses, gels and solutions, drops and die- marking Chil-
tary supplements. dren’s Dental (Photo by MC2 Rachel McMarr,
Health Month. Southernmost Flyer)
Dental Checks - See your dentist regularly.
By Marsha Childs

Page 7
P
et Visitation
Making rounds, sharing
By Loren Barnes
There’s nothing like
belly rubs, hugs and kisses
to make your hospital visit
less stressful. Just ask
Molly!
No, Molly isn’t a patient,
she’s part of the NH Jax
staff with a hospital ID to
prove it. Four-year-old
Molly and 18-month-old
Teddy are Cavalier King
Charles Spaniels owned by
Cmdr. Deborah Roy, NH
Jax Nursing’s assistant di-
rector. They are the first
Molly and Cmdr. Deborah
Roy help relieve patient
dogs in the new Pet Visita-
Rose Thurman’s stress in tion program.
the Emergency Room. Roy said, “The dogs
provide a positive diver-
sion from the normal hospital environment and
help folks feel more at home. Many patients and
visitors reminisce about their pets and their impact
in their life. The visits provide stress relief and a
positive interaction that does not involve the medi-
cal illness they are being treated for.” The dogs
never approach patients, visitors or staff without
their permission or if it is medically inappropriate.
Roy is recruiting more volunteers and dogs. To
participate, dogs should be at least one year old,
any breed. They must hold a Canine Good Citizen
certification, a simple obedience test available
through the American Kennel Club. Go to AKC.org.
Dogs must be on year-round flea/tick and heart
worm prophylaxis and healthy. They are evaluated
by the NAS Jax veterinarian annually.
Dog owners will be interviewed for the program
and will attend the NH Jax American Red Cross
orientation program. Handlers are asked to volun-
teer for at least one hour per month. “It takes about
one hour to complete a set of rounds and dogs get
tired around that time,” Roy explained.
According to the CDC, pets can help decrease
blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels
and feelings of loneliness. They increase opportu-
nities for exercise, outdoor activities and socializa-
tion. Perhaps pets’ biggest benefit is unconditional
love. To volunteer your pet call Roy at 542-7635.
Page 8
‘Continuing Promise’
from page 1
By Loren Barnes
Naval Hospital Jacksonville Individual Augmen-
tees (IAs) were vital to Operation Continuing Prom-
ise in 2008 serving aboard the hospital ship USNS
Comfort (T-AH-203) and the USS Kearsarge (LHD
3) in the Caribbean and Central and South Ameri-
can cruises.
Three NH Jax providers served aboard the USS
Kearsarge, Aug. 2 to Dec. 2, alongside more than
1,500 volunteers from an international partnership
of government and nongovernmental agencies.
The cruise brought Navy Surgeon General Vice
Adm. Adam Robinson’s vision of “hope and oppor-
tunity” to thousands of people in Nicaragua, Co-
lombia, the Dominican Republic, Curacao, Trini-
dad, Haiti and Guyana.
The Kearsarge not only provided medical assis-
tance to the people of these countries but also
aided recovery efforts after Haiti’s hurricanes with
Seabee engineering assets.
NH Jax Public Health/Environmental Health Offi-
cer Lt. Cmdr. Celeste Santana, Physician Lt. Car-
mon Harmon (NBHC Jax) and Pharmacy Techni-
cian HN Shanisha Fitch were there.
The mission participants saw first hand in many
regions the poorest of the poor struggling to sur-
vive in appalling living conditions, with little medical
care. Health issues virtually eliminated in more de-
veloped countries are still big problems there.
Santana said the health care teams dealt with the
entire spectrum of maladies of poor tropical coun-
tries - malaria and widespread tuberculosis, para-
sitic infections, malnutrition, untreated injuries and
the full range of sexually transmitted diseases. Her
efforts, recognized with a Navy and Marine Corps
Commendation Medal, dealt with issues ranging
from educating teens about hygiene, dental care
and STDs to a crisis in Colombia in which cyanide
entered a local water supply when a barge acci-
dent sank drums of the deadly poison into a river.
Fitch, who organized and dispensed medications
also helped de-worm more than 7,000 children,
saw more than 300 in sick call, cross-trained on
the ward and in surgery and was amazed by the
people’s resilience to dire circumstances. She said
there were always people they couldn’t reach
Continued on page 10
The Grapevine
Walker is NH Jax
Sailor of the Year
By Loren Barnes
“It is an unexpected honor to be
selected as the overall Naval Hospital
Jacksonville Sailor of the Year (SOY),”
said Hospital Corpsman First Class
Leilei L. Walker, who works in Naval
Branch Health Clinic Kings Bay’s Den-
tal Department. Also selected as the
Senior Sailor of the Year for the hospi-
tal’s seven Naval Branch Health Clin-
ics (NBHCs), HM1 Walker was named
the command-wide SOY in December.
Naval Hospital Jacksonville Com-
manding Officer Capt. Bruce Gilling-
ham described Walker as a “hard
charger” and the “number one” Sailor
under his command. He said, “Petty
Officer Walker has a cheerful, sincere,
and professional attitude. She is al-
ways polite and courteous to seniors,
and is demanding, considerate, and
imaginative in her leadership of Sail-
ors. A sincere belief in the Navy and
tremendous potential describe her
service and she is an outstanding ex-
ample to any Sailor.”
Walker is the leading petty officer
(LPO) of NBHC Kings Bay’s Dental
Department. The Quincy, Fla. native
has been a stand-out since first enlist-
ing in January 1993.
Walker said one of the most chal-
lenging jobs she has filled was as the
LPO deployed to Joint Medical Group
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from Novem-
Staff highlights
Page 9
ber, 2007 to May, 2008. There, she
oversaw 60 hospital corpsmen sup-
porting six doctors and 20 nurses. She
said, “There was no other experience
like it. It was the most unique in my
career.”
Back home she led the charge as
NBHC Kings Bay became one of the
first Navy clinics to merge dental and
medical records functions. That task
involved formulating and directing new
operating procedures and cross train-
ing efforts after a $250,000 Outpatient
Records renovation project. More than
29,000 medical and dental records
were integrated.
Described by her supervisors as a
“Sailorization Csar,” Walker enjoys
mentoring junior Sailors. “I push them
to be the best they can be by empha-
sizing training. I want to be sure that
we have Sailors who are not just
trained to fill billets but to be success-
ful in their healthcare roles.” Her men-
torship resulted in a 98 percent
enlisted retention rate and Sailors
earning honors including Junior Sailor
of the Year and Blue Jacket of the
Year as well as selection to “C”
schools. “I also look out for them on a
personal basis,” she said.
Walker is shooting for Chief Petty
Officer. A graduate of the Naval
School of Health and Science,
Advanced Medical Laboratory
Continued on page 10
Page 9
 Civilians of the Year Walker—from page 9
Technician School; she holds

