NEA Health 2020 Edition

ISSUE 20

2020 Edition

Battling COVID-19 Brought to you by

Infection Prevention • Joint Replacement • Ed, Urgent Care or Primary Care NEABaptist.com

DOC+FINDER 870.936.NEAB (6322) Anesthesiology

Primary Care - Jonesboro

Medical Campus, 870-936-1000 David Daniel, MD Oksana Redko, M Stacy Richardson, DO

Hilltop Clinic 870-936-7694

Jeffery Barber, DO, MRO Ali A. Haydar, MD Trent Lamb, MD Tim Shown, DO Crystal Adams, APRN

Cardiology Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Mahesh Aradhya, MD Nephertiti Efeovbokhan, MD Matthew Haustein, MD, FACC Michael L. Isaacson, MD, FACC D.V. Patel, MD, FACC Eumar T. Tagupa, MD Robert D. Taylor, MD, FACP Anthony T. White, MD Margaret Cooper, APRN Teri Horne, APRN Brooke Pruitt, APRN Jennifer Smith, APRN Kirk Williamson, APRN

Stadium Clinic 870-936-7669 Michael E. Crawley, MD Arnold E. Gilliam, MD Michael E. Tedder, MD

Windover Clinic 870-936-7130

Travis Ewing, DO Douglas L. Maglothin, MD Jessica Womble, APRN Tiffany Woodard, APRN

Woodsprings Clinic 870-936-7612 Randy Carlton, MD W. Scott Hoke, MD Brannon Treece, MD Nathan Turney, MD Erika Vance, APRN Steven Vanderbilt, APRN Stephanie Wiggins, APRN

Tommy Taylor, MD Aaryn Spurlock, APRN

Ahmed Halal, MD Deborah Fairchild, APRN

Medical Campus

Gynecologic Oncology 870-936-8000

Internal Medicine Residents

Hematology/Oncology 870-936-7000

Oncology Clinical Research 870-936-7000

Kevin Collins, MD

Matthew Haustein, MD (Cardiology) Matthew P. Jackson, MD Jennifer Dorris, APRN

Clinical Research 870-936-7723 Critical Care Intensivist

Osceola Clinic 870-936-7642

Owen K. Criner, MD William Hubbard, MD Meredith Walker, MD

Nephertiti Efeovbokhan, MD (Cardiology) Kim Crosskno, APRN Jeff Harris, APRN

Paragould Clinic 870-936-7652

Medical Campus, 870-936-1000

Endocrinology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Kevin D. Ganong, MD Valari Landrum, APRN

Leslye McGrath, MD Lyndon Ramirez, APRN Garrett Wray, APRN

Diabetes Center

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Amber Toombs, APRN Mary Daniel Johnson

Trumann Clinic 870-936-7100

Matthew Harvison, MD Andrew Walters, MD Chris Rowlett, DPM (Podiatry) Jennifer Crisp, APRN Michelle Montgomery, APRN

Eye Center Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 James Cullins, OD Ellen Lawrence, OD

Gastroenterology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Michael D. Hightower, MD

Open 7 days a week* No Appointment Needed HILLTOP* Open Late/Weekends 4901 E. Johnson 870-936-7695 STADIUM* 3003 Apache Dr. 870-936-7669

WINDOVER* Open Late 1111 Windover 870-936-7140 WOODSPRINGS* 2205 W. Parker Rd. 870-936-7615

General Surgery

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000

Russell D. Degges, MD Wesley Hurston Jr., MD K. Bruce Jones, MD David L Phillips, MD Dexter, Rich, MD Megan Bennett, APRN Jennifer Turnbow, APRN, FNP-C

Drive - Thru Minor Urgent Care 909 Enterprise Drive • 870-936-7753 Clara Jones, APRN PARAGOULD* 4700 W. Kingshighway 870-936-7653

Internal Medicine

Ray H. Hall, Jr., MD, FACP Stephen O. Woodruff, MD, FACP Ashley House, APRN Carla Nix, PA Jessica Rogers, APRN

Radiation Oncology 870-936-7000

Newport Clinic 870-936-7600

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Medical Campus, 870-936-8000

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000

Scott Dorroh, MD D. Allen Nixon, Jr., MD Carroll D. Scroggin, Jr., MD Stacia Gallion, APRN

Cherokee Village Clinic 870-936-8243

Infectious Disease

Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

David Engle, MD

Meghan Lyerly, MD Shane Lyerly, MD Sandra Stubblefield, MD Natalie Martin, APRN

Taylor Alloway, MD Ronald W. Barnett, JR, MD Mistie Charlemagne, MD Rodney Clark, Jr., MD Blake Copeland, MD Travis, Giddings, MD Jeffery Guirand, MD Brock Harris, MD Jonathan Holt, MD Navin, Magroo, MD Matt Quick, MD David Weems, DO Robert B. White, MD, FACP Aaron Winterstern, MD Michael Ball, APRN Kelly Rogers, APRN

Steven Stroud, MD

Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care

Brookland Clinic 870-936-7200

Hospitalist Medical Campus, 870-936-1000

BROOKLAND 8170 US HWY 49 870-936-7200

TRUMANN 516 Industrial Park Rd. 870-936-7100

NEA Baptist Medical Campus 4800 E. Johnson, Jonesboro, AR

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000

Orthopedic Surgery

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Jason Brandt, MD Edward Cooper, MD Ron Schechter, MD Aaron Wallace, MD Scott Griffith, PA Drew Harper, PA Ryan Anderson, APRN Harold Parsons, APRN

Otolaryngology (ENT)

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Bryan Lansford, MD Jeffrey Myhill, MD, FARS Heidi Cohn, APRN Hearing Center Amy Stein, AuD, CCC­A

Pain Management

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Jian Chen, MD, PhD John Ma, MD, PhD Sarah Dulaney, APRN Candice Harris, APRN

Pediatrics

1150 E. Matthews Suite 101, 870-936-7937 Camille Chan, DO MaryJoanne Umeora, MD Tomorrow Potter, APRN Priscilla Fortner, APRN

Rafayat Ahsen, MD Muaamar Baldawi, MD Lauren Barr, MD Julia Bottoni, MD Amie Chan, DO Balreet Dhami, MD Andrea Duchow, DO Jiten Gosai, DO Ryan Hamlin, DO Dylan Hooks, DO Edwin Mathews, DO Benjamin Mills, DO Scott Ogan, MD Paige Parnell, DO David Reid, MD Andrew Russell, DO Jackson Troxel, MD John Austin Turner, DO

Physical Medicine/Rehab

Nephrology Medical Campus, 870-936-8000

Paragould - 4700 W. Kingshighway, 870-936-7654

Medical Campus - Inpatient Rehab 870-936-1000 Homer Brooks, MD Ana Michunovich, DO Tim Shown, DO Morgan, Winningham, APRN

Physical Therapy

Jonesboro - Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Cindy Norman, OT Justin Martin, OT Jeff Ramsey, PT Ivan Spengler, PT Kyle Stroup, PT Jarryd Dempsey, PT

909 Enterprise Dr., 870-336-1530 Daniel Grantham, PT Leif Lovins, PT

Gerren Hobby, MD Michael G. Mackey, MD Adam B. Woodruff, MD Emily Allen, APRN Sara Culbreath, APRN Tracy Mullis, APRN

Christopher Enger, PT Duston Jones, PT

Justin Martin, OT Trumann - 516 Industrial Park, 870-483-6131 Brent Davis, PT

Podiatry Medical Campus, 870-936-8000

Dialysis Centers

3005 Middlefield, 870-936-7931 4909 E. Johnson, 870-936-7918 Neurology Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Bing Behrens, MD Kenneth Chan, DO William Long, MD, PhD Stefanie Brackin , MSN , APRN, FNP-BC Rendi Kahoun, APRN Brennan Weeks, APRN

Neurosurgery Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Robert Abraham, MD Gregory F. Ricca, MD Rebecca Barrett-Tuck, MD Kellye Brown, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Danny Ricker, APRN Kelsey Schmidt, APRN Carie Wells, APRN

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Medical Campus, 870-936-8000

Christopher Bellamy, DO Charles Cesare, Jr., MD Jason Coletta, DO Norbert Delacey, MD, FACOG Charles C. Dunn, MD, FACOG Michael Ketcham, DO Kristin Owens, MD Mark C. Stripling, MD, FACOG Jodi Turano, DO

Chris Rowlett, DPM

Pulmonology Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Owen K. Criner, MD William Hubbard, MD Vijay, Reddy, MD Meredith Walker, MD Sam Hiser, APRN

Senior Care Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 Homer Brooks, MD Ashley House, APRN Carla Nix, PA

Center for Sleep Disorders

909 Enterprise Dr., 870-936-7686 Bing Behrens, MD William Long, MD, PhD Angela Pugsley, APRN

Urology Medical Campus, 870-936-8000 John Allen, MD Michael Suminski, MD Helen Williams, NP

Weight Management

Medical Campus, 870-935-5432 Angie Jones, DNP, FNP

Wellness Center 2617 Phillips, 870-936-7955 Wellness Clinic Medical Campus, 870-936-8000

4901 E. Johnson, 870-910-6024

Jordan Johnson, APRN Jennifer Maley, LCSW Jessica Rogers, APRN Malory Slater, LMSW

Crystal Adams,APRN

Stacy Wilbanks, MD

Occupational Medicine Jeffery Barber, DO

Billie Barnes Wills, APRN

Wound Care 1111 Windover, 870-336-3211

www.neabaptistclinic.com

NEA Health, established in 2005, is a publication of free health information and articles written by NEA Baptist physicians for our community.

As one of the largest multi-specialty groups in the mid-south, NEA Baptist is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized medical care. We are committed to the well-being of the community.

This magazine, along with NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation is part of NEA Baptist’s expanded commitment to the community.

