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Jay Johnson installed as OHA board chairman

By
Curtis Plant
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The Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) board of directors installed Jay Johnson, FACHE, president and CEO, Duncan Regional Hospital, as chairman on April 16, for a term through 2021. He has served as chairman-elect since 2018 and has served on the OHA board since 2013.

Johnson has been president and CEO at Duncan Regional Hospital since 2010. He began his career at Parkland Health and Hospital System in Dallas, followed by nine years at Stillwater Medical Center and five years at Mercy Hospital Ardmore.

A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Johnson is a past delegate of the American Hospital Association’s Region 7 (Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas) Regional Policy Board. Johnson also currently serves as the board chair for the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma.

OHA awarded Johnson its Advocacy in Action award in 2013 and again in 2017. He has served on the OHA council on policy and legislation almost continuously since 2013.

Locally, Johnson serves on the board of the Duncan Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Duncan Rotary Club and Duncan First United Methodist Church. He is the past chair of the Duncan Public Schools Foundation and the past chair of the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation. In 2019 he was named the Duncan Man of the Year by the Duncan Chamber of Commerce, and in 2015 he was named Outstanding Alumni for Cameron University. He is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma class 29 and Leadership Duncan class 16.

He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1990 from Cameron University in Lawton, Okla. He earned his Master of Health Administration degree in 1994 from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Va. 

Netflix Series “Pandemic” features Waurika and Jefferson County Hospital

By
Curtis Plant
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Since January of this year Netflix has featured a series titled Pandemic. For several weeks it was on their top 10 list. Five of Pandemic’s six episodes heavily feature the Jefferson County Hospital. 

  “I thought it was well done and very timely,” says JCH Administrator Richard Gillespie.

The hospital was chosen to be included in the series after a visit from Ryan McGarry, M.D., one of the main producers of the series. He was introduced to JCH by Mendy Spohn MPH, Regional Director of the County Health Departments. McGarry was impressed the hospital was so efficient in preparedness for dealing with a flu outbreak with limited resources.

“We have practiced for flu emergencies with our staff,” said Gillespie.

Richard Gillespie, Jefferson County Hospital Administrator

Filming began in March of 2019.

Although most of the focus is on the hospital there are scenes from around Waurika, including some of the County Livestock Show. 

 When McGarry, a board certified practicing E.R. physician in N.Y. City, came for his initial visit he and Goracke just seemed to click, which is why she is a focal point within the series.

 However, Gillespie states, “Our team here does a phenomenal job and I feel that was incorporated in the series as well.”

 Former physician Dr. Rod Linzman is mentioned in one episode. Gillespie commented, “I’m really thankful they mentioned Dr. Linzman and what he did for this hospital and the community for many years.”

 Gillespie went on to say that another bright spot to come from the series was Tyler Plant’s new career. “I think it is neat a young man from this community is now getting a chance to live out his dream.” Plant was hired as a production assistant during the series. He is now employed by a production company out of Los Angeles. 

 Overall, Gillespie believes the hospital was well represented. He says he is privileged to be associated with the team at JCH. He likes to say, “It’s a hometown hospital taking care of hometown folks.”

Brad Scott Serving on Duncan Regional Hospital Board

By
Curtis Plant
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Duncan Regional Hospital is fortunate to have many passionate people serving on its boards who are willing to share their time and talent. We are pleased to announce the addition of Brad Scott to the DRH Board of Directors.

A fifth-generation Jefferson County resident, Brad graduated from Waurika High School in 1990. He attended Oklahoma State University graduating with a degree in agricultural economics. He returned to Waurika where he owned the Farmers Insurance Agency for 19 years. Three years ago, he sold the business to devote his time to running his and his family’s ranching business.

It was through his grandfather’s legacy of serving in the Oklahoma legislature for 30 years (the longest-serving member) Brad learned the importance of service. He ran for state representative while at OSU. “I won 3 out of 4 counties and lost the overall election by 117 votes,” said Scott. “It was a great learning experience for me.”

His commitment to service continues through his role as City Manager for Waurika. He has held this position for two terms and will serve in the role as long as he is needed. “I love our community,” shared Scott. “Our town looks as good as it has in 20 years. Main Street looks phenomenal as does the new Veterans Park.”

Additional boards, he has served on include the Oklahoma AgCredit, Jefferson County Hospital Authority and First Christian Church of Waurika.

Brad has been married to Elizabeth for 22 years, and they have two sons, Lodge, a freshman at Oklahoma State University and Houston, who is in 8th grade.

While welcoming a new member, it is also time to say thank you to Scott Stone as he steps off the Board of Directors.  Scott, a Duncan attorney, has served on the board since 2009.  During this time Scott served on several board committees including Compliance, Governance, Institutional Development, and Professional Affairs. Additionally, he served as Board Secretary for two years and as Chair for two.

