Students poised to graduate from St. Francis Health lab science program

INDIANAPOLIS – Six students are poised to graduate from the Franciscan St. Francis Health Clinical Laboratory Science Program.

The 2013 graduates and specialty field majors are:

Alex Beuhler, University of Southern Indiana (BS in biology, 2012). Parents are Bryan and Darla Beuhler of Odon, Ind.

Hannah Cox, University of Indianapolis (BS in medical technology, 2013). Parents are Mark and Lynette Cox of Darlington, Ind.

Tayla Graff, Franklin College (BS in biology, 2012). Parents are Troy and Sandy Fields, of Owensburg, Ind.

Ashley McEldowney, Ball State University (BS in medical technology, 2013).  Parents are Kim McEldowney-Hershey and John Hershey, and the late Scott McEldowney, all of Greenville, Ohio.

Rachel Siekemeyer, Miami University (BA-microbiology, 2012, BS medical laboratory science, 2013). Parents are Richard and Irene Siekemeyer of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Hanna Whetstine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (BS in biology, 2006), Parents are the late Butch and Sandy Whetstine of Columbus, Ind.

Graduation is 1 p.m., Friday, May 31, in the Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis auditorium.

The Franciscan St. Francis Health Clinical Laboratory Science Program (formerly known as the St. Francis School of Medical Technology) is affiliated with several colleges and universities across the Midwest.

The program, which is a division of the hospital’s clinical laboratory, was established in 1967 and is dedicated to preparing professional medical technologists with the theoretical and practical training to serve as active members of the health care team in clinical laboratory science.

More than 340 students have graduated from the program since its inception.

Medical technology involves conducting a wide range of laboratory tests for the detection, diagnosis, treatment and study of diseases. Clinical laboratory scientists work closely with pathologists and other specialists to ensure the accuracy of diagnoses.

More information about the Franciscan St. Francis Health Clinical Laboratory Science Program is at s at www.stfrancishospitals.org/Labs/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=1&tabid=25.  

Psychologist establishes new practice with Outpatient Behavioral Health Services

INDIANAPOLIS – Pamela A. Phillips, PsyD, has joined Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

She most recently completed a post-doctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Phillips previously was affiliated with the Emory Center for Rehabilitation Medicine and the VA healthcare system.

Among her specialties are traumatic brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, neurodegenerative disorders, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and stroke,   Research interests comprise epilepsy, mild cognitive impairment, the effects of aging on cognition, and memory.

She received her undergraduate degree in psychology at Mercer University in Macon, Ga., and earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology at the Argosy University/Georgia School of Professional Psychology, where she later received her doctorate in clinical psychology with a neuropsychology concentration.

Published in professional journals and a frequent presenter at various peer venues, Phillips is a member of the Indiana Psychological Association, International Neuropsychological Society, National Academy of Neuropsychology and American Psychological Association.

Outpatient Behavioral Health Services is located at 610 E. Southport Road, Suite 100, Indianapolis. For more information or to make an appointment, call 317-783-8383. 

New physician joins Martinsville Family & Internal Medicine

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. – Thomas F. Lahr, MD, has joined Franciscan Physician Network Martinsville Family & Internal Medicine.

Lahr will join Dianna Boyer, MD, and Ryan Lacy, MD, whose practice is located at 49 Bills Blvd.

Board certified in family medicine with an interest in sports medicine, he most recently worked at a hospital in Martinsville, where he also served on the medical executive and credentials committees.

Lahr received his undergraduate degree in chemistry at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, and later earned a master’s degree in physiology and medical degree from the IU School of Medicine. He completed a residency in family medicine at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

A Martinsville resident, Lahr is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Sports Medicine. Lahr is also one of the team doctors at Franklin College.

To make an appointment, call 765-349-3627.

Led by Central Indiana Region President Isaac J. Myers II, MD, Franciscan Physician Network is a multidisciplinary group of physicians throughout central Indiana. These physicians offer a variety of primary care and specialty care services and all practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

Lactation program and services earn national recognition

INDIANAPOLIS – Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis has been awarded the IBCLC Care Award by The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE) and The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). 

