We’ve always known that Zaqua Danielle Ervin was the best at her job as lab director at North Sunflower Medical Center. Now everyone is finding out about the excellence of Danielle and her team at saving lives through blood donations. Danielle said she was initially surprised when Mississippi Blood Services announced NSMC as the “Top 10 Best for 2020 - Outstanding Service during the COVID Pandemic.’’ "I know we are one of the best at what we do, but NSMC is a small hospital.  When I found out we ranked in the top 10, I was ecstatic," Danielle said. Knowing Danielle and her reputation for accomplishment, we were not surprised. Danielle stayed busy even before the pandemic to improve the overall health and well-being of the community through health fairs and blood drives. Then the global pandemic struck in 2020. "The pandemic unleashed all sorts of problems from lack of reagents to a huge shortage in blood," Danielle says. "One of the biggest obstacles with organizing a blood drive during the pandemic was social distancing. Our blood drives are done on a bus. The space is limited. We knew how important it was to keep everyone safe and healthy, but we knew how essential it was to help supply our community with blood." She was able to safely and efficiently keep the crucial supply of blood needed in the pandemic. Danielle already knew that she had an awesome team going into the pandemic. "I cannot ask for a better team. They are a group of strong, ambitious, courageous, beautiful, supportive, and respectful individuals," she says. "My team stepped up this past year. When the shutdown began, the lab volunteered to help where needed. We screened patients. We worked the Emergency room door, the COVID tent, and monitored the entrance to the hospital. We all shared a common goal, and we were eager to accomplish it." As NSMC celebrates this incredible honor, we also celebrate the work of our lab. This past week was the 46^th anniversary of Medical Laboratory Professional Week. "This tradition originated in 1975 as a national event to raise public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the impact that laboratories play in a patient’s diagnosis and care," Danielle tells us. "The week also strives to help the public understand the quality and professional accountability that clinical laboratories have relating to the patient. Laboratorians play a vital role as a member of the health care team. During this week we fellowship.  We do potlucks, play games, and just have fun." Danielle says she’s always known NSMC was about teamwork. "In my opinion, a team member is someone dedicated, hardworking, intelligent, reliable, and confident. A team member is someone who will stand with you until the doors close."

We have MANY new openings here at NSMC

A lot of people have called North Sunflower Medical Center a 'Nurses Hospital.' That's because we believe in the importance of having outstanding nurses -- RN's, LPN's, CNA's and many other positions that are on the front lines of helping and healing patients. We are always looking for more great people to become part of our family of Healthcare Heroes.

North Sunflower Medical Center has been a leader in the pandemic since its first days. Now we have a steady supply of vaccines, and we need you to join us in fighting the virus. The process is simple and safe. Sunflower Rural Health Clinic Director Brooks Rizzo is the go-to person for answers on the virus and the two vaccines we have been offering. Many of you know her because she’s a trusted and experienced family nurse practitioner with decades of experience. She says the process starts like this. Call 662-756-1631 or 662-756-4024 to schedule an appointment. Same-day and next-day appointments are available. Generally, it only takes about 30 minutes if you make an appointment first, compared to walk-up. [caption id="attachment_4936" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Brooks Rizzo, FNP - CCM Director[/caption] Patients should park in the pharmacy parking lot and walk up the ramp to our Vaccine Entrance. Patients complete two brief forms and a registered nurse will administer either the Moderna vaccine or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in your upper arm. Your nurse will give you a vaccination record card and advise you what side effects to watch for. After the vaccination, patients are asked to wait 15 minutes to monitor for any immediate reaction. If a reaction occurs, we are prepared with Benadryl, an Epipen, and an Emergency Room Physician who is present in the Vaccine area. The patient will be given a return date for their second vaccine if they received a Moderna dose. Our team will also call the patient closer to that date with a reminder. The Vaccine Team has administered 1,270 Covid vaccines to the public so far. Rizzo started researching the vaccination data and FDA studies last year, and we are lucky to have an expert here to do that because it is complicated. "I became a nurse practitioner because I was motivated to help my family and those dearest to me. Helping others brings me joy and the last thing I want to do is harm someone. So, I feel like those healthcare professionals are like me. They want to help protect their family and the nation so we can get back to normal, feel secure in our everyday life, and find joy and happiness," she says. Rizzo has