TidalHealth is Pleased to Welcome Five New Specialists to the Health System
New Specialists Join TidalHealth:Patrick Donaghue, MD, provides surgical and nonsurgical care to patients with foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, arthritis, deformity correction, and fracture care at TidalHealth Peninsula Orthopaedic Institute. As the area's only fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, Donaghue brings subspecialty expertise typically found at major academic centers to the local community, including total ankle replacement and minimally invasive techniques.
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional awarded Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from The Joint Commission
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional has received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification after demonstrating continuous compliance with performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality patient care. The certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, covers the entire continuum of care — from pre-surgical
Longtime nursing executive Karen Poisker honored with DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award
After more than four decades at what is now TidalHealth and continued service on the health system’s board, Karen Poisker, MSN, MBA, has been honored with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Poisker held numerous positions in nursing at then-Peninsula Regional Medical Center before it became part of TidalHealth, starting as a bedside nurse after graduating from the Peninsula General Hospital School of Nursing in 1975. She advanced into many roles, becoming vice president for patient care services/chief
Lung cancer screenings offered Saturday, Nov. 14
High-risk current or former cigarette smokers can get screened for lung cancer on National Lung Cancer Screening Day — Saturday, Nov. 14 — in Salisbury, Berlin and Seaford. These Saturday sessions are being added to assist people who might not be able to attend regular weekday screenings but are not free of charge. Most insurances are accepted, and eligibility requirements will be shared prior to signing up. Those without health insurance coverage are still encouraged to call and speak with a TidalHealth
TidalHealth announces 2025 Team Members of the Year
SALISBURY, Md., and SEAFORD, Del. — TidalHealth is pleased to announce the following four Team Members of the Year. The 2025 award year covers three quarters of 2025 and the first of 2026: TidalHealth Nanticoke’s 2025 Clinical Team Member of the Year Brittany Bell of the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) is TidalHealth Nanticoke’s 2025 Clinical Team Member of the Year. Bell, a unit secretary, provides a bright smile on a busy shift, is always ready to offer a kind word of encouragement, and asks team members
2026 New primary care practitioners and specialists join TidalHealth
SALISBURY – TidalHealth is pleased to welcome five new primary care and specialty practitioners to the health system. Maria Henriquez, MD, provides care at TidalHealth Primary Care in Seaford, Delaware. A member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), Henriquez brings extensive clinical, leadership, volunteer, quality improvement, and research experience to her practice. She is committed to providing evidence-based care while building meaningful relationships with her patients and their
TidalHealth to hold Infant Loss Memorial Walk Oct. 15 in Salisbury
SALISBURY – October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, remember babies lost during pregnancy or infancy, and to support families who’ve experienced loss and let them know they are not alone. In observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day on Oct. 15, TidalHealth’s Special Treasures Are Remembered (STAR) program will host an Infant Loss Memorial Walk at 5:30 pm at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, 100 E. Carroll St., Salisbury, MD 21801. The event will
TidalHealth to host trunk-or-treat events across Delmarva
BERLIN, CRISFIELD, SALISBURY & SEAFORD – TidalHealth will again host free trunk-or-treat events in Berlin, Crisfield, Salisbury and Seaford. Families are invited to attend the location most convenient for them to enjoy festive fun, creative costumes, plenty of candy and meaningful connections with TidalHealth team members and community partners. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children at these events. Designated public parking will be available at each event. No public
TidalHealth to host Pink Ribbon Walk on Oct. 5
SEAFORD – On Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, the community is invited to join TidalHealth and the City of Seaford for the annual Pink Ribbon Walk. The walk kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Western Sussex County and brings community members together to raise awareness about breast cancer, honor cancer survivors, and recognize the loved ones who have stood beside them throughout their journey. The walk begins at 4:30 pm at the TidalHealth Allen Cancer Center, 701 Middleford Road, Seaford, DE 19973.
