Groundbreaking ceremonies for a new JCH&L Fairbury Clinic are set for Monday, Oct. 19, at 12:30 p.m. The groundbreaking ceremony will be a hybrid ceremony of in-person and virtual held on the west side of the health center facility. JCH&L staff and participants in the ground breaking will attend in person (masked and respecting social distancing where possible), and the public will be invited to join by Facebook Live.

“This is a momentous occasion and we want to give it the attention it deserves,” said Dr. Burke Kline, CEO. “We also want to keep everyone safe in this time of COVID-19. This allows staff and the community to witness this historic event.”

The clinic project is an estimated $8.4 million project which will attach JCH&L Fairbury Clinic to the west side of the health center. It will include a new main entrance to the facility and a future new office area.

“The new location for the clinic will be much more convenient for our clinic patients, especially when they also need hospital services,” Kline said. “It will modernize the clinic, provide better internal handicap accessibility, allow for easier use of technology, and increase the clinic space to allow us to continue to grow.”

The full project is expected to begin on Oct. 12 with construction of a new parking area west of Cedarwood, which needs to be completed before the clinic construction begins to allow for parking. The new parking area will have access from both the Cedarwood parking lot, and the north lot accessible from H Street. Clinic construction will utilize most of the south H Street parking lot, and will mean the south entrance from H Street will be closed.

In the early stages of the project the front entrance circle drive will be closed and the main entrance will not be accessible. The main driveway and the north H Street parking lot will be accessible, along with the new parking just west of Cedarwood. During the project, the Emergency Room and Outpatient Services will be accessed ONLY from 22^nd Street. Some new parking will also be added south of the health center building, and will be accessible from 22^nd Street.

“We are working diligently to make sure there is ample parking for patients, customers and staff throughout the project, and when the project is complete,” Kline said. “We apologize for the inconveniences this project will bring. We know the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term inconveniences.”

During the project:

*Burkley Fitness Center users will continue to enter from the basketball court entrance on the north side of the fitness center. This has been the temporary access because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will continue to be the temporary access to the fitness center because of the construction project.

*Patients using JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services will be able to use the Burkley Fitness Center temporary entrance, or may use the Outpatient Services entrance.

*Emergency and Outpatient services patients and customers must use the 22^nd Street drive to access services.

*Health center patients, visitors and all others who need to access the health center should use the Emergency and Outpatient entrance.

*Ambulances must use the 22^nd Street entrance to access the Emergency Room.

*Gardenside visitors, when permitted, will be directed to which door to use. The main entrance will not be available.

*There will be minor disruption in the west side of Cedarwood’s parking lot during construction of the new parking west of Cedarwood.

Plans for the project are currently being finalized. Plans will be shared during the groundbreaking ceremony. Because the ceremony will be shared on Facebook Live, it will also be available as a video on JCH&L’s Facebook page following the ceremony, said Lana Likens, director of public relations.

Amber Brunow, infection preventionist, was recognized as Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Caring Kind employee for 2020.

Brunow has been employed at JCH&L for 5 years. She has been the infection preventionist for three years, and previously worked in the laboratory. She strives diligently to keep patients, residents, customers and the community safe and healthy. She was nominated by many fellow staff members for her work in keeping everyone healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic – all while showing everyone the utmost in care and consideration.

Nominators said Brunow takes great pride in keeping our community safe, and does so in a positive way with a smile on her face. She has been amazing and shown positive actions and kindness through it all. She has demonstrated strong leadership, dedication and teamwork during a time of chaos and uncertainty.  She is humble and shows she cares for each and every one of us. She is quick to respond when she is needed, answers every question to the best of her ability, keeps everyone informed, always makes time for you, and has kept her poise and grace even with the stress of the situation.  She steps up to help anytime and anywhere. Besides leading JCH&L’s response, she has called patients with results, helped with testing (even in other communities), and got JCH&L set up for TestNebraska. Not all infection preventionists go to these lengths.

