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Oxford News
Joplin Business Journal Names Oxford Aide a Health Care Hero
The Joplin Business Journal recently named Oxford In-Home Aide Lisa Barber a Health Care Hero for her excellence and commitment in caregiving and for making a significant impact on the quality of health care. Lisa received the award at a ceremony on March 26 in Joplin.
The winner in the Health Care Provider category, Barber received recognition for delivering standard-setting care to her patients and members of the community. During a severe ice storm, she cared for her patients and stayed in close proximity to them by living in her van for two weeks, despite having sustained a back injury from a falling tree limb. Last year, she saved a motorcycle accident victim from leg amputation by providing first aid, and, another day, delivered a baby for a neighbor of an Oxford patient.
The annual competition, which has seven categories, recognizes and honors health care excellence and innovation, educates the business community about outstanding health care accomplishments, and encourages emulation of the honorees.
KOLR-10 Spotlights Oxford On "Tom's Ozarks Marketplace"
Thurs., March 13, at 9 a.m. KOLR's Tom Trtan showcased Oxford HealthCare on "Tom's Ozarks Marketplace," the area's first local broadcast television home shopping program. Trtan and Oxford's President Karen Thomas and Vice President of Community Relations Cheryl Fitch joined in a lively conversation highlighting the agency's standards-setting, innovative programs that help people of all ages remain independent at home. Once every other month from March through January 2009, the weekly Thursday morning show will also spotlight specific Oxford services such as Lifeline medical alert, telemonitoring and hospice. Previous shows can be accessed at OzarksFirst.com under Tom's Ozarks Marketplace.
Oxford Named Best Home Health Care Agency
For the sixth consecutive year, the Springfield News-Leader has named Oxford HealthCare as the "Best Home Health Care Agency" in its "Best of the Ozarks" readers' survey. Results for 2007 were announced in February 2008, and Oxford is the only home care agency to receive the award since the inception of the poll.
"We are thankful for our dedicated employees who make such a difference in the lives of others and for the many people who voted for us," says Oxford President Karen Thomas. "Oxford appreciates the News-Leader's 'Best of the Ozarks' vote and is committed to continuing a thirty-plus year tradition of excellence."
Oxford and Northview Center Offer Wellness Fair and Free Health Screenings
Oxford HealthCare and Northview Center (formerly Doling Family Center) invited seniors ages 55 and up to receive free health care screenings Thurs., Feb. 28. Representatives from Oxford provided bone density, blood pressure and glucose screenings, with Wal-Mart Vision Center offering vision tests and Preferred Hearing Care, hearing assessments. Participants signed up for a complimentary gift-basket drawing, which included a handmade throw and dinner certificates to local restaurants.
Ribbon Cutting Marks Expansion of Oxford's Hospice Program
Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, Oxford representatives and visitors gathered at Oxford's Joplin office for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tues., Feb. 26, in recognition of the recent expansion of Oxford's Hospice program in Jasper, Newton, Dade, Lawrence, and Barry counties, including Monett, Mo. The new program is designed to meet the special needs of area patients and families who are facing a life-threatening illness. Oxford President Karen Thomas presented remarks at the ceremony, where refreshments were served.
Oxford's team of highly qualified professionals is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of patients and families, especially at a time when illness limits life expectancy. Hospice services include pain and symptom management, skilled nursing care, bereavement counseling, personal care and housekeeping assistance and provision of medical equipment, supplies and medications.
New Journeys Support Group Provides Gentle Healing for Grief
The grieving process can lead to gentle healing with the help of Oxford's Hospice Team and its newest support group: Journeys. Caring team members will connect people experiencing grief with the help they need so they can begin the journey of renewing their hope, understanding their feelings and coping with their loss.
Senior centers are the setting for the friendly, caring groups, which began Feb. 19 in Aurora, Feb. 19 in Monett, and Feb. 22 in Crane. For additional information, call Renee at 417-883-7500 ext. 3235 or 800-749-6555.
HomeCare Innovations Cover Story Features Oxford CEO
The cover story for the premiere January/February 2008 issue of HomeCare Innovations, a nationally distributed magazine published for the home care industry, features Oxford President Karen Thomas and her pioneering work in telemedicine.
