
Pain Management in Dexter
1 in 5 American adults suffer from chronic pain, making it difficult to travel long distances for specialized care. Christopher Reis, DO, is excited to be in the new Pain Clinic located in Dexter!

SoutheastHEALTH Foundation has announced recipients of healthcare scholarships made possible by the Foundation and the generosity of individual and family donors. Twenty-eight students received $32,500 in scholarship awards at an event held recently at the Jackson Civic Center.
Dr. Steven Langdon, president, SoutheastHEALTH College of Nursing and Health Sciences, addressed the group. Darah Jirkovsky, executive director of the SoutheastHEALTH Foundation, served as Master of Ceremonies. Scholarship certificates were presented by Dr. Maria Sudak, vice president and chief operating officer at SoutheastHEALTH, and Laurie Hill, MHA, BSN, RN, director of education and training at SoutheastHEALTH.
Jirkovsky said, “The demand for healthcare professionals across the system of care is ongoing, both locally and in Missouri. We are so fortunate to have generous donors who recognize this vital need by helping support students as they work toward career goals.”
Since 1962, the SoutheastHEALTH Foundation has awarded over $1.2 Million to local scholars. These funds have supported the education of over 1,300 current and future healthcare workers for our region.
This year’s recipients include:
Enrolled in SoutheastHEALTH College of Nursing and Health Sciences programs:
Ashley Tucker-Baldwin, Hugh & Marietta Logan Scholarship
Kylie Carr, O.D. Niswonger Scholarship
Mallory Cook, Tom Welch Radiography Scholarship
Alexis Dockstader, SoutheastHEALTH Foundation SEMO Scholarship
Amber Glenn, James W. Wente Scholarship
Deondray Jenkins, Nancy Ann Bray Scholarship
Sharon Jones, Ilena Aslin Scholarship
Christen Larko, Jean Chapman, MD, Scholarship
Aimee Linares, Hazel Harrison Strickler Scholarship
Michelle Masters, Hazel Harrison Strickler Scholarship
Macie McDaniel, L.P. Maxwell, MD, Scholarship
Tina Medlock, Balsamo Family Scholarship
Alicia Pemberton, Hutson Family Scholarship
Kylee Rhyne, Ilena Aslin Scholarship
Mary Stewart, Karen Crites Henderickson, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, Scholarship
Audrea Tellor, Ronald James Schwent Scholarship
Julie Welker, Sheila Caskey, PhD, Scholarship
Southeast Missouri State University
Megan Hupperts, SoutheastHEALTH Foundation SEMO Scholarship
Amanda Martin, Charlotte Black Sargent Scholarship
MeAsia Triplett, SoutheastHEALTH Foundation SEMO Scholarship
Christina Wilcsek, SoutheastHEALTH Foundation Scholarship
Southern New Hampshire University
Lauren Rollens, SoutheastHEALTH Foundation Scholarship
Murray State University
Allyson Johnson, Polly DuVal Kinder Scholarship
Southwest Baptist University
Brendan Gross, Margaret Foster Roberts Scholarship
Southern Illinois University/Carbondale
Emily Landewee, Margaret Foster Roberts Scholarship
Beck School of Nursing
Shericka Taylor, Margaret Foster Roberts Scholarship
Three Rivers Community College
Mackenzie Powell, William & Martina Scott Scholarship
SoutheastHEALTH Foundation Fall 2022 Mini-Scholarship Recipients
Penny Bowers
Jonathon Briley
Ann Dewrock
Kevin Hatch
Gabe Keys
Kimberly Spurlock
Sarah Thompson
Anthony Wunderlich
About SoutheastHEALTH Foundation
SoutheastHEALTH Foundation, Inc. was organized in 1977 as an independent 501 (c)3 nonprofit entity to ensure the future of healthcare in our region. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is made up of individuals and volunteers from all segments of our service area. The Board oversees fund-raising projects and manages the allocation of funds in an effort to enhance service to our community.

