Stealth Creative and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce are excited to share that their teams won a bronze Anthem Award for their work on the Healthy Joplin website!
Healthy Joplin is a local staple, offering resources and opportunities to help residents live their best (and healthiest!) lives. Stealth is doubly proud to receive this honor because one of their offices is located in Joplin!
Both teams extend their sincerest gratitude to both The Anthem Awards and Healthy Joplin.
Learn about what’s new in local health care with Freeman Health System’s online newsletter, Freeman in a Flash. Read about new sleep apnea treatments, December’s health focus, the Joplin Christmas parade, and much more below.
A year and a half ago, Freeman announced the acquisition of MONARCH® – a transformative new robotic technology that helps our doctors find lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. Now, Freeman pulmonologist Dr. Grant Piersonhas performed his 200th MONARCH procedure in less than two years.
Freeman is the first and only health system in Missouri, Southeast Kansas, and Northeast Oklahoma to invest in MONARCH platform by Auris. MONARCH gives our physicians advanced maneuverability to navigate a patient’s airways to detect and biopsy potentially cancerous nodules.
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, in part because it has no symptoms in its early stages,” said Dr. Pierson. “Because the MONARCH platform provides improved reach, vision and control for bronchoscopic procedures, it holds potential to help us to make a diagnosis earlier. We are excited about the promise of this technology to offer a more hopeful future for our patients with lung cancer.”
Learn more about Dr. Pierson and MONARCH here. For more information about MONARCH, pulmonology services or to make an appointment, call 417.347.8315.
Freeman Health System is now offering Inspire Therapy, an innovative method obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment option for those who cannot use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Freeman is the first and only system within a 70-mile radius of Joplin to offer Inspire.
Inspire works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process to treat sleep apnea. Mild stimulation opens the airway during sleep, enabling oxygen to flow naturally.
The Inspire team at Freeman includes Dr. Grant Pierson (pulmonology specialist) and Dr. Jason Maxfield (sleep medicine specialist) referring patients to Dr. Kent McIntire (ear, nose and throat specialist).
“Freeman is fortunate to have three excellent physicians collaborating in a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to treat poor sleep for the best therapy outcomes,” said Paula Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “Good sleep improves cognition, concentration, productivity and performance. It can also maximize problem-solving skills and enhance memory. If you’ve ever missed a few of hours sleep, you know it can make you feel like you’re running on empty. This is why Freeman invested in this breakthrough sleep therapy called Inspire.”
Learn more here.
In November, Missouri voters passed Amendment 3, expanding marijuana use beyond medicinal purposes and legalizing it for recreation for those 21 years of age and older. Sale of recreational marijuana could begin as early as February 2023, though it is important to recognize marijuana use remains federally illegal. This change presents new challenges as employers consider changes to drug testing policies.
Share your questions with Freeman OccuMed about how this change impacts your business. Stay tuned for details about an information seminar on workplace substance abuse in January 2023.
Ask your question here.
Save your spot — because feeling better shouldn’t be a waiting game.
Patients can use the Save My Spot feature on the Freeman Health System website to select a convenient time to come in.
Freeman Urgent Care – Joplin
Freeman Urgent Care – Webb City
Note: Using Save My Spot is not required to be seen in our facilities. Walk-ins are always welcome! Please check with your insurance carrier to verify coverage before your arrival. If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
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. Here are two resources for December:
World AIDS Day
National Influenza Vaccination Week
Tuesday, December 6 @ 6:00 pm | Main Street in Joplin from 15th to 2nd Street
Brought to you by Freeman Health System.
Freeman Health Systemis proud to continue our ongoing support and sponsorship of the Annual Joplin Christmas Parade. We consider this a gift to the community we are so blessed to have served for the past 97 years, and we are honored play a key role in bringing the parade to Joplin again this year.
If you would like to enter your organization or business in the Joplin Christmas Parade, be sure you get your entry form filled out as soon as possible to ensure your participation in this great community event.
Check out the parade details here.
Subscribe to Freeman in a Flash and the newsletter will be shared with you each month via email. Sign up today!
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, the VigiLanz Awards, the Joplin Christmas Parade, and much more below.
Freeman Health System has been awarded the VigiLanz® Pharmacy Team of the Year award. This award honors our Freeman pharmacists for their significant contributions and improvements to patient care and safety at Freeman Health System.
Since implementing VigiLanz in 2018, Freeman Pharmacy has created over 650 VigiLanz rules that aid in keeping our patients healthier and safe, reducing readmission rates and saving $98,000 since January 2022.
Freeman Health System was recognized for using VigiLanz to:
Learn more about the VigiLanz Awards here.
