Free help for Iraq, Afghan vets

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Doctors of Chiropractic from around the United States have answered the call to participate in a new initiative aimed at supporting America's newest returning veterans with immediate access to chiropractic services in addition to the limited programs officially available through the US Department of Defense.

Dr. M.G. Michel is offering such a program in his own personal practice in Poplar Bluff.

Out of a desire to serve and to fill a vitally important health care gap, ICA doctors around the nation have extended an offer of care for one full year for any U.S. military veteran returning from overseas deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq at no charge.

Howard joins Bell Eye Care

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Dr. Jennifer Howard is the newest addition to Dr. Troy L. Bell's Family Eye Care and a graduate of the University of Missouri, St. Louis College of Optometry.

Dr. Howard is new to Southeast Missouri and lives in Dexter with her husband, David. She is originally from Tulsa, Okla., where her parents are both practicing optometrists. Dr. Howard graduated from the University of Tulsa with a bachelor's of science degree in environmental policy and a bachelor's of biochemistry. She has been on two medical mission trips to Africa, where she fit glasses and examined for ocular disease in Tanzania.

Health Department honors Winfree

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Butler County Health Department has announced Audrey Winfree from Butler County as Homemaker of the Month for June. Winfree has been working for the Butler County Health Department since September 2006.

Dr. Fox recognizes Theresa Tolliver

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Dr. John N. Fox has recognized Theresa Tolliver for her 25 years of dedication to the practice. Tolliver started in the field of orthodontics on May 23, 1983.

Hospital names director of medical affairs

Thomas S. Diemer has been named director of medical affairs at Saint Francis Medical Center, 211 Saint Francis Drive in Cape Girardeau. Diemer will leave his private practice in Cape Girardeau to join the staff in September 2008. His past involvement with the medical center includes secretary of staff, medical staff president and vice president and department chair of medicine.

New dentist at Cross Trails

Cross Trails Medical Center would like to announce that Kevin Fallert, D.D.S., joined the practice June 16. He joins Dr. Louis Rohlfs and Dr. Patricia Merkley in seeing dental patients in the Cape Girardeau clinic. Dr. Fallert will be accepting new patients.

Nursing association elects vice president

Diane Reagan of Cape Girardeau was elected vice president of the Missouri State Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, a professional organization that represents licensed practical nurses throughout the state. A graduate of the practical nursing program at Cape Girardeau Vocational and Technical School, Reagan is a member of the staff at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Southeast Medical Plaza, 1723 Broadway in Cape Girardeau.

Kiel leaving St. Francis

Bill Kiel, vice president of development at Saint Francis Medical Center, is leaving his post to take a similar job at Foote Health System in Jackson, Mich. "This has been an extremely difficult decision to make," Kiel said in a news release issued by the hospital. "Having been a part of the Saint Francis family and this community for the past 11 years, the most difficult part will be leaving behind a very loyal and committed group of donors, volunteers and friends."

Kiel was presented a plaque for his efforts by the Saint Francis Foundation board of directors, who praised him for helping raise more than $7.5 million for the medical center.