This award recognizes excellence demonstrated by staffing with IBCLE-certified professionals as part of the maternal-child health care team and for breastfeeding activities that demonstrate promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding.

Franciscan St. Francis not only acknowledges that breast milk is the ideal food for your baby but is also committed to helping breastfeeding families get off to a good start and continue breastfeeding as long as they desire. Some of our services include:

● Certified lactation consultants and specialists on staff

● A Lactation Line (317-528-5620) for parents to call with their questions and concerns about breastfeeding

● Outpatient consultations by appointment for breastfeeding challenges

● Weekly morning and evening breastfeeding support group

● Workplace lactation support

● Sale and rental of Medela hospital-grade breast pumps

● Breastfeeding supplies available in our gift shop

● Support and guidance for mothers who are providing breast milk to their babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

● Expectant parents may register for a breastfeeding class through the Franciscan St. Francis Education Department by calling 317-528-5554

Human breast milk is critical for the health of premature babies. Premature babies who receive all human breast milk feedings have fewer infections, better cognitive development and shorter hospital stays.

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Health has partnered with Indiana Mothers Milk Bank to provide a convenient location at its Indianapolis campus, in Classroom 1 near Entrance 5, for pre-approved donor mothers to drop off their breast milk. Franciscan St. Francis will safely store the milk and the Milk Bank will pick it up on a routine basis.

To learn more about lactation services, contact the Franciscan St. Francis Lactation Line at 317-528-5620.

St. Francis Health business expert’s book notches national accolades

INDIANAPOLIS – A book co-authored by a business process expert at Franciscan St. Francis Health has earned top praise for its promotion of operational excellence and process improvement in the health care arena.

Joseph E. Swartz, director of business transformation, and his co-author, Mark Graban, are recipients of a Shingo Research and Professional Publication Award. Their 2012 book, Healthcare Kaizen: Engaging Front-Line Staff in Sustainable Continuous Improvements, focuses on the principles and methods of daily continuous improvement, or “kaizen,” for health care professionals and organizations.

 Kaizen is a Japanese word that means “change for the better,” popularized mainly by international business pundit Masaaki Imai. Originating in Japan in the ashes of World War II, the kaizen philosophy is used by many health care organizations, government, banking, and a myriad of industries around the globe. Its premise is that small changes, occurring at various levels and in coordination, lead to better customer service and more efficient work.

 Healthcare Kaizen shares some of the methods used by numerous hospitals, including Franciscan St. Francis, where Swartz and others have led these efforts. Most importantly, the book covers the management mindsets and philosophies required to make Kaizen work effectively in a hospital department.

All of the examples in the book are shared by leading health care organizations, with over 200 full-color pictures and visual illustrations of Kaizen-based improvements that were initiated by chief operating officers, nurses, housekeepers, and other staff at all levels.

Franciscan St. Francis’ three hospitals adopted the kaizen approach in 2007. Tens of thousands of suggestions and changes have been implemented since that time; more than 4,000 were submitted last year alone. In those five years, kaizen has saved St. Francis’ three hospitals in excess of $4 million.

“The most important thing is that kaizen has engaged all our staff members to make improvements that are good for themselves, good for their respective departments, good for our patients and their families, good for the hospital and good for our community,” said Swartz, who had led more than 200 process improvement projects at Franciscan St. Francis.

Swartz and Graban will receive their award at the 26^th International Shingo Prize Conference in Ohio.

St. Francis Health-Mooresville executive accepts La. CEO post

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – Jared L. Stark has resigned as executive director of Franciscan St. Francis Health–Mooresville, a post he has held for five years, effective June 6.

He has accepted the position of chief executive officer at University Hospital in Lafayette, La.

“This is a huge move for me and my family,” Stark said of his new appointment. “It is a wonderful opportunity in a wonderful community, and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

A native Hoosier, Stark said the move was one of the most difficult decisions he ever has made.