exemplify leadership an Associate of Science De-

gree from Darton College, Al-
bany, Ga.
Kimberly Hanniford, a dental assistant at NBHC Ala- Walker, the Clinic’s Sexual
bany, Ga., was selected as the 2008 Category I Civil- Assault Victim Advocate, is
ian of the Year. In an interview with Southwest Geor- helping stand up a Rape Re-
gia’s Fox 31, Hanniford said, “I just put my best foot covery Task Force in Camden
forward and strive for excellence in my personal life as County to provide victim coun-
well as professionally… When I took this job I thought seling and assistance. “There is
it would be an opportunity to serve our patients here a great need for this service.
but also part of it is serving our country.” NBHC Al- Victims currently have to travel
bany’s Capt. William E. Butt, said “Nothing falls to Jacksonville for support ser-
through the cracks when Hanniford is on duty. “For instance, she be- vices,” she said. Walker is the
came the primary support for a visiting dental officer when the regu- Command Drug and Alcohol
larly assigned dentist was temporarily assigned duty elsewhere, em- Program Advisor and volun-
powering the dentist to meet normal production targets. She even took teers with the command Rec-
on fabricating stone casts and custom trays to allow the interim pro- reation Committee, the Chapel
vider to deliver this specific care. This care comprised over 25 percent Gospel Choir, the Poetry Club
of the entire recorded October 2008 production, valued at $26,874. In and the First and Second Class
addition she initiated and completed a much needed general supply Petty Officer Associations.
inventory and reorganized the supply storeroom, allowing rapid, accu- Walker said two people in-
rate visual inventory reviews. spire her. “One is my 12-year-
Lee Grose, a social worker in the hospital’s Sub- old daughter, Tyler, the light of
stance Abuse and Rehabilitation Program (SARP) was my life. The other is my mother,
named the Category II Civilian of the Year. “I was defi- Albesta, who is my rock.”
nitely thrilled and honored,” Grose said. “I believe eve-
rything I do is a reflection of the team we have here in Continuing Promise—
the SARP.” In the third quarter of 2008, Grose as- From page 8
sumed an additional 153 patient encounters and many
during their
hours of case management on behalf of 34 patients
short stays but
after they completed alcohol rehabilitation. He also
“all the people
improved overall patient care at SARP by integrating
we saw were
the best of Navy Medicine’s “Living in Balance” program into the
very happy, very appreciative
clinic’s Continuing Care program. And he spearheaded integration of
and very helpful,” she said
patient feedback into SARP’s clinical and administrative practices. At
noting they always said “thank
the same time, he became licensed as a clinical social worker, ena-
you.” That came from the
bling the command to gain a licensed independent practitioner without
poorest patients to high rank-
additional cost.
ing dignitaries who visited clin-
Lori Sipka, Lead Third Party Billing Agent for the Re-
ics, including Guatemala’s
source Management Directorate, took the Category III
president, she recalled.
Contractor honors. Sipka, who is contracted through
Lockheed Martin, said she sees this as a recognition of “This experience was the
all eight members of the Third Party Billing team. The most rewarding I’ve had,”
recognition focused on the fact that she led a team that Finch said.
netted the largest increase by dollars for third party On April 1, USNS Comfort ,
insurance billing collections DoD-wide. The team with 17 NH Jax IAs, picked up
saved taxpayers almost $3 million through this pro- the torch, setting sail on a 120-
gram last year. “I’m just thrilled that all our hard work day SouthCom Operation Con-
has been recognized,” Sipka said. tinuing Promise 2009 mission.
The hope continues.