It’s through the generous contributions of our donors that help us accomplish our mission. If you would like more information on how you can support NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation, please call Robbie Johnson at (870) 936-8479 or Kim Provost at (501) 283-1170.

We would love to have you be a part of helping meet the needs of others in our community.

PUBLICATION OFFICE 4800 E. Johnson, Jonesboro, AR 72401 NEABaptist.com Ty Jones, Editor Director of Marketing Nicole Frakes, Art Direction and Design

NEA Health is published for the purpose of conveying health-related information for the well-being of residents of Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. The information contained in NEA Health is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by phoning 870-936-8000 or by writing in care of this publication to: PO Box 1960, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403.

Copyright© 2015 NEA Baptist. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording and any information storage retrieval system, without written permission from NEA Baptist.

NEABaptist.com

from the editor M

arketing is such an interesting career choice. Great marketers succeed by communicating a story. From the early days of history, story tellers both entertained and informed. I have the honor and privilege to tell the stories I hear every day within the walls of NEA Baptist. These are stories of hope and perseverance from patients who battled to overcome illness and injury. Stories of staff members going above and beyond the call of duty to help those because it was the right thing to do.

Do you remember what it felt like on 12/31/19? My mind raced with grand expectations of how our version of the “Roaring Twenties” would start. Never could I have imagined our communities facing a pandemic and a tornado simultaneously. Yet constantly I am witness to the strength of this community as shown through the sacrifice and dedication of our health care workers. Our NEA Baptist heroes!

Stories of employees donating time and money to help those affected most.

Stories of doctors and nurses continuing to care for patients presenting to our hospital and clinic with an enigma of a virus that the greatest minds in the world know very little about. Administrators working long nights and weekends to ensure a plan is in place to care for all of this community.

Stories of team members with experience in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine offering their services in the event of a surge. Many would have crumbled in the face of these catastrophes. The brave men and women at NEA Baptist answered the call.

The Greek Historian (also a storyteller) Thucydides said, “The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out and meet it.”

COVID-19 is a real and present threat to our world and most importantly, our community. Over 2,100 employees at NEA Baptist show up to work, don their PPE, and fight for the health and well-being of this community. I am honored and humbled to work in the presence of such greatness. I tell the stories of those on the front lines, and I am proud to call this team, my family.

Ty Jones, Editor ty.jones@BMHCC.org

1 NEA HEALTH • 2020

CONTENTS 1 Letter from the Editor - Ty Jones

4 A Team Approach to Infection Prevention

6 The Right Care, The Right Place, The Right Time

- Stephanie Taylor, RN

& The Right Cost - Shane Lyerly, MD

8 Integrated Health Care: What is it & How The

Game Has Changed in Northeast Arkansas - Sam Lynd, CEO NEA Baptist

12 The Regional Destination for Joint Replacement - Jason Brandt, MD, Eddie Cooper, MD, Ron Schechter, MD, & Aaron Wallace, MD

14 Facebook Feedback

Operation Covid-19 BAttle 2020

16 Battling COVID-19 - Rodney Clark,Jr. MD

18 Battling COVID-19 Perspective from the ICU - Meredith Walker, MD, FCCP

20 Battling COVID on All Fronts CEO Perspective - Sam Lynd, CEO NEA Baptist

21 Battling COVID - A Survivor’s Thanks 22 Patient Appreciation & Facebook Feedback 22 What Does It Mean To Be A Center of Excellence?

- K. Bruce Jones, MD

22 Bariatric Surgery Patient Stories - Sandra Smith - Melanie Pickle - Russell Hall

24 NEA Baptist Internal Medicine Residency Program - Krysha Harmon

28 Caring for our Community

- NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation Program Updates

32 Duck Season is Coming - Kim Provost, Director of Events Cover Story Photography by Nicole Frakes

2 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Stronger than COVID

We Can Do It! • Wear a Mask • Social Distance • Wash Hands • Cover Coughs • Isolate If Sick/ Exposed

Samantha Bivens, RN

Get Better.

NEABaptist.com

870-936-8000

A Team Approach to Infection Prevention W

e will be the provider of choice by transforming the delivery of health care through partnering with patients, families, physicians, care providers, employers and payers; and by offering safe, integrated, patient-focused, high quality, innovative cost-effective care is the NEA Baptist Health System vision statement.

This phrase, when broken down line by line, is truly the daily operations of our health system. COVID-19 affected us in many ways; however, providing the safest environment for our patients and staff remain number one pre and post COVID. We continue to reevaluate and improve our processes daily based on the latest developments from the CDC and Arkansas Department of Health. This continual reassessment is not new to the world of health care that we practice at NEA Baptist.

The Baptist Management System was developed and implemented prior to moving to the new medical campus several years ago.

BMS is an improvement system that develops people’s scientific mindset on solving problems. The PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Adjust) process allows the staff to continually evaluate processes in a way that encourages rapid adjustments when things need to change. Historically it takes years for a change in a process to become hardwired; however, with NEA Baptist already operating under this type of culture, the rapid changes that COVID-19 presented didn’t create as much disruption in our daily work as it could have.

The front-line staff here at NEA Baptist are not strangers to change. They transitioned successfully from a 150,000 sq. foot facility to over 800,000 sq. foot and within a year transitioned to a new electronic medical record all while Stephanie Taylor, RN Associate Administrator NEA Baptist 870.936.1000 4 NEA HEALTH • 2020

increasing the growth of our organization by 40% that same year. The NEA Baptist team is some of the most intelligent, passionate, eager individuals that have responded to a calling to serve others. “The culture here at NEA Baptist has not wavered.

While we all feel the stresses of this pandemic in various ways, the teamwork has not fallen short. For that, I am forever grateful. Not any one of us could continue to thrive in our roles without the support of each other,” says Samantha Payne, BSN, RN Palliative Care Coordinator.

Laura Ward, Medical Staff Specialist reflects on the past couple of months and how our organization adapted quickly to medical providers needing alternate means to take care of our patients and the potential surge of patients that is anticipated. “The Covid-19 pandemic has created an urgent need for privileging an increased number of providers, specifically Critical Care Specialists. These specialists provide telemedicine services, which has been on the rise since the outbreak. These telemedicine providers are with contracted groups, which are shared throughout the Baptist Health System. Credentialing these providers expeditiously has expanded the physician workforce throughout Baptist in an area where it is most needed right now. “ While our daily work-flows continue to evolve around our current situation the staff at NEA Baptist continue to walk through these doors each day with one ultimate goal in mind-to serve their patients and provide the highest quality of care for each and every one of them.

Better Care for Your Eyes Environmental Services - An Integral Part of the Infection Prevention Team

Our specialists offer comprehensive eye care in the following areas: Treatment for multiple conditions • Diabetic Eye Disease • Glaucoma • Macular Degeneration • Eye Pain • Long Term Meds Ocular Evaluation • Removal of Ingrown Eye Lashes • Red, Itchy Eyes • Allergy Eyes • Blurred Vision • Foreign Body • Vision Loss • Visual Disturbance • Evaluation of Drooping Eyelids • Monitoring of Cataracts

With the theme, “We Save Lives”, EVS uses technology like XRO-3carts, UV light disinfection, and black light inspection to ensure each patient enters the safest environment possible upon admission to our hospital.

Contact Lenses • Fitting of all contact lens designs • Sale of lenses and supplies

Optical Shop • Frames & Lenses to Fit Every Budget • Name Brand Designer Frames • Prescription Sunglasses (including RayBan & Coach)

James D. Cullins, OD • Ellen Lawrence, OD

EYE CENTER

4802 E. Johnson Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72401 870-936-8000 • neabaptistclinic.com

The Right Care, The Right Place, The Right Time & The Right Cost.

I

t is 3 a.m. and you wake up with crushing chest pain. Or it is noon on Tuesday and you suddenly have severe nausea. What if it is 5 p.m. on a Friday afternoon and the cough that has been bothering you all week suddenly worsens? What should you do, and where should you go?

Can you get an appointment with your primary care doctor? What about the Urgent Care centers with the extended hours? Or the Emergency Department?

Where can you be seen in a timely manner and get the most appropriate care at the best cost for whichever health issue you are facing? You need “The Right Care, in the Right Place, at the Right Time, and at the Right Cost”. But, how do you make this decision, especially during a time of duress? Let us help you decide.

As Family Medicine trained physicians we have had the opportunity to work in many different settings such as a Primary Care Clinic, Urgent Care and the Emergency Department.

In the Primary Care Clinic, we see patients on a recurring basis to care for their chronic issues. Chronic medical conditions are considered to be diseases or health conditions with recurrent or long-lasting effects. Some examples are high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety, lung disease, etc. Your PCP is the most qualified provider to care for these conditions. They may have more in depth knowledge of your medical history such as Shane Lyerly, MD NEA Baptist Clinic Brookland 870.936.7200 6 NEA HEALTH • 2020

treatments previously tried, and the ability to follow up for periodic monitoring of your symptoms.

Your Primary Care Physician is generally someone you establish a relationship with who takes care of your ongoing medical needs and serves as an ambassador to connect you with other health care specialists. A Primary Care Physician is an important health care ally you should have for all of your ongoing medical concerns.

In addition to routine check-ups, prescription refills and ongoing health management for chronic conditions; your PCP can perform school physicals, administer flu shots, and administer immunizations. Often your PCP can see you for acute problems like sinusitis, bronchitis, coughs, and colds. It is important to develop a relationship with your PCP to help minimize new medication interactions, medical errors, unnecessary tests and/or procedures when attending an urgent care or ED for chronic issues.

In Urgent Care, we see patients with more acute issues, but not necessarily life or limb- threatening. These can include acute exacerbation of chronic conditions, mild lower and upper respiratory symptoms, urinary symptoms, minor injuries, and wounds.

Urgent care serves as a sort of intermediary between the Primary Care Physician and the emergency room. They are good for minor episodic issues and for convenience if you cannot get in to see your Primary Care Provider because it is after hours or the weekend. These providers may be able to deliver care faster than your PCP, but may not offer as many options as the Emergency Department.

