Local News – Thursday, July 22nd, 2021

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. At the meeting, the board heard from outgoing Home Health Director Ashley Sullins who presented the results of the patient survey. She said the surveys were down due to COVID-19. She also told the board about changes and updates in Medicare. Sullins also introduced the new Home Health Director who is Kristie Gorman, RN; and also told the board that Amanda Botkin, RN was named the new Home Health Clinical Manager. In the summary of operations for the month of June, the hospital had 105 inpatient admissions with 371 inpatient census days. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $1,411,691, but after adding back taxes and the forgiveness of the hospitals Payroll Protection Plan that came to $2,263,000, left an excess of revenues over expenses of $857,758. During the month, there were 725 emergency room visits to go with 228 ambulance runs with 154 patients being transported, 26 surgery cases, 1,793 outpatient registrations, 223 home health visits, 7,171 lab tests, 1,345 radiological procedures and 596 rehab treatments. Days in account receivable during the month went down to 74 from 82 in May and days cash on hand is at 85. The hospital had a cash decrease during the month of $1,093,291. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said part of the increase in cash expenses was for the “heroes payment” to employees which was an additional incentive for another year of work. For the fiscal year, the hospital lost 6.9 million dollars, but they may be able to write off the stimulus funds they received for COVID-19 of 4.3 million, but that will not be until the 2022 fiscal year. New Chief of Nursing Ashley Sullins gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity at 23 per day with 12 patients per day. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards said that due to the increase in COVID positivity tests in Dent County, the Wings and Strings event in September has been cancelled. The Dancing with the Salem Stars program has been tentatively set for January 22nd at the High School Gym. He said the hospital has finally talked to the USDA rep on submitting the proper paperwork on the TytoCare-school focused telemedicine product, and the plan is still to have the program in place in schools by 2022. Lucas gave the COVID-19 update and said the positivity rate in Dent County has risen 121% in Dent County and there are 46 current active cases. The hospital made no changes in the visitor policy, but they are constantly reviewing the available information. The board approved courtesy staff privileges for Grace Jackson, MD in telemedicine, and approved the purchase of a five-ton, two stage Carrier Rooftop Air Conditioning unit for the nuclear medicine room for $12,500 from Victor Heating and Cooling, LLC. Lucas reported the renovation work is finishing up and the Cerner Conversion continues. The board elected new officers for the new fiscal year and they are Ray Bruno as Chairman, Mike Swyers as the Vice-Chairman and Willie Strader as Secretary. The hospital board then set the tax rate hearing for Thursday, August 17th at 5:45 before the board went into closed session.

Are you interested in a great volunteer opportunity right here in Salem? If you have a few hours per week to help out in your community in an easy way, look no further than Grace Harbor! They will be opening a temporary shelter soon. Their mission is to serve youth and school-aged kids in Salem and the surrounding areas. If there is availability at Grace Harbor, they will accept other individuals on a case-by- case basis, but the youth are their number one priority. They have a variety of volunteer opportunities at Grace Harbor such as cooking daily meals, grocery shopping, house cleaning, assisting residents, office work, grounds keeping and more. At this time, Grace Harbor has morning, afternoon, mid-afternoon, evening, and overnight shifts available. Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and complete the required testing. The Grace Harbor committee will be holding training meetings next week on Tuesday evening, July 27th, from 6:00-8:00, and then Wednesday, July 28th from 10:00-12:00, and 2:00-4:00. If you are interested in volunteering, please plan on attending one of these meetings. If you have any questions, contact Jenny Summers at 573-247-7062 or Karen Carmier at 573-247-4530.

The Interpretive staff at the Current River State Park invite the public to a blackberry feast at the Blackberry Bramblers workshop from 9:00 in 6:00 in the morning until 2:00 Sunday afternoon, July 25th or Monday, July 26th. Park staff will make a wide range of wild blackberry treats for participants to sample and learn how to make including blackberry jelly, blackberry kefir ice cream, blackberry cobbler and more. All blackberries will be provided. For those who would like to take jelly home, please bring a small jar to the workshop. This is an informative and hands-on class. Participants should bring their own lunch. Space is limited and registration is required. Those interested in attending, should call Connie at 573-751-1224 or email connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov to register. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. The Current River State Park is located at 11053 Dent County Road 19D near Salem in southeast Missouri. For more information about the park, call 573-751-6414. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.