CoxHealth to build baseball diamond at York Elementary

Nearly 60 employees at CoxHealth are taking the day off work to instead spend a day volunteering for the United Way of the Ozarks Day of Caring, Thursday, Aug. 21.

“Our volunteers will be doing a variety of jobs including painting restrooms and learning space, landscaping, helping teachers and organizing the Cents of Pride store with donations CoxHealth employees have made to the project,” says Lisa Alexander, CoxHealth Foundation President. “The big news is that in the last week we have also agreed to build a baseball diamond for York Elementary. While it won’t be regulation size due to space available, the principal at York Elementary explained how the students’ wish list has included a ball field for a very long time. Now the dream becomes reality!”

The ball field is coming to life thanks to donations from Beck, the hospital’s contractor on the new tower and other vendors including Hartman Construction and the City of Springfield.

In addition to the CoxHealth employees, there are seven CoxHealth Auxiliary Board members and 55 Cox College employees and students signed up to work on United Way of the Ozarks Day of Caring.

The auxiliary board members will work at the Equi-Librium Therapy Center. They have plans to paint, do carpentry work and other tasks to make a new office. “The auxiliary chose the Equi-Librium Therapy Center because the Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliaries’ state project is helping children with special needs,” says Barbara Frogue, Director, Volunteer Services. “Additionally, the auxiliary did a fundraiser for the center, raising more than $2,500.” Also, auxiliary member, Anne Marie Svoboda, will be singing the National Anthem at the Day of Caring kickoff breakfast at the Developmental Center of the Ozarks.

Cox College employees and students have signed up to perform various clean up and revitalization jobs at Washington Park.

Four nurses win Daisy awards

Four CoxHealth nurses were recently presented with Daisy awards, which recognize outstanding patient care: 

Jamie Gallivan, South Radiology 
A patient and her mother nominated Jamie because she “was a true blessing and the best nurse I’ve ever had.” The patient’s mother writes that when her young daughter went in for a series of scans, her daughter was very scared.

Jamie introduced herself to her young patient and explained exactly what was going to happen. The young girl asked Jamie if she would stay with her the whole time. Jamie promised she would and she delivered on that promise.

“Jamie acted with confidence and knowledge through a terrifying time for my child. This is truly a caring and outstanding nurse.”


Patty Fielding, Women’s Center
Patty was nominated by a fellow nurse who had Patty as her lactation consultant. She says, “Patty is by far one of the most caring, compassionate and patient nurses I have ever met.” Toward the end of her second pregnancy, she contacted Patty “to get advice on how not to repeat the same mistakes from her previous breastfeeding experience.”

She called Patty late on a Friday when her three-and-a-half-month-old son suddenly refused to breastfeed. Patty helped calm her down and went through the issue with her step by step.

“Every time I felt like giving up, she was there to give the hope and encouragement I needed. Patty does so much to keep her mothers and babies happy and healthy.”

Marti Peterson, South ER
Marti was nominated by a fellow nurse who described her as “truly compassionate.”

During the week of a recent computer conversion in the ED, an elderly patient left without her pain prescription. This patient and her family had no way of returning to get the prescriptions and take them to be filled. Knowing this, “Marti facilitated getting the prescriptions filled and took them to the patient’s home after working an extended shift. She met this patient’s need that night and deserves recognition.”


Katie Schubert, Critical Care Unit, Cox Branson 
Katie Schubert was nominated by a patient for the care she provided after the patient suffered a heart attack during a fishing trip to Branson. The patient said she comforted him, bolstered his confidence in his doctor and was professional yet personable and caring. The patient explained that since he wasn’t from Branson, there were a number of people who called to check on him and Schubert was able to explain his care and comfort each caller.

“I think she played a large role in the positive outcome,” the patient wrote.

Retired CoxHealth cell phones benefit The Victim Center

CoxHealth has donated 190 gently used cell phones and several phone accessories to The Victim Center in Springfield. The cell phones are de-activated and only able to dial 911 when charged. This is another example of how the community-based health care system supports local organizations that provide a positive impact on lives in the community.