Page 10
 Hospital, Branch Clinic’s Top Sailors honored
HM1 Robert J. Weber II, a Jack-
sonville, Fla. native, is the hospital
core facility’s Senior Sailor of the
Year. Weber is the leading petty
officer in Material Management,
and a vital leader in the Biomedical
Equipment Repair shop.
Since enlisting in 1991, Weber
has served around the world from
Rota, Spain and Tanzania, Africa to Sheppard Air
Force Base, Texas. He first served as a general
ward corpsman, then as a surgical technician and
finally as a biomedical repair technician.
As the Biomedical Repair floor supervisor, he
keeps things moving efficiently, and is a great men-
tor to junior Sailors, according to the department’s
Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) HMC Abdon De-
peralta. He described him as “a hard charger.” Su-
pervising five Sailors and one civilian, Weber coordi-
nates 200-300 preventive maintenance checks a
month and repairs that keep hundreds of pieces of
vital equipment up and running for the command.
Weber voluntarily deployed to Joint Medical Group
(JMG) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba from July 2007 –
February 2008. His outstanding service as the
JMG’s Biomedical Repair Technician was recog-
nized with a Joint Service Achievement Medal and a
Joint Service Commendation Medal. He was also
the JMG’s Command Fitness Leader. His leadership
in that role realized a 100 percent physical readiness
pass rate for the group. His dedication to physical
fitness continues at home where he serves as the
Director for Administration Fitness Leader.
HM2 Jerry R. Horton of Surgical
Services is the core facility Junior
Sailor of the Year. Horton hails
from Roswell, N.M. Entering the
Navy in 2000, he is a gifted surgical
technologist. He also received ba-
sic emergency medicine technolo-
gist training at Trident Community
College, Charleston, S.C.
Horton has twice deployed in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, once while
assigned to NBHC Diego Garcia and again while
assigned to NBHC Jacksonville from June 2007 –
March 2008. He was deployed with 2nd Medical
Battalion but detached to an Army Battalion in An-
bar Province providing resuscitative surgical capa-
bilities. He treated more than 300 casualties while
Page 11
there, caring for a range of military and civilian
wounded. He came to the battalion during a high-
tempo period.
At NH Jax he works in one of the hospital’s larg-
est departments managing a tremendous work-
load. As the LPO in the main operating room, he
supervised 44 junior Sailors and now, working in
the Same Day Surgery Clinic, he mentors 13 junior
Sailors and civilian personnel. Highly career moti-
vated, he is currently completing an Associate’s
Degree in Science from Florida Community Col-
lege at Jacksonville.
He is described by Ambulatory Procedures Unit
Department Head Lt. Cmdr. Francisco Wonpat, as
“an excellent leading petty officer who strives to
take care of his people. HM2 Horton displays great
leadership abilities in his daily routine as he is in-
volved in multiple administrative tasks which re-
quire great attention to detail. Through his work
and dedication, our staff has high morale which
transfers to outstanding quality care of our custom-
ers/patients as evidenced by multiple positive com-
ments submitted via the interactive customer
evaluation system."
HM3 Randy S. Cunningham, the
Blue Jacket of the Year for the NH
Jax core facility, is an Atlanta native
raised in Birmingham, Ala. He is a
stand-out in the hospital’s Director-
ate for Surgical Services.
Cunningham brought with him a valu-
able educational background when
he entered service in April 2007. He
attended the University of North Alabama and trained
at the prestigious Carraway Methodist Medical Cen-
ter’s School of Radiology in Birmingham, Ala. to be a
radiology technician. At NH Jax, he first worked as a
general duty corpsman on the hospital’s 20-bed multi-
service ward, caring for surgical, medical, psychiatric,
cardiac and pediatric patients. He has since com-
pleted the training for certification in reading and rec-
ognizing Electrocardiograms (EKG) rhythms and ar-
rhythmias. Currently working in the 18-bed, Same Day