Urgent OR Emergency Department

Care

CALL YOUR DOCTOR FIRST! Your primary care provider and staff know you better than anyone else, and maybe able to see you that same day.

Urgent Care is an option if your doctor is not available.

WHEN YOU SHOULD GO TO URGENT CARE:

WHEN YOU SHOULD GO TO EMERGENCY DEPARMENT:

Urgent Care can assist when you need treatment right away for a minor illness or injury.

The Emergency Department can provide immediate treatment for a serious illness or injury.

Examples include: • Mild asthma • Nausea or diarrhea • Ear, sinus pain, or headache • Mild Allergic reactions • Cough or sore throat • Minor fever, cold or flu • Bumps, cuts, and scrapes

Examples include: • Loss of consciousness • Chest pain • Numbness in face, arm, or leg • Difficulty speaking • Severe shortness of breath • Major injuries/cuts • Severe abdominal pain

NOTE: Your co-pay or co-insurance for an urgent care visit will often be lower than the co-pay or co-insurance for an ED visit. For medication refills or symptoms lasting over 7 days, Call your PCP Most health plans include urgent care centers in their networks.

Get Better.

NEABaptistClinic.com

Integrated Health Care: What Is It & How The Game Has Changed in Northeast Arkansas

I

n the earliest days of my health care career, I worked as a pharmacy technician for a Kroger store. It was there, I caught the bug. I was hooked on health care.

I spent my early days as a tech learning how to interact with patients and use the cash register when their prescriptions were ready. Soon, I graduated to reading prescription print-outs, pulling the medicines from stocked shelves, and counting and labeling bottles for the pharmacist to check. From there, I learned how to read physician hand writing (studying hieroglyphics in 3rd grade helped) and enter the prescriptions myself. Lastly, I took on the insurance companies via phone, wheeling and dealing to figure out how to structure orders, and time re-fills to be most cost effective.

I had incredible mentors that taught me all the nuances of getting the details right. It sounds silly, but we didn’t just have a team, we had one of those championship teams.

Everyone had a role to play, and stepped to the plate on a regular basis to go above and beyond to cover each other, and meet our goals – for every individual, every time.

Sometimes I would pick up extra shifts at other stores.

I learned quickly that not all teams were the same.

Sometimes others wouldn’t even speak to me over the entirety of a 12 hour shift. They just expected me to go about my business counting pills. Others could care less what drugs cost their patients as long as they didn’t have to call the insurance company. Many did not stick around long enough to get to know their patients or their communities.

There were many pharmacy stores I could have worked with, but I wanted to be part of a team that had a true north of improving health care for patients, and ensured they used every resource available to get that done. All while ensuring an environment based on respect, humility, trust, and empathy.

Sam Lynd, CEO NEA Baptist

8 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Today, NEA Baptist continues to build and grow that very team.

We have seen so much growth since we moved to East Johnson Avenue in 2014, but we are not growing for the sake of growth. Growth is not the goal.

Our goal is to execute on a different vision for health care in the communities we serve. This vision is unlike anything previously promised by traditional health care models.

Integrated health care used to only be found at places like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic.

Today, integrated health care continues to grow before your eyes in Northeast Arkansas.

What is integrated health care?

I am sure there are many opinions on how to define integrated health care, but I’m going to share mine today. No Webster dictionaries or Wikipedia here.

Integrated health care done right delivers the highest quality of care and a seamless patient experience by providing local services that lend themselves to making people healthy through a team working within a unified system by which all components elevate the patient’s outcome and experience.

Let’s break that down a little further.

We aim to provide the highest quality outcomes as defined by improving quality of life and quantity of life for patients, families, and entire communities. Getting to that ultimate outcome should not be any more stressful than necessary for you and your family. We want the experience to be simple, straight forward, efficient, and effective – delivering the best experience possible.

We will do this by providing every service we can that contributes to helping you reach your goals for healthy living. For those we cannot provide ourselves, we are implementing partnerships utilizing shared resources and technology to make it as easy as possible to access everything you need.

All of these components work together as a unified system to ensure the outcome is greater than the sum of all parts. If the pieces don’t work together just right, we will break them down, and rebuild until we deliver the outcome and the experience our patients can be proud of.

Which brings me to the uber important team I mentioned earlier.

Our team is made up of thousands of locals. They sit across the bleachers from you on Friday nights, and down the pew on Sunday mornings. They’re your neighbors, your cousins, and your daughters and sons. They serve at your Chambers of Commerce, enjoy lunches with Catfish Club, volunteer for the Salvation Army, and teach class at Arkansas State.

And they work tirelessly, and passionately, not only to deliver care and kindness on the front lines every day, but to go a step further as well.

They bring new ideas and experiments forward consistently which has built a culture of innovation.

Many think of innovation via technology. At NEA Baptist, innovation is achieved through small tests of change brought by the experts that do the work, that intimately understand your experience, and know where we need to improve.

That’s the kind of team I dreamt of in that pharmacy. One where it’s okay for anyone to say, “this isn’t working, let’s try something else.”

Trust me. That is a much stronger pathway to delivering good care, than an Administrator making decisions based on something he read in Harvard Business Review.

You can be proud that these local teams will continue to work on your behalf so that we are always improving, always seeking a better way to serve, and standing confidently on the day that you or your family need us.

Components of Integrated Health Care Health care is known for a few things by industry insiders. Among them are an obnoxious amount of acronyms, regulatory and reporting requirements rivaled only by banks and airlines, and a constantlyrenewed stream of buzzwords.

Colleagues will laugh as Integrated Health Care could certainly be accused of falling into the buzzword category, but I’m not arguing against buzzwords – not this time.

You may have heard words like “Triple Aim” often used by the Institute for Health care Improvement meant to focus on improving the patient experience, the health of populations, and reducing cost per person. Some refer to the “Four Rights” – delivering the right care at the right place at the right time at the right cost.

These all have their merit, but integrated health care delivers all of these and more. When you focus on building a true integrated health care system, you optimize the components and thus, their larger outcomes.

Integrated health care has three important components: • Continuity of Knowledge • Continuity of Providers • Continuity of Coordination

D

continued to page 10

9 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Integrated Health Care: Continuity of: Knowledge • Providers • Coordination D

continued from page 9

Continuity of Knowledge means that all information regarding your medical history ranging from your allergies to your personal preferences are stored, secured, and shared. Stored in a centralized record keeping system, secured so that only those with a needto-know can get to them, and shared when the time is right. You can access your information on your device at any time, you can choose to share with family, and you can monitor who accesses your records. Any provider within NEA Baptist can treat you at a moment’s notice using your centralized records whether you’re in the emergency room, surgery, urgent care, or seeing your primary care physician. There’s no need to request a fax from one office to the other, or manually pick up a hard copy to take to your next appointment. Within NEA Baptist, knowledge is shared in the exact moment you need it to be. Outside of NEA Baptist, providers can access necessary medical information through a program we call Care Everywhere.

There is other knowledge that is important, too. Our research department coordinates studies and ensures the latest literature and best practices of medicine and surgery are spread quickly across our network to ensure we offer the best possible treatments. We continue to support education and training through educational institutions, but also within our own teams. We are growing the next generation of physicians though Graduate Medical Education programs. All of these are components building a greater system of integrated health care.

Continuity of Providers ensures that you can trust your care givers to be there when you need them. Our care givers are engrained in our communities and want to build relationships with you so that you can be confident you are getting the absolute best advocate coordinating your care needs. By tapping in to our Continuity of Knowledge, your provider will always be able to help ensure that your latest prescription from your last urgent care visit fits properly with the other medications on your regiment. They know you, and fit seamlessly within the integrated system to ensure you receive the highest level of care.

Continuity of Coordination guarantees that the spectrum of health care services provided through NEA Baptist and partners

10 NEA HEALTH • 2020

is easy to access, effectively communicates between care givers and departments, and collaborating together using Continuity of Providers and Continuity of Knowledge to deliver exactly what you need when you need it. For example, if you are discharged from the hospital, we are coordinating with the care givers who will work with you next. That could be an inpatient rehabilitation unit. From there, we work to transition you to outpatient rehabilitation, and finally, back to your primary care physician or any specialist you might need to follow up with you.

If we continue to meet our goals in each of these three areas, we will build an experience for your family that can be unmatched by traditional models of health care.

It will continue to deliver on the Four Rights and the Triple Aim. It will reinforce a local workforce that does work that is meaningful and fulfilling, and gives back. It will raise the standard for how we treat each other as people, and interact in our most vulnerable of times.

It will also raise the quality of life in our communities, help attract new businesses, and reduce financial burden on community organizations and government agencies.

I’m proud of the team I have had the privilege to join at NEA Baptist. It is a dream better than I could have ever imagined from my Kroger days. I still talk frequently with some of that Kroger team. They were a huge influence on what I strove to achieve and get to work on today, but others are working in hospital pharmacy, designing biomedical devices, and are physicians. I can tell you that team we had, definitely helped maximize all of our outcomes in life.

Just like that, by continuing to build on to the only integrated health care system in Northeast Arkansas, you can be proud that your neighbor, cousin, and sons and daughters, stand ready and work tirelessly to serve you whenever and where ever you are in this health journey we call life. Even if they do sit in the other bleachers on Friday nights.

Connect to Your Health Care NEA Baptist providers offer compassionate, specialized care throughout the region.

Recognized as one of Arkansas’ most integrated health systems, NEA Baptist connects specialty clinics, the Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care and a 228-bed hospital, offering you the convenience of complete care in one place. With one electronic medical record - MyChart, you have access to all of this through our primary care clinics located throughout our region.

Finding complete care has never been easier. Get better with Baptist.

Get Better.