The Victim Center can help save lives thanks to reconditioned cell phones.

“It is common for abusers to use isolation tactics as a way to gain power and control over their victims,” explains Brandi Bartel, executive director of The Victim Center. “Frequently, this means that a victim of violence does not have access to a phone or other method for seeking help in an emergency. In response to this need, The Victim Center collects unwanted and de-activated cell phones to give to victims so they can at least call 911 when their safety is threatened.”

Yvette Williams, System Director of Corporate Communications, CoxHealth (above), says, “CoxHealth is a leader in civic responsibility, supporting the work of fellow local not-for-profit organizations. Throughout the year, our employees donate school supplies, canned food, diapers, and much more to assist area agencies that help our community members. Connecting the dots by giving new life to retired equipment, such as cell phones and computers, is just another way we work with area organizations to benefit our community.”

“Over the years we have collected gently used cell phones in our communications department,” explains Brandi Wasson, customer services representative, Si3 (top photo). “Cell phones are replaced at CoxHealth for a number of reasons, newer models, and department needs. At one time, we would sell the phones to a company for $5 or less per phone, but now we know these reconditioned phones are going to help a great organization right here in Springfield.”

Today is Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen!

Today (Aug. 14) is Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen! $1 or more from each Blizzard Treat sold will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in your community.

You can help out local kids by visiting the following participating locations in our area:

Springfield:
4150 S. Campbell
Battlefield Mall
2825 S. Glenstone
2300 College St.
3665 E. Sunshine

Missouri:
Rolla, Marshfield, Marionville, Lebanon, Branson (2620 W 76 Country Blvd), Thayer, Republic, Cabool, Monett, St. Robert, West Plains

Arkansas: Harrison, Salem, Mountain Home

There are many ways to help kids in your community; sometimes it’s as easy and delicious as eating ice cream! Thank you for supporting your Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

United Way Day of Caring drive benefits York Elementary

This year, CoxHealth has chosen York Elementary School as our United Way Day of Caring project. The school has asked us to help stock their "Cents of Pride" store. Students are given paper dollars when they have good attendance, show initiative in class, turn in homework on time and show behavior improvements as well as for good work. Once a month the students can shop in the store with their reward dollars.

The school has asked for hygiene items, books, school supplies, gently-used clothing, toys and other items that would encourage and support these children, many of whom come from struggling households.

Collection bins like the one above are located at the West Pavilion and North Entrance at Cox South, at the Meyer Orthopedic and Rehab cafeteria and at the Cox North Outpatient Center entrance off of Robberson. You may also bring items to the CoxHealth Foundation in Medical South.

Collections will run through Aug. 20. Items will be delivered to York Elementary on the Day of Caring Aug. 21. CoxHealth volunteers will be painting classrooms and hallways and doing other rejuvenation projects for the school that day.

Thank you to everyone for your support of these students and their school with your donations. Questions, call the CoxHealth Foundation at 269-7150.

Cox Branson back-to-school drive aims to keep kids healthy

Cox Medical Center Branson continues CoxHealth's 2014 back-to school collection drives to help children as they prepare to go back to school.

Cox Branson is collecting items to help Branson students stay healthy this school year.

Employees and volunteers are being encouraged to donate boxes of facial tissues, gallon-sized and sandwich-sized plastic storage bags, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer.

Donation boxes will be located in the Skaggs Foundation/Media Relations office, Suite 404 in Plaza One, as well as in the cafeteria.

The drive runs through Aug. 15. Items collected will be distributed to Branson elementary schools.

“It's so important for all students to begin the new school year with the proper supplies, but some of our students just don't have them or the means to get them,” said Brenda Romine, Branson Public Schools communication director. “These school supplies include basics such as tissues, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. We always strive to keep the germs in the classrooms to a minimum and these items help with that objective. We are so grateful to the CoxHealth employees for helping us with this effort. Not only will our students feel good about having the supplies needed for school, but these specific items, thanks to the employees at Cox Branson, will keep our students healthier throughout the school year.”