Surgery Unit he cares for surgical patients, two
months to 93 years old. He is working toward becom-
ing a nurse by taking courses at Florida Community
College of Jacksonville and he aspires to become a
Navy Nurse Corps Officer.
Continued on page 12
Top Sailors—from page 11
Wonpat, who also heads the Same Day Sur-
gery Clinic, described Cunningham as a "highly
motivated individual who is an extraordinary
team player. His dedication to our patients/
customers and staff have set him apart from his
peers. He is highly sought after by the Endo-
scopy staff as well because they frequently re-
quest his support during times of need. HM3
Cunningham's pride and professionalism are
demonstrated daily and are reinforced by the
positive feedback from our interactive customer
evaluation system. His ambition and work ethic
will help him achieve his goal of becoming an
excellent Nurse Corps Officer."
HM2 Thomas J. Bolsega, the
Naval Branch Health Clinics’
Junior Sailor of the Year, is
from Orlando, Fla. He entered
the Navy in 2001 and was a top
graduate from Dental Techni-
cian “A” School with top gradu-
ate honors.
Bolsega’s first war zone deployment was in
Kuwait serving as a general duty corpsman
with Bravo Surgical Company, 2d Medical Bat-
talion, Camp Virginia in 2003. More recently, he
deployed to Joint Medical Group Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba from August 2007 to February 2008
where he served as the LPO and Supply Petty
Officer for the Dental Department overseeing
five hospital corpsmen in three clinics. They
provided dental care to both detainees and
U.S. service members.
Back home, he is NBHC Jax’s Front Desk
LPO and Assistant Floor Manager. Cmdr.
Garry Schulte, who heads the Dental Branch
First In Service Naval Hospital Jacksonville recently recognized various teams for shep-
herding new initiatives that improve beneficiary care. Awardees were:
Gold : Mental Health: Imple- OB-GYN: Perinatal Education
menting DoD Task Force recom-
mendations on Mental Health NBHC Mayport: Clinical Primary
Prevention and Community Health
Silver : Cardiology: Establish- Promotion
ing a Semi-Formal Chest Pain
Unit Emergency
Room: Improving
Radiology: 64 Slice Multi-
Customer Satisfac-
detector Computed Tomography tion
(MDCT) Scanner
Page 12
Clinic at NBHC Jax described Bolsega as “a franchise
player, the go-to person when you need something
done right on short notice. He's a great young leader
with interpersonal skills well beyond his peers.”
An active volunteer, Bolsega served as the president
of the clinic’s MWR Committee and as a member of
the Naval Hospital Second Class Petty Officer Asso-
ciation. He’s also worked with Volunteer Jacksonville
and recently voluntarily provided medical support for a
three-day, Sixth Marine District, “Mini-Officer Candi-
date School (OCS)” training evolution.
This was the second time for Bolsega to vie for the
overall NBHC Junior SOY recognition. “It was good to
go all the way this time,” he said. It’s been a great year
for Bolsega. On top of this honor he
became a new father in February.
HM3 Aaron C. Bruening, also of
NBHC Jax, is the NBHC Blue Jacket of
the Year. Bruening, from Grangeville,
Idaho, entered service in March 2007.
Meritoriously promoted from boot
camp, this promising Sailor completed
Hospital Corps “A” School in May 2007 and came di-
rectly to NH Jax for his first duty station. He was pro-
moted to Hospital Corpsman Third Class in January,
2008. Working as a general duty corpsman in NBHC
Jacksonville’s Aviation Medicine Department, Bruening
is a vital member of the clinic team.
Bruening’s supervisor, Flight Surgeon Lt. Cmdr.
Steve Maier, said, “HM3 came on board and immedi-
ately began a steep learning curve to take on assign-
ments in the completion of aviation physicals and act-
ing as a customer service liaison. His impact was felt
right away, and was much appreciated by our team.”
BHC Atlanta: Optimization of
Warfighter Readiness and Service
Availability
Bronze: BHC Kings Bay: Tele-
phone Consult Project
TRICARE: Relocation of the Health
Benefits Office With No Loss of Ser-
vice to Their Customers
 Ready for anything
Response training, drills
hone emergency response