“The good work we have completed over the past five years at Mooresville has been as gratifying as I could imagine,” he said. “It has been my honor and privilege to work with the physicians and staff to continue the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis in serving the health care needs of such a vibrant and growing area. The people, the culture, the compassion and the camaraderie everyone has shared with me – both at our facilities and in the surrounding communities – is something I will never forget.”

Keith Jewell, chief operating officer of Franciscan St. Francis, will lead the search for Stark’s replacement.

“Jared has made many important contributions to the success of Franciscan St. Francis Health to the benefit of our hospitals, our patients, our employees and our community,” Jewell said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside him for the past five years and will miss his outstanding contributions and wise counsel.”

Jewell noted that Stark has overseen the opening of the emergency room in Mooresville, the growth of inpatient services in the community and the development of a new outpatient facility in Mooresville and of a new hospital in Carmel. He also has served on the board of the Healthier Morgan County Initiative, the Morgan County Economic Development Commission and the Barbara B. Jordan YMCA in Martinsville.

Stark received his bachelor’s degree from Wabash College in Crawfordsville and his master of business administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind.

He is a Certified Health Care Executive and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

New family medicine residents ready for rounding at Franciscan St. Francis Health

INDIANAPOLIS -- Newly minted physicians will begin honing their skills in the Family Medicine Residency Program at Franciscan St. Francis Health on July 1.

The 36-month program launches the start of their family medicine careers. Residents practice out of the hospital’s Family Medicine Center in Indianapolis, where they see patients of all ages and incomes. They also provide care for expectant mothers and deliver babies for many of these patients at the hospital’s Indianapolis campus.

The incoming class includes Amy Hale, MD; Michael Mooney, MD; Kami Smith, MD; and Tony Zabel, MD, from the Indiana University School of Medicine. Also joining the group are Phil Blaney, MD (University of Utah); Christine Brentrup, MD (University of North Dakota); and Cecelia Capes, MD (American University of the Caribbean).

“All of these first-year residents came from our very top candidates,” said Richard Feldman, MD, family medicine residency director. “This was a great recruiting effort in a competitive environment, and we believe it will prove to be one of the finest classes in our program’s 40-year history.”

Nearly 220 physicians have completed their residencies at Franciscan St. Francis since the program began, most choosing to remain in Indiana to establish family medicine practices.

Franciscan St. Francis Health offers new stroke support group

INDIANAPOLIS -- Franciscan St. Francis Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Center and Outpatient Neurological Rehabilitation Services have launched a new stroke support group.

The kick-off meeting is Wednesday, June 12, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Indianapolis campus, 2^nd Floor, Terrace Conference Room, located at 8111 S. Emerson Ave. (use Entrance 12).

The stroke support group will continue to meet the second Wednesday of every month and focus on educational topics geared toward stroke survivors and their support systems. Featured guest speakers will be on hand to discuss a variety of topics. At these free events, participants can gain insights from knowledgeable speakers and talk with others who are coping with the effects of stroke.

Upcoming dates and topics:

June 12: Caregiver Support-Kate Kunk, Central Indiana Council on Aging

July 10: Preventing another Stroke- Marty Cangany, RN, Franciscan St. Francis Health
 

Aug. 14: Return to Driving-Laura Noblitt, Senior Driving and Mobility Services

Sept. 11: Spousal Impoverishment and Elder Law-Dennis Frick, Senior Law Project

For more information or to join the support group mailing list for receive updates, contact Diana Hanson at 317-528-6258 or diana.hanson@franciscanalliance.org or Amy Horter at 317 528-6038 or amy.horter@franciscanalliance.org. 

Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville intensive care unit garners national recognition

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – The Critical Care Societies Collaborative (CCSC), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has recognized the medical intensive care unit (MICU) at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville for its efforts to prevent – and eventually eliminate – health-care-associated infections, a leading cause of death in the United States.

The hospital will receive the CCSC’s Outstanding Achievement and Leadership Award for eliminating catheter-associated urinary tract infections and Honorable Mention for eliminating ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Health-care associated infections acquired while patients are receiving medical treatment for other conditions. At any given time, about one in every 20 patients has an infection related to their hospital care.

