Missouri Foundation for Health Seeking Community Leaders for Business Focus Group

The Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) is searching for business and nonprofit leaders in the Springfield area to discuss earned paid sick leave policy and gather firsthand insight into the health and economic impact these policies would have on businesses and employees.

This confidential 90-minute focus group will be held from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 26 at the Bank of America Conference Room at the Jordan Valley Innovation Center (524 N. Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO). Participants are asked to arrive by 11:15 am.

Lunch will be provided and participants will receive a $50 gift card as a token of appreciation for their time and input. Childcare will be provided for those who need it.

If you are interested in participating, please take five minutes to complete this confidential screening form so that MFH can reach out to you with more information and confirm your participation.

About Missouri Foundation for Health: 

Missouri Foundation for Health is building a more equitable future through collaboration, convening, knowledge sharing, and strategic investment. Working in partnership with communities and nonprofits, MFH is transforming systems to eliminate inequities within all aspects of health and addressing the social and economic factors that shape health outcomes.

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Joplin Area Coalition Hosts Prescription Misuse & Fentanyl Awareness Town Hall

(Joplin, MO) – The Joplin Area Coalition will host a “Prescription Misuse & Fentanyl Awareness Town Hall and Resource Fair” from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 4 at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex in Joplin. The event will feature a panel of experts, including representatives from Eagle 6 Training, Joplin Police Department, Access Family Care, Preferred Family Healthcare, and others. 

In 2022, the DEA seized over 57.9 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and more than 13,400 pounds of fentanyl powder. The 2022 seizures are equivalent to more than 400 million lethal doses of fentanyl. The 2023 fentanyl seizures represent nearly 78.1 million deadly doses. 

Recognizing this growing problem, our coalition is sounding the alarm. The community is invited to learn more about what opioid and fentanyl overdose rates look like in Jasper County. During this event, community partners will share resources and information for addiction, Naloxone, and prevention education. This event is free and open to the public. 

Reference

Kate Kelley, Coalition & Full Potential Coordinator
The Alliance of SWMO
417.782.9899

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Health Department Offering CPR Classes on Thursday, May 18

(Joplin, MO) – CPR training is now available through the Joplin Health Department, and has been noted as an important skill to learn. Doctors have stated that administering CPR outside of the hospital can save thousands of lives annually, but about half of Americans say that they don’t know how to do it.

Two classes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are being offered on Thursday, May 18 for the public. Classes will be held in Conference Room 1 at the Joplin Public Library. These classes are part of the American Heart Association’s training. Friends and Family® CPR will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 pm and will cover:

  • Adult hands-only CPR and with breaths
  • Child and infant CPR
  • Adult and child AED use
  • Mild and severe airway block
  • Hands-on practice of all techniques

This class is great for new parents, grandparents, babysitters, and more. The cost is $25 per person.

AHA HeartCode® BLS Skills Checkoff will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on May 18. The course is designed for those who have already completed the online portion of the HeartCode® BLS course. This is the hands-on skills session check-off to complete the certification for HeartCode® BLS. Cost is $20 per person.

Preregistration and pre-payment are required to attend either of these classes. Participants can complete these steps by going to the Joplin Parks registration website of their online catalog. Classes are listed under the Adult Programs division of the registration site. Citizens can also call the Health Department at 417.623.6122, ext. 1258 for more information.

Reference:

Joplin Health Department
417.623.6122
www.joplinmo.org/157/Health-Department

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MOCAN Announces April 2023 Quarterly Conference

The Missouri Council for Activity & Nutrition (MOCAN) is excited to announce their April Quarterly Conference on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 9:00 to 11:00 am! This event is hosted by the MOCAN Food Systems Work Group and their SNAP For U team.

The conference will explore the problem of food insecurity, specifically within the college student population, as well as facilitators, barriers, and what we can do at all levels of influence. There will be a full Q&A panel, so come prepared with all your questions.

To learn more and see the full panel of speakers, click here. For the full conference agenda, click here.

Reference:

Candace Rodman, Nutrition & Health Specialist
MOCAN Director
c.rodman@missouri.edu

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Resumption of Medicaid Eligibility Reverification

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With the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency in March 2020, states have been prohibited from removing individuals from Medicaid for not meeting the eligibility standards for coverage. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 ends continuous Medicaid eligibility on Friday, March 31. Beginning Saturday, April 1, states will have 14 months to reverify the eligibility of all current Medicaid participants.

Currently, there are 1.4 million Missourians enrolled in MO HealthNet who must have their eligibility verified sometime during the next year. While it is certain that some current participants no longer qualify for coverage, the vast majority still do. For the first time in more than three years, the state now must document that participants, in fact, qualify for their coverage to continue.

Eligible participants who fail to complete the required verification of their eligibility will lose their coverage. Hospitals can reduce this risk by helping their Medicaid-covered patients complete the state’s review process.

