Freeman has partnered with four southwestern Missouri school districts to form school-based health clinics. At the beginning of the school year, parents receive information regarding the program, which includes an informational packet outlining the services provided and how the program works. Freeman also collaborated with schools to develop a student health inventory form and consent for treatment form to save parents/guardians time by reducing the number of forms to complete.

When a child becomes sick at school, he or she visits the school nurse. If the school nurse determines the student’s needs are beyond the resources available at the school, the school nurse contacts the local, collaborating healthcare clinic via telehealth with pre-arranged parental consent. Telehealth is the use of digital technologies to assist in the delivery of medical care by connecting multiple users in separate locations. If the student requires additional treatment from a nurse practitioner and/or physician, priority access to the clinic is available. Some of the school districts provide transportation for the student to the clinic if the parent/guardian is unable to leave work or no transportation is available. Prompt treatment and transportation allow students to return to the classroom as quickly as possible – reducing missed days. Faculty and staff are also eligible for services provided by the school-based health clinic.

Some of the services Freeman offers include:

• Telehealth conferencing between the school nurse and nurse practitioner and/or physician to determine if child needs to be seen by a medical provider or if they can return to class
• Physical exam by a nurse practitioner and/or physician with diagnosis and treatment of illness and minor injuries
• Health and nutrition education, counseling and wellness promotion
• Immunizations
• Management of chronic conditions
• Prescription for medication when necessary for treatment of acute illness or condition
• Behavioral health services may also be available when needed

Costs of a school-based health clinic vary based on the agreement between the school district and the collaborating health system. Most programs are designed to ensure that no child is denied service based solely on inability to pay.

In addition to providing easy and prompt access to healthcare, school-based health clinics and partnerships impact students to reduce absenteeism, reduce emergency room and urgent care visits, and increase health knowledge among students. This partnership allows children to succeed in their education and become healthier adults.

Freeman has collaborated with area schools to establish four school-based health clinics to date. With the success of these programs, Freeman hopes to continue growing area partnerships. Current partnerships include:

• Carl Junction R-1 School District and Freeman Carl Junction Family Medicine
• McDonald County R-1 School District and Freeman Clinic of Anderson
• Neosho R-5 School District and Freeman Neosho Physician Group
• Seneca R-7 School District and Freeman Seneca Family Medicine

Learn more about our school-based health clinics.

About the Author

Renee Denton is Freeman Neosho Hospital Chief Operating Officer at Freeman Neosho Hospital – serving in this position since 2012. She joined Freeman in 2010. Renee represented Freeman Health System and played an integral role in collaborating with local school districts to establish area school-based health clinics to provide convenient, quality healthcare to students, faculty, staff and their families.

Someone in the United States attempts suicide every 29 seconds.* Every 11.9 minutes, someone successfully ends their life.

The Four States is no exception. In fact, Missouri loses more lives to suicide than car accidents, yet for many of us, an unspoken code of silence surrounds the issue.

Suicide is a heavy subject, and the stigma attached to mental illness keeps many from talking about their thoughts or feelings. These individuals suffer in silence, and many times, those around them are afraid to ask if they are OK.

It is time to break the code of silence. It is not easy to ask someone directly about suicidal thoughts, but the discomfort of asking is small compared to the pain of having a loved one take their own life.   

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, our highly-trained mental health professionals can help. Call the Ozark Center Crisis Line at 417.347.7720 or 800.247.0661 for immediate assistance, day or night. You can also send a text message to 720.7.TXTOZK for an anonymous, two-way texting counseling session. Both these services are free of charge.

*American Association of Suicidology

About the Author

Debbie Fitzgerald, EdS, LPC, NCC, is director of crisis services at Ozark Center. She has 33 years of experience in the mental health field, and for the past 30 years, she has served the community through her work at Ozark Center. She has certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors, and crisis worker certification from the American Association of Suicidology.