These infections cost hospital systems billions of dollars each year and lead to the loss of tens of thousands of lives. In addition, such infections can have devastating emotional, financial and medical consequences.

“These awards are further validation and recognition of the hard work and dedication our nurses have to patients and unit,” said Tara Simon, RN, manager of Mooresville’s MICU. “I am confident that we will continue to work to provide exceptional care and a great working environment.”

Franciscan St. Francis-Mooresville will receive the awards at the National Teaching Institute and Critical Care Expo in Boston on Monday, May 20.

Record number of Franciscan St. Francis Health nurses nominated for 2013 Salute to Nurses

Staff nurse at Indianapolis geriatric unit receives CARE Award

INDIANAPOLIS –  Franciscan St. Francis Health sent a record number of nurses to the 2013 Indianapolis’ Star Salute to Nurse Luncheon at a recent ceremony at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

Franciscan St. Francis was recognized for having the most nomination letters submitted honoring 134 nurses who provided selfless service and tireless dedication to their patients and the community.

Jill Ricke, RN, was among five nurses presented with CARE (Compassionate About Reaching Excellence) awards. She was nominated by hospital nursing leadership. Ricke, who is a staff nurse on the geriatric unit at the Indianapolis campus, has worked for the hospital for six years. She also serves on the Clinical Practice Council and is a clinical instructor for University of Indianapolis.

This year wasn’t the first time Franciscan St. Francis was in the limelight for the Salute to Nurses program. In 2010, Mooresville Emergency Department Manager Nathan Lowder, RN, was named Nurse of the Year and also was the recipient of the Community Outreach Award. 

Cheryl Howard, RN, a long-time nurse and clinical educator at Franciscan St. Francis-Mooresville, was the recipient of the 2012 Salute to Nurses Community Outreach Award.

Franciscan St. Francis employs more than 1,400 nurses – more than 320 certified in clinical specialties – at its hospitals in Indianapolis, Mooresville and Carmel.

Golf outing supports Franciscan Alliance Foundation-St. Francis Health projects

INDIANAPOLIS – The rolling fairways and sprawling greens at Eagle Creek Golf Club again will be the setting of the 2013 Golf Outing sponsored by the Franciscan Alliance Foundation-St. Francis Health.

The event, now in its 27^th year, brings together board members, Indianapolis-area civic and business leaders, and Franciscan St. Francis physicians and staff for a full day of golf, fellowship and fun with the goal of raising funds for various foundation projects.

The outing gets under way with a nine-hole scramble at 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 26. Golfers opting for 18 holes of play will tee it up at 1 p.m.  Participants also will be offered breakfast, and luncheon. An awards dinner will be held at 6 p.m.

Throughout the day, various products and services – generously donated by local individuals and businesses – will be auctioned.

Each player/team fee includes a charitable contribution to the St. Francis Hospice House campaign that will be matched, thanks to a grant challenge issued by Franciscan Alliance.

The hospice would be the only facility of its kind in south-central Indiana and will serve many surrounding counties. Its features include:

• 16-suite facility with room for expansion to 24 suites
• Bright gathering areas, kitchen and dining areas
• Garden-like landscaping and a chapel for meditation and worship
• Unlimited visitation from loved ones and family members, including the family pet

For more information about the 2013 Golf Outing, contact development officer Keri Brantley at 317-528-7807 or keri.brantley@franciscanalliance.org.

Franciscan Alliance Foundation-St. Francis Health was established in 1995 as a separate corporation to help advance the mission of the Franciscan Alliance, among them the service areas of Franciscan St. Francis Health.

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Franciscan St. Francis Health nurses honored for making a difference

INDIANAPOLIS – Making an enormous difference in the lives of patients with the extraordinary work they do every day, two registered nurses at Franciscan St. Francis Health have been recognized by patients for extraordinary caregiving.