NEABaptist.com

870-936-8000

The Regional Destination for Joint Replacement

T

he first attempt at a total knee replacement or (TKR) as we know it happened in the 1940’s. Joint replacement has come a long way in that time. Whether through injury or arthritis, when joint pain strikes, it is very hard to ignore.

In years past, many patients in our region opted to drive to a large city to receive the latest technology. Now, patients drive to Jonesboro, Arkansas for the most technologically advanced options in joint replacement.

12 NEA HEALTH • 2020

NEA Baptist Orthopedic Surgeons discuss the evolution of becoming the “Regional Destination for Joint Replacement”. A combined effort through the NEA Baptist Orthopedic Clinic, Surgery, Rehab, and Nursing, The Total Joint Center at NEA Baptist creates access to game-changing technology in joint replacement to patient’s right here at home.

“For many years I have wanted to be involved in a program that seamlessly integrates all aspects of joint replacement.”

Dr. Eddie Cooper has created a last twenty years, why do I need this? The technology has career around researching a less truly allowed me to be more accurate in re-establishing invasive approach to total knee joint alignment and ligament balance. I can adjust my replacement. To the point where cuts by ½ mm or 1 degree before any cuts are made. his research was published in The computer predicts ligament balance. This was not “The Journal of Arthroplasty.” Dr. possible until now.”

- Dr. Eddie Cooper Cooper states, “For many years I have Each surgeon creates a care plan based on the individual wanted to be involved in a program needs and characteristics of the patient. In some cases, a knee that seamlessly integrates all aspects of joint replacement implant from Conformis is used. Conformis designs replacement. The Total Joint Center at NEA and produces patient-specific knee replacement implants to match Baptist does just that. From preoperative screening through patient the unique size, shape and curvature combination of each patient’s education, surgery, the hospital stay and close follow-up. It has knee.

This helps ensure fitment of implant to actual bone structure allowed us to minimize the risks of surgery while maximizing to as close to perfect as possible. Dr. Brandt, Dr. Cooper, and Dr. patient outcomes. We now are able to provide many advanced Wallace all offer Conformis products for patients they feel will technologies to joint replacement in a completely integrated way.” benefit from this technology.

Surgeons at NEA Baptist have trained with the NAVIO Robotic Dr. Ron Schechter comes to NEA Baptist from the mountains Surgical System. This system allows for a CT free approach to five of Colorado. Dr. Schechter trained at the University of Colorado different kinds of total or partial knee replacements. Dr. Jason Health Sciences, and has treated patients in Northeast Arkansas since Brandt has provided care to patients in Northeast Arkansas since 2000. As mentioned earlier, each joint replacement 2000. He has spent the past few years traveling across the country, patient receives technology which best fits their participating in training visits, and personal calls to surgeon unique circumstances. Dr. Schechter offers colleagues to determine the best partner to provide these The Medial a different style of knee replacement, technologically advanced joint replacement options to NEA a Medial Pivot Knee Replacement.

Baptist patients. When asked about the NAVIO surgical Pivot Knee does He states, “The Medial Pivot Knee system he states, “This allows for a personal plan for each pivot on the medial does pivot on the medial side of patient and allows the precision of insertion that only side of the knee and more the knee and more closely recreates robotic techniques allow. I have been able to perform normal function of the knee. each of the different options with success.” Dr. Cooper closely recreates the normal the This gives a much more stable and elaborates on his success with the NAVIO unit, “At first I function of the knee. natural feeling knee. Postoperative thought, I have done literally thousands of joints over the

- Dr. Ron Schechter

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continued to page 14

Aaron Wallace, MD • Eddie Cooper, MD • Ron Schechter, MD • Jason Brandt, MD Orthopedic Surgery • NEA Baptist Clinic • 870.936.8000 13 NEA HEALTH • 2020

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continued from page 13

mechanical studies on Medial Pivot Knees show that patients feel they are statistically significantly more stable than other style knee replacements.” This increase in stability offers patients the capacity to walk unassisted sooner.

experience, The Total Joint Center at NEA Baptist has deployed the help of Katie Gilmore, RN. Katie is the touchpoint of each patient in the program. From preoperative classes to discharge instructions, she is with each patient literally every step of the journey. “As the joint program care coordinator I work with team Though knees typically get the bulk of the attention, hips are members in the orthopedic clinic, hospital, and physical therapy often a point of focus for many patients at The Total Joint Center departments to coordinate care for patients. As soon as a patient at NEA Baptist. Much like with a knee replacement, patients have schedules their surgery, our clinic staff provides them with a a wide variety of options when choosing the best hip replacement guidebook designed to prepare them for surgery. With COVIDfor their unique situation. Dr. Schechter provides the SuperPath 19 concerns, we have switched these classes to over the phone. I hip replacement technique. This approach involves entering call every patient and go over pre-op information with them, give through the side of the hip with no muscles being cut and no them an opportunity to ask questions, and set up any equipment dislocation of the hip during surgery. This provides a fast rehab they need. We also discuss therapy and I schedule most patients with less pain than other techniques involving increased cutting with outpatient physical or occupational therapy. I work with our of tissue. Dr. Schechter is the only physician in Arkansas or four therapy locations (Hospital, Enterprise Drive, Paragould, Tennessee performing the SuperPath hip replacement. and Trumann) to arrange therapy 3 days a week. I am available for any questions or concerns that patients Dr. Brandt offers his patients a direct anterior have and communicate this with our surgeons or hip replacement which he calls, “an exciting clinic staff. After surgery, I see every patient in “an exciting advance in the way hip replacement has the hospital on the morning after surgery. The been performed”. Brandt has traveled advance in the way hip nursing and therapy staff on the 5th floor work across the country in an effort to perfect together to prepare patients to go home safely. replacement has this technique. He has performed this I also work with a physical therapist during been performed”. technique for over 13 years now and group therapy where patients learn important states patients seek out this technique due exercises and discharge instructions before going to the speed of recovery.

- Dr. Jason Brandt home. After patients discharge, either myself or another care coordination nurse checks in with Following the outcomes of hip replacement them to make sure they are recovering nicely at patients, Dr. Cooper has changed his way of home and assist with any other care needs at that time. thinking on the technique he chooses to provide.

Patients are always welcome to call me before or after surgery He conversed with patients who had received both an if they have questions.” anterior replacement on one side, with a posterior replacement on the other. Through multiple reviews, Dr. Cooper has come to With most situations, non-surgical options are considered before offer a less invasive technique to the posterior approach, which is the decision to undergo joint replacement surgery. If you or a preferred by his patients who have received both techniques. loved one is currently living through joint pain, please call 870Centered on the approach to provide the ultimate patient

The nurses and staff are so friendly and welcoming. Everyone is wonderful! I had a great experience!

Very informative, nice and friendly almost like family, best hospital 100% Absolutely love NEA Baptist! Stayed over a week there when I had my baby, and all the nurses and doctors were so kind. I can sense the love of God radiating through the very halls!

14 NEA HEALTH • 2020

936-8000 to schedule an appointment with our Orthopedic specialists and get back to the activities you enjoy, pain free!

I was recently taken to NEA Baptist Hospital and was admitted to their ICU. The care I received there was absolutely amazing. Everyone always asked If there was anything else they could do for me before leaving the room. Didn’t matter if it was the cardiologist or housekeeping, they all asked me if there was anything I needed before they left. It doesn’t sound like much but it turned a very stressful situation into a bearable one

I have to say, NEA hospital is the absolute BEST that I have ever been to.

Dr. Ketcham and his wife Dr. Turano were the absolute BEST with Cases delivery. The labor and delivery nurses were all amazing and so nice the whole time we were there. If anyone is having a baby or on the fence about who to use or where to go, THIS is the place to be!!!

They are so great to you and your family!

Memberships Available!

Selectorized Equipment & Free Weights Complete line of cardiovascular training equipment including treadmills, elliptical trainers, bikes & AMT machines; with personal TV’s!

Indoor Running Track Heated Swimming Pool & Sauna Executive Locker Rooms Personal Trainers Protein Shakes and Dietary Supplements Group Exercise Classes Hours: Mon - Thurs: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM Fri: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sun: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

WELLNESS CENTER 2617 Phillips Drive, Jonesboro 870.936.7955 neabaptistwellness.com

Operation Covid-19 BAttle 2020 Location: 35.864276, -90.639051 NEA Baptist Employees: 2122 New Hires march - October 2020: 383 Physicians: 135

APPs: 57

PPE Used March - October 2020 N95 Masks: 21,007 Face-shields: 8,337

16 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Battling COVID-19 2

020 has ushered in the first world-wide pandemic of its kind since 1918, with the introduction of COVID-19.

It has been over a 100 years since a disease has brought this level of widespread devastation. Described as a novel disease because it had not previously been discovered/detected, it has managed to flourish despite our advances in technology and available resources.

the unknown and with the inherent risk, I witnessed the medical staff of this community willingly accept the challenge and continue their commitment and devotion to care for those who were ill.

I have been able to witness the progression of the disease from my position within the medical community of Northeast Arkansas. I have worked alongside some of the most dedicated, talented, and valiant individuals within the medical field.

I recall speaking with a relatively new nurse who faithfully volunteered to care for patients with COVID-19. She stated she signed up to take care of those were sick and in need of medical attention. As long as she is healthy, she told me, she will plan to do whatever it takes to care for someone who needs her help.

Initially, we were not affected to the extent of some of the larger cities in the US and thus were afforded the opportunity to witness the devastation unleashed by this new disease from a distance. Since its introduction, it has quickly wreaked havoc on so many communities before our number of cases increased. No one knew much about this disease other than people were becoming ill and dying at what appeared to be astronomical rates.

I have found that no matter who I spoke to in the field, from nurse or physician to patient escort or custodial staff, the response was always the same without hesitation. This was the resounding theme throughout our medical community, to be dedicated to helping others no matter the stakes.

The true measure of a person’s dedication is not how they perform when everything smooth and easy but how they respond in face of a storm.