been closely following the vaccinations’ effectiveness since December 2020, when NSMC employees were vaccinated. When the state opened eligibility to non-healthcare workers, the Vaccine Team was set up started giving Covid vaccines in January 2021. During the first two months, Rizzo’s obstacle was the lack of vaccines being shipped to the clinic from the state health department. Now the clinic is getting steady shipments, and Rizzo says the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the most requested because patients only need one dose to be protected from the virus. People who receive Moderna return for a second shot. As of now, NSMC has more Moderna vaccines on hand. But you should call to discuss what’s best for you. "Millions of Americans have already been vaccinated and I believe the number of Covid cases has decreased in our area because of the Covid vaccinations," says Rizzo. "I believe the vaccine works and to date, there is little risk involved in taking the vaccine". Rizzo wants to share a little bit of what we’ve done to combat COVID-19. Last March, the Covid Tent Team was established. "We were outside attending patients, swabbing them for Covid, and a provider was treating any symptoms. We were all happy to help patients and bring them peace of mind because we were dedicated to using protective equipment and disinfecting processes while providing necessary health services during the pandemic," she says. When the vaccines were approved by the FDA for emergency use in December 2020, "we transitioned into learning more about the vaccines, how they work, what side effects to look for, how to educate our patients, and ultimately set up the clinic as a vaccination site with the MS state department of health," Rizzo says. "I am so proud to be a part of North Sunflower Medical Center and to have a team that is dedicated, loyal, steadfast, and willing to roll with the changes to do what is right and what is best for our community. The Vaccine Team, Sunflower Rural Health Clinic, and North Sunflower Medical Center will continue to do what we do best-be there for our community in times of crisis or calm," Rizzo says. "Take me to Ruleville!"

Ginny Pantin has a message for people distressed by the isolation of the pandemic or overwhelmed by the past year: help is available. The North Sunflower Medical Center team treats all health needs in the community. In Ginny’s case, she’s concerned about the mental health of people of all ages. Ginny is an LCSW or licensed clinical social worker. She’s a compassionate advocate for the emotional needs of our community. You will find her leading group therapy sessions with senior citizens and volunteering her time at high schools to reach teens who may not realize they are in distress. On a recent day, she was in a high school gym standing in front of students in bleachers, giving a socially distanced message about caring. "In our local area, we’ve had a lot of loss," Ginny says. "There have been some recent struggles in local schools. There are a lot of different outlets for help. I hope to be an outlet that people feel comfortable reaching out to." Her message is simple: "you are not alone." When Ginny was in middle school in Greenville, she dreamed of getting a social work degree and finding ways to help the people of the Mississippi Delta. She graduated from Delta State and received her master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Her goal after finishing her training was to join the NSMC team and return to the area. "It’s the first job I applied for out of graduate school. I’ve always liked NSMC and this area. It’s the first job I tried to get. I was really thankful to get it," she said. "I love my job. We have a great, supportive team." Ginny offers individual and family counseling for ages as young as 3. She has group counseling sessions with seniors, including groups 65 and older and those in a nursing home setting. She is up-to-date on the latest skills. She assists with everything from dealing with trauma to anxiety. She noticed an increase in teen clients during the pandemic, and she was not surprised because of "the negativity in the world around us." Ginny said there is a misperception that bullying is behind all problems. Students can hide their anxiety, and parents may miss signs of trouble. She shares tips on when to reach out and how to reach out. Ginny has led counseling sessions for 14 years and has seen obstacles that keep people from seeking help. "There is a lot of stigma attached to it at every level," she said. Ginny has studied depression in the farming community and is familiar with the stressors faced by caregivers. The pandemic has led to a new level of anxiety, she said. "Families are feeling a lot of fear," she said. "It comes from all the things that are happening around them." She is a resource to give people tools to deal with those emotions and improve their lives. She may be the right fit for counseling or recommend another expert. Her hope with her outreach in schools is that she will prevent teens from feeling so hopeless that they contemplate suicide. "There are a lot of different outlets for help. Talking to someone can lead you to what those options are," Ginny says. "I would like to be a part of that journey." To make an appointment or find out more information, call 662-756-1786.