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.”
Outside of work, Dr. Tinney-Edge enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. Jacob Edge, and their son.
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.
Read more about Dr. Tinney-Edge here.
Save your spot — because feeling better shouldn’t be a waiting game.
Patients can use the Save My Spot feature on the Freeman Health System website to select a convenient time to come in.
Note: Using Save My Spot is not required to be seen in our facilities. Walk-ins are always welcome! Please check with your insurance carrier to verify coverage before your arrival. If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
Visit the Save My Spot website here.
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 November:
Freeman Health Systemis proud to continue our ongoing support and sponsorship of the Annual Joplin Christmas Parade. We consider this a gift to the community we are so blessed to have served for the past 97 years, and we are honored play a key role in bringing the parade to Joplin again this year.
If you would like to enter your organization or business in the Joplin Christmas Parade, be sure you get your entry form filled out as soon as possible to ensure your participation in this great community event.
Details are as follows:
Learn more here.
Subscribe to Freeman in a Flash and the newsletter will be shared with you each month via email. Sign up today!
Buckle Up Phone Down: A Safety Challenge That Can Make a Difference
The Joplin Health Department is challenging teens and all drivers to buckle up and put their phones down to reduce car crashes, as it is the number one cause of death among teenagers. This work is an initiative of the Health Dept. to help reduce motor vehicle-related injuries and fatalities under a contract with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The Buckle Up Phone Down campaign is tackling the two most impactful actions a driver can take to prevent crashes — or survive if one occurs. The Missouri Department of Transportation began “Buckle Up, Phone Down” in 2017 to begin reducing this statistic. This campaign has been adopted by many states and has received national attention.
As part of this effort, Friday, October 21, 2022 has designated as Missouri Buckle Up Phone Down Day. The State of Missouri is pushing for ZERO fatalities on roadways on Friday, October 21. One way to do this is if everyone would buckle up every time they are in the car, put their phone down, or set it to “do not disturb” while driving. Distracted driving is on the rise. Distracted driving can also include “impaired” driving due to alcohol, drugs, excessive sleepiness, and other activities people do when driving.
The Health Department initiated an informational campaign on its Facebook page with individuals demonstrating the Buckle Up Phone Down symbol. To do this, a person gives a “thumbs up” with their right hand and a “thumbs down” with their left hand. They also encourage many people to participate in this photo opportunity and post it on their own Facebook page using the hashtag #buckleuphonedown
Read more about this initiative and take the pledge at: www.modot.org/bupd
Below are statistics related to this safety promotion that clearly demonstrates the need for all drivers to Buckle Up and put their Phone Down.
Buckle Up:
In 2020, more than 975 people lost their lives in Missouri traffic crashes, an increase of 10% from 2019. Missouri’s current safety belt usage rate is 86% with the unbuckled 14% accounting for 349 fatalities in 2019.
Phone Down:
Over the past five years, cell phone-related crashes in Missouri have increased by 30%, with nearly 2,500 crashes in 2019. Right now, Missouri has a “no texting” law for drivers aged 21 years and under. But distracted driving isn’t just a young driver’s problem. Approximately 70% of drivers using cell phones in Missouri traffic crashes were 22 years of age or older. We are challenging all drivers to honor that ban no matter what their age.
Reference:
Lynn Iliff Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417.624.0820, ext. 204
LOnstot@joplinmo.org
(Joplin, MO) – Freeman Health System invites area residents to travel the world of health care without leaving Joplin. The annual Freeman Advantage Health & Resource Fair is your passport to good health and will take place from 7:30 am – 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 3, at Freeman Business Center, located at 3220 McClelland Blvd. Participants are encouraged to use the back entrance.
“We’re excited about the return of the Freeman Advantage Health & Resource Fair,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “It hasn’t been held since April of 2019 due to the pandemic, and this year’s fair features a diverse lineup. There will be guided mindfulness sessions, fitness assessments, and a presentation by Matt Adrian, Freeman’s General Counsel, on the legal aspects of hospitalization, such as power of attorney and advance medical directives. We’re looking forward to a fun and informative event and hope to see you there.”
The come-and-go event features health screenings, informative presentations, interactive booths, door prizes, and free breakfast.
“The Freeman Screen Team will be available doing fasting blood screens that check cholesterol levels, lipids, and much more,” said Jamie Gillmore, Freeman Advantage Coordinator. “Guests will need to fast eight hours for those screenings, so we are offering free breakfast for everyone. The blood screenings have a $10 fee but all other screenings, such as blood pressure checks, bone density, and body mass index (BMI), are free.”