The article relates how Thomas and Oxford have taken telemonitoring into new territory--Medicaid and private insurance coverage. Under Thomas' leadership, Oxford introduced telemonitoring technology to southwest Missouri and to Missouri's Medicaid program with dramatic outcomes. Telemonitoring reduces unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits by up to half and thereby also decreases health care costs.
Oxford Supervisor and Family Receive Award on Behalf of Newborns In Need
Oxford Business Services Supervisor Amber Albert and her family received a Community Block Builder Award from Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Inc. at an awards presentation in January 2008. The Alberts received the award on behalf of the Springfield chapter of Newborns In Need (NIN) because they are models of dedication to the nonprofit organization and have helped build volunteerism and community service in children. NIN regularly donates handmade layettes to more than 50 facilities in southwest Missouri, including hospitals, clinics and foster-care programs. At Christmas, the Alberts helped make and fill 192 stockings with quilts, blankets, toiletries, booties, bibs, hats, bottles, pacifiers and Bibles. NIN has about 40 volunteers who work with them on a regular basis.
Oxford President Receives Missourian Award
Karen Thomas, President of Oxford HealthCare received the prestigious Missourian Award September 29, 2007 at a ceremony in Jefferson City. The Missourian Award is an acknowledgement of the most accomplished citizens of the state of Missouri for their outstanding contributions to the state in civics, business, arts or politics. Recipients must be Missouri natives or long-time residents.
Thomas was one of twelve recipients of the 2007 award. Past recipients include newsman Walter Cronkite, developer John Q. Hammons and Bass Pro shops founder John L. Morris along with President Harry S. Truman, General John J. Pershing, Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and Walt Disney.
Joplin Business Journal Names Oxford Employee to 40 Under 40
Wes McGuirk, Regional Director for In-Home Services in Joplin was named to the Joplin Business Journal's first group of 40 Under 40 at an awards dinner held on September 25, 2007 in Joplin. This award honors forty top upcoming professionals under age 40 for their leadership, community involvement, and contributions to the workplace.
Wes is an excellent manager and has a strong commitment to excellence. But beyond knowledge and internal drive, he has a compassion that sets his leadership apart. In addition to his work at Oxford, Wes is also active in several community service organizations, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the American Cancer Society, and the Southwest Missouri Alzheimer's Association.
Missouri Council for In-Home Services Recognizes Oxford Employees
Several Oxford employees were recognized at the Missouri Council for In-Home Services awards ceremony held September 10, 2007 in Springfield. The Council is comprised of more than 80 In-Home Services providers throughout the state, and it recognizes employees each year for outstanding leadership and service to clients.
Susan Anderson, Executive Director of Oxford's In-Home Services Division with offices in Springfield, Joplin and Branson received the Council's 2007 Leadership Award. She was chosen from among all her peers for her outstanding leadership in the industry throughout the state.
At the same ceremony, Geselle Scott and Terri Chambell, Field Coordinators and In-Home Aides for Oxford in Joplin were recognized by the Council as the 2007 Above and Beyond Caregiver Award winners. Another In-Home Aide, Lisa Barber, was also nominated for the award. They were all recognized for their outstanding acts of care and compassion that went above and beyond the call of duty. Carolyn Clark, RN was nominated for the 2007 Professional Caregiver Award.
New Oxford HealthCare Web Site
Work is in process on the new Oxford HealthCare web site. This site includes more information, videos and a new design that we hope you will find helpful. Please keep checking back for additional information and new features.
Oxford HealthCare Radio Show
We are pleased to announce a new radio program hosted by Oxford HealthCare on KWTO 560 AM Mondays at 3:00 p.m. starting September 3, 2007. Boomer—News and Views is an informative hour filled with discussions directed to the largest segment of today’s population—the baby boomers. The focus is to provide valuable information for listeners age 45 and older. Oxford brings together local professionals, who are respected and seen as experts in their fields, to discuss real life. The subjects will encompass such issues as health, wellness, home care, finances, pharmacy, and many other areas of interest. We invite you to join us!