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]February is a time of showing love to those you care about. Here at North Sunflower Medical Center, we love to celebrate National Heart Month in February. There’s never been a better time to check in on your heart health – or the heart health of those you want to make many memories with in the future. As we always do in February, our Radiology Department is offering a special heart check-up. For $125 you will receive a CT Calcium Scoring, Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound, and ABI’s and Carotid Ultrasound. These tests are particularly important if you are age 45 and up, have a family history of heart disease or heart attacks, or if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are overweight, smoke and infrequently exercise.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="5379" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]The statistics are alarming. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world and one of every three deaths of women is caused by the disease. The warning signs of a heart attack are chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea and cold sweat. Warning signs of a stroke are face-arm weakness and speech difficulty. Let our caring professionals assess your heart health and start 2021 strong. We love our community and want to work with you to stay on a path to a long, wonderful life.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="5380" img_size="full" alignment="center"][heading text="Love on Sale at Simply Sunflower" align="center"][vc_column_text]Speaking of love, the National Retail Federation reports that American consumers will spend on average $165 to celebrate Valentine’s Day on things like candy, cards, flowers, food., and even pet gifts. While fewer people are planning traditional romantic dinners out, about half of Americans are expected to celebrate the holiday. If you are looking for ideas for the loved ones in your life, Simply Sunflower can help. They have a selection of adorable and tasty gifts. Simply Sunflower is open Monday-Friday from 8:30-5:30 and will be open on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 9-1 to fill Valentine’s Day orders. You can find fresh flowers and trendy jewelry or clothing for your sweetheart. Simply Sunflower makes shopping simple. Drop in and they will take care of you and your Valentine’s needs.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="5382" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This time of year, we like to look back on the year past and reflect on what we’ve done as a family.  We like to talk about the Heroes of the Year, the events when we came together, brag about the Aster Awards we’ve won.  And then look ahead to the year in front of us and the fun we will have as a health community and a family. In a lot of ways, 2021 is still a lot like the previous year. We don’t really want to boast on where we’ve been for the past 12 months and we don’t know a lot about where we will be 12 months into the future. So here is what we know so far: The first part of 2021 is going to be about vaccinations.  We are working to make sure NSMC employees are vaccinated as quickly as possible so that we can continue to provide care for our friends and family members throughout the Delta. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, (as of today) adults over the age of 65 can get vaccinated. Mississippians with the following medical conditions are also eligible to get vaccinated: [/vc_column_text][heading text="Community Vaccination Sites" align="center"][vc_column_text]So far, North Sunflower Medical Center has provided vaccines to 600 medical and essential workers as well as residents of the Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility. When we get more doses, we will continue to vaccinate according to the Department of Health guidelines. The Mississippi Department of Health has designated some community vaccination sites. None of them yet are located in Sunflower County, but we are hopeful they will name one soon.  You can see the full list of vaccination locations by clicking HERE. You will need to make an appointment, either by going on the MDHS website, or by calling (601) 965-4071. [embed]https://vimeo.com/501820996/d1b8709ef9[/embed] Click HERE to view the 4 new videos about COVID 19 vaccinations at North Sunflower Medical Center. It is important to remember as vaccinations are rolled out, we need to continue to reduce the spread until we can acquire herd immunity.  The CDC guidelines say that you should still continue to wear a mask and maintain social distancing after you get vaccinated. Here are a couple of important reasons: 1. It takes time for the effectiveness of the vaccine to build up.  It can take up to two weeks after you receive the second shot for the vaccine to be 95% effective. 2. Scientists do not know if you can still spread the disease to others after you get vaccinated.  Think of it this way, the vaccine will keep you from getting sick with COVID-19.  It may not keep you from getting other people sick.  No one knows yet if you can continue to spread the disease to others who have NOT been vaccinated.