There was no obvious way to prevent health care professionals from falling ill, as personal protective equipment was not abundant. It would have been easy for many to withdraw and avoid putting themselves in harms way. Yet, despite

These are true heroes, and I have been fortunate to work alongside them.

Rodney Clark, Jr., MD NEA Baptist Hospitalist 870.936.1000 Battling COVID-19 continued to page 18

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Battling COVID-19 perspective from the ICU

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hat is my perspective of the COVID 19 pandemic as viewed as an ICU physician?

That is easy. I am tired of it. We all are tired of it. I am tired of the way COVID causes suffering of our patients and their families. I am tired of the ways it effects our personal lives and our community. I am tired of the effect it has on our local businesses, schools and churches. I hate COVID 19. This article is written more out of fatigue and emotion than the regurgitation of known scientific data, although the medical facts presented are true.

I’ll have to admit, in January when the coronavirus was first reported in China, I didn’t think much about it. I was still worried about our current flu season in Arkansas. When COVID found its way on to cruise ships I watched with interest. When COVID overran the Italian medical system in March I began to worry. When New York City was the epicenter for the infection in our country I watched the daily news with horror. Finally, the virus made its way to Arkansas, first arriving in Pine Bluff via Mardi Gras from New Orleans. By then, we knew the statistics and predictions of coronavirus. 60 to 80% of the population could become infected. 20% of infected patients would require hospitalization. 20% of the patients admitted to the hospital would need ICU care. 20% of those admitted to the ICU would require mechanical ventilation. Doing the math, if 10% of those infected required hospitalization in Jonesboro, with a population of 77,000, then approximately 9,000 of them would require hospitalization and of them 360 patients would ultimately require mechanical ventilation, quickly over running our hospitals’ capacity to care for patients (not including area patients from out of town communities).

We began preparing. Did we have enough ICU beds? No. The hospital looked for ways to expand our ICU capacity. Did we have enough ventilators? No. Did we have enough endotracheal intubation tubes? Maybe. We watched YouTube videos on how to mechanically ventilate multiple patients on one ventilator. Did we have enough protection equipment and would it protect us? I didn’t know. We received generous donations of face masks and N-95 masks from the public. We watched physicians from Italy explain how they treated their COVID patients and how sometimes decided who would receive care and who would not due to lack of hospital capacity. We learned from New York’s medical care during their crisis.

As I waited to care for my first COVID patient to arrive, I was nervous. Would I get infected? Would I bring the virus home to my wife? Would the personal protection equipment keep me safe?

Would our medical community be over run? I was impressed with the ICU nurses and respiratory therapist and the other hospital staff 18 NEA HEALTH • 2020

as they didn’t hesitate to provide care for these patients. They were placing their own health at risk to care for others. They were true heroes. I gained emotional strength from their dedicated care and determination. They were a light of hope during this dark pandemic.

Fortunately, the predicted numbers did not happen. As everyone practiced social distancing, the infection rate was slowed. A lot of those infected were not, or only mildly, symptomatic. Maybe we had dodged a bullet. This gave our hospital time to prepare. It allowed time to accumulate adequate protective gear and testing equipment for our staff and patients. It allowed the pharmacy time to stock up on various antiviral medications. It allowed our hospital time to increase our number of negative pressure rooms to safely isolate larger number of infected patients. It allowed the staff to become accustom to wearing protective equipment and treating isolated patients. As the COVID cases began to trickle in, they were sick, but not THAT sick.

They required higher amounts of oxygen, but they got better.

Over time, the number of cases began to increase. The severity of illness increased. Some patients were requiring 2-3 weeks of hospitalization to recover. Some patients required mechanical ventilation. After several months of no mortality we had our first death. Then more deaths.

Unpredictably, despite risk factors, some patients would improve; some patients would not improve despite all available therapy.

We saw COVID spread into nursing homes and prison systems. We began having multiple prisoners admitted to our ICU and hospital.

We watched them struggle through their illness alone, except for the guard outside the door. I remember our first nursing home patient admitted with COVID required mechanical ventilation, not expected to survived, but did. Unfortunately, others did not.

As COVID spread through out the southeast region we began taking admissions from as far away as Mississippi and south Arkansas because we had the closest ICU bed available to treat their patients. Their regional ICU beds had been over run. We watched the northwest Arkansas numbers increase. We watched our local numbers increase.

COVID “surges” moved around the state. We saw the wearing of face mask mandated. With the mandate, the cases were reduced again, but then with the starting of schools and colleges the numbers began to increase again.

We are now 7 months into this pandemic. As of the writing of this article, we are caring for an average of 10 to 14 COVID patients daily in a 36 bed ICU. The other beds are filled with critically ill patients that do not have COVID. As the case number and severity of illness increases, we find ourselves being able to spend less time with each patient in order to care for all the patients admitted to the ICU. We have learned much about this virus during this short period of time, but there is still much to learn. There is no proven treatment or cure for this infection. Treatment recommendations have been confusing (to the public and to the physicians). Initially steroids were to be avoided, now it is recommended. Hydroxychloroquine was to be used, then avoided. Anti-coagulation was recommended, then not recommended, then maybe recommended. We have learned to pronounce the words “Remdesivir” and “tocilizumab”. We have become familiar with the terms “cytokine and bradykinin storms”.

Some studies show POSSIBLE benefit with certain medications to improve outcome and lessen the severity of illness, but they are still considered experimental. There is no definitive treatment for COVID infection other than supportive care. You either get better or you don’t. Fortunately most get better, but it is heartbreaking when some do not. By far the best treatment is prevention. It has been shown without a doubt, that wearing a face mask and social distancing helps prevent infection spread and ultimately saves lives. It has been devastating to watch families say their last goodbyes to their loved ones over the phone or seeing families watch their dying family members at a distance through a window, unable to be by their side.

It is emotionally and spiritually draining. It has been disheartening to see some choosing not to wear a mask in public claiming “personal rights”. Personal rights end where the rights of those at risk begin.

Wearing a mask is the one thing that CAN help save lives. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect those that are vulnerable. It has been discouraging seeing some people and even some political leaders not support a face mask mandate.

There is hope, though. A vaccine is coming that will hopefully provide protection against this virus and allow us to return to a somewhat normal life. Until then, we will continue to treat patients with a combination of medications, including steroids, anti-viral therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy, anti-coagulation therapy and convalescent plasma, and with love, respect and prayer. The ICU nurses, respiratory therapy and staff will continue to provide courageous and selfless care to their patients and their families, under stressful and sometimes overwhelming situations. The hospital leadership and medical community will continue to provide up to date care for this pandemic.

Remember, until there is an available vaccine, wear a mask and social distance.

Get a flu vaccine and save a life. Stay safe.

Love one another. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Meredith Walker, MD, FCCP NEA Baptist - Pulmonology 870.936.1000 Battling COVID-19 continued to page 20

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19 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Battling COVID on all fronts CEO perspective

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our friends and family that stand on the front lines in the face of Northeast Arkansas’ health emergencies have been working harder than ever before.

It is a blessing to be a small part of a team that doesn’t back down when they are called to serve. They put themselves, and often their own families at risk each and every day. This has been amplified many times over in the face of COVID-19.

We are not only fighting a battle against a little known foe whom we cannot see, but also the effects of the selflessness of our team.

The effects of this selflessness are too many to count, and include a host of emotional and physical impact.

Many studies have cited health care workers to be

experiencing ongoing anxiety, fatigue, depression, insomnia, and distress all while continuing to go to work caring for their own neighbors, their congregations, and their loved ones.

If you had the chance to walk through our Intensive Care Unit, you would find that the threat of COVID-19 is real, and it does not discriminate the way some would have you believe.

Some have contracted the virus themselves despite diligent use of protective equipment and procedures.

There are countless stories of lives that have been lost, and those that have been changed forever.

But in the face of the most dangerous pandemic our nation has seen in many years, our health care workers continue to fight.

In the face of all of these things, I pray that the fruits of the Spirit persist in our team at NEA Baptist, in our peers in other health care institutions, and in the hearts of each of us across our communities as more than ever, we must care for each other.

They work long shifts and extra days. They continue to learn and adjust. They continue to be creative and innovative in their approach to testing, treatment, and communication.

They are preparing plans for how to do even more in order to scale as our number of hospitalized patients continues to grow.

NEA Baptist has tested nearly 20,000 patients, and cared for nearly 2,000 positive patients across our integrated health system.

While these numbers sound small to some, I assure you the impact is widespread.

Sam Lynd, CEO NEA Baptist

20 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Approach each situation and each person you encounter with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Above all else, I’m proud of the NEA Baptist team for taking this time of trouble and strife to only brighten the ministry to which we have all dedicated our lives – delivering on the three-fold ministry of Christ – healing, preaching, and teaching.

Battling COVID A Survivor’s Thanks

28 # U C he I t o t d itte m self d y a m s a e s w r I a nu ff g a n t i s e b d n and es a a i s r n o u n m l u u pne der f d n ike n o l a l w e e e h f D I . t e V t i To em CO d ake a r m o m f o s t 7 y 1 / g alwa , on 08 re I was goin e m f o care su t t ’ a n e r s a g Iw uch s k o o te t a n f o i f s a s t a s re . omp c , y l d The enti ir only concern n frie as , l w a e n d h o n i t a s s ing s. n r ofe I was e e p c p a y p f r a e r h i v as t he was w n t o e a n e h l o i w y m r as d on Eve e d t a s h o p s y y a ff amil a f t s y . e and alw m t e m o p wes o kee needs were m a t e h e r t u s e fr om d e v i e c hT ey mad king sure al l my I re e r a c a l u m f m der ote. a n n e o t t w always l l e e a f c h i t med at t hear h r s t u i o h n y i t a f o t d ber ou! m y e f m o I am cer am able t o sen e y r r eve e ca k d I a n t y a h d h w n c is es. ou a o ea s y t r u s u n o s e y e l b m k od eso han w T G a ! y u y o a Y m orget r ock!