Registered nurses, Dolores Grah and Shannon Bruce have been named the March 2013 recipients of the hospital’s DAISY Awards.

Bruce, a dialysis nurse at the Indianapolis campus, was nominated for the special things she does for her patients.

 “Shannon frequently does special things for her patients including giving Valentine’s Day cards, and most recently getting flowers for a patient to give to his wife on their anniversary,” explained the co-worker who nominated her. “I feel she goes out of her way for all of her patients and is quite deserving of this award.”

Grah, a critical care unit nurse at the Indianapolis campus, was nominated by a co-worker who felt she went above and beyond with a patient’s care. Dolores helped a patient in need outside her usual nursing duties.

 “She bathed layers of dirt off his body, lotioned his skin, washed his clothes and bought him a new pair of shoes,” wrote the co-worker.  “Dolores continually cares for patients in the most selfless, compassionate ways. She is an amazing servant of Christ.”

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is a national program that honors the compassionate care and clinical excellence. Franciscan St. Francis localized the program in 2010 to recognize its nurses for their achievements.

The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at 33 an auto-immune disease. His family was so impressed by the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for him that they created this national award to say “thank you” to nurses everywhere. For more information, go to www.daisyfoundation.org.

To learn more about nursing careers and programs at Franciscan St. Francis, go to  http://sites.franciscanalliance.org/stfrancis/nursing.

‘Mammothon’ offers breast cancer screenings at 2 St. Francis Health locations May 10

INDIANAPOLIS – With early detection, diagnosis and treatment options, more patients are beating breast cancer, yet many women don’t seek annual mammography screenings for a variety of reasons.

Franciscan St. Francis Cancer Center is hosting its latest Mammothon from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 10 at the Imaging Centers at the hospital’s Indianapolis (8111 S. Emerson Ave.) and Carmel (2188B N. Meridian St.) campuses. 

Both events offer extended screening hours and a variety of other activities designed to celebrate women’s health, making it more convenient for women to schedule one of the most important cancer screenings.

Mammograms are by appointment only and can be made by calling 855-837-8830. All major insurances are accepted. A primary care physician referral may be required.

Those scheduling a screening mammogram during the event will receive a free Vera Bradley^® gift. Also, participants will receive a free potted flower from Meijer.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2013. The survival rate has improved significantly because of screening mammograms and early detection.

In addition to clinical exams, the ACS recommends that women 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year for as long as they are in good health.

Free hearty healthy classes offered by Franciscan St. Francis Health experts in May

INDIANAPOLIS – Prevention is the key to lowering your chances of developing a cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure.

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center is offering free “Ask-the-Doc” and “Change of Heart” classes this spring with the goal of improving the community’s health through education and prevention. Ask the Doc programs are presented by a dedicated team of independent and Franciscan St. Francis Health physicians. 

To register for these classes call 317-782-4422 or toll-free at 877-888-1777, or by visiting www.MyHeartCare.net.

On tap for the public in May:

Do you have a heart murmur?

Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.

UnaVie Cardiology Center

2451 Intelliplex Dr. Shelbyville

Heart murmurs are caused by valves inside the heart that don’t close properly. Sometimes, people can live with heart murmurs a long time without any symptoms. But if the problem becomes more serious, the blood flow to the heart may be affected. Cardiovascular surgeon Marc Gerdisch, MD, an independent physician who chooses to practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health, will talk about new treatments and surgeries for heart valves, including ongoing research studies.

Change of Heart classes offered in May:

Savvy Shopping

Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Southport Meijer

5325 E. Southport Road

With all the new and changing products on the shelves, grocery shopping can be overwhelming.  Learn where to find the healthy foods and how to avoid packaging tricks commonly used to market foods.  Discover how food labels make you a smarter shopper.

Fitness Tips

Thursday, May 9, 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

8111 S. Emerson Ave.

Being fit is more than being thin.  Research shows that no matter what you weigh, increasing fitness helps your heart. Discover that exercise can be healthy and fun, and how to set up a schedule for yourself.

