’s
October 3, 2014 edition
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Caduceus Stone Moved to SCKMC As the former AC Memorial Hospital is prepared to be demolished within the upcoming weeks, a historical piece from that site was relocated to the medical center. Until this past Friday, the caduceus stone had resided on the corner of First Street and Birch Avenue. The stone had been used as part of the hospital’s signage for several decades. “It has taken generations of people committed to the healthcare of our community to get us to where we are at today, and this monument is a small reminder of that,” said Clayton Pappan, SCKMC’s Chief Marketing Officer. LG Pike Construction used a crane to remove the over seven-foot tall stone slab. The crew then transported it to the entry of the medical center’s property where it was braced until a concrete base was poured on Monday afternoon. “I would have hated to see the stone just broken up. It’s just our way of making (the hospital) complete, one more thing to make it nice,” said Carlla Pike of Pike Construction. LG Pike Construction is not a newcomer to donating their equipment and talents in support of community projects. The company also assisted USD 470 in moving their historical marker to the ACHS football stadium. SCKMC CEO, Steve Perkins offered his gratitude. “LG Pike Construction and the Pike family are amazing. . Folks like them make this a special place. On behalf of the whole organization, from Board to staff I want to extend our sincerest ‘thank you’ for their generous support. LG Pike Construction preserves the past for the community's future,” Perkins said.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. The human body has a symbiotic relationship with organisms, called probiotics, to help maintain intestinal health. Probiotics act by blocking colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the gut. They are available over-the-counter and many people take them on a regular basis to maintain regularity. Probiotics have very few side effects, however they should be used cautiously in people who are severely ill. There are many products to choose from, however not all probiotic products are created equal, and there is no reliable evidence that supports its use for general health. Many suggest that multi-species products are better than single species products, but evidence is also lacking in this area.
Small Investment. Big Benefits A closer look at the SCKMC sales tax initiative – Part 4 For several editions now we have been answering some of the most common questions related to a ten-year, one-half cent sales tax for SCKMC. The tax will be voted on by the citizens of Arkansas City during the November 4th general election. Q. One use of the sales tax would be physician recruitment. How has recruitment worked in the past?
A. SCKMC has historically worked with the local physician clinics to pay in-part or in-full recruitment costs associated with bringing in new physicians, spending $450,000 on nonemployed physician recruiting expenses between 2009 and 2013. These costs have included advertising/promotion fees, interview expenses, recruitment agency fees, and income guarantees for up to two years. It is our plan to expand and develop programs for both primary and specialty care, however we must at the same time remain financially responsible with our community asset. We will continue to assist recruiting efforts to our local independent clinic. However, growing trends suggest physicians are reluctant to join the traditional physician owned clinic model. By offering hospital employment as another practice option we increase our likelihood of recruiting additional physicians into the community. If you would like more information about SCKMC's sales tax initiative visit us online at www.sckmc.org, e-mail us at salestax@sckrmc.org, or call us at (620) 441-5920. A special public meeting will be held on October 16 at Noon in the SCKMC Conference Center, lunch will be provided.
Perkins Receives Cornerstone Award Congratulations to Steve Perkins, CEO of SCKMC, for being named the CornerBank Community Cornerstone Award recipient in Arkansas City. The award recognizes the time and effort of volunteers who are dedicated to serving people and enhancing the the quality of life in Cowley County. In recognition of his service, CornerBank contributed $100 to the nonprofit organization of his choice.
Small Investment. Vote Yes to support a ten-year, one-half cent sales tax initiative for your community hospital.
Big Benefits. SCKMC is asking the citizens of Arkansas City to vote during the November election for a ten-year, onehalf cent sales tax. Funds raised by the sales tax would support recruitment and establishment of fulltime, local physicians, and expand services of current providers. In addition, the funds would be used for development of alternatives to non-emergent ER care that would benefit the entire community.
FREE PUBLIC LUNCHEON – Oct. 16th Join us at Noon in the hospital’s conference center to learn more about the SCKMC one-half cent sales tax initiative. A grab-and-go lunch will be provided at no charge, and time will be allowed for Q&A.
Find out more about the sales tax initiative at www.sckmc.org