TidalHealth Mobile Mammography screenings for October 2026
SOMERSET, SUSSEX, WICOMICO and WORCESTER counties — TidalHealth Mobile Mammography brings 3D breast cancer screenings directly to communities across the Delmarva Peninsula, helping reduce barriers to care and improve access to early detection close to home. The program will offer the following screening events in October 2026:Oct. 1: 10 am to 2:30 pm at Vernon Powell Shoes, 2401 E. Naylor Mill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804.Oct. 7: 10 am to 3 pm at the Crisfield Library, 100 Collins St., Crisfield, MD
Susan Elerding takes on expanded role in clinical quality and infection prevention
SALISBURY, Maryland — TidalHealth recently announced the promotion of Susan Elerding, MHA, RN, CPHQ, CSSBB, to Senior Director of Clinical Quality and Infection Prevention. Elerding brings 37 years of experience with TidalHealth and a distinguished career spanning bedside nursing, information technology, clinical performance improvement, and clinical quality. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the organization position her well to provide strategic leadership for TidalHealth’s continued
TidalHealth to hold grand opening and ribbon cutting Oct. 2 at Nylon Capital Center
SEAFORD – Members of the media and community are invited to join TidalHealth for a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 am on Friday, Oct. 2, for TidalHealth Peninsula Orthopaedic Institute and TidalHealth Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the Nylon Capital Center, 1036 W. Stein Highway, Seaford, DE 19973. The facility is part of the ongoing revitalization of the former Nylon Capital Shopping Center, a 22-acre redevelopment on Stein Highway designed to bring healthcare, education, coworking
TidalHealth set to host free community flu clinics across Delmarva
Sussex, Wicomico and Worcester Counties – TidalHealth will host several free flu clinics throughout the Delmarva community. These clinics are open to anyone age 8 and older. Individuals younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to provide consent. The vaccine administered is a trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine; high-dose flu vaccines will only be offered at events specified below. If you think a high-dose vaccine may be appropriate for you, please speak with your primary care
TidalHealth to host free drive-thru flu clinics across Delmarva
Since 1994, TidalHealth has held annual drive-thru flu clinics during the fall season, making it easy for community members to protect themselves against seasonal influenza without ever leaving their vehicles. Participants simply drive up, roll up a sleeve and receive their flu shot from the comfort and convenience of their car. TidalHealth’s flu clinics are free and open to anyone age 8 and older. Individuals younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to provide consent. The
TidalHealth community health events for September 2026
Somerset, Sussex, Wicomico, Worcester Counties – TidalHealth announces the following educational event calendar for September 2026: Systemwide eventsAdvance care planning webinar: Sept. 8 Time/location: Second Tuesday of each month at 1 pm via webinar. Join: Use this link to join the webinar.Virtual grief support group: Sept. 8 Time/location: Second Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise noted), 6:30 to 7:30 pm, via virtual meeting. Join: Use this link to join the meeting. Learn more: 410-629-6848
News Release: 8/3/2026Kita Douglas presented with Leighton Moore Helping Hands Award for 2026
Kita Douglas (center) with Jessica Hales, Vice President, TidalHealth Foundation (left) and Kathryn Fiddler, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, TidalHealth Nanticoke and Vice President of Population Health (right).SALISBURY, MD — Kita Douglas, the Lead Patient Service Representative at the TidalHealth Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic in Salisbury, Maryland was recently presented with the 2026 Leighton Moore Helping Hands Award by members of TidalHealth’s leadership
Kita Douglas presented with Leighton Moore Helping Hands Award for 2026
Kita Douglas (center) with Jessica Hales, Vice President, TidalHealth Foundation (left) and Kathryn Fiddler, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, TidalHealth Nanticoke and Vice President of Population Health (right). Kita Douglas, the Lead Patient Service Representative at the TidalHealth Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic in Salisbury, Maryland was recently presented with the 2026 Leighton Moore Helping Hands Award by members of TidalHealth’s leadership team and the
Kathryn Fiddler to take on expanded leadership role at TidalHealth
SEAFORD, Del. — Kathryn Fiddler, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN, FNAP, will soon assume an expanded leadership role as vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer of TidalHealth Nanticoke. Fiddler has served as TidalHealth’s vice president of population health since early 2018. She will retain that system-level role, which includes responsibility for population health and case management, when she begins her new position Aug. 3. “I am honored to take on this expanded role and excited about the
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional honors its 1st Quarter 2026 Team Members of the Quarter