Healthy Dining Out Tips

Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

8111 S. Emerson Ave.

Americans eat nearly half their meals away from home.  How can you control what you eat when you don’t cook for yourself?  Learn how to make wise menu selections and eat smart while dining out.

Cooking for 2

Thursday, May 16, 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

8111 S. Emerson Ave.

As we get older, our health becomes more of a priority.  After the kids leave home, it can be challenging to scale back cooking, so dining out seems like an easy option.  In this class, learn how it really is cheaper and healthier to cook at home for two.  

Reduce Stress

Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m.

Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center

8111 S. Emerson Ave.

Negative stress causes changes in lifestyle and behavior, which may lead to unhealthy choices.  Learn to identify the causes of stress in your life and how to improve your health.

Franciscan St. Francis partners with WhatNext.com to assist cancer patients, caregivers

INDIANAPOLIS -- Franciscan St. Francis Health is using an innovative online approach to help those affected by cancer.

WhatNext.com, an online support network, matches patients according to their diagnosis, stage, and age; people going through the same specific journey can share firsthand insights, what to expect next, treatment options, side effects of treatment, and ways they have coped.

Franciscan St. Francis is the first hospital in Indiana to partner with What Next. Nationally, more than 10,000 have registered as users, more than 400 of them Hoosiers. Both are devoted to providing patients with connections and insights they require.

“A cancer diagnosis impacts not only the patient, but the entire family,” said Peter Garrett, MD, medical director of Franciscan St. Francis Cancer Center. “With What Next we are now able to uniquely provide cancer patients with access to insights and support that previously were hard to find.”

The motivation for What Next originated via its founder’s own experience with a family member’s journey through cancer treatment.

“People are trying to make sense of a whole universe of new and staggering volume of medical information at the same time they are trying to figure out what’s next and to stay emotionally strong,” said David Wasilewski. “Our site helps patients benefit from those who have been there.”

J. Leonard Lichtenfield, MD, deputy chief medical officer for the national office of the American Cancer Society weighs in about What Next in a recent article, For Cancer Patients, It's Not Just About What's Now But Also What's Next--And We Can Help Answer That Question and says,

“What Next is designed to bring people together...Based on a number of factors including diagnosis and disease status, the site aims to link people and help them share insights that may be of mutual interest, such as the side effects of a treatment, what to expect from treatment, and experiences with a shared cancer diagnosis. The proactive matching is what makes What Next different.”

One St. Francis Health colorectal cancer patient, Jayme W., shares her story with What Next in a video posted by the site that helps others learn from her experiences.

“For me, it’s all about getting that personal perspective, hearing it from somebody who’s been there, hearing it from somebody who’s done it,” says Jayme W.  It’s one thing to know your stuff. It’s one thing to know a textbook explanation of things. It’s another thing to have gone through it yourself.” 

Colonoscopy is the best tool to detect and prevent colorectal cancer

Franciscan St. Francis Health offers convenient screening times, free Prep Kits – and gas cards

INDIANAPOLIS – Colonoscopy. Mere thought of that word makes many squirm and uncomfortable.

But the reality is the procedure is performed under sedation and it’s the best tool to detect colon and rectal cancer in its early stages – and in many cases actually prevent the disease. A screening colonoscopy is recommended for men and women beginning at age 50, or sooner if there is a family history of colorectal cancer.

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Health is offering unique colonoscopy screening events in May and June. Screenings will be performed by physicians from Franciscan Physician Network Kendrick Colon and Rectal Center, Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology and David Black, MD, LLC at Franciscan St. Francis Health – Indianapolis, 8111 S. Emerson Ave.

Those registering will be invited to attend a Prep Party a week before their appointment to receive a free prep kit containing the items they will need to prepare for their screening. During these events, they also can take advantage of free bone density screenings, cholesterol screenings, and refreshments.

After completion of their screening colonoscopy participants also will receive a free $10 gas card.

Most insurance plans are accepted and participants are reminded to contact their providers regarding copays and deductibles. Additionally, a referral from a primary care physician may be required.

Call 866-466-1458 to schedule a screening.