OMCNews The Right Care, Right Here September 2010 www.ozarksmedicalcenter.com Issue 2:9 scoot your BOOTS at the Sept. 25 Blue Jean Ball Proceeds from event go to benefit the OMC Foundation Dig out your denim and get ready to scoot your boots at the Blue Jean Ball on Sept. 25, sponsored by the Ozarks Medical Center Foundation. The Blue Jean Ball will begin at 6 p.m. at Risner Stables in West Plains. We hope to see everyone come out in their denim and enjoy a night of wonderful food, entertainment and fun, said OMC Foundation Director Robin Morgan. This is the second year for the Blue Jean Ball. Morgan said the first year was a huge success. Last year, more than 350 community members shined up their boots and joined us for this event, she said. We appreciate the community s great support of the Blue Jean Ball and are looking forward to this year s event and its scoot your boots here theme. Admission tickets to the event are $50 and may be purchased at the OMC Foundation at Foundation 401 Washington Avenue. The admission ticket at includes food and drinks. Sponsorships, which 417-257- include benefits such as reserved seating in the 5700. Sheriff s Tent, are also available. It will be a great evening with live music performed by Allie Catz, a well-known band from Springfield; line dancing; and other fun activities, Morgan said. Proceeds from the event benefit the OMC Foundation, which uses the funds for projects such as OB infant care, the OMC Foundation Endowment, Riverways Hospice, Heart Care Services and the OMC Cancer Treatment Center. All of the funds go to benefit health care in the local community, Morgan said. This event will be a fun way to support a great cause. The Blue Jean Ball will include a game of Road Apple Bingo, where horses will be released to find the squares of the lucky winners. Tickets for Road Apple Bingo are available for $10 each. For more information on tickets, sponsorships or bingo tickets, contact the OMC
Ozarks Medical Center 2 OMC scholarship deadline Nov. 10 Ozarks Medical Center will award 10 scholarships during the 2010-2011 school year to students who plan to go into the health care profession. The deadline to apply for the fall semester has passed; however, scholarships are still available for the Spring 2011 semester. The deadline to apply is Nov. 10 and scholarship applications are now available on the OMC Web site and from the OMC Human Resources Department. To access a scholarship application online, visit www.ozarksmedicalcenter.com and click on the opportunities tab at the top of the page. Scholarship recipients will be awarded $2,500 per semester. Scholarships are renewable for up to two years with total funding of up to $10,000. Five of the scholarships will be awarded to nursing students at Missouri State University West Plains. The remaining five will be awarded to students pursuing allied health professions or other nursing programs. The OMC scholarship program combines college scholarship funding with employment opportunities at OMC. One-year of full-time employment is required for each year the scholarship is awarded. A p p l i c a t i o n f o r m s a r e a v a i l a b l e f r o m www.ozarksmedicalcenter.com by clicking on the opportunities tab, or from the OMC Human Resources Office, located at 1103 Kentucky Avenue. For additional information regarding OMC s scholarship program, contact Tammy Boak at 417-257-6743. Pleasant Valley Manor donates hats to newborns Pleasant Valley Manor in West Plains recently donated 152 handmade knit hats to the Obstetrics Department at Ozarks Medical Center. The hats will be given to babies born at the hospital. The hats were made by Mary Williams, a Pleasant Valley Manor resident. Williams said the batch of hats took her about one month to complete. It's not work but a good pastime, she said of knitting. I enjoy it. Williams has also donated hats to other organization. Williams said she learned to knit when a class was offered as a Pleasant Valley community activity. According to Pleasant Valley Manor Activity Director Lenora Martin, donating the hats is just one of many projects the residents of Pleasant Valley do to contribute to the community. From left, Martin, Williams and OB Nurse Manager Joanna Patillo, RN. i
Ozarks Medical Center 3 Fast action essential to good outcomes for stroke patients Neuroscience Center recognized in national medical journal O z a r k s M e d i c a l C e n t e r s Neuroscience Center participated in the setting of benchmarks for the care of stroke patients, as published in a report in the April 2010 issue of the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases. The OMC Neuroscience Center was one of 16 centers chosen from 150 candidates to participate in the study, which looked at interventional care and treatment for stroke patients. OMC helped to determine the elements that best care for patients suffering from stroke. The study was supported by the National Institute of Health, the American Academy of Neurology, and the American Heart A s s o c i a t i o n / A m e r i c a n S t r o k e Association. Data on the care of stroke patients at OMC was collected by OMC Neurologist Clara Applegate, MD, and Dedie Moore, RN. We are proud of our highly qualified stroke team and their dedication to the highest standards of care when it comes to treating patients experiencing a stroke, said David Zechman, OMC President and CEO. With such a time-critical condition, area residents can be confident they have access to high-quality care right here, close to home. Each year, more than 750,000 Americans experience a stroke, which is caused by blood clots that block blood flow to the brain, according to the American Heart Association. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is also the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. The published study examined specific therapies and treatments to improve outcome after stroke. It is not always possible to prevent a stroke, but with timely, evidence-based care, it is possible to prevent many of the complications of stroke, Applegate said. For more information, contact OMC Neuroscience Center at 417-257-6777. Pictured are Clara Applegate, MD; Bob Woodring; and Steven Hollingshad, RN, who treated Woodring when he arrived at the Emergency Department. Patient: fast action made the difference Willow Springs resident Bob Woodring knows first hand how important fast action can be when it comes to a stroke. On June 28, Woodring was in the middle of a perfect summer day with his wife and two young granddaughters. He worked in the garden, grilled corn, potatoes and steaks for lunch and had just sat down to enjoy the meal with his family when something went wrong. I reached for a glass of water and my hand didn t do what it was supposed to, he said. He went inside to lie down and when his wife, Louise, came in a short time later to check on him, she found him confused and unable to respond properly. She insisted on calling an ambulance and Woodring was rushed to Ozarks Medical Center. I remember them asking questions and I couldn t answer, he said. When Woodring arrived at OMC, he was taken directly to have a CT scan to determine the type of stroke he was having so that the correct medication could be administered. Within minutes, Woodring was being treated by the stroke team, receiving clot busting medication. I began to wake up and I could see and function, he said. Almost immediately I began to recover. Woodring spent one day in the Intensive Care Unit and another in the hospital before going home. He said he has no permanent damage from his stroke and credits the fast action of his wife and the OMC stroke team for his recovery. They got me here in time and the clot buster worked, he said.
Ozarks Medical Center 4 Living with Diabetes OMC education program merits ADA recognition zarks Medical Center s diabetes education program, OLiving with Diabetes, was recently awarded recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The award recognizes the hospital s diabetes self-management program, which provides education to individuals with diabetes and caregivers of diabetics. T h i s c l a s s e n c o u r a g e s a n d empowers participants to make choices OMC s diabetes program is a one-day diagnosed in people ages 20 years or older that will result in an improved quality of class that includes presentations by a in 2005. life, said Laura Collins, RN, OMC registered nurse, dietician, physical Each day approximately 4,110 people Health Educator. Quality education can therapist and pharmacist. are diagnosed with diabetes. Many will make a big impact in the life of someone During the class, participants will learn first learn that they have the disease when s u f f e r i n g f r o m d i a b e t e s. T h i s about the possible health complications they are treated for one of its liferecognition shows the high-quality associated with diabetes, receive education threatening complications, such as heart nature of the education and information on the importance of nutrition in managing disease, stroke, kidney diseases, blindness we provide. diabetes, plan an individualized exercise and nerve disease, according to the ADA. In order to receive Education Recognition, a program must meet national standards and guidelines, including having a staff of knowledgeable Ozarks Medical Center s diabetes education program, Living with Diabetes, recently earned recognition from the American Diabetes Association. Pictured are members of the diabetes education team at OMC. From left, Physical Therapist Greg Peugh, OMC Registered Dietician Marsha Wright, Health Education and Registered Nurse Laura Collins, and Pharmacist Ashley Hart. program; learn how diabetes medicine Each day approximately 4,110 people are diagnosed with diabetes. health professionals to provide works to decrease blood glucose levels, OMC s Living With Diabetes program comprehensive information about diabetes identify emotional and economic sources is open to anyone wanting to learn about management. The certification is awarded of support and information, and learn diabetes management, however a for a four-year period. about the importance of self monitoring. physician order and a diabetes diagnosis is E d u c a t i o n i s a n e s s e n t i a l According to the ADA, 20.8 million required by most insurance companies for component of effective diabetes people in the United States have diabetes; payment. For more information about the treatment, Collins said. We are proud including 6.2 million who are unaware class, talk to your physician. of the recognition we have received for they have the disease. Approximately 1.5 For more information, contact OMC our program. million new cases of diabetes were Education Services at 417-257-6793. OMC to begin diabetes support group Ozarks Medical Center s will hold the first meeting of a new diabetes support group at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the OMC Foundation, 401 Washington Ave. in West Plains. The support group will meet the third Tuesday of every other month and is open to those with diabetes, who are pre-diabetic, friends and family of those with diabetes or any one interested in learning more about the condition. For more information about diabetes education or diabetes support groups, contact OMC Education Services at 417-257-6793.