Visitors will receive a “passport” upon entry and then collect stamps from the various vendors or by participating in activities, which then qualifies them for door prizes.
“It’s a win-win,” said Gillmore. “Seniors get valuable information in a fun way as well as giveaways and door prizes. Folks look forward to this event. They can learn about Freeman physicians and services, Medicare assistance, senior living options, home insurance, and can even try out a driving simulator that replicates dawn and dusk conditions, which can be challenging for seniors.”
Ozark Center Innovative Solutions is a new participant in the Advantage Health & Resource Fair and will offer a presentation on resiliency in aging. Ozark Center professionals will also be available to address questions about mental health.
The schedule for Advantage Health & Resource Fair presentations is:
Freeman Advantage is a medical, education and social program for those over the age of 50, who can receive a lifetime membership for just $20. Activities include walking and bowling groups that meet three times a week, exercise classes, game days, book club, day trips, and extended travel opportunities. Advantage currently has 3,100 members.
For additional information, contact Jamie Gillmore at 417.347.5837 or click here.
Reference:
Jamie Gillmore, Freeman Advantage Coordinator
Freeman Health System
417.347.5837
Chi Chi MaMa’s Breastfeeding Support Group is holding a breastfeeding celebration to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2022 from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 6 at the Joplin Senior Center.
This event offers fun for the whole family with vendors, free lunch, door prizes, and games. The group will take a walk after the event, so make sure to bring strollers and/or carriers for the little ones.
This event is sponsored by the Breastfeeding Coalition of SWMO, Healthy Blue, Home State Health, and United Health Care.
For more information about this event, please call 417.623.1928, ext. 1763.
Learn about what’s new in local healthcare with Freeman Health System’s newsletter, Freeman in a Flash. Read about a new medical office, workplace wellness, upcoming events, and much more.
Freeman Health System held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 31 for a new $10.1 million medical office building at 34th Street and McIntosh Circle.
The medical office building is part of phase one for a long-term expansion plan for Freeman. The building will house offices for physicians specializing in pain management, dermatology, urology, general surgery, and others in the near future.
Find out more here.
Dr. Roger Misasi, interventional pain management specialist, is no stranger to southeast Kansas. He was born in Pittsburg, raised in Arma, attended St. Mary’s Colgan and Pittsburg State University, and was a founding physician and anesthesiologist of the surgery center in Pittsburg.
For the past eight years, Dr. Misasi has been driving to the Kansas City area for work while his wife and daughter lived in Pittsburg. Joining the Freeman Specialty Clinic of Pittsburg means he is home for good.
“It’s great, really,” said Dr. Misasi. “I’ve been living in both places. This creates a balance between work and personal life.”
Read more here.
Each year on July 28, the World Health Organization sponsors World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about the global burden of viral hepatitis. This year’s theme, Hep Can’t Wait, emphasizes that we must act now to address the problem of hepatitis.
Protect yourself with a Hepatitis B screening and learn about screening for Hepatitis C. Contact Freeman OccuMed at 417.347.6625 to schedule your Hepatitis A and B vaccinations or to check immunity levels from previous vaccinations. Onsite vacations are available.
Learn more here.
Registration for the July Quarterly MOCAN Conference is now open. This quarter’s topic is all things Worksite Wellness, so invite anyone who may be interested outside of the MOCAN membership!
Speakers will present on worksite environment, culture, moving back to in-office from remote work, occupational balance and more. Companies will receive their Worksite Wellness Awards. An overview of the Missouri WorkWell Toolkit will round out the activities.
Register online to receive the Zoom link to the conference.
Cost: Free
Contact: Candace Rodman at 660.269.9656
Register and learn more here.
Hosted once a month, the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Morning Brews highlight individual businesses and offer an informal setting for the area’s business professionals to meet, mingle, and make contacts. This month’s Morning Brew is hosted by Freeman and will take place in the Freeman Hospital Tower Conference Rooms from 7:30 to 8:30 am on Friday, July 8. You can learn more here.
We’ll see you there!
During this free session, attendees will be guided through a “crash course” in workplace wellness by the WorkWell Missouri Toolkit. Developed to assist businesses in starting, adding to, or maintaining a wellness program, this is a step-by-step guide for employers to use in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating a workplace wellness program.
Interested individuals can register to participate in-person at the Freeman Business Center, here, or register here to attend virtually.
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.
Subscribe to Freeman in a Flash and the newsletter will be shared with you each month via email. Sign up today!
Join the Missouri SBDC hosted at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) and Freeman Health System for Wellness for Business Part Three: Growing Your Employee Wellness Program on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.
