’s
September 5, 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.
Nat´l Preparedness Month is Here! September 2014 marks the eleventh annual National Preparedness Month. The goal during the month is to educate the public about how to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters, mass casualties, biological and chemical threats, radiation emergencies, and terrorist attacks. The following tips can get you on the right track: •Get an Emergency Kit - If disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water, or electricity for some time. By taking time now to prepare emergency water supplies, food supplies and a disaster supplies kit, you can provide for your entire family. •Make an Emergency Plan - Make plans with your family and friends in case you're not together during an emergency. Discuss how you'll contact each other, where you'll meet, and what you'll do in different situations. •Be Informed - Being prepared means staying informed. Check all types of media – Web sites, newspapers, radio, TV, mobile and land phones – for global, national and local information. During an emergency, your local Emergency Management, or Emergency Services office will give you information on such things as open shelters and evacuation orders. •Get Involved - Look into taking first aid and emergency response training, participating in community exercises, and volunteering to support local first responders. For more information on this topic visit: www.cdc.gov.
Employee of the Month Congratulations , Barbara Trecek, Physical Therapist, for being named the SCKMC Exceptional Service Award winner for the month of September! Barbara was nominated by two patients for providing care that is "beyond exceptional". She was recognized for her patience, knowledge, and gentle encouragement throughout the therapy process. If you would like to nominate someone for next month's award visit us at www.sckmc.org.
Small Investment. Big Benefits A closer look at the SCKMC sales tax initiative – Part 2 Over the next several editions we will be 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. Why does a sales tax need to be approved at this time?
A. While we are fortunate to have many dedicated physicians, Cowley County is considered a medically under-served community. A recent study published by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute shows Cowley County has one primary care physician for every 2,134 patients, compared to the State average of one physician for every 1,380 patients. The sales tax would allow SCKMC to use funds currently tied to the hospital's general operations for the recruitment and establishment of more primary care physicians. In addition, SCKMC has over 7,000 patient visits to their emergency department annually. Healthcare providers want to shift patients away from seeking non-emergent care in hospital ERs toward lower cost alternatives. Funds raised by the sales tax would support recruitment and/or development of an alternative, such as an urgent care center. 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.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness which makes it important to protect yourself every flu season. The severity, timing, and length of flu season is very unpredictable. It usually peaks around January or February, however activity can start as early as October and last until May. Employees of SCKMC who elect to receive the vaccine will be given the quadrivalent flu vaccine. This vaccine was designed to protect against four influenza viruses, two influenza type A viruses and two influenza type B viruses. The CDC recommends that people should get vaccinated as soon as it becomes available and practice good health habits.
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.
Find out more about the sales tax initiative at www.sckmc.org