APC Wellness Party: A Celebration of Connection, Support, and Resilience

The Department of Anesthesiology's Advanced Practice Clinicians (APC) Wellness Party, held last Saturday, was a resounding success, bringing together our APC’s and their families for a day of fun, relaxation, and connection. Hosted at Dr. Orgain's home, the event featured delicious tacos from Tacos don Rafa, sweet treats from Cold Stone Creamery, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the pool and each other’s company.

One of our newer CRNA’s shared how much she valued the chance to get to know her colleagues outside of the hospital, noting the strong relationships that extend beyond our clinical work. The event served as a reminder of the importance of building and maintaining these bonds.

This annual gathering is inspired by the memory of Christie Klungervik, CRNA, who we tragically lost to suicide. In Christie’s honor, we hold this event to foster resilience, connections, and a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of our team. We want to remind everyone that support is always available—whether from colleagues, mental health professionals, or the department as a whole. If you are struggling, please reach out.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who planned, set up, and took down the event, as well as those who brought their families to contribute to the warm and joyous atmosphere. We also want to acknowledge and thank those who couldn’t attend because they were covering clinical assignments—your dedication is deeply appreciated.

As a department, we are incredibly fortunate to have such a fantastic group of professionals. Your commitment to taking care of each other, your loved ones, and our patients is truly inspiring.

Help is available for free 24/7/365. Call or text 988, or chat online to connect with a crisis counselor.