The Missouri Hospital Association compiled resources and strategies that hospitals can use to help their patients prepare for and successfully verify their eligibility. This compendium, “PHE Unwinding: The Reverification of Medicaid Participant Eligibility,” is accessible on MHA’s website and will be updated frequently with news, policy updates and performance data as Medicaid reverification progresses. In addition, copies of public awareness flyers to display in patient waiting and contact areas will be mailed this week to your hospital’s public relations representative.

For questions about the state’s Medicaid reverification process or available MHA resources, please contact me at bkinkade@mhanet.com, or 573.893.3700, ext. 1338.

Reference:

Brian Kinkade, Vice President
Children’s Health and Medicaid Advocacy
573.893.3700
bkinkade@mhanet.com

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Joplin Health Department Offering CPR Classes on Thursday, March 16

(Joplin, MO) – Medical professionals echo the call for more people to learn CPR after thousands watching a national football league game witnessed Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest on the field and how quickly CPR was administered to assist him through the medical crisis. Doctors have stated administering CPR outside the hospital can save thousands of lives annually, but about half of Americans say they don’t know how to do it.

The Joplin Health Department is offering two classes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Thursday, March 16 for the public. Classes will be held in Conference Room 1 of the Joplin Public Library, 1901 East 20th Street. The classes are a part of the American Heart Association’s training. Friends and Family® CPR will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 pm and will cover:

  • Adult hands-only CPR and with breaths
  • Child and infant CPR
  • Adult and child AED use
  • Mild and severe airway block
  • Hands-on practice of all techniques

This class is a great one for new parents, grandparents, babysitters, and others. Cost is $25 per person.

AHA HeartCode® BLS Skills Checkoff will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on March 16. The course is designed for those who have already completed the online portion of the HeartCode® BLS course. This is the hands-on skills session check-off to complete the certification for HeartCode® BLS. Cost is $20 per person.

Preregistration and pre-payment are required to attend either of these classes. Participants can complete these steps by going to the Joplin Parks registration website of their online catalog. Classes are listed under the Adult Programs division of the registration site. Citizens can also call the Health Department at 417.623.6122, ext. 1258 for more information.

Reference:

Lynn Iliff Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417.624.0820, ext. 1204
LOnstot@joplinmo.org

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Kindergarten Immunizations now available through Joplin Health Department

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Now is the perfect time to get your “little eagle” or other Joplin school kindergartener prepared for school!  Pre-Enrollment started on February 6 and Joplin Health Department staff are here to help.

  • We will immunize children who attend school in the city of Joplin.
  • We can issue birth certificates for anyone born in Missouri.  Cost is $15 per certificate.
  • Our clinics for “Kindergarten Round-up” will be 9 AM to 11 AM and 1 PM to 4 PM on Tuesdays, February 14 and February 21.  We do encourage appointments to decrease wait time!
  • Student must bring a shot record to receive immunizations.  If they don’t have one, we recommend parent or guardian contact their pediatrician to obtain one before they come to our clinic.
  • Parent/guardian must bring a picture ID.  If someone other than the guardian is bringing the child, they must also bring a note, signed by the parent/guardian, giving us permission to treat without a parent present.
  • Costs for immunizations are as listed below:

Fees for Child and Adolescent Vaccinations

   Vaccine Charge Administration Charge
 VFC Eligible with Medicaid None Billed to Medicaid
VFC Eligible no Medicaid None $13.00 per child
Insured with Full Immunization Coverage Billed to Insurance through Vaxcare Billed to Insurance through Vaxcare

PLEASE CALL AHEAD AT 623-6122 TO DETERMINE WHICH OPTION WILL APPLY AND IF YOUR INSURANCE IS COVERED IN VAXCARE PROGRAM.  APPOINTMENTS ARE APPRECIATED. 

For more information, contact Misty Hammer, RN, Medical Services Coordinator, at 417-623-6122, ext. 1289.

– WWW.JOPLINMO.ORG –

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Joplin City Women, Infants and Children Program Announces Continued WIC Contract

The Joplin City Health Department/Women, Infants and Children (WIC) announces a contract continuance to provide WIC services for the federal fiscal year 2023 has been signed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental nutrition program providing services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their fifth birthday based on nutritional risk and income eligibility. The primary services provided are healthy, supplemental food, risk assessment, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, health screening and referrals to health care. To be eligible for WIC, applicants must have an income of less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level and be at nutritional risk. Migrant families are also eligible.

WIC supplemental food packages are specially chosen to provide foods high in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children receive fortified milk and cheese, eggs, whole grain bread products, hot or cold cereals, 100% fruit juices, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. The WIC program recommends breastfeeding and provides breastfeeding support, baby foods, and infant cereal. For women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infants may receive supplemental, iron-fortified formula. WIC participants obtain their food by using their eWIC cards for specific items at participating local grocery stores and pharmacies.