Photos:

Top —HM2 Jose Torres applies fake

burns to a “victim’s” face .

Top left —In the EOC, Disaster Pre-

paredness Officer Dana Shropshire
(left) leans in to confer with Mike
Haytaian and IT2 Jacqulin Price of
the hospital’s Information Technol-
ogy Department. Meanwhile Cmdr.
Tim Richardson, Resource Manage-
ment director updates the EOC.
Naval Hospital Jacksonville medical staff constantly participate in lo-
cal, regional and national drills and training evolutions so when the call Center —A victim is assessed for
goes out for “Corpsman Up!” medical assets are ready to respond to any extent of injuries by a medical team
kind of disaster. Whether it’s a natural event, a plane crash or a nuclear, in the Naval Hospital Emergency
Department as a Medical Evaluator
biological or chemical incident, Navy Medicine’s best is ready. observes for lessons learned. In-
• The hospital’ s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was stood up cluded in the group is Dr. Michael
on the morning of March 3, as first responders rushed to the scene of Albus (left), Surgeon Lt. Cmdr. Wil-
a simulated fire near the antennae farm on the south end of NAS Jack- liam Lechuga, HN Michael Parks, HN
sonville as part of a base-wide mass casualty exercise. Jason Hyde and Respiratory Techni-
cian HM1 Edwin Edralin.
• Just a few weeks earlier the hospital’s Security department
secured the perimeter surrounding the hospital as Security personnel Lower left —A “patient” is rushed
at installations throughout the Department of Defense participated in from an ambulance into the Emer-
Operation Solid Curtain—Citadel Shield. That evolution took all DoD gency Room. Accompanying the
facilities through all threat levels as personnel responded with proper patient from the disaster scene is
security protocols. Flight Surgeon Lt Randy Fredrick.

