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 Recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion
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 Among Nation’s Top Hospitals for Heart Attack Patient Care
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.
The Missing Step in Tuberculosis Screening
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:
- Visit 1: Injection of TB antigen fluid.
- Visit 2: Return 48 to 72 hours later for the test to be read.
- Visit 3: Return one to three weeks later to repeat the injection (check for latent TB).
- Visit 4: Return 48 to 72 hours later for test to be read and finalized.
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.
Printable Freeman OccuMed Clinic Map Now Available
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.
As Freeman Celebrates 300 TAVR Procedures, Meet Patient John Tescher In His Own Words
“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.
Five Numbers You need to Know for a Healthy Heart
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.
Wellness for Business Series: Part 2, Building Your Employee Wellness Program
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.
Caregiver 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.
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