Studies confirm that pregnant women who enroll in WIC during the early months of pregnancy have fewer low birth weight babies, experience fewer infant deaths, see the doctor earlier in pregnancy, and eat healthier.

WIC is administered in Jasper County by the Joplin City Health Department/WIC program. Persons interested in applying or who are in need of more information should contact the Joplin City WIC office at 417.623.1928, option three and leave a message. WIC clinics are offered at 321 E. 4th Street, Joplin Missouri 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202.720.2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800.877.8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online here, from any USDA office, by calling 866.632.9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by mail.

Reference:

Joplin Health Department
417.623.6122, ext. 1256

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October 2022 Freeman In a Flash!

Learn about what’s new in local health care with Freeman Health System’s online newsletter, Freeman in a Flash. Read about new doctors at Freeman, Breast Cancer Awareness month, upcoming events, and much more below. 

New 3D Mammogram with Patient-Assisted Compression

Freeman Women’s Pavilion is equipped with the latest generation of 3D mammography equipment with patient-assisted compression. Freeman is thefirst and only in region to invest in GE’s Senographe Pristina™ Dueta, a 3-D mammography system that enables women to determine the pressure applied for compression, improving women’s experience and delivering better images. This self-compression tool helps give women a sense of control by enabling them to manually adjust the degree of breast compression.

Fear of pain is one of the most common reasons why women do not schedule a mammogram. A recent study conducted found that painful exams explain why 25% to 46% of women failed to return for further breast imaging. The Pristina approaches this problem in two ways: by making the paddles that compress the breast more flexible and by putting compression control in the hands of the patient.

Call 417.347.7777 to schedule your mammogram today and learn more here.

Interventional Cardiologist Added to the Freeman Team

Freeman Health System is pleased to welcome rheumatologist Dr. Justin Reed to its medical staff. Dr. Reed brings with him his expertise in a new specialty at Freeman. Freeman is expanding its services with Freeman Rheumatology, located at 931 E. 32nd Street, Joplin, in the Freeman Center for Geriatric Medicine.

Rheumatologists diagnosis and treat diseases that affect the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and bones. They also treat systemic autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and scleroderma.

Dr. Reed said he is excited to be able to bring a limited but much-needed service to the community.

“Rheumatologists deal with very complex diverse set of diseases,” Dr. Reed said. “It’s challenging because a lot of our diseases present insidiously. They can masquerade as other diseases before they fully present themselves in the textbook fashion. So, it takes some patience and diligence and getting to know your patients on a personal level.”

Dr. Reed is currently accepting patients by referral only. Learn more here.

Be a Flu Fighter with Worksite Clinics

It isn’t too late! Maintaining your annual flu vaccination is important because flu viruses evolve quickly and immunity can decline over time.

Freeman offers employers the option to be billed directly or to file insurance, if this is a covered benefit of your plan. On-site flu clinics offer:

  • Convenience – clinics visit your work site
  • Flexible scheduling – appointments available for all shifts, including nights and weekends
  • Efficiency – ability to vaccinate about 45 people per hour

To schedule an on-site flu clinic, please contact Raenna Diaz, Freeman OccuMed On-Site Coordinator, at 417.347.6934. For more information on billing your group health insurance, please contact Shelby Allen, Freeman Prevention & Wellness Supervisor, at 417.347.5646.

National Health Observances

As you plan your Employee Wellness programs and communication, you can find resources at the Department of Health and Human Services Monthly Observances Calendar. Each month focuses on approximately three to six topics of interest. Here are just a few resources for September:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? Early diagnosis is critical to survival. Check with your primary care provider to see if you need to schedule a mammogram, and visit freemanhealth.com/breastcancer to learn more about Freeman’s breast cancer services.

Freeman also sponsors the Espresso Yourself Breast Cancer Support Group on the first Tuesday of each month at Joplin Avenue Coffee Shop. To RSVP, to Marcella at 417.347.2662.

Early Detection Screenings Save Lives

Freeman Screen Team offers four screenings for just $100.

  • Stroke Screening/Carotid Artery
  •  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Screening
  • Osteoporosis Risk Screening

If you’re interested in learning more about these screenings, check out the poster below or call the Screen Team at 417.347.6555.

Want to Stay in the Loop?

Subscribe to Freeman in a Flash and the newsletter will be shared with you each month via email. Sign up today!

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September 2022 Freeman In a Flash!

Learn about what’s new in local healthcare with Freeman Health System’s online newsletter, Freeman in a Flash. Read about primary care in Neosho, flu shot clinics, upcoming events, and much more below. 