“We are so proud of Amber’s leadership and care. She is one of so many JCH&L employees who show the teamwork, dedication and spirit that enhance patient care which is recognized by this award,” said Burke Kline, DHA, JCH&L CEO. “We are proud to have her represent us this year as our ‘Caring Kind’ employee.”

Annually, the Nebraska Association of Hospitals and Health Systems encourages each health center to select one employee to represent their hospital or health center as the Caring Kind employee. Although there will be no Nebraska Hospital Association convention this year, each hospital’s Caring Kind employee will be honored with an award plaque and booklet listing all recipients for this year. NHA will create a web-based slide show of the Caring Kind recipients that will run on the NHA website, nebraskahospitals.org, in November.

The Caring Kind recognizes employees who “exemplify the teamwork, dedication and spirit that create a positive work environment and enhance patient care.”

Brunow was honored by her facility with a “walk-through open house,” allowing her fellow co-workers to congratulate her and celebrate with her in COVID-appropriate fashion.

“The Caring Kind Award has truly become a rich tradition for the NHA and our members. The recipients demonstrate a level of kindness, caring, dedication and commitment to their patients that goes above and beyond,” said NHA President Laura J. Redoutey, FACHE.

Influenza vaccinations will be available at Jefferson Community Health & Life in October. This year, vaccinations will be available at clinics scheduled for the health center conference rooms, as well as at both the Fairbury and Plymouth clinics. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments will be required at all locations.

Call today to  make your appointment for:

• Thursday, Oct. 15, or Friday, Oct. 16, at the health center. Appointments will be available from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For appointment time at either of these flu shot clinic days, please call 402-729-6889. When arriving, please use the main entrance (accessed from H Street parking.)
• JCH&L Plymouth Clinic, Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 20. To make an appointment, call 402-729-6888.
• JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, appointments may be made for regular clinic hours beginning Oct. 19. (Flu shots may also be given during previously scheduled appointments, if desired.) To make an appointment, call 402-729-3361 (option 1.)

When coming for influenza vaccination appointments this year, please:

• Wear clothing which allows easy access to your arm
• Bring your health insurance card and photo ID. Most health insurances cover the influenza vaccine. There will be a fee payable that day if it will be private pay.
• Bring a completed Health History form (available on our website at JCHealthandLife.org) if you have not had an appointment since we started our new Electronic Health Record on Aug. 17

The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months of age or older. The CDC recommends that vaccination be during October, if possible. Earlier vaccination could mean suboptimal immunity by the end of influenza season. Once the vaccine is administered, it takes about 2 weeks for peak immunity to develop. The flu season typically starts in about November, so October is optimal timing for most flu seasons.

The influenza virus can cause mild to severe symptoms, and can lead to death, especially among those who have additional risk factors: age (65 and older or 2 and younger), immune compromised, chronic health conditions or pregnancy.

Please note some information specific to children.

*Children 8 and under will need two doses of the influenza vaccination one month apart if they have not had the influenza vaccine before.

*Children 18 and under who are covered by Medicaid can’t get their flu vaccines at these special influenza clinics or at the Fairbury or Plymouth Clinic. They must use a clinic which participates in the Vaccines for Children program. The Blue Valley Community Action Immunization Clinic which holds clinics twice a month at JCH&L offers Vaccines for Children immunizations. For an appointment call 402-826-2141, extension 3.

If you have questions about influenza vaccinations or the JCH&L influenza clinics, please call 402-729-3361, and select option 2 for patient services.

Influenza immunizations are important every year. But this year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccinations are more important than ever, said Amber Brunow, infection preventionist with Jefferson Community Health & Life.

The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months of age or older. The CDC recommends that vaccination be during October, if possible. Earlier vaccination could mean suboptimal immunity by the end of influenza season. Once the vaccine is administered, it takes about 2 weeks for peak immunity to develop. The flu season typically starts in about November, so October is optimal timing for most flu seasons.