• Ongoing training to make sure that hospital medical personnel are Top Right —NH Jax staff members
certified to handle decontamination of patients coming to the hospital scrub a “victim” in a line tent they
following a nuclear, biological or chemical event was conducted on assembled under the guidance of
Jan. 12 –16. HM2 George Fricke of Emergency Preparedness said a TVI Corp instructors. In the fore-
total of 66 staff members qualified in the training evolution which in- ground is HMC Mike Flint and TVI
cluded both classroom and actual field work with the equipment. More Corp’s Brent Fenton.
staff are scheduled to receive the training.
While everyone hopes these skills are never called for, our staff knows Photos by HN Jermaine Derrick and
that full preparation saves lives and is vital to the security of our people. Loren Barnes

Page 13
 Denton takes charge at NBHC Kings Bay
By MC3 Eric Tretter celebrated his 20th year in the
Periscope Staff Navy in January. “I would hope that

N
aval Submarine Base
Kings Bay celebrated
a Change of Charge
January 14 in which Cmdr.
Neil Heimer was relieved by
Cmdr. Danny Denton as Offi-
cer in Charge of Naval Branch
Health Clinic Kings Bay.
Many civilian and Navy em-
ployees, alongside Kings
Bay’s leaders and those from
NH Jax stood witness.
“I’m certainly glad to be
here,” said Denton, who
Taking part in the NBHC Kings Bay Jan. 14
Change of Charge were, from left, Chaplain
Aaron Jefferson, Cmdr. Neal Heimer, Cmdr.
Danny Denton and Naval Hospital Jacksonville
Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce Gillingham.
(Photo courtesy Grace Mobbs)
we can continue to provide safe,
quality , effective care to all the
beneficiaries. I look forward to great
things happening here at Kings Bay
Naval Branch Clinic.”
Denton was “coaxed” to Kings
Bay from Naval Medical Center
Portsmouth, Va., with promises of
warm weather by NH Jax Com-
manding Officer Capt. Bruce Gil-
lingham, who spoke, during the
ceremony, welcoming Denton to his
new duty station.
As for Heimer, he is headed to a
Navy Medical Embedded Training
Team at a yet unknown location.

New Officer in Charge at NBHC Albany

Story and photo by Art Powell want to do is con-
MCLB Albany, Ga. Public Affairs tinue with those

C
mdr. Chidi U. Ekenna-Kalu was named
officer in charge, Naval Branch Health
Clinic, Marine Corps Logistics Base Al-
bany, Ga., in ceremonies conducted March 16.
She replaced Lt. Cmdr. Steven Shadley who is
leaving the post after 20 months of service.
“Lt. Cmdr. Shadley is deploying to Afghanistan
and I think that’s reflective of the change in our
mission since Sept. 11 in that many of our staff are
forward deployed supporting the military forces out
there and also for nation building,” said Capt.
Bruce Gillingham, commanding officer, NH Jax.
“His job will be to help establish health clinics in
Afghanistan.”
Gillingham cited the importance of assisting in
nation building overseas but also looked at the lo-
cal job done by the personnel at the Naval Branch
Health Clinic.
“We think the personnel here at the Albany Naval
Branch Health Clinic do a great job for the Marine
Corps Logistics Base and we feel that mission is
very important,” he said.
“We have many goals already in place and what I
goals and improve
what we need to
improve and
change as events
come up,” said Ek-
enna-Kalu upon
assuming her new
responsibilities.
“Because, in the
military, you need Cmdr. Chidi U. Ekenna-Kalu, newly named
to be ready for Officer in Charge, Naval Branch Health
changes.” Clinic, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany,
speaks at the change of charge ceremony
Ekenna-Kalu,
conducted at MCLB Albany March 16.
who was commis-
sioned in 1989, has been serving at the Clinic as the resi-
dent optometrist. She said there was a lot for her to learn
as OIC but she has a “lot of help” available.
Shadley said he’s taking the experience he’s gained
leading the 46 “excellent staff members” at the Clinic with
him as he heads to Afghanistan later this year. “My job will
be to go out and help the Afghani people build clinics and a
health care system. So, I’m looking forward to taking the
knowledge I’ve gained here and in other assignments over
there to help them establish quality healthcare.”