“With kids of my own in the Branson district, I have seen first-hand the struggles many parents have with providing the basic back-to-school supplies for their children, let alone items that could be considered extras,” said Scott Winslow, manager, Cox Medical Center Branson Outpatient Therapy Services. “It is so humbling to be able to be a part of a donation drive that will help ensure Branson classrooms are well stocked with these items. The fact that these items will help keep our Branson kids healthy this school year makes it that much better.”

The Branson back-to-school donation drive is in conjunction with CoxHealth donation drives in Springfield and Monett.

CoxHealth celebrates World Breastfeeding Week with an open house

In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), CoxHealth Women’s Center invites you to an open house event at the Turner Center, Monday, August 4, 3-6 pm. followed by the TLC support group, 6-7:30 p.m.

Enjoy refreshments, samples of breastfeeding supplies, a gift for breastfeeding babies and 20% off purchases, which includes breast pumps. Attendees may also register to win a Medela Pump in Style breast pump.

This event highlights the benefits of breastfeeding. “Breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers and also reduces postpartum depression, cardiovascular disease and type two diabetes,” says Denise Vaughan, RN, Nurse Educator with CoxHealth Women’s Center. “Breastfed babies have fewer earaches, colds, asthma, food allergies and eczema and less colic, constipation and diarrhea. Breast milk is the perfect food for human babies and promotes optimal brain growth and development.”

The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continuing through one year of age with the introduction of solid foods. In addition, the AAP recommends that the mother and child continue breastfeeding beyond one year for as long as the mother and child both desire.

Breastfeeding mothers are always welcome to attend the TLC support group. It meets the first Monday of each month in the Turner Center, Suite 130. Vaughan explains how families are better able to meet their breastfeeding goals when they have the support of other breastfeeding mothers in their community. “TLC allows breastfeeding mothers to come together to support one another through encouragement, trouble shooting and idea sharing. There is also a member of our lactation staff present to answer questions and assist with any breastfeeding issues.”

Cancer Research for the Ozarks receives a $5 million grant

Cancer Research for the Ozarks (CRO), also known as the Ozarks Regional Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), has received a $5 million National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research (NCORP) grant to continue multi-site cancer clinical trials and cancer care delivery research studies for patients.

It was a grant in 1987 from NCI that helped establish CRO. The program was originally established as a cooperative venture of CoxHealth and Mercy Springfield and remains such today. It is one of 64 CCOPs in the United States.

The overall goal of NCORP is to bring cancer prevention, control, screening/post-treatment surveillance, treatment, and imaging trials, as well as quality of life and cancer care delivery research studies, to individuals in their own communities, thereby generating a broadly applicable evidence base that contributes to improved patient outcomes and a reduction in cancer disparities.

“This grant means we can continue making a difference in the lives of cancer patients in our service areas of the Ozarks, St. Louis, and parts of Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas,” says Jay Carlson, DO, Cancer Research of the Ozarks. “For many cancer patients throughout the Ozarks region, being a part of a CRO research trial in the past has saved their lives, enhanced their quality of life, or extended life in a meaningful way. Because of CRO most patients do not need to travel to other states to participate in clinical trials.”

Patients may participate in clinical trials from eight research bases through Cancer Research for the Ozarks. They are: Cancer Trials Support Unit (CTSU), Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), MDAnderson, SunCoast at the University of South Florida, National Surgical Bowel and Breast Project (NSABP), North Central Cancer Therapy Group (NCCTG), Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) and Wake Forest University.

CRO has seven components that work in conjunction with CoxHealth and Mercy in Springfield, giving additional patients access to clinical trials. Mercy Hospital Joplin and Freeman Hospital in Joplin have been affiliated with Cancer Research for the Ozarks since 1997. Cox Medical Center Branson’s Cancer Center in Branson and Central Care Cancer Center in Bolivar partnered with Cancer Research for the Ozarks in 2010. Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla joined CRO in 2011. Mercy St. Louis and Good Samaritan in Mt. Vernon, Illinois joined CRO in 2013.