After more than seven months of planning and implementation, Michels and SSM Health at Work celebrated the opening of a new on-site clinic in Brownsville to serve the health and wellness needs of Michels employees and their families. A ribbon cutting ceremony recently marked the official opening of the Michels Clinic, which is an SSM-staffed and managed clinic, and dedicated to Michels employees and their families. The on-site clinic features the services of Brooke Jeske, APNP, a family medicine nurse practitioner, and Lisa Fischer, RN, occupational health registered nurse. They are joined by Samantha Konen, patient access representative. The Michels Clinic is directly connected to the new Michels Training center, which will allow Michels to continue to provide its team members with the training and support they need to continue to incorporate safety into all they do. The clinic features three exam rooms, and a lab draw area designed to promote and display the Michels culture of safety, family, and community. Pat Michels, Michels president/CEO, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This is an important day for Michels, the Michels family, our people and their families,” according to Michels. “Safety is the cornerstone of our culture. Health is a key component of that core value. This clinic is an extension of our commitment to health and safety. It allows our people and their families to have dedicated access to high quality, convenient and affordable health and wellness care right here on our main campus.” The Michels Clinic will create better access to acute care, wellness, and preventive care for Michels non-union employees and their family, as well as occupational health services. These occupational health services, such as drug testing and DOT physicals, will be available for all Michels employees. Michels shared his appreciation for the clinic’s partnership with SSM Health at Work. “Thank you to SSM Health at work for partnering with us on the Michels Clinic,” he adds. “Welcome to our clinic team. We look forward to getting to know you. Thank you to our leadership team and to our benefits team for all you have done to make this dream a reality.” Katherine Vergos, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital president, and other SSM Health representatives were present. “We appreciate the opportunity to join the Michels Corporation for this very special milestone,” according to Vergos. “We’re excited about the opening of the Michels Clinic and partnering with a company that clearly places a high value on the overall health and happiness of their employees. This on-site wellness clinic is an example of how Michels and SSM Health are united in transforming health care delivery. We look forward to a long, healthy partnership.” According to Kevin Michels, Michels vice president – Fleet & Equipment, the adjoining facilities are the fruition of identifying a need and working collaboratively to make it happen. “At Michels, we saw a need for both of these facilities long before today,” Michels explains. “Initially they weren’t joined together. But, as the idea developed, we recognized the importance that both offered to the health and well-being not only of our people, but their families. “My family and I are very proud of this unique combination,” he adds. “As you look around, you will notice how our culture and core values permeate this space. We see this facility as an important link between our past and the future.” The Michels Clinic will benefit from the expertise from SSM Health at Work leadership team members, including Jim Meacham, administrator; Nick Thanos, director; and Shayla Vroman, occupational health manager.