Page 14
 Navy Junior
Nurses gather
for symposium
NH Jax Nurse Corps offi-
cer Lt. Michael Urton (left)
points out the Periopera-
tive nursing exhibit to the
Deputy Director of the
Navy Nurse Corps Capt. Kathleen Pierce (right) at the Navy Jun-
ior Nurse Corps Officers Symposium Feb. 11 at the NAS Jax Offi- We want to hear from you!
cer's Club. Addressing NH Jax nurses, Pierce said, "Junior
Nurse Corps officers are our future. It is important to dialogue Naval Hospital Jacksonville wants feed-
with junior nurses every chance you get. If I am given an oppor- back from you about your clinic experi-
tunity to share my knowledge, then I take it." She thanked Direc-
tor for Nursing Services Capt. Michael Vernere, Cmdr. Gene ence. Avenues of communication in-
Truesdell, Lt. Cmdr. Kimberly Taylor and Urton for coordinating clude the CO’s Careline (904) 542-
the event. 2273 and The Interactive Customer
(Photo by Marsha Childs)
Evaluation (ICE) system, accessible
in freestanding kiosks located in each
NMCRS: Support your shipmates: See your clinic or from your home computer (See
box above). Customer Service Repre-
Key Person to contribute to the 2009 Fund Drive sentatives are located in each clinic
and you can stop by the Customer Re-
lations Office on the hospital’s 2nd

NBHC
deck (room 2025) for assistance in re-
Pre-Deployment solving issues, fill out a Customer Com-
Mayport: Debriefing
ment sheet or call (904) 542-9175.

Saturday
Clinic hours
Naval Branch Health Clinic
(NBHC) Mayport is making
changes to the Saturday Clinic’s
hours of operation. As of April
4, the new operating hours for
the Saturday Clinic are 8 a.m. to
noon—the period when most
appointments are requested.
The weekend clinic provides
medical care to active duty
personnel, retirees and family
member over age 8 with urgent
needs. The new schedule will
expand the number of morning
appointments by adding an
additional medical provider.
Patient appointments may be
made through Central
Appointments at (904) 542-
4677.
Avoiding the Tripwires:
Living easier outside the
wire after deployment
Third Wednesday of each
month, 1-4 p.m., Branch
Health Clinic, NAS Jax,
(904) 542-3500, ext. 8837.
(Letter available to request
absence from command)
Topics of this half-day class:
Lights Out (Sleeping with-
out anxiety)
Fireworks (Controlling rage
& irritability)
Untraining the Brain
(Being less on edge)
Shaking the Blues (Finding
motivation/desire)
The War Within (Battling
memories)
Naval Hospital Jack-
sonville and its Branch
Health Clinics promote
open communication. If
you have any concerns
about patient safety or the quality of
care provided, you are encouraged to
bring these concerns to the attention of
your chain of command. If, in your opin-
ion, the concerns about patient safety
or quality of care remain unresolved,
you may report them to the Joint Com-
mission (JC) . Write to: One Renais-
sance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace,
IL, 60181 or phone (800) 994-6610).
You can e:mail: complaint@jcaho.org.
The hospital will not take retaliatory dis-
ciplinary action against anyone who
reports patient safety or quality-of-care
concerns to the JC.