SALISBURY — TidalHealth Peninsula Regional honors the following four team members as 1st Quarter 2026 Team Members of the Quarter:Administrative & Support Services: Kristopher Chandler, EVS Kristopher Chandler is an environmental services (EVS) aide at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. Chandler has been a valued member of the EVS team for nearly 10 years and has approached every room with the same level of care and attention since his first day. A recent interaction with a fellow team member
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional earns Maryland Star of Life Award
SALISBURY— TidalHealth Peninsula Regional's Emergency Department has received the Maryland Star of Life Award from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) for its outstanding emergency department throughput, particularly for patients arriving by emergency medical services (EMS), while managing high patient volumes. MIEMSS Executive Director Ted Delbridge, MD, and Maryland State Emergency Medical Services Board Chairman Clay Stamp, NRP, presented the award Wednesday, July
TidalHealth Mobile Mammography screenings for July 2026
SOMERSET, SUSSEX, WICOMICO and WORCESTER counties — TidalHealth Mobile Mammography brings 3D breast cancer screenings directly to communities across the Delmarva Peninsula, helping reduce barriers to care and improve access to early detection close to home. The program will offer the following screening events in July 2026: July 14: 10 am to 3 pm at the Worcester County Library Pocomoke Branch, 401 5th St., Unit 100, Pocomoke City, MD 21851. July 15: 10 am to 2:30 pm at TidalHealth McCready
TidalHealth Mobile Mammography brings lifesaving breast cancer screenings to communities across Delm
TidalHealth announced the public launch of TidalHealth Mobile Mammography, a new mobile breast imaging service that will travel throughout Delmarva, bringing lifesaving 3D mammograms directly into neighborhoods, workplaces and community gathering places. TidalHealth Mobile Mammography represents a new model for delivering preventive healthcare — bringing high-quality breast cancer screening, patient navigation and community partnerships directly into neighborhoods across Delmarva. Delmarva is fortunate
TidalHealth Nanticoke and TidalHealth Peninsula Regional recognized for commitment to excellence in rural heart attack care
TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford, Delaware has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Coronary Artery Disease Rural Recognition Silver recognition for its commitment to providing rapid, research-based care for people experiencing a specific type of heart attack known as an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), considered more severe and life-threatening than other types of heart attacks. In addition, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, in Salisbury, Maryland, has received
New primary care practitioners and specialists join TidalHealth
TidalHealth is pleased to welcome four new practitioners to the health system.Kimberly Young-Conner, ARNP Kimberly Young-Conner, ARNP provides pediatric care at TidalHealth Pediatrics in Berlin, Maryland. Young-Conner received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she also earned her Master of Science in nursing. She has more than two decades of clinical experience as a certified pediatric nurse practitioner in the primary care setting. She is a
Gateway Subaru and Blood Cancer United support TidalHealth cancer patients
A simple act of comfort is bringing warmth and encouragement to local cancer patients, thanks to a continued partnership between Blood Cancer United and Subaru retailers nationwide. As part of the Subaru Loves to Care® initiative, Gateway Subaru of Delmar again partnered with the Blood Cancer United Mid-Atlantic Region to deliver cozy blankets and heartfelt messages of hope to TidalHealth cancer patients to keep them warm and lift their spirits during infusion treatments. TidalHealth oncology patients
TidalHealth community health events for July 2026
Somerset, Sussex, Wicomico, Worcester Counties – TidalHealth announces the following educational event calendar for July 2026: Systemwide events Advance care planning webinar: July 14•Time/location: Second Tuesday of each month at 1 pm via webinar.•Join: Use this link to join the webinar. Virtual grief support group: July 14•Time/location: Second Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise noted), 6:30 to 7:30 pm, via virtual meeting.•Join: Use this link to join the meeting.•Learn more: 410-629-6848 or
TidalHealth hosting Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Program interviews June 16
TidalHealth is proud to announce its participation as an official partner in the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Program, a statewide initiative designed to provide meaningful service opportunities for young adults while strengthening workforce pipelines across Maryland. Beginning June 1, 2026, the application window will open for eligible participants. This program offers individuals ages 18 to 24 the opportunity to engage in a nine-month, paid service experience. Participants will gain critical
Salisbury- New primary care practitioners and specialists join TidalHealth
