Direct Line from Max Buetow for 7/8/2022

July 8, 2022

Honoring those whose service makes our work possible

With Fourth of July celebrations this week, it is an important time to pause and reflect on the meaning of service and sacrifice.

The holiday reminds us of those whose work allows us to enjoy the freedom and the lifestyle we may too often take for granted.

There is an interwoven connection between those who serve in health care and those in the military. Our teams give of themselves to serve others every day, and many of our colleagues have served our nation as well.

When I was rounding recently at Cox Barton County, I met nurse Sean Guiheen, a Marine who completed two tours in Iraq. He is on the front lines in health care, and he has been on the front lines in the field abroad. When I told him how impressed I was with his story, he simply said: “I just served my country.”

It is always powerful to see people so drawn to serving others. I am proud that at CoxHealth we take time to recognize veterans, active duty service members, those who serve in the reserves, and first responders.

Recently, a volunteer committee of staff members developed and launched a Veterans Honor Program, which helps us recognize patients who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Patients who are veterans or active duty military members can opt into the program, which provides veterans with a “thank you” card from hospital leaders, an American flag door magnet, and more.

“This opportunity to create a unique program for our veterans in the populations we serve is a huge win for our communities and for CoxHealth,” says Kerry Miller, volunteer services coordinator and member of the Veterans Honor Program Committee.

Outside our hospital walls, Kerry and a team of volunteers lead the Wellness for Warriors program. Wellness for Warriors offers health-based education classes on well-being and stress management for veterans, active military and first responders.

I am so proud of the work Kerry and others are doing to support our veterans and first responders. It is vital that we work to do our best for those who have put their lives on the line and who have sacrificed for our country.

Thank you to all who have served!

Signing the final beam for our National and Sunshine clinic

Work continues on our new clinic at National Avenue and Sunshine Street and we will be placing the final beam on the clinic in a small ceremony next Wednesday. Throughout this week, we continued a CoxHealth tradition: The beam was on display at Cox South and employees were able to come and sign their names. In doing so, they leave their mark on our history, creating a visual reminder of the role each of us plays in our overall mission.

The clinic is the latest of our “super clinics,” which offer a one-stop shop with multiple dimensions of care. More details about the clinic will be coming in the next few months, so stay tuned.

Continuing our commitment to our teams’ well-being

The last few years have been challenging for us all, especially those who work in health care. I am grateful for our continued partnership with Burrell Behavioral Health, whose experts have been leading sessions that support mental health and overall wellness for our staff members.

So far, Burrell has hosted six Be Well Experiences tailored to our colleagues. These sessions teach mindfulness practices and provide tactical actions to reduce stress during the workday. As we expand our well-being efforts, we have more collaborations coming in the near future, including efforts that will allow our teams to connect and enjoy the mental health benefits of the outdoors. More exciting things to come!

CoxHealth Foundation hosts ‘Girls Just Wanna Run’

For the 16th year, Girls Just Wanna Run celebrates being the largest women’s 5K and 10K run/walk in Missouri. Anyone is able to participate either in-person (on July 23) or virtually (July 16-23) to benefit Women’s Services of the CoxHealth Foundation. If you or family or friends want to come join us for fitness and a good cause, you can register here.

Voice of the Patient

Adapted from patient feedback at Cox Barton County: “I really appreciated (the staff) taking our call prior to getting to the emergency room to ensure everything went smoothly. It was also nice they did a follow-up call the next day.”

Thank you for all you do,

Max