3 reasons to get a back-to-school checkup
A doctor listens to a child’s heart
It may seem like summer just started. But it's almost time to utter the three words most kids dread to hear: "back to school." If you haven't already, this is a good time to make an appointment with your child's doctor for a back-to-school health exam.
Here are three reasons why this annual doctor visit is a good idea:
A checkup is a good time to get vaccinations. Kids from kindergarten to college need vaccines. In fact, your state might require that your child be vaccinated against certain diseases, such as pertussis (whooping cough). Your doctor can tell you what immunizations your child needs.
An exam is a good choice if your child wants to play any kind of sport. A sports physical may be required for playing on a team or another type of extracurricular activity. But a sports-related exam is a good idea for all kids—even if they aren't joining an organized team, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The exam is the perfect time to talk about exercise-related topics, like injuries, nutrition, training and even how your child may feel about participating in sports.
A checkup is a good time to ask questions. An annual physical gives you and your child's doctor a chance to discuss any developmental, emotional or social concerns. Especially with teenagers, it's a chance to talk about alcohol, smoking, drugs and sexual activity.
Wondering what else you can do to make your child's school year a success? Check out our School Health topic center.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Back to School Health & Safety Checklist." https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/division-information/media-tools/dpk/back-to-school.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Keeping Track of Records." https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/records/keeping-track.html.
HealthyChildren.org. "Back to School, Back to the Doctor." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Back-to-School-Back-to-the-Doctor.aspx.
HealthyChildren.org. "Sports Physical: When, Where, Who Should Do It?" https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Sports-Physical-PPE.aspx.

SoutheastHEALTH today announced that it signed a definitive agreement with St. Louis-based Mercy to become a member of Mercy’s multi-hospital system. The two organizations have been finalizing details with respect to an affiliation since they announced in January they signed a letter of intent. By affiliating with Mercy, SoutheastHEALTH would become part of one of the largest health care systems in the U.S.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and other required third-party approvals. Following such approvals, both organizations will be prepared to engage in a transition planning process that includes Mercy hosting community roundtable listening tours which are a tradition when it welcomes a new hospital into its health system. These events typically include business and civic leaders, physicians, elected officials and other community representatives, who are invited to meet with hospital leaders to help determine next steps in the community master planning process.
“Mercy joining Cape Girardeau and the greater Southeast Missouri region is a very real example of one of the ways we live the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy,” said Steve Mackin, Mercy president and CEO. “The Sisters would answer the call of a community, and we are honored to have SoutheastHEALTH invite us to join them in serving Southeast Missouri and bring our resources to the people of this region. Together, we will positively impact the community.”
“This is an exciting day for the community, for patients and for co-workers,” said Ken Bateman, SoutheastHEALTH president and CEO. “Bringing the two health systems together will create a regional hub for offering expanded access to health care services in Southeast Missouri and the greater region Mercy serves.”
Bateman cited the strengths that Mercy, with $8 billion in operating revenue, brings to Southeast, including increased patient access, highest quality of care as recognized by Leapfrog and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a sophisticated operating model, lower cost of capital and significant clinical benefits.
“Most importantly, Mercy and Southeast have a shared commitment to providing quality, family-centered care. We are excited about our future together and how it will redefine health care in our region,” Bateman said.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to SoutheastHEALTH on this transaction. Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. is serving as its legal counsel. Thompson Coburn LLP is serving as legal counsel to Mercy.

Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County is adding team members to its inpatient registered nursing staff.
Registered nurses with valid Missouri licenses can earn $35 an hour for full or part-time employment on the hospital’s Medical Telemetry, Behavioral Health or Emergency units.
The offer does not apply to Per Diem staff.
Sue Ann Williams, Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County CEO, said this offer is being made to help alleviate staffing shortages, which are a concern to hospitals nationwide. “We welcome new team members,” she added. “At Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County, we place the highest priority on excellent patient care. Nurses who join our team will find a professional, supportive environment that, like our wonderful community, is family-centered.”
Registered nurses interested in learning more may contact SoutheastHEALTH Human Resources Recruiter Yvonne Pope at ypope@sehealth.org or 573-331-6665.
To see all job opportunities with Southeast, visit sehealth.org/careers