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="5295" img_size="medium" alignment="center"][vc_single_image image="5297" img_size="medium" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="5296" img_size="medium" alignment="center"][vc_single_image image="5298" img_size="medium" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][heading text="Keeping You Updated" align="center"][vc_column_text]If there is one thing we learned from 2020, it is that it is better to be safe than sorry. Estimates for when vaccines will be available to everyone are all over the map.  The only thing we can promise is that we will keep you updated when we know more. If we were to dream up a calendar for the year ahead, it would include reaching herd immunity as fast as possible, so that our lives can return to somewhat normal. It would include fun events like Birdies and Backhands in May and The Great Ruleville Roast in September.  It would include big gatherings for Hero of the Month and Hero of the Year to celebrate those that have worked so hard to keep us safe. And a giant Christmas party for all of us to get together safely and enjoy all of the things we had to give up to stay safe in 2020.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][heading text="Remembering Mary Rose" align="center"][vc_column_text]But before we move onto 2021 and confronting the challenge ahead, we want to look back on 2020 one last time to remember Mary Rose. As the administrator of the Walter B Crook Nursing Facility, Mary’s smile was infectious and her laugh was contagious.  She was a bright spot to everyone who met her.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="3992" img_size="medium" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="3991" img_size="medium" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mary used to say, “If you don’t have a big heart, this is not the job for you.”  Mary had a huge heart. All we can hope for 2021 is that Mary’s great big loving heart lives in all of our hearts for the rest of our days. Amen[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Stacy Davis has been busy wrapping presents this week to be delivered to all patients at North Sunflower Medical Center. Usually, presents are delivered by Santa and Mrs. Claus, but the delivery will be a little different this year. Even Jolly Ole St. Nick is subject to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions when it comes to visiting healthcare facilities.  This year, NSMC’s nursing staff are stepping in to deliver presents and keep up the tradition, making sure everyone is touched by generosity. ``Many patients are miles away from their families and are unable to have visitors. When a patient spends Christmas with us, we want them to feel part of our North Sunflower family,’’ Stacy says.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="5258" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_gallery type="image_grid" images="5259,5260" img_size="medium" el_class="center"][vc_column_text]Stacy is the Associate Executive Director of the North Sunflower Medical Foundation. She brings joy to patients and staff year-round, in big and small ways. Like all jobs, hers has been different this year. "The pandemic had an impact on some of our fundraising efforts; however, we worked hard to make sure hospital employees know how much their work is appreciated. We began with a small gesture of delivering cupcakes to all departments. Later the foundation gave $20 Visa gift cards to all employees and just recently gave $50 in gift cards to be used at local businesses to the employees that are currently giving to the foundation. We try to keep giving back,” she says. Despite the obstacles, once again this year, the foundation was able to donate $10,000 for needed equipment and $10,000 for educational purposes to North Sunflower Medical Center. These grants help address the needs within the hospital.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type="image_grid" images="5262,5261" img_size="full"][vc_column_text]Two other projects include the completion of the new ambulance building located across the street from the hospital and the renovation of facilities for the NSMC Maintenance Department. “Now, more than ever, we are all reminded of the importance of having our local hospital filled with excellent physicians and staff who are meeting the demands required of them during this unprecedented pandemic.  As a donor of North Sunflower Medical Foundation, gifts small or large make an impact on our hospital, in the lives of our patients and our community,’’ Stacy says.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Over the past several years, North Sunflower Medical Center has provided wound care to patients with diabetes throughout the Delta. For most of us, a small cut on the foot is a minor issue, but for many patients with diabetes, this can become a life-threatening situation without proper wound care.  We partner with RestorixHealth so that we can provide some of the best wound care in the nation, right here in Ruleville. Karen Bell with RestorixHealth has been a good friend to our entire NSMC family.  We wanted to talk with her about how diabetic wounds can become a real problem for our patients, and how we work with our patients to help them avoid small foot ulcers from becoming a big problem.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="5238" img_size="large" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]What is a diabetic foot ulcer?  