Thank care of me. M f r e v e n il l ok ys w u I g ove , l a u h o n c n y t hat t o u a i m nd uch dD a m n t a y r r a y e l e n v r h i e l o ful d e o t a - Bev Thank you s r g M Wit h a Shannon 21 NEA HEALTH • 2020

What Does It Mean To Be A Center of Excellence?

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EA Baptist Memorial Hospital is designated a Center of Excellence in bariatric surgery (surgery for obesity). What does that mean for our patients?

Center of Excellence (COE) is a term bantered about when promoting various services provided by hospitals and other health care entities. Sometimes the term means that the hospital, doctors, and nurses have put special emphasis on a particular service or disease. Other times COE is little more than a marketing term. Many times individual hospitals determine their own criteria for Center of Excellence.

These criteria may be different for hospitals across the country or even in the same town. In such cases, patients cannot be sure care is equivalent from one place to another.

On the other hand, Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence status is only granted after a rigorous process that is standardized for all hospitals across the United States. The American College of Surgeons (ACS), the scientific standard bearer for surgeons, and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) have combined to produce standards for designation as a center of excellence in bariatrics. NEA Baptist has received the highest designation given in bariatrics by the American College program.

From the time a patient first inquires about weight loss surgery, through the educational process, during the surgery, and through long-term follow-up, our patients can be confident that they are receiving the same level of optimal care as any other certified center.

Surgeon and staff education, hospital infrastructure, protocols for care, and patient outcome through an American College of Surgeon registry are all rigorously evaluated in the American College of Surgeons – American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery COE process.

Learn more about our Bariatric Surgery program by visiting www.neaweightloss.com or by calling 870-936-8000

K. Bruce Jones, MD Bariatric and General Surgery NEA Baptist Clinic 870.936.8000

22 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Sandra Smith - Lost 110lbs

I had my surgery on October 17, 2019.

How was life like before the surgery?

Life before surgery was really trying, it was not just physically trying but emotionally. I had gone through several illnesses. I was a diabetic I took insulin for 30 years and I ended up with massive saddle PEs. Where my lungs were filled with blood clots and from there I started gaining more weight and it was rough.

What was the moment or what made you decide to do the surgery?

Gosh, it is hard to even put it into words. It took me about two almost three years to decide whether I wanted to look at it.

We tried everything else and finally, I told my PCP that this is what I wanted to do and he immediately suggested Doctor Jones. I want to say honestly from the beginning to now it has been wonderful. I feel so supported, I feel like I can ask a question any time that I need to.

The customer service is excellent, you never feel like “oh here they come with their issues or problems” I absolutely love it.

How is life after?

It was nice to get up and not hurt, I had to take a couple of breaks before. Just being able to keep up and physically I feel so much better. I stopped taking insulin after 30 years and that was wonderful for me!

What would you like to share?

I just want to encourage anybody who is thinking about it. Even if you don’t make a decision to do it I encourage you to go to the meetings and to understand what it is and to know how much support you’ll have.

Speaking of support, I had so much support even from my family. I just encourage anybody that is thinking about it just to please just look into it. It might not be something you do right away but you’ll most definitely be comfortable in knowing the information than not knowing.

Melanie Pickle - Lost 95lbs

I had my surgery on September 19, 2019.

How was life like before the surgery?

Before surgery, I struggled with weight most of my adult life, and was always on some type of diet. I reached a point where no matter how good I did on a diet, I would only loose a few pounds and then gained back more. I never felt like exercising and never had any energy. I became depressed and discouraged. I hated how I looked. I always stayed out of pictures, never wanted to go shopping, and really couldn’t play with my grand-babies like I wanted. I developed high blood pressure, and began having other small issues related to my weight.

What was the moment or what made you decide to do the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery because at 46 years old, I knew I had to make some type of lifestyle change. I wanted to live to see my grand-babies grow up and I wanted to get in the floor and play and run with them. I wanted to feel good and enjoy life, I wanted to live life. I was ready to give up the bad food, and make the changes to eating healthier and exercising. I just needed that jump start to help make it happen.

How was the experience at NEA Baptist?

Never once did Dr Jones make me feel bad about my weight, he was always encouraging

and positive. The experience was excellent from the time I started the process. Dr Jones and his staff were exceptional at answering any questions and discussing everything in detail. From the time I started to the process they stayed in touch with me on next steps. Many of them also share their personal stories of weight loss, and this was helpful to keep encouraging me and know I was making the right decisions.

How is life after?

Life is awesome! I am enjoying me again. I have confidence and feel good about myself. I feel great, have lots of energy, and I no longer deal with high blood pressure. I have the energy to exercise and find myself making good food choices.

What would like to share?

I am so happy I made the decision to have bariatric surgery. It has changed my life. I love the new me, but even more the new me is so much more healthier. I would recommend Dr Jones to anyone considering bariatric surgery.

Russell Hall - Lost 129lbs

I had my surgery on September 5, 2019.

How was life like before the surgery?

Before surgery, I would get very winded. I would get out of breath. Physical activity was very small.

I couldn’t mow the front lawn or play basketball with my son. My legs would swell, it was just a very sedentary environment I couldn’t do physical activity.

What was the moment or what made you decide to do the surgery?

I wanted a better quality of life basically, I wanted to live longer.

I wanted to be able to get up and exercise and enjoy the outdoors more, just a better quality of life.

How was your experience at NEA Baptist?

Everything from the hospital to Doctor Jones’s office from the support groups, to the nutrition classes. It’s been very professional and they are very caring people.

How is life now?

Oh, I am bouncing off the walls! I feel great, I’m going to turn 50 this year in October and I promise you I feel like I am 25 again. It has been lifechanging. I have more energy than my 22-year-old son now. I can outdo him! I can run more than him. I can keep up with him playing basketball. It’s just life-changing.

What would you like to share?

I would encourage people that have an obesity problem to look into Doctor Jones and look into NEA Hospital and see what they can do for your life. It is very life changing. I wish I had done this a long time ago.

23 NEA HEALTH • 2020

NEA Baptist Internal Medicine Residency Program N EA Baptist Medical Education began their Internal Medicine Residency program in July of 2018 with six Resident Physicians from across the nation. Since that time, the program has expanded the residency area to accommodate a full program of eighteen Residents currently.

The program plans to grow to eight Resident Physicians each July to reach a group of twenty-four Internal Medicine Residents. Our first class of Residents complete the program June of 2021.

Michael Mackey, MD is Residency Program Director. Dr. Mackey is a Nephrologist with NEA Baptist with over forty years’ experience including medical education. Several of our Physician Leaders are part of the Core Faculty team with Dr. Mackey.

The Residency Program aligns with our mission of healing, preaching and teaching, and complements our approach to providing comprehensive, high quality health care for patients throughout Northeast Arkansas.

The creation of a learning environment with a culture of respect and accountability for Physician well-being is crucial to the ability of those working in it to deliver the safest, best possible care to patients.

Applicants interviewed each fall have commented that it is the commitment to excellent patient care and the family environment felt at NEA Baptist that caused them to realize

Internal Medicine Residency Classes 2021, 2022 and 2023 24 NEA HEALTH • 2020

they want to spend their residency years as part of our team.

Our Chief Resident Dr. Balreet Dhami states, “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to learn from and work alongside some of the most caring, intelligent and innovative people here at NEA Baptist. The center of our team’s efforts is our patients and their loved ones. The culture of our team is rooted in our community and we hope to provide patient-centered quality care and support to our community members at points where they may feel the most vulnerable.”

One of our first-year Residents from local medical school NYIT-COM, Dr. Edwin Mathews says, “Everyone has been very supportive from the staff to the community creating a great environment for my medical training and growth.”

Dr. Julia Bottoni is from Syracuse, New York; notes the dedication to improvement at NEA Baptist, “I’ve never worked anywhere where quality improvement had so many initiatives and was so active. It is really nice to see!

I’ve worked at a lot of hospitals where systemic problems were very apparent but solutions were not being sought out and it’s very discouraging.”

Krysha Harmon, Program Manager for Graduate Medical Education feels a strong commitment to our area to provide the best training resources for future physicians that we hope will serve in Northeast Arkansas. The need for physicians in Jonesboro and our surrounding area is huge. Dr. Mackey states the Residency program “is a benefit for the community

and the area because there is a need for Primary Care Physicians in Northeast Arkansas, especially internists because of a growing population of senior adults. There are fewer doctors, so there is a need for primary care and internal medicine in this part of Arkansas.”

The Baptist Memorial Health Care mission is to provide innovative resident education in an environment of high quality patient care across clinical continuums, which will emphasize both the holistic approach to comprehensive individual health and the coordination and collaboration required to improve outcomes for diverse populations. Our graduating Physicians will be prepared to practice Internal Medicine with dedication, while mastering the science and technology of the evolving health care system, in order to become leaders as Physicians.

25 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Caring for our Community NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation is proud to offer these services free to our community and to help improve the overall health of its residents.

Center for Good Grief - The center is an expansion of the Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief in Memphis, TN. It is the first comprehensive bereavement center of its kind in northeast Arkansas that provides support for individuals who are grieving the death of a loved one.

Participants can share their experience through individual counseling and/or group sessions as they move through the healing process – all in a therapeutic environment. Our professional, caring staff is dedicated to providing comprehensive bereavement services to children, teenagers, and adults.

HopeCircle - HopeCircle provides a community of hope, support, and educational programming, free of charge for families living with a catastrophic illnesses, particularly cancer.

Medicine Assistance Program - This program helps patients obtain their prescriptions from pharmaceutical companies for FREE. Started in March 2002, the Medicine Assistance Program (MAP) aids in preparing the correct paperwork and assists in obtaining these prescriptions from the pharmaceutical companies.

Center For Healthy Children - A FREE exercise and nutrition education program for children who struggle with weight problems.

