COVID-19 vaccinations continue; new tier now open

This week was an exciting one for our COVID-19 vaccination efforts, as we reached 49,000 doses administered at CoxHealth, and the state opened the next eligibility phase: Tier 1B-3, which allows individuals classified as “critical infrastructure” to be vaccinated. Others who are currently eligible include individuals age 65 or older, and those 16 to 64 with certain comorbidities. If you have friends or loved ones who qualify, please send them this link to register for an appointment, or they may call 417-269-1300.

Match Day and Jordan Valley expansion

Today was Match Day, the moment when the Cox Family Medicine Residency learned which 10 physicians will comprise the class of 2024.

While we eagerly anticipate meeting all of the new physicians, a few especially illustrate our local connections and efforts to “grow our own” providers. Three of the 10 new residents did their undergraduate training in Springfield at Drury University – and two of those, a husband-and-wife team, were both born at CoxHealth.

Another way we will see these resident physicians serve our community is through a new collaboration with Jordan Valley Community Health Center. This is an expansion of our current model, in which residents treat patients at Family Medical Care Center, a clinic at Cox North. The majority of the residents will continue to see patients at that clinic, but two physicians will be embedded full time at Jordan Valley.

Child Life celebrates 30 years

This year is an important milestone for our Child Life program: For 30 years, Child Life staff members have helped provide normalcy to our young patients and their families, and take the fear out of health care and hospitalization. In just the last five years alone, these individuals have served 235,463 patients and families. We are so grateful for the dedication of these staff members, who make a huge difference for kids when they need care.

Voice of the Patient

From satisfaction survey at CoxHealth Prosthetics & Orthotics: “Ashley was amazing to work with and we are very grateful for her! Not only did she make sure to explain the process and treatment fully, she went above and beyond to train, educate, and reassure us. She answer every question or concern we had and truly made us feel like she is an advocate for our family and health. The receptionist was also a joy to work with and always treats us with kindness and respect! We’ve been thoroughly impressed at every visit so far.”

Vaccine Voices

From patient feedback: “I received mine Monday at the Meyer Center. Thank you to all who helped. I was very impressed with the organization and professionalism shown by all.”

Thanks for all you do,

Steve

Direct Line from Steve Edwards: 3/19/21