HOSPITAL CENTER TO INFORM PEOPLE OF HEALTH SERVICES

To better access healthcare information, Southeast Missouri Hospital has established The Generations Center, to provide services for people of all ages.

Located on the first floor of the hospital near the new lobby, the Center features a home-like atmosphere, designed with the community in mind. It has a large video and print library, complete with computers for access to the Internet. Rooms are available for classes and seminars, support group meetings, and patient and family teaching. Previously, these classes had been scattered all around the hospital,

Centralizing Southeast's many family care components will allow the public convenient "one-stop shopping" for information about Southeast's services and community resources.

"Today's families are busier than ever," said LaDonna Wills, Generation Center manager. "Having a variety of useful information and access to community resources in one location will help families find the information they need quickly and efficiently."

In addition, the Center will now be the setting for the hospital's foot clinic, wellness screenings, the Prenatal Care Program and lactation consultation.

The Generations Center is the first of its kind in an area hospital," said Gwen Thoma, director of educational services. "Of particular interest is the introduction of ParentLink to the Region."

Through ParentLink, headquartered at the University of Missouri-Columbia, families can access a wide variety of parenting information and resources.

A formal kickoff for the Center will take place in March. To be held at the Show Me Center, "Linking Generations for a Better Tomorrow" will feature seven areas: fun and fitness, safety, community resources, new generations, education and enrichment, health support and senior citizens.

The Generations Center is expected to be complete at the end of the year and will have weekday, weekend and evening hours of operation.