Electronic Authorization Form Simplifies Approval for Freeman OccuMed Services

Employer authorization is required before services can be provided at Freeman OccuMed (with the exception of emergencies falling under EMTALA guidelines). Employers can provide authorization by email, phone, fax, or an authorization form carried in by the patient.

Freeman OccuMed provides an editable PDF authorization form, which is free to download. Freeman OccuMed also provides an after hours authorization form for Freeman Urgent Care and Emergency Rooms. Employer authorization is required to obtain after hours drug and alcohol testing. You can submit an authorization form for each patient, or put a pre-approved protocol on file.

Access the Freeman OccuMed Authorization Form here, and the after hours form here. Register your company’s after hours protocol here.

New Internal Medicine Physician in Neosho

Freeman Neosho Physician Group is pleased to welcome Dr. Shelby Tinney-Edge, an internal medicine physician, to its staff. A native of the Joplin area, Dr. Tinney-Edge considers Freeman home.

“I always knew I was going to come back home and help the people in my community,” Dr. Tinney-Edge said. “I felt like the physicians at Freeman Neosho Physician Group were very close knit. I liked the small town feel of Neosho, and there is a great need for primary care.”

Dr. Tinney-Edge is accepting new patients at Freeman Neosho Physician Group, 336 S. Jefferson St., Neosho. To schedule an appointment call 417.455.4200.

Interventional Cardiologist Added to the Freeman Team

Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute is pleased to welcome Dr. Vigyan Bang, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, to its staff. Interventional cardiologists perform many interventional procedures, including cardiac catheterization to diagnose and treat heart disease, stenting, angiogram, angioplasty and intravascular ultrasound. They also provide general and preventive cardiology care.

Dr. Bang, the son of two physicians, said he is looking forward to working with Freeman and the community.

“This health system is very intertwined in the community,” Dr. Bang said. “The cardiology group are well-trained physicians who work well together to take care of complex patients. Freeman gives me the opportunity to hone my sub-specialty training, which is structural cardiology.”

Dr. Bang’s clinic is located at Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute, 1102 W. 32nd St., Suite 300. To schedule an appointment, call 417.347.5000.

Be a Flu Fighter with Worksite Clinics

Maintaining your annual flu vaccination is important because flu viruses evolve quickly and immunity can decline over time.

Freeman offers employers the option to be billed directly or to file insurance, if this is a covered benefit of your plan. On-site flu clinics offer:

  •  Convenience – clinics visit your work site
  • Flexible scheduling – appointments available for all shifts, including nights and weekends
  • Efficiency – ability to vaccinate about 45 people per hour

To schedule an on-site flu clinic, please contact Raenna Diaz, Freeman OccuMed On-Site Coordinator, at 417.347.6934.

For more information on billing your group health insurance, please contact Shelby Allen, Freeman Prevention & Wellness Supervisor, at 417.347.5646.

September National Health Observances

As you plan your Employee Wellness programs and communication, you can find resources at the Department of Health and Human Services Monthly Observances Calendar. Each month focuses on approximately three to six topics of interest. Here are just a few resources for September:

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Line Network is Now Active

Crisis staff at Ozark Center, an entity of Freeman Health System, will answer the new 988 dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

“Ozark Center is one of 200 crisis centers nationwide to join this new 988 network,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer. “Staffed by specialists with extensive training in supportive counseling and self-harm risk reduction, the Ozark Center 988 line will receive calls from Barton, Jasper, Newton and McDonald counties. Suicide is the most preventable, leading cause of death in the country, and we encourage anyone having an emotional or mental crisis to call 988 for help, day or night.”

Ozark Center will also continue to operate other crisis lines for those in distress, including a local number for Joplin 417.347.7720 or toll free at 800.247.0661.

Read more here.

Free Trauma-Informed Workplaces Workshop

Trauma-informed care is helpful in everyday life. Incorporating trauma-informed care principles and practices can help with how you do business, engage employees and interact with family.

Trauma-informed care promotes a culture of safety, empowerment and healing. During the presentation, you will hear from Kaley Routledge, Trauma Informed Care Specialist at Ozark Center, an entity of Freeman Health System. She will guide us through:

  • Defining trauma-informed care
  • Discussing major principles
  • Examining best practices

Most importantly, you’ll take away ideas and resources for workplace implementation.

Learn more and register to attend virtually or in-person here.

Support Group

The Freeman Caregiver Support Group will meet on Thursday, January 20 at 10:30 am in the Freeman East Conference Rooms.

Join fellow caregivers for this support group meeting to gain advice on what lies ahead, make new friends and learn how to better take care of family members. Door prizes will be given out.

RSVP to Kathy Mason at 417.347.8463 or kdmason@freemanhealth.com. To see the full list of upcoming events offered by Freeman, click here.

Want to Stay in the Loop?

Subscribe to Freeman in a Flash and the newsletter will be shared with you each month via email. Sign up today!

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