Samaritan Healthcare | The Samaritan | Winter 2017

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SOMETIMES IT’S OBVIOUS when a trip to the emergency
department is needed. Problems such as chest pain or heavy
bleeding are clearly serious situations that need help and need
it fast. But many times the situation is less clear. That acciden-
tal cut might seem deep—but not life-threatening. Your baby’s
fever is high enough to concern you, but your pediatrician’s
office is closed.
You’d like to consult a medical professional, but is the emer-
gency department your only option?
No. Another type of care—urgent care—is available to
treat minor illnesses or injuries, including flu, fever, earaches,
rashes, small cuts that need stitches and minor fractures.
Some urgent care centers also offer physical exams, vision and
hearing screenings, lab tests, and x-rays, notes the American
College of Emergency Physicians.
STANDING BY Samaritan Urgent Care is open seven days a
week, and has extended hours. What’s more, you don’t need an
appointment. That makes it ideal for situations when you can’t
get a timely appointment with your regular doctor.
Another benefit of choosing an urgent care center is quick service.
When you go to an emergency department with a minor prob-
lem, you will need to wait to be seen until people with more seri-
ous problems are cared for first. That can take considerable time.
At an urgent care center, though, you are likely to be seen
within an hour, reports the American Academy of Urgent Care
Medicine.
WHEN YOU NEED CARE To get directions to our urgent care
center and to learn the hours of operation, visit our website at
.
THE NEED
FOR BLOOD
IS URGENT!
AS THE HOLIDAYS come rolling in,
the Inland Northwest sees an increase
in the need for blood. However, this in-
creased need comes at a time when we
see fewer people coming in to help save
lives through donating blood.
BLOOD SHORTAGE Inland Northwest
Blood Center (INBC) is currently short
on all blood types and is struggling to
remain self-sufficient as the rest of the
nation continues to cope with the blood
shortage. Certain parts of the world hold
up to a one-year deferral, meaning fewer
people are eligible to donate. This is also
harming the Inland Northwest’s blood
supply, as a large portion of our donor
base traveled over the summer.
The Inland Northwest is also facing the
platelet shortage that’s being felt across the
country. Platelets have a five-day shelf life
and are necessary for patients with cancer
or undergoing major surgery.
As the only supplier of blood to hos-
pitals across the Inland Northwest, INBC
needs a minimum of 200 donors per day to
maintain a safe blood supply. This holiday
season, we need your help to make sure we
meet the needs of our region.
WHY IT MATTERS There is no substitute
for human blood. People who need blood
to survive rely on the generous lifesaving
donations of our selfless donors. Donat-
ing blood can take less than an hour of
your day, but it could mean a lifetime to
someone in need of a blood transfusion.
Make your appointment today by call-
ing us at 423-0151, ext. 1, or by visiting us
at .
Remember, when you
donate with INBC, your
blood could go to a neighbor,
a friend or even a family
member. Find the hero in
you, and save lives today.
URGENT CARE
HELP WHEN
YOU NEED IT
Welcome!
MICHAEL CERRATO, PA-C
Please help us welcome Michael
Cerrato, PA-C, to Samaritan Urgent
Care. With his extensive back-
ground in emergency medicine,
Cerrato is an ideal addition to the
Samaritan family.
Cerrato earned his certificate
in physician assistant studies from
Stanford and Foothill College Phy-
sician Assistant Program in Palo
Alto, California, and his master of medical science degree from
Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania.
Cerrato looks forward to treating the wide range of patients
and families that visit Samaritan Urgent Care. Focusing on com-
munication and individualized treatment, he prides himself on
making sure you have the information and care you need to feel
better sooner.
When he’s not at work, Cerrato can be found enjoying
the great outdoors: hiking, backpacking, mountain biking
and skiing.
No appointment is needed at Samaritan Urgent Care.
Walk-ins are always welcome.
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T H E
S A M A R I T A N