Man’s best friend is also one of man’s best healers. Pet therapy dogs are widely recognized in the healthcare community for their ability to improve patient outcomes. Their happy faces and fuzzy paws open doors and hearts to the healing process.

Pet therapy – also called animal-assisted therapy – helps people cope with serious health problems. Unlike service dogs, which cannot be touched, pet therapy dogs are meant to be petted and even held. Their affectionate touch and calming presence reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood and energy levels.

Therapy dogs offer a valuable service to patients. In order to volunteer in the hospital, pet therapy animals and handlers complete training and are reevaluated every two years. Prepared to handle high-stress situations, these canines and their owners have clearance to serve in all areas of the hospital – including the intensive care unit and emergency department. Doctors and other clinical staff can request a visit from the pet therapy team if a patient needs comforting.

Gifted with the desire for human connection, dogs have a natural instinct to comfort people in emotional, mental or physical distress. Their ability to pinpoint pain helps them to recognize patients with the greatest need and offer temporary relief from pain or discomfort. When a patient feels discouraged, unsettled or depressed, a loving nudge from a therapy dog can offer the strength and encouragement they need to continue treatment and rehabilitation.

Pet therapy doesn’t just help patients. Families, visitors and staff also experience the benefits of the program. For families whose loved ones have been admitted to the hospital, therapy dogs offer a welcome distraction. After a long, stressful work day, employees enjoy a comforting nuzzle from these furry friends too.

Although anyone can apply to be a pet therapy volunteer, not every person (or every dog) is suited for the job. Volunteering in a stressful environment can prove challenging for both handlers and their animals. Dogs and their owners must remain calm and focused when emotions run high, and trust each other in hard situations. A good handler knows their dog’s trigger points and will step away if their dog is feeling anxious or fearful.

To register as a pet therapy handler, volunteers and their dogs take a course, complete a screening process and pass an in-person team evaluation. To volunteer in a hospital, handlers must pass background checks, complete additional training and register with a pet therapy program. Volunteer handlers need to make sure their dogs are up-to-date on all vaccinations, and are well-groomed and bathed prior to patient interaction.

For those with a desire to help others, becoming a pet therapy volunteer can be an incredibly rewarding experience – both for the dogs and their owners. To find out if your four-legged friend would make a good therapy dog, visit petpartners.org.

About the Author: Sue Hicks is a certified master groomer, owner of Lucky Dog, LLC, a pet boarding and grooming business in Joplin, Missouri. She leads a team of seven volunteer handlers and 13 dogs with Pet Partners pet therapy program. Sue and her canine companions enjoy bringing smiles to patients at Freeman Health System.

As flu season approaches, a lot of information begins to circulate about the flu vaccine. Some information may be true but some may not. Get your facts straight about the flu vaccine so you can protect yourself, your loved ones and those around you.

Myth: Flu vaccines cause people to become sick with the flu.

While some people may experience mild aches or soreness from the vaccine, the vaccine itself does not cause the flu. Mild aches are much more manageable than the flu, which can take you away from work or school for several days.

Fact: High-risk groups should get the flu vaccine, but they are not the only ones. Everyone should receive a flu shot.

Doctors highly recommend the flu vaccine to high-risk groups, including children 6 months and older, adults over 65, pregnant women and those with chronic illness. However, it is important for everyone to receive the flu vaccine to decrease the spread of disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season. It is also important for those who work with others in close proximity to receive a flu shot – this includes healthcare professionals (clinical and non-clinical), teachers, airport staff, etc. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is through flu vaccination.  

Myth: Flu vaccines do not work to prevent the flu.

It is true that some vaccine components are less protective against some flu strands than others. The effectiveness varies year to year, but overall the risk of getting the flu is much lower if you are vaccinated than if you are not.

Fact: Flu vaccine must be repeated every year.

The flu vaccine lasts for months, but it does not last year to year. It is important to receive a flu vaccine every year to protect yourself and those around you.

Myth: Flu vaccines often cause neurological problems.

Neurological problems associated with the flu vaccine are extremely rare. In fact, the risk of contracting neurological problems from the actual flu is higher than getting it from the vaccine.