“It’s truly an honor to welcome Brad to the DRH Board of Directors. He brings a lot of different talents and a passion for Jefferson County to the board that we need in our growing organization.  As well, we want to thank Scott Stone for all his work, direction, guidance and dedication to DRH over the past 9 years. It was an honor to have him on our board,” said Jay R. Johnson, President and CEO, Duncan Regional Hospital.

Nurse Practitioner Katy Barnett Becoming Part of Community

By
Curtis Plant
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 Katy Barnett, APRN-CNP plans to be a familiar face in the Waurika community. Barnett has been with Waurika Family Care since July as a primary care provider seeing patients of all ages.

Katy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls) and received her master’s (APRN-CNP) from Walden University.

Originally from Archer City, Texas, Katy moved to Addington when she married her husband, Blake, who is a ranch hand at the Stewart Ranch. “For many years, I drove to Wichita Falls to work at United Regional Hospital in the Medical ICU department, “said Katy.

As a third generation nurse, Katy has always wanted to help others. “My grandmother was a nurse, and my mom is a Nurse Practitioner” shared Katy. “Being a nurse has afforded me a way to help others and to give back to the community.”

Katy works full-time in the Waurika Family Care clinic seeing patients for a broad range needs. “Coming to work in Waurika has been everything I expected and more,” smiled Katy. “It has allowed me to get back to the basics and help those that have limited access to healthcare. And it doesn’t hurt that I work much closer to home!”

She is looking forward to making new friendships, new connections and becoming part of the community. “I recently joined the Sorosis Club and my son, Slade, attends school in Waurika and I plan to become more involved in the school system as he grows,” said Katy.

When she’s not helping patients achieve good health, she loves spending time with her family especially going fishing, watching a Texas Rangers baseball game, splurging on Reese’s Peanut butter cups and Christmas!

You can schedule your appointment with Katy Monday through Friday by calling 580-228-3669.

May – National Stroke Awareness Month

By
Amber Hill
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What is a stroke?  When blood flow to the brain is blocked, or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures that is known as a stroke. Anyone can have a stroke at any age. 

Risk factors which can be changed, treated, or medically managed include:

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Tobacco Use

• Birth Control pills

• Lack of exercise

• Obesity

Risk factors that can’t be changed:

• Older age

• Race

• Gender

• History of prior stroke

• Heredity or genetics

If you have one or more of the above factors, take proactive steps and visit your primary care provider to discuss what you can do to lower your risk for stroke.

It is important to know the signs of a stroke and get help quickly.  Stroke symptoms may happen suddenly and each person’s symptoms may vary.  These symptoms may include:

• Weakness of the face, arm, leg, usually on one side of the body

• Trouble speaking or understanding

• Vision problems

• Loss of consciousness

• Severe headaches with no known cause

• Sudden nausea

You need to seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of stroke even if they disappear.  Think “FAST” and do the following:

F: Face drooping. Ask the person to smile – is one side drooping?

A: Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms – does one arm drift down?

S: Speech difficulty. Is the person’s speech slurred – do they have trouble saying a sentence?

T: Time to Call 911. If the person exhibits any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately

Food Allergies

By
Cathy Dalrymple
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 Do peanuts or shellfish cause you to become ill?  A plate of scrambled eggs causes your skin to itch? If so, you are not alone; millions of people suffer from an allergy to a food. In fact, food allergies affect around 5% of adults and 8% of children and these percentages are rising  A food allergy occurs when the immune system attacks a food protein that it mistakes as a threat to the body.

It is possible for any food to cause an allergy, but just eight foods cause most:

• Cow’s milk (most commonly found in children)

• Eggs

• Peanuts

• Tree nuts (i.e., walnuts, almonds, and pecans)

• Soy

• Wheat and other grains with gluten

• Fish (mostly in adults)

• Shellfish (mostly in adults)

Symptoms can present themselves within minutes of digesting the food or a few hours later. Some of the mild to moderate ones may include:

• Hives

• Dry, itchy rash

• Redness of the skin

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Sneezing

Severe symptoms may include:

• Trouble swallowing

• Shortness of breath

• Drop in blood pressure

• Chest pain

• Turning blue

Severe symptoms, alone or combined with milder symptoms, may be signs of life-threatening anaphylaxis (an acute allergic reaction). Immediate treatment is required.  Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. You should work with your primary care provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific allergy.

The only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid the food completely.  Make sure to read food labels to ensure the food you are allergic to isn’t in the ingredients. Avoid cross-contact of foods.  You should clean your cooking utensils and cook all allergy-safe foods first.  Recognize your symptoms. You know your body – spotting your signs early could save your life. If you have an epinephrine injector, always know where it is and how to use it. 

Your primary care provider should make a food allergy diagnosis. You should not diagnose yourself with a food allergy. If you have concerns, visit with your provider.

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