Working directly with the schools and physician offices, the Center for Healthy Children takes referrals of overweight children who have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or greater.

Our target ages for the center is children 8-12 years old.

We have also added a teen program for ages 13-17. It is our goal to teach the participating children and their families nutrition education and exercise habits that will last a lifetime.

Having the center located at the NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center enables us to help the families become active.

Wellness Works! - Wellness Works is a FREE exercise and nutrition education program to help individuals cope with a chronic illness. The goal is to help participants improve their quality of life through proper nutrition, education and exercise.

This program is offered FREE to the community and is funded by the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation.

ShareHope - A FREE support program for those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through pregnancy loss, stillbirth or in the first few months of life.

The primary purpose is to provide support toward positive resolution of grief experienced at the time of or following the death of a baby.

This support encompasses emotional, physical, spiritual and social healing, as well as sustaining the family unit.

The secondary purpose of ShareHope is to provide information, education and resources on the needs and rights of bereaved parents and siblings.

PO Box 1960 Jonesboro, AR 72403 870.936.8479 • Fax 870.934.3632 www.NEABaptistFoundation.org @NEABaptgiving

F oundation U pdate L

ife has changed so much over the past eight months. From mask wearing to social distancing, the way we function and how we go about our daily activities looks so very different than it did a year ago. Important events like weddings, graduations, and birthday parties have been postponed or scaled back reducing the joyous celebrations we use to mark the watershed moments in life. The lack of these moments coupled with a never ceasing news cycle of pandemic overload has caused this year to appear heavier and darker than normal. Between this emotional turmoil and compounded financial needs due to less hours or a lost job, many find themselves seeking help in our community.

The NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation, like many non-profit organizations, has seen an increase in the demand for services during this pandemic. From the Grief Center to Medicine Assistance, it’s during times like these that more and more people are needing help from one of our six programs. Like everything else, these programs require financial support to operate and provide resources for our neighbors. And that’s where our donors have helped fill the gap.

Thanks to so many of you who have given, our six programs along with other funds we use to meet patient needs have never skipped a beat. Despite this pandemic, we have been able to continue the work we started 20 years ago and meet the needs of thousands of people in our region. If you would allow me a few minutes, I would like to share with you just a few of the ways people have generously supported NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation.

Tuga’s Project: In 2018, Kim and Chris Fowler were visiting the NEA Baptist Center for Good Grief and met Tuga. This plush comfort friend was created by one of the grief center therapists and is given to kids who are receiving bereavement counseling at the center. Tuga’s name is Croatian for grief or deep sorrow and provides help to these young clients as they process the grief associated with the loss of a loved one or friend. When the Fowlers saw this brightly colored creature, they decided they could help raise money for the grief center at their KFC and Taco Bell restaurants by allowing customers to donate a $1 for a paper Tuga. It was with this first meeting that Tuga’s project was birthed.

In May of 2019, the NEA Baptist Center for Good Grief launched the first Tuga’s Project. Offered in 36 KFC and Taco Bell restaurants throughout the Mid-South, NEA Baptist Clinics, and businesses in the Jonesboro and Paragould area, patrons and patients visiting these locations had the opportunity to make a donation to the center. Thanks to the generosity of so many, over $36,000 was raised this first year to allow the center to continue to provide free grief counseling to kids, teens, and adults.

Thanks to their generosity, the Fowlers have expanded Tuga’s Project to now include the months of May and October.

The couple understand the need for a resource like this in our community and have supported the NEA Baptist Center for Good Grief from its inception. It was in October of 2017 that the center first opened its doors and has now helped over 560 people from ages 4-92.

Together

for

Her:

Susan G. Komen, like many non-profits across our country, was adversely impacted by COVID-19. The Race for the Cure, which was held here in Northeast Arkansas, had to be canceled eliminating local funding for mammogram assistance for many patients. As a way to fill this gap and help provide this much needed test for ladies in our community, the NEA Baptist Auxiliary made a generous donation and created the Auxiliary Mammogram Fund.

This new resource will provide free mammograms for ladies who do not have the means to pay for this test.

To celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and help provide additional monies for this needed fund, Together for Her was launched this past October at the NEA Baptist Women’s Breast Imaging Center. Anyone visiting the center was invited to make a gift to help provide mammograms for others. Anyone making a gift in honor or in memory of someone, was given a paper pink ribbon where they could write the name of their honoree. A wall outside the imaging center was used to display the ribbons and show this public support.

COVID-19 Assistance Fund: When this pandemic first hit, the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation began to raise funds to provide assistance to our frontline staff who were impacted by COVID-19. The foundation was overwhelmed by the outpouring of those in our community and staff as over $17,000 was raised to help our health care heroes with unforeseen expenses related to this pandemic. Additionally, many of the leadership throughout the Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation donated to a system wide fund to help Baptist Health Care Heroes throughout our 22 hospitals. Thanks to the generous support of so many, over 3,000 Baptist colleagues were financially assisted with the expenses they incurred due to the impact of this pandemic.

We are so very grateful to everyone who supported these initiatives and generously gave to meet the needs of others. If you would like to give to support the NEA Baptist Center for Good Grief or the Auxiliary Mammogram Fund, please visit the giving tab on our website at neabaptistfoundation.org.

Robbie Johnson, Director of Development Robbie.Johnson@bmhcc.org NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation 27 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Teletherapy • Virtual Show & Tell Sessions • Webex Seminars:

In a COVID World Grief Support is Needed Even More

A

s one of the six programs of the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation, the NEA Baptist Center for Good Grief provides free grief counseling services to all ages.

During the team’s 2019 winter planning session for the 2020 year, the staff brainstormed ideas on reaching those who couldn’t attend in-person sessions because of injury, disability, or distance they lived from the Center. Supported by a grant from the MidAmerica Transplant Foundation, the NEA Baptist Center for Good Grief planned to introduce telemental health services in January of 2021. They expected to take 2020 to plan and develop a program, train staff, and build the infrastructure needed to accommodate remote therapy sessions.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived.

Things started shutting down. Outside of staff, the Center wasn’t allowed to have people on-site, so they decided to dive in and start providing tele-sessions immediately. The Grief Center staff simply couldn’t imagine not seeing their established clients and families, and worried about those that would soon be seeking services.

Adapting telemental health sessions for all clients has required additional innovation. Children, who are primarily seen in a play environment, are now being seen in sibling sets, groups, with a parent, or sent activities virtually or through the mail to help them process their grief. Many sessions are conducted as a “show and tell” of projects and activities these kids have worked on from one session to another. The communication skills among the family units seems to improve with these activities, as often multiple people in the home are working on the projects.

Adult clients continue to connect in virtual ways and can see and hear their therapist just as if it is in-person. For teenagers, telemental health sessions may be more productive as there seems to be a sort of security behind a screen. The teens are opening up even more with the use of technology, with little or no issues transitioning to these types of services.

Telemental health sessions have created new challenges. Many of a counselor’s tools are in the office and not compatible with video conferencing. In addition, body language and non-verbal cues are important in evaluating a situation, and those aren’t always

28 NEA HEALTH • 2020

portrayed in a virtual setting. Therapists have had to dissuade adult clients from multitasking during sessions and teach them to treat it as though they are in a session in our office. A safe, quiet, and private location is a key component to a productive session.

The world of consoling those with physical touch – hugs, a handshake, or a pat on the back – is now unable to happen in our current COVID world. Teletherapy doesn’t allow for those interactions either and are definitely missed when in a vulnerable, intimate, mourning state for our clients.

The NEA Baptist Center for Good Grief has served more than 560 people since opening in 2017. In 2019 alone, the Center provided more than 1,200 individual grief sessions to 237 individuals. To date, there are 144 new clients in year 2020.

The need for grief support is still prominent in our community, even more so given the COVID19 related deaths that are impacting many families. In Arkansas, there have been over 1,600 deaths due to COVID-19 in 2020 thus far. And, according to the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model, 1 in 11 Arkansas children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before the age of 18. That ranks 11th in the United States. In Missouri, 1 in 12 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. These numbers are the very reason our Center is open and will continue to meet the needs of our grieving communities.

The goal of the NEA Baptist Center for Good Grief is to provide a safe environment for grieving children, teens, and adults to explore and express their feelings after the death of a loved one and to learn to thrive in a world without that special person.

Mandy Young, Program Manager Mandy.Young@bmhcc.org Center for Good Grief NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation

2

020 has been a year to remember. In the midst of an unexpected pandemic that changed the way we view life, dispense medical care, educate our children and live our lives, there has been HOPE, empathy and a renewed appreciation for the things that are “Really Important”. Hugs, a touch or pat on the back, a smile – gestures that we exchanged frequently and often took for granted are now what we miss most.

We have certainly seen that in HopeCircle. We shut the doors of the Resource Center from mid-March until the first of May. While we weren’t physically present in the Cancer Center, we made sure there were snacks available for patients, followed up with encouraging calls, texts and emails to volunteers, families and staff. While those things are important, what is most important is human interaction and contact. When we re-opened HopeCircle, we knew we would be functioning a little differently, but we would be “present” for our patients, families and staff.

Some events were canceled, such as our annual Grief Seminar in partnership with ASU College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Our annual Cancer Survivors’ Day event was restructured into a socially distanced car event on the NEA Baptist Campus. The CSD Drive By Parade was a huge success!! Many who attended and volunteered declared it the “Best One Ever”. The weather was perfect. Chris & Kim Fowler and Kentucky Fried Chicken provided lunches and Wallace & Jama Fowler were our parade grand marshals. Kim Provost and her committee proved you really can change as needed and can create a celebration to remember, if your heart is open and your hands are willing.

“Season of Hope” provided another opportunity for us to shift our focus from in-person, large events, such as Touch a Truck.

Teal Talk and Hoping for a Cure. We utilized the media and social media to spread the importance of Hope through personal comments, songs, quotes and videos. The results were touching, inspiring, funny and effective. We appreciate those who shared their Hope with others. The perfect ending to “Season of Hope” was the annual ShareHope Walk of Remembrance on the NEA Baptist campus.