Fact: The nasal flu spray vaccine is no longer recommended or used.

The CDC no longer provides nasal flu spray vaccine because of its low effectiveness. The most effective vaccine is the injectable flu shot, which protects against four different types of flu strands.

The fact is: the key to flu prevention is receiving the flu vaccine. Other everyday preventive actions include covering you coughs and sneezes, frequent hand-washing and avoiding those who are sick. If you begin to develop flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately. To stay up-to-date on all things flu, visit cdc.gov/flu.

About the Author

Jeffrey Grills, MD, serves as Freeman Health System Vice President of Medical Affairs. Dr. Grills received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, and completed his residency in pediatrics at Indiana University Hospitals, Indianapolis, Indiana. Board-certified in pediatrics, Dr. Grills practiced for more than 18 years with Freeman Children’s Clinic. He has served as VP of Medical Affairs since 2015.

For those wanting to dedicate time and energy volunteering, both Carol Ann Morrison and Donna Pritchard, Freeman Volunteers, recommend Freeman Health System Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute. Pritchard has been with the institute for two years, and Morrison for three (but has been volunteering at Freeman for more than 18 years!). Both women help patients receiving chemotherapy.

Morrison, who always wanted to be a nurse but spent her career in retail, says she finds fulfillment because this work is hands on and she can spend her time in service of the sick. “You build relationships,” she said. “Consequently, Donna and I, just this year, have attended three funerals and have done some house calls just because we have taken a close interest in these people.” Pritchard says her best memories from volunteering come from seeing patients and hearing them say, “Today’s my last day in chemo!” Although Morrison and Pritchard never wish to see anyone in chemotherapy, they enjoy seeing regulars because they have connected with the patients and become good friends.

Many people believe working or volunteering with patients receiving chemotherapy would be depressing and incredibly hard, but Pritchard and Morrison are amazed at how positive both patients and staff are at the facility. “You would think it would be a downer,” Pritchard said, “but they’re so optimistic.” Morrison believes the environment at the institute is enjoyable, and the people are friendly and genuine.

The work itself is “humbling, rewarding” said Pritchard. It makes her thankful for her own health. For Morrison, “Volunteering, giving and being of service – it’s first nature, not second nature.” The women have also found a community at Freeman. Many of the volunteers easily connect with one another because they have so much in common. The relationships, fulfillment and positivity come from “trying to give that smile, that kindness,” and they do so volunteering at Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute.

Of course, as Morrison reminds us, volunteering in a chemotherapy center “isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.” Freeman volunteers can choose to work in many different locations. When asked how she likes the institute, Pritchard said, “I’m happy here.” She also believes that you should volunteer where you are comfortable, and finding a place where you enjoy offering your services is a central element of truly making a difference. For more information about volunteering at Freeman, contact Linda McIntosh at 417.347.4603.

About Linda McIntosh: As Freeman Health System Volunteer Services Program Manager, Linda McIntosh leads Freeman Auxiliary with responsibilities that include fundraising, program development, volunteer scheduling, recruitment, retention and training. McIntosh understands the importance of volunteering in the community, and ensures that volunteers are placed in positions that match their interests and where they can do the most good.

The lifetime risk of breast cancer has increased during the 20th Century. In 1940, the risk to age 85 years was 1 in 20, about 5 percent. By 1989, the risk to age 85 years was about 1 in 9, about 11.1 percent. Today, the risk to age 85 years is about 1 in 8 or about 12.1 percent.

This is due to the long-term trend of increasing breast cancer incidence and increasing longevity. Life expectancy of women born between 1900 and 1902 was 51 years, compared to those born between 1959 and 1961 with a life expectancy of 74 years. The greatest rate of increase of most cancer incidence is in women 40 years of age and older. Lifetime risk represents the accumulation of risk over successive intervals with each interval having higher risk than the previous interval. For example, in the decade of your 20s, the 10 year risk is 1 in 1760. The risk rises to 1 in 229 in your 30s. Further, to 1 in 69 in your 40s and 1 in 42 in your 50s. In your 60s, the risk is 1 in 29 and in your 70s it is 1 in 27. Again, the lifetime estimated cumulative risk, (0 - 85 years), is 1 in 8. The peak incidence of breast cancer in a 2003 - 2007 study was 75 years of age.