Page 15
 Phone Directory
For appointments please use the Central Appointment Line for Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Pri-
mary Care Group, and Branch Health Clinics Mayport., Kings Bay and Key West. Call 542-HOSP (4677) or 1-800-JAX-HOSP
(529-4677) Monday - Friday (7 a.m. - 8 p.m.) or weekends and holidays, (7 a.m. - 8 p.m.) or weekends and holidays (7 a.m. -
3:30 p.m.). Inpatient wards are restricted. For assistance call Hospital Information at 542-7300.
Admissions....................................................................542-7811 Internal Medicine—Central Appointments…………….....542-4677
Addictions Rehabilitation Clinic (ARC)..........................542-3473 Laboratory.......................................................................542-7380
American Red Cross.....................................................542-7525 Mental Health.....................................................542-3474 ext.165
Barber Shop..................................................................542-7788 OB/GYN.................................................................542-7420/7419
Birth Certificates & Records..........................................542-7811 Optometry Appointment Lines (local - active duty only):
Branch Health Clinic Jacksonville.................................542-3500 Optometry NAS Jax ...............................................542-3500 ext.1
Branch Health Clinic Mayport.......................................270-5303 Optometry Mayport ........................................................542-4677
Central Appointments (toll free)...........................800-JAX-HOSP Optometry Kings Bay, Ga. ....................................(912) 573-4227
Cent. Appt., Nurse Call & Referral Management..........542-4677 Oral Surgery....................................................................542-7540
Chaplain’s Office...........................................................542-7532 Outpatient Records.........................................................542-7425
Chiropractic Appointments.................................542-3500, ext. 1 Overseas Screening - BHC Jax............................542-3500 ext. 1
Collection Agent...................................................542-7684/9776 Pediatric Appointments...................................................542-4677
CO’S CARE LINE..........................................................542-2273 Pharmacy (Outpatient) ...................................................542-7405
Central Sterile Supply Room (CSSR)............................542-7333 Pharmacy Call-in Refills..................................................542-7410
Customer Relations Office............................................542-9175 Pharmacy Refills (nationwide toll free).....................800-628-7427
Decedent Affairs............................................................542-7584 Poison Control (nationwide toll free)........................800-222-1222
Dental (Naval Hospital).................................................542-7540 Primary Care Group Appointments.................................542-4677
Dental (NBHC Jax)........................................................542-5441 Pulse Editor.....................................................................542-7417
Dental (Kings Bay)...............................................(912) 573-4212 Radiology........................................................................542-7363
Diabetic Education………………………………………..542-7431 Retiree Liaison................................................................542-7477
Dietetic Education (Nutrition)........................................542-9783 Same Day Surgery..........................................................542-7747
Emergency Room..........................................................542-7340 Security (Hospital)..................................................542-7546/7545
Except. Family Member Coordinator.............................542-7348 Social Worker..................................................................542-7354
Family Advocacy...........................................................542-7354 Substance Addictions Rehab Clinic................................542-3473
Family Medicine Appointments.....................................542-4677 Teen Clinic Appointments...............................................542-4677
Fleet Liaison/Med. Hold.................................................542-7557 Third Party Collection Agent.............................542-7714 ext. 148
Health Benefits Center..................................................542-9164 TRICARE Assist (NavHospJax)..................................542-9164
Health Promotions - Kings Bay..............................912-573-4237 TRICARE Service Center........................................800-444-5445
Health Promotions Clinic - Mayport...............................270-5251 Wellness Center………………………………………...….542-5292
Hospital/Patient Information..........................................542-7300

Naval Hospital Jacksonville Customer Service: NHJAXCustomerService@med.navy.mil

For ON BASE or OFF BASE ambulance service dial 911

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

PRSRT STD
COMMANDING OFFICER
US POSTAGE PAID
NAVAL HOSPITAL
JACKSONVILLE, FL
2080 CHILD STREET
PERMIT NO. 2239
JACKSONVILLE, FL. 32214-5000
ATTN: PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

Page 16