Ozarks Medical Center 5 BHC offers primary care services The services at Ozark Medical Center s exams and have a primary care provider, Solomon said. Behavioral Healthcare Clinic extend beyond Preventive health care is essential to preventing illness and counseling and mental health services. The clinic also promoting a healthy lifestyle. offers primary care and women s health services Solomon said a routine examination helps establish a Family Nurse Practitioner Pamela Solomon baseline of an individual s health, gives the patient an practices at the West Plains clinic, providing adult and opportunity to discuss their medical history, any concerns children s medical care, well-woman exams, general they might have or any tests and screenings they might need. wound care and minor surgical procedures. Solomon said her goal is to listen to her patients and As a nurse practitioner, Solomon works with a provide them with kind, compassionate care. physician to diagnosis and treat acute and chronic It is important for patients to take the lead in their own conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, care health and wellbeing. My goal is to give them the tools they for injuries and infections, and manage patient care. need to succeed and live a healthy, active life, she said. She can serve as an individual s primary care provider OMC Behavioral Healthcare is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, if necessary, make patient referrals to specialists Monday through Friday and is located at 909 Kentucky such as neurologists, orthopaedic physicians or pain Avenue. The clinic accepts most forms of insurance, management physicians. Pam Solomon including Medicare and Medicaid. For more information or It is important for patients to receive regular an appointment, call 417-257-6762. PRAISE FOR OMC The following was written by a patient of the Pain Management Clinic Dear Dr. DeVoe and staff: I just wanted to thank everyone again for the care and compassion each of you showed me. [After treatment] I slept for more than a couple of hours for the first time in a very long time! I even cleaned my house and washed the windows. God bless each of you. 404 receive free athletic physicals More than 400 student athletes recently took advantage of free athletic physicals at Ozarks Medical Center. The physicals were held July 22 at the Shaw Medical Building. Students were from West Plains, Dora, Willow Springs, Alton, Thayer, Cabool, Koshkonong, Summersville, Fairview, Glenwood, Junction Hill, Richards and Bakersfield. Athletic physicals are required for students who plan to participate in any school-sponsored sport. Participating in school athletics is a great way for children and teens to stay active and healthy, said Pam Ream, Director of OMC Rehabilitation Services. We are proud to offer free athletic physicals in support of community wellness. Thank you to all of our volunteers who dedicated their time to this project. Pictured, Brenton Fine, 12, has his blood pressure taken by Lee Adams, with OMC Rehabilitation Services. The following is a letter from the family of a Riverways Hospice patient. James and I want to thank your staff for the excellent care and respect Aunt Myrt was given. She looked forward to Mary coming to help her bathe and Tamara and Jo s visits made her feel well-taken care of. She always had a good nap after Bro. Ron, or as Aunt Myrt said The Preacher Man, had prayer. I couldn t have followed through with her wishes to be able to stay at home without your assistance. Also, thank Tracy, Donna, Joann, Angie, Dr. Morgan and Glenette. I'm sorry if I am forgetting anyone.
Ozarks Medical Center 6 OMC provides CPR and first aid training opportunities Ozarks Medical Center has joined forces with South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA) to provide American Heart Association, Basic Life Saving (BLS) Instructors for the seven counties served by SCMCAA (Butler, Carter, Dent, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon and Wayne). With funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a project known as Saving Lives has allowed SCMCAA and OMC to partner with other local groups to provide training and equipment for local area residents. As a result of this partnership, area emergency management agencies, rural fire department personnel, first responders and other community groups have received training under the guidance and supervision of OMC EMS Educator Glenn Buckner and Education Assistant Jeanie Walters. Ozarks Medical Center has been a wonderful partner in our efforts to provide BLS Instructors for the communities served by SCMCAA, said SCMCAA Community Services Director Todd Richardson. This is a great opportunity for local area residents to receive First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation or CPR training. Local residents now have trained and certified BLS Instructors in the county in OMC and South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA) have partnered with other local groups to provide First Aid and CPR training and equipment for local area residents. The training has been done under the guidance and supervision of OMC EMS Educator Glenn Buckner and Education Assistant Jeanie Walters. Pictured above are Buckner (standing, second from left) and Walters (standing, third from left) with some of the trainees from seven participating organizations. which they live. According to Richardson, each partnering County First Responders, Dent County Fire Seven different organizations have organization provided two candidates to Protection District, Reynolds County teamed up with SCMCAA and OMC to make receive the training. In turn, the new Emergency Management Agency, Whole the project possible. instructors will be available to offer CPR and Kids Outreach (Reynolds County), Doniphan We are so pleased to work together with First Aid training to area residents. City Fire Department, Eminence Fire all our local partners on this project, Partnering organizations include: Qulin Department, and Missouri Highlands Richardson said. Fire Department (Butler County), West Carter Healthcare (Wayne County). 425 attend Ladies First With tiaras on their heads and feather boas around their necks, more than 425 women received the royal treatment at Ozarks Medical Center s Ladies First. The theme of the event, held July 1 at the West Plains Civic Center, was Queen for a Day. Pictured, Brenda Bell with the University o f M i s s o u r i E x t e n s i o n c o n d u c t s a c o o k i n g demonstration at Ladies First, teaching women healthy ways to cook simple meals.