Direct Line from Steve Edwards for 6/21/2019

CoxHealth encourages passage of Tobacco 21 ordinance in Springfield

Representatives from CoxHealth joined others this week to speak to the Springfield City Council in support of a proposed ordinance that would raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21. I am encouraged to see so many groups come together in support of this important proposal.

Three CoxHealth hospitals receive national stroke, cardiac care awards

Cox South, Cox Branson and Cox Monett have been recognized with “Get With the Guidelines” awards by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for our quality care to stroke and cardiac patients.

Special honor for longtime CoxHealth physician

Dr. Patricia Dix received the Service to Mankind Award this week from Queen City Sertoma. The group gave a $1,000 donation on Dr. Dix’s behalf to the CoxHealth Foundation Bethlehem Fund, which Dr. Dix started, to support mothers with high-risk pregnancies.

Armed intruder exercise at Cox South a success

CoxHealth security, emergency management and EMS staff and physicians worked with city and county emergency responders this week on a training exercise to practice responding to active shooter threats.

CoxHealth staff volunteer for Day of Caring

Several CoxHealth groups volunteered for United Way Day of Caring this week. Groups in Springfield participated in projects at Kickapoo High School, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, Harmony House and Dickerson Park Zoo. A team from Cox Branson performed jobs at schools in Blue Eye, Hollister and Taneyville; the Boys & Girls Club in Forsyth and the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA.

Veterans get special parking at Cox Branson

Cox Medical Center Branson unveiled four parking spots reserved for veterans. The parking spots are in front of the hospital and are marked by signs thanking veterans for their service.

Car, Truck and Bike Show June 22

CoxHealth Auxiliary will present the annual Car, Truck and Bike Show on Saturday, June 22, in the parking lot on Primrose across from Cox South. This year funds raised will help patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Besides the vehicles on display, participants can enjoy entertainment, food trucks and raffles.

CoxHealth in the news

• CoxHealth’s ranking by Forbes as a top employer was covered by KOLR-10.

• Springfield News-Leader had a front-page story about the active shooter exercise this week at Cox South.

• KOLR-10, KSMU and KTTS reported on CoxHealth’s new drug take-back boxes in all CoxHealth retail pharmacies.

• Springfield News-Leader reported that Cox College is on track to be Missouri’s second largest nursing program.

Voice of the patient

"I went to the Cox South ER and wanted to compliment the care. They rushed me back to a room and got me treatment very fast. They were able to identify my problem very quickly. Dr. Messner was really great with me as well as all of the nursing staff there.​ Then when I was admitted to the 4th floor the staff there did an excellent job for me. I appreciated everyone so much."

Thanks for reading,

Steve