A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore on your foot that fails to heal. They often occur on the bottom of your feet but can occur anywhere skin or tissue breaks down or is cut open. Why do diabetic foot ulcers occur?  Normally, if you injure your foot, you feel pain that alerts you to the injury. You then take steps to treat it: clean the wound, apply a bandage and perhaps ointment, and replace poor fitting shoes if that is the underlying problem. Your body continues the healing process and your foot heals well. But when you have diabetes, your natural healing process and pain reflexes can be disrupted. If you develop poor circulation in your legs and feet (peripheral arterial disease or PAD), have high blood sugar, or both, healing slows down. If you have nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), your feet may feel numb. Or you may have no feeling at all. In either case, the injury may be painless. When that happens, blisters, cuts, and sores can go unnoticed. That’s when serious problems can begin.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="5239" img_size="large" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Why are diabetic foot ulcers so harmful to me?  Diabetic foot ulcers can be downright dangerous. They are the leading cause of amputation and hospitalization when you have diabetes. If infection spreads throughout your body, or severe ligament, muscle, and bone damage occurs, amputation may be necessary. In less severe cases, you may need surgery to remove tissue that has died. In the best circumstances, it takes weeks to several months for a diabetic foot ulcer to heal. Having diabetes puts you a much greater risk for a foot ulcer. Once you have had one, you are more likely to develop another. What can I do to prevent them?  Although preventing a diabetic foot ulcer is not always possible, you can take steps to reduce your risk. Here are my 6 basic rules to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers:

• Keep your blood sugar at your target level throughout the day.
• Practice daily foot care. Wash, thoroughly dry, moisturize (except between toes), and carefully inspect your feet every day. Use a mirror or helper if needed.
• Eat a healthy diet as advised by your doctor and dietician.
• Keep your toenails trimmed, cutting straight across.
• Have a podiatrist remove corns and calluses.

To make an appointment with our amazing diabetic wound care team, call 877-295-2273 and visit www.northsunflower.com for more information. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Back in October of 2019, we talked with Alice Pyles, Director of Radiology here at the Sunflower Medical Center.  It was Breast Cancer Awareness month and we wanted to learn more about the 3D mammography’s her team provides. NSMC is still the only hospital in the Delta that provides this groundbreaking technology so it was a pretty big deal for us. Well, November 9^th- 13^th  was National Radiologic Technology Week, so we decided to check back in with her to see how things are going. Not surprisingly, her team is fighting to get through 2020 just like the rest of us. “People think about radiology as being back in the department, away from all the action,” Alice told us. “When we are working with a patient with COVID, we are central to the care that patient receives.  In many cases putting our own health and safety on the line, working closely with the infected patient, to help identify what respiratory issues they are experiencing by taking images to confirm the diagnosis.”[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="5221" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="link_image"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Radiologic technologists are an important part of your wellness team when you come to North Sunflower Medical Center. The work of technologists, including imaging scans, leads to a longer life expectancy and improved medical outcomes. Scans are an important diagnostic tool that can save patients money and provide a diagnosis to the referring provider. Working with referring physicians, technologists are experts in doing proper imaging while providing excellent care to the patients.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type="image_grid" images="5219,5220" img_size="medium" css=".vc_custom_1605648829682{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“It’s a lot more than taking pictures and producing images,” Alice said. “In a lot of cases, we know what the patient is dealing with before their physician does.  When we see they have an infectious disease, our job is to confidently treat them with the level of care we would want for our own families – even when that puts our own people at risk.” Dr. Jason Morris, staff Radiologist, provides our radiologic technologist with guidance to help our patients get the best diagnosis. This, in turn, provides our providers with a diagnosis to treat the patient. Alice says that NSMC has an amazing team of radiology techs who lovingly care for their patients. “You get to know people a little bit more with each visit. We remember them when they come back and you develop a real relationship over time. All of us come to love each of our patients, and that makes me proud to be part of this remarkable team.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]