SALISBURY – TidalHealth is pleased to welcome four new practitioners to the health system.Lorren Donmoyer, MD Lorren Donmoyer, MD provides expert care at TidalHealth Primary Care in Ocean View, Delaware. Dr. Donmoyer earned his medical degree from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He completed his residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Donmoyer is a board-certified physician who has cared for patients locally on the Eastern Shore
TidalHealth ALS Clinic recertified as Recognized Treatment Center
The ALS Association has recertified the ALS Clinic at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional as a Recognized Treatment Center®, a distinction that recognizes TidalHealth’s ability to provide coordinated multidisciplinary care for individuals diagnosed with the progressive neurological disease commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. To achieve recognition as a Recognized Treatment Center®, the clinic at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional must meet and maintain a set of established standards. These include a
TidalHealth community health events for June 2026
Somerset, Sussex, Wicomico, Worcester Counties – TidalHealth announces the following educational event calendar for June 2026: Systemwide eventsAdvance care planning webinar: June 9 Second Tuesday of each month at 1 pm via webinar.Use this link to join the webinar.Virtual grief support group: June 9 Second Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise noted), 6:30-7:30 pm, via virtual meeting.Use this link to join the meeting. Learn more: 410-629-6848 or lora.pangratz@tidalhealth.org TidalHealth
TidalHealth Atlantic earns Pathway to Excellence designation
TidalHealth Atlantic has earned the distinguished Pathway to Excellence® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a national honor that recognizes healthcare organizations for creating a healthy, empowering work environment where nurses thrive. This designation is a global credential that highlights TidalHealth Atlantic’s commitment to fostering a positive practice environment by engaging nurses at every level, encouraging shared decision-making and providing the resources
TidalHealth Celebrates National Volunteer Week
As part of National Volunteer Week, TidalHealth held a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on April 20 at 1945 Steak & Seafood in Ocean City to recognize nearly 500 volunteers who support the health system’s three hospitals and ancillary services. Steven Leonard, president and CEO of TidalHealth; Penny Short, senior vice president and president of TidalHealth Nanticoke; and Don Owrey, senior vice president and president of TidalHealth Atlantic, joined members of the hospital boards, the TidalHealth
TidalHealth Atlantic earns an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog
TidalHealth Atlantic earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. This is the third consecutive reporting period in which the Berlin hospital received an “A” grade. “Patient safety is built through consistency and teamwork, supported by a culture that fosters learning and a relentless commitment to getting better each day,” said Don Owrey, MBA, FACHE, president of TidalHealth Atlantic. “Achieving an ‘A’ rating multiple
Welcome new primary care practitioners and specialists join TidalHealth
SALISBURY – TidalHealth is pleased to welcome seven new practitioners to the health system. Mindy Lane, DO, FACOS, FASMBS, ACC Mindy Lane, DO FACOS, FASMBS, ACC is a da Vinci-certified surgeon who provides care at TidalHealth General Surgery in Salisbury and TidalHealth Endoscopy Center in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Dr. Lane received her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her surgical internship at Ingham Regional Medical Center in
New primary care practitioners and specialists join TidalHealth
SALISBURY – TidalHealth is pleased to welcome eight new practitioners to the health system. Jeffrey Cope, MD provides care at TidalHealth Cardiovascular Surgery in Salisbury, Maryland. Dr. Cope received his medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He later completed his residency in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Cope is
TidalHealth community health events for May 2026
Somerset, Sussex, Wicomico, Worcester Counties – TidalHealth announces the following educational event calendar for May 2026: Systemwide eventsAdvance care planning session: May 12 Second Tuesday of each month, 1 pm via virtual meeting.Use this link to join the webinar. Grief virtual support group: May 12 Second Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise noted), 6:30-7:30 pm, via virtual meeting.Use this link to join the meeting. Learn more: 410-629-6848 or lora.pangratz@tidalhealth.org Diabetes
TidalHealth Alice B. Tawes Nursing & Rehabilitation to host egg hunt March 28
CRISFIELD – TidalHealth Alice B. Tawes Nursing & Rehabilitation will welcome families and community members for a festive egg hunt on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at its campus located at 201 Hall Highway, Crisfield, MD 21817. Registration will open at 10 am, and the egg hunt will begin promptly at 11 am. Following the hunt, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary hot dogs, chips and drinks. The event is open to the public, and children of all ages are encouraged to attend and join in the fun. For more