The good news is that breast cancer death rate has fallen 38 percent since 1990 according to the 2014 data from the National Cancer Institute SEER database. This downward trend is credited to the increased use of screening mammography as organized since the early 1980s. This is further supported by new treatment and therapies. This means almost 275,000 breast cancer deaths have been averted since 1990. In 1990, 73.8 women per 100,000 died of breast cancer. This dropped to 45.9 per 100,000 in 2014.

Regular screening mammography can detect cancer early when it is most treatable and can be treated less invasively. This helps preserve quality of life.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Radiology, and Society of Breast Imaging, (physicians with expertise in breast cancer care), continue to recommend that women start getting annual mammograms and clinical breast exams at age 40 years, continuing as long as one is healthy.

What are some risk factors for breast cancer?

1. Being female. However, 2 percent of all breast cancers are in males.
2. Older age. Persons 65 - 69 years of age have 17 times the risk of those 30 - 34 years of age.
3. Those living in North America or Europe have 4 - 5 times the risk of those in Asia.
4. History of mother or sister with breast cancer raises risk 2 - 3 times.
5. Mammographically dense breasts, 2 - 4 times the risk.
6. Obesity, 2 times the risk.
7. Alcohol. 3 or more drinks per day increases risk 40 percent over non-drinkers.
8. Hormone replacement therapies - variable risks judged individually.
9. Additional risk factors can be addressed by regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and yearly mammography, where additional care and education can be obtained.

About the author

John Williams, MD, is a radiologist at Wes & Jan Houser Women’s Pavilion. Dr. Williams specializes in diagnostic radiology and has worked at Freeman Health System for more than 20 years. Wes & Jan Houser Women's Pavilion is accredited in breast MRI and designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). By awarding facilities the status of Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast ultrasound. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 417.347.7777. Visit freemanhealth.com/womenspavilion for more information.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can change a family’s life from the inside out, turning daily tasks into overwhelming sensory experiences for the individuals it affects.

Since opening its doors in 2007, Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, an Ozark Center program of Freeman Health System, has worked to improve the quality of life for children and families touched by ASD, serving more than 1,000 families to date.

“Individuals with ASD have deficits in the areas of communication, socialization and restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior,” said Sarah Horton, coordinator of outreach services at Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism. “Children and adults with ASD often have unique interests and a different way of seeing the world, as well.”

Staff at the center specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an evidence-based treatment approach that uses positive reinforcement to help individuals acquire useful skills, including communication, socialization, self-care and learning skills.

“People who have gone through our program and are now in typical classrooms do amazingly well,” said Paula Baker, Freeman Health System President and CEO. “That could never have happened without early intervention.”

Early diagnosis and continued treatment can greatly improve an individual’s ability to learn, socialize and communicate. To schedule an appointment with Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism’s diagnostic team, call 417.347.7850.

About the Author

Kristy Parker, M.Ed., M.A., BCBA, LBA, is the clinical director of Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism and has been with Ozark Center since 2011. As clinical director, Parker oversees Applied Behavior Analysis services provided to children, youth and adults both at the center and throughout the community. Parker graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a M.Ed. in Special Education-Autism Emphasis from the University of Nevada-Reno as well as an M.A. in psychology-Applied Behavior Analysis. Parker has been a licensed behavior analyst in the state of Missouri since 2011 and in the state of Arkansas since 2014.

Mindful meditation has the ability to reverse the negative effects of stress. Meditation trains the mind the way physical exercise strengthens our bodies. With training, we can prime our brain cells to fire together in patterns that strengthen vital nervous system structures that are key in everyday tasks such as decision making, memory and emotional flexibility. At the same time, crucial components of happiness – resilience, equanimity, calm and a sense of compassionate connection to others – are nurtured.