During this session, participants will hear from Lori Scott Dreiling, Pittsburg State University’s HR Director and former HR Director for Modine Manufacturing who received the Missouri Worksite Wellness Gold Award in 2019. Lori will discuss her experience with worksite wellness and then join a panel of local businesses that have implemented wellness programs.
The Wellness Panel includes:
The panel will be begin at 8:00 am at the Freeman Health System Business Center Conference Room. Virtual attendance is available via Zoom. Attendance fees are covered by Freeman Health System.
Learn more here.
Reference:
Missouri SBDC
417.625.3128
sbdc@mssu.edu
(Carthage, MO) – The Alliance of Southwest Missouri will be hosting free parenting classes starting Tuesday, June 21 at Fairview Christian Church.
These parenting classes are free, ten-week courses designed for parents or caregivers of children and teens. The course focuses on:
Classes will be from 5:30 to 7:30 on Tuesday nights from June 21 to August 23. Dinner and childcare will be provided at no cost to the participants.
To register for this class, please click here or call 417.782.9899. Classes will be coming to Joplin, Lamar, and McDonald County in September.
Learn about what’s new in local healthcare with Freeman Health System’s newsletter, Freeman in a Flash. Read about Freeman’s recognition as a Healthy People 2030 Champion, upcoming events, and much more.
Freeman Health System is proud to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion(ODPHP) as a Healthy People 2030 Champion.
The Healthy People 2030 Champion distinction recognizes Freeman’s commitment to helping achieve the Healthy People 2030 vision of a society in which all people can achieve their full potential for health and well-being across their lifespans. ODPHP recognizes Freeman, along with other Healthy People 2030 Champions, as part of a growing network of organizations partnering with ODPHP to improve health and well-being at the local, state and tribal level.
“Because Freeman focuses on meeting the health and wellness needs of those we serve, this partnership is a great fit,” said Kris Drake, Freeman Wellness Coordinator. “As we continually look for new ways to reach and strengthen our community through wellness education and outreach, this program will surely support our efforts.”
Find out more here.
Freeman Health System is one of only 240 hospitals nationwide to receive the American College of Cardiology NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2022. The award recognizes Freeman Heart & Vascular Institute’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients.
“It’s an impressive accomplishment for our heart care team, and it reflects the dedication, commitment and clinical excellence of our cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, nurses, technicians and support staff,” said Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula F. Baker. “It’s gratifying to see their efforts recognized by the American College of Cardiology.”
Read more here.
Facilities that serve large populations of people – like daycares and nursing homes – have long screened for tuberculosis (TB), a potentially serious bacterial disease that affects the lungs. Most companies use the tuberculin skin test (TST), also called TB skin test or two-step TB test. However, many companies only complete the first of the two-step process.
Commonly, patients and employers do not realize that returning for a second test is required to complete the two-step process, which actually requires a total of four visits to your medical provider:
Alternatively, employers may request a T-SPOT TB test, which is a single visit blood test, drawn by a medical professional, and sent to a lab for analysis.
Patients can walk in to any OccuMed clinic (except Thursdays) for a TB skin test. T-SPOTS can be done Monday to Friday.
Helping employees get to their Freeman OccuMed appointment just got easier. The printable Freeman OccuMed clinic map shows contact information and a thumbnail image of each clinic location. A place to write in your employee’s appointment serves as a visual reminder of their scheduled time. Download this form to help reduce late and missed appointments.
Find printable resources here.
“Before transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR for short, I was really weak. Just walking across the room, I’d have to sit down and take a break.
“I was one of the first people to have TAVR done at Freeman. I was excited about it. I was a little nervous about stepping into the unknown of a new procedure, but I knew that if it worked, it would be beneficial to my daily life.
“I noticed the improvement right away. I’ve regained my energy and my strength. I can do whatever I want to do – I can work on my yard or go shopping with my wife. I feel good.”
Read more of John’s story here.
Quarterly, Your Friends at Freeman debut a poster for employers to post in breakrooms or other high traffic areas. You’re encouraged to share it electronically if that is effective for your employee communication.
This quarter, we’re premiering the Five Numbers You Need to Know for Heart Health poster.
Discover this poster and other printable resources here.
During this free session, attendees will be guided through a “crash course” in workplace wellness by the WorkWell Missouri Toolkit. Developed to assist businesses in starting, adding to, or maintaining a wellness program, this is a step-by-step guide for employers to use in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating a workplace wellness program.
Interested individuals can register to participate in-person at the Freeman Business Center, here, or register here to attend virtually.
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.
Subscribe to Freeman in a Flash and the newsletter will be shared with you each month via email. Sign up today!