HopeCircle continues to provide free wigs, hats, turbans, pillows, afghans and other needed items for our patients. Many of our volunteers have been self-quarantining and have more time to create items for us. We are grateful to them for their talent and their willingness to provide for our patients.

As we look forward to the holiday season, we are reminded of all we have to give thanks for and to celebrate, especially in these uncertain times. We are thankful for the opportunity to “be here” for our patients and families; and we are thankful for the trust you put in HopeCircle and our Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care. Thank You.

June Morse, Program Manager June.Morse@bmhcc.org HopeCircle NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation

29 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Center For Healthy Children & Wellness Works!

Where are you on the spectrum of health?

M

y name is Will and I joined the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation as the program manager of WellnessWorks! and the Center for Healthy Children a little over a year ago. I have made a few changes since and I think they are taking both programs in the right direction.

Did you know several people refer to health as a fixed point rather than an ever-changing continuum? If you think about it, a person never reaches a point where they no longer need to work on their fitness or cease making healthy choices. Your health, on a sliding scale, is dynamic, and it changes every moment based on the choices you make. Too many people oscillate towards the lower end of the spectrum, where we see chronic disease, medications, and premature death. The goal of both programs is to meet people where they are and get them to a better average point on this health spectrum.

The center for Healthy Children program has shifted to resemble more of a group exercise class. Since the goal of the program is to help obese children lose weight and get into the habit of becoming more physically active, the majority of sessions are for doing just that.

We workout, we play games, we run, we walk. We do just about anything except sit. We have known for decades that obesity is the result of too many calories and not enough movement, so for us, the obvious solution to that problem is more activity. Classes are held four times a week, Monday thru Thursday. With these four days of extra movement in their week, we hope to see positive changes in weight and overall tolerance to exercise. These two outcomes (hopefully) set the children down a better path regarding their future health.

WellnessWorks! Has also gotten away from the classroom setting and has focused on an individualized exercise prescription. Individuals referred to WW! are diagnosed with a chronic disease, sometimes more than one.

Usually, diseases that cannot be reversed, only tolerated. This is the precise need for a targeted approach to management through exercise prescriptions. Every person who starts the Will Oliver, Program Manager Will.OliverIII@BMHCC.org Center For Healthy Children Wellness Works!

NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation 30 NEA HEALTH • 2020

program has an in-depth orientation with me. We review exercise history, medical, and family health history during this orientation.

With that info, I can fine-tune a prescription to fit that specific person to (hopefully) get them to a state where the severity of their symptoms diminishes. Nutrition education, on a one on one basis to better help the individual make healthier choices, also takes place.

This year presented a unique challenge to both programs with the onset of the nationwide pandemic. Our gym closed down and with schools closed CHC had to cease all classes. I was concerned for my participants, and if they would be able to maintain their progress during this lock-down. My first attempt was to provide everyone with at-home workouts, exercise bands, and encouragement. It worked for some, but the reality of the matter was that at-home workouts get repetitive and boring when confined to your home for days on end. I decided to focus my encouragement on continuing the process when the gym reopened.

We allowed everyone to restart the 12-week program, ensuring them that we wanted to see their success and that the pandemic would not win. This group of participants just recently finished their restarted program. They performed remarkably. Most of them are now members at the NEA Baptist Clinic wellness center, continuing their journey towards better health.

One of my first ever clients, Brittney Lam, came to me over 400 lbs, pre-diabetic, and fearful of her family history. Brittney lost her sister due to complications with diabetes/ obesity. She was afraid that she was following a similar path after her latest trip to the doctor.

After that visit, she reluctantly began working with me, not knowing what to expect. Together, we created a series of workout plans and habit changes for her to pursue to help her escape the foreboding future her health was casting. Now, 200 lbs later, Brittney is no longer pre-diabetic, no longer obese (BMI), and living a very active lifestyle.

Brittney is a shining example of what can happen when you take those first steps towards bettering your health and continue taking them well after the program is over. Well done Brittney!

In order to participate in this program you must be referred by your physician who can best determine whether you are a good candidate for these programs. For more information or to obtain a referral, you may visit our website www. neabaptistfoundation.org or visit us at NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center at 2617 Phillips Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401 or by calling (870) 936-7960.

For Those Who Have Suffered the Loss of a Baby

S

ince the first of this year, ShareHope has been able to assist 18 different families with funeral expenses, and support services.

To many of these families, funeral expenses are a huge burden, added to their already existing tragedy. All of these families have been able to come in for grief support at absolutely no cost.

Recently, a precious family endured the tragic loss of their newborn son. The mother of the baby was extremely grateful for ShareHope, and the services we are able to provide. On a recent social media post, she described how thankful she was for our program.

She said: “ShareHope provided us with indescribable comfort during our stay. They provided us with precious reminders of my son’s life. We have been so blessed by their services, and will continue to be blessed by them during follow-up appointments, counseling, and other events.”

One way we can provide hope and healing for these families is through memorial events. On October 3rd, hundreds of people gathered, socially distanced and masked, at the NEA Baptist Main Medical Campus for the ShareHope Walk of Remembrance.

Sponsors of the event brought in over $4,000 which directly benefited our ShareHope Family Fund.

As we continue to serve families through ShareHope, we would like to thank our community for the many donations of hats, booties, blankets, clothes, monetary donations, and much more. These things have allowed us to help others in need, during such a tragic time.

Rebecca Propst, Program Manager Rebecca.Propst@BMHCC.org ShareHope NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation

D

id you know that many pharmaceutical companies have Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) that give free medications to qualified individuals? Most new, expensive medications (generic unavailable) have a PAP. The NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation’s Medicine Assistance Program (MAP) helps patients locate and complete the required paperwork to participate in these programs.

Our purpose is to help anyone who meets the criteria set forth by each PAP regardless of where they receive their healthcare. Maintenance medications are often very expensive and our goal is to help you find a resource to provide these medication(s).

Our MAP staff will assist you with each step to make the process as simple as possible. We obtain the needed physician signatures and submit your application. In addition, our program will call in refills and assist with re-enrollment.

One thing to note, we are unable to assist with narcotics or temporary medications, such as cold and flu medicines, antibiotics, etc. The enrollment process typically takes four to eight weeks. If you are struggling to afford your medication, please contact us, even if you have insurance or above-average income you may still qualify.

For more information or to request an application, please call 870-934-5400. You may also access our application online at www. neabaptistfoundation.org/programs/ medicine-assistance-program/ Nancy Gandy, Program Manager Nancy.Gandy@bmhcc.org Medicine Assistance Program NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation

Volunteer Opportunities Available.

870.936.8400 • NEABaptistFoundation.org

31 NEA HEALTH • 2020

Hunt

for a

H

unt for a Cause at the 18th annual Duck Classic! This two-day event is a unique fundraiser that combines our natural resource of Duck hunting with a traditional fundraising banquet to raise funds for the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation.

The banquet is a casual, family friendly event.

The evening consists of great food, live and silent auctions, and raffles. Our raffles and auctions are packed with lots of great items for everyone! There are plenty of hunting related items, but also jewelry, trips, and lots more.

The Grand Classic Raffle is always a favorite at this event. Tickets are available for $100 and the winner will receive their choice of a ‘Duck Truck’ donated

by Glen Sain Motors and transformed by DNW Automotive into the ultimate Duck Hunting vehicle or a 2020 Can Am Defender HD10 Pro Xt donated

by Jonesboro Cycle and ATV. In addition to these great prizes, 2 - $350 DNW gift cards and 10 -$200 cash prizes will be awarded. That is 14 chances to win with the purchase of one ticket!

The following morning “the hunt” happens in fields all over Northeast Arkansas. Thanks to the generosity of our landowners and hosts, our participants are able to hunt some of the most coveted locations in the area.

Proceeds from Duck Classic benefit the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation. Formed in 2001 by physicians of NEA Baptist Clinic, the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation was created as a way to give back to the community.

All proceeds from Duck Classic benefit the programs offered by NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation.

Cause

Medicine Assistance Program: helps patients get their prescriptions from pharmaceutical companies for free.

HopeCircle: a community of hope and support for families living with catastrophic illness.

Center for Healthy Children: a free program of children and teens who struggle with weight problems.

Wellness Works: a free medical and health professionally monitored fitness program available exclusively for patients with a chronic illness.

ShareHope: a free program for those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first few months of life.

Center for Good Grief: the first comprehensive bereavement center of its kind in Northeast Arkansas that provides free support for individuals who are grieving the death of a loved one.

For more information about Duck Classic or NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation, visit us on Facebook or our websites.

DuckClassic.com or NEABaptistFoundation.org Join us at the Duck Classic Banquet Thursday, December 10. Doors open at 5pm!

Kim Provost, Director of Events Kim.Provost@bmhcc.org NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation

18th Annual

C H A R I TA B L E F O U N DAT I O N

Largest Waterfowl Fundraiser in Arkansas - Charity Banquet & Duck Hunt -

December 10-11

First National Bank Arena, Jonesboro, AR Premier hunting locations throughout Northeast Arkansas

Visit our website for details on this exciting event

DuckClassic.com

Always Where You Need Us 8 Locations No Appointment Necessary Medical needs don’t follow schedules, and neither does our commitment to compassionate care.

Through MyChart, a new tool is available on your phone - Find Care Now. You can use MyChart’s Find Care Now to locate the NEA Baptist Clinic Urgent Care locations nearest you. See approximate wait times when available and indicate that you would like your name on the waiting list.

Finding complete care has never been easier. Get better with Baptist.

NEW - Drive-Thru Minor Urgent Care 909 Enterprise Drive, Jonesboro

Download the app today!

Available on Apple, Android and online.

Get Better.

NEABaptist.com

870-936-8000