Proper breathing is an integral component of mindful meditation. The practice of meditation provides “down time” to rest physically and mentally and focuses on total well-being. Balance is key to helping us feel more composed and resilient in response to daily life-work challenges. We can’t control difficult encounters, but we can control how we respond to them. Mindfulness (the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something) provides the foundation we need to weather the stressors and flourish.

Take the 21-day mindfulness and meditation challenge, which was designed for Freeman employees!

Click the links below to view short mindful meditation practices.

5 minute introduction to mindfulness 
5 minute self-compassion break 
5 minute just like me 
5 minute leaves on a stream
5 minute simple mindful breathing

Click here to learn how to take a 1 minute breather anytime anywhere to reduce stress and help you return to the present moment.

Feeling overwhelmed? You can seek help from your personal physician, a mental health professional, your religious leader, or Ozark Center Crisis Hotline 800-247-0661.

Click here for a list of area behavioral health resources.

The CALM 1 – minute Take a Breather graphic is copyrighted. If you wish to use this material other than for personal use, please contact Kris Drake RN, CHPD Freeman Wellness Coordinator at mcdrake@freemanhealth.com.

About the author
Kris Drake RN, CHPD, is the Wellness Coordinator at Freeman Health System. As coordinator of Freeman’s employee health program, Kris Drake works tirelessly to improve the work-life balance of more than 4,500 health system employees. Since October 2002, Drake has developed an array of programs to empower Freeman employees to reach their personal goals.

Few things are better than the smell of a holiday dinner, the warmth of a fireplace and laughter from your family’s youngest members. In reality, though, this idyllic scene is often punctuated by burnt pie crust, Johnny’s scream as he runs smack into the corner of a cabinet or Uncle Hank’s latest political rant.

While the holidays can be a beautiful time, they can also be stressful and overwhelming. Whether the cause is family dynamics, the pressure to create the perfect day for your family or an empty seat at the table, the holidays can take their toll on your mental well-being.

According to a poll by National Alliance on Mental Illness, holiday stress affects 64 percent of us, with 24 percent saying the holidays affect them a lot. We can take steps to avoid holiday stress:

• Have realistic expectations. While your celebration may have picturesque moments, chances are some things won’t go according to plan. And that’s OK. Sometimes, the missteps can create the most memorable (and the funniest) holiday stories.
• Take time for yourself. Make sure you get enough rest, eat healthy and stay hydrated. If you feel holiday obligations getting the best of you, take a breather. You may find that spending even 15 minutes taking a walk, reading a book or enjoying a warm shower can help restore your inner calm.
• Acknowledge your feelings. If you have faced a loss in the last year or you are unable to be with loved ones during the holidays, it is normal to experience grief and sadness. It’s OK to cry or express your feelings to a trusted confidante or helping professional. 
• Remember what’s important. The barrage of holiday cheer on TV and at the store can make it easy to get bogged down by everything you “must” do to have the perfect holiday. If you find your gift list is longer than your budget, or you don’t have time to cook dinner after baking all the Christmas cookies, scale back and remind yourself what’s important – your loved ones and the time you spend together – not the gifts, parties or food.
• Seek professional help if you need it. The holiday blues can cause fatigue, anxiety, irritability and/or depression. These feelings should not be debilitating, though, and they should not last. If these feelings become persistent or overwhelming, call your doctor or mental healthcare provider. You can also call the Ozark Center crisis line at 417.347.7720 (in Joplin) or 800.247.0661 (outside Joplin) anytime day or night to talk to trained mental health professional, free of charge.

About the Author

Ann Leach, QMHP, is a therapist specializing in grief and loss. She has served Ozark Center clients for over one year. Prior to that, Leach served as a substance abuse counselor for a teen recovery program and facilitated a depression support group for those living with cancer and other chronic illnesses.