The influenza virus can cause mild to severe symptoms, and can lead to death, especially among those who have additional risk factors: age (65 and older or 2 and younger), immune compromised, chronic  health conditions or pregnancy.

Influenza and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Some symptoms are similar, so testing will typically be needed to determine whether a person has influenza or COVID-19. The CDC says it is possible for a person to have influenza and COVID-19 at the same time.

“The same measures which can protect us against COVID-19 can also protect us against influenza,” Brunow said. “Masking, social distancing, disinfecting surfaces, staying home when you are ill, and avoiding crowds are all great preventative measures from spreading influenza and COVID-19.”

Influenza vaccination clinics are being planned for Jefferson Community Health & Life for October. This year appointments will be required, and vaccinations can be billed to insurance or be private pay. Watch for flu shot clinic details in late September.

Influenza vaccinations will also be available during any health care appointments at Fairbury or Plymouth clinics.

Please note some information specific to children.

*Children 8 and under will need two doses of the influenza vaccination one month apart if they have not had the influenza vaccine before.

*Children 18 and under who are covered by Medicaid can’t get their flu vaccines at these special influenza clinics or at the Fairbury or Plymouth Clinic. They must use a clinic which participates in the Vaccines for Children program. The Blue Valley Community Action Immunization Clinic which holds clinics twice a month at JCH&L offers Vaccines for Children immunizations.

Dr. Casey Bowen, MD, to provide dermatology services

Casey Bowen, MD, board certified dermatologist, will begin seeing patients at Jefferson Community Health & Life Outpatient Services on Monday, Sept 28.  The clinic will be offered one Monday each month at JCH&L Outpatient Services. For appointments, call 402-729-6851. Dr. Bowen is with Dermatology Associates of Lincoln, LLC.

“A dermatology specialty clinic has been requested by our area residents over the years, and we are pleased to be able to partner with Dr. Bowen to bring this service to our community,” said Burke Kline, DHA, JCH&L CEO. “We are excited to add a new clinic. We know that having a wide array of visiting specialists helps us to better serve our community’s needs. JCH&L is committed to being our community’s most trusted partner for a lifetime of health.”

Dr. Bowen said his focus is on medical dermatology – skin cancer detection and prevention, as well as treatment of a variety of medical skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, excessive sweating, seborrheic keratoses, rosacea, precancerous lesions, melasma, moles, rashes, hair loss, and warts and molluscum. He said he particularly enjoys treating skin cancer, scars and dermatitis.

“I also love to visit with people about how they can enjoy the great outdoors without getting too much sun or damaging their skin,” Dr. Bowen said.

Dr. Bowen’s wife, Dr. Rebecca Bowen, is an otolaryngologist at ENT Specialties PC who offers a specialty clinic at JCH&L two Mondays a month.

Dr. Bowen grew up in Omaha, and attended Millard West High School where he was a two-time swimming state champion. He swam for four years at the US Air Force Academy, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He graduated from The University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2008. He interned in internal medicine at LSU-Shreveport, and then served three years tour as flight surgeon at Little Rock Air Force Base. He completed his dermatology residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas. He was on the faculty there for two years, then became Chief of Dermatology at Offutt Air Force Base in 2017. He and Gina Weir, MD, opened Dermatology Associates of Lincoln in May 2020.

Dr. Bowen is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Contact Dermatitis Society, and the Association of Military Dermatologists. His publications have been cited by more than 170 other authors, and his seminal work on allergy to skin adhesives has been referenced in 16 separate journal articles. His work on Atopic Dermatitis earned him the 2020 Association of Military Dermatologists’ research award.

He has three young daughters, and remains an avid triathlete and open water swimmer. He swam solo across the English Channel, and has completed multiple Ironman races.

All outpatients who visit the clinic are screened and will be asked to wear a mask. For an appointment or more information, call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851.