MCC trains VA mobile medical unit staff

Left to right: Margaret Rosthauser, HT; Jimmie Tyler, I.W.I. staff; Elizabeth Moutafis, RN; Christine Lightfoot, ANP; John Malicoat, CDL Coordinator, I.W.I.; Vick Quigley, I.W.I. instructor; Angela Maggard, RN, Nrs Mgr; Greg Mullins, I.W.I. instructor; Bill Lowe, I.W.I. instructor.


Last Thursday, MCC’s Institute for Workforce Innovation was invited to celebrate a partnership with the Kansas City Veterans Association Medical Center, a partnership that could have a far-reaching impact on veterans in the region.

Over 100 people gathered at the flagpole in front of the VA Medical Center on 48th and Linwood last Thursday for the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of the Mobile Medical Unit, a mobile health facility designed to serve veterans who live in rural communities. The Mobile Medical Unit is one of only two such programs in the country to increase accessibility to veterans, some of whom drive as much as two hours to reach a primary care VA site.

The new mobile unit, a $600,000 vehicle that is currently being housed at MCC-Blue River while I.W.I. instructors train the VA’s registered nurses and administrative staff to get their Class B licenses, will bring a fully equipped primary care unit, including teleretinal screening, laboratory and limited pharmacy to veterans living in Trenton, Carrollton and Bolivar, Missouri. It can also provide emergency services during time of disasters.

The program was envisioned by nurse practitioner and current I.W.I. student Christine Lightfoot, who was inspired by disabled veterans, as well as by her stepson who is currently serving in Japan.

"The veterans need us out there,” said Lightfoot. “And we’ll be able to see thousands.”

Eventually, she hopes to see the Mobile Medical Unit provide mental health and specialty services as well. Mobile medical unit staff should complete skills training for Class B licensure to drive the vehicle within the next two weeks.

Penn Valley to host veteran leadership presentation

Mike Pereira, director of fellowship programs for The Mission Continues, will speak on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Little Theater (ST 101) at MCC-Penn Valley.

He will share his inspiring journey of finding meaning and purpose in the civilian world after returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He will also discuss how his community college experience played a role in this transition.

The event is free and open to the public.

MCC-Maple Woods takes on “best practices” at spring inservice

To meet the rising challenges of more students, less money and the need for constant innovation, MCC-Maple Woods dedicated spring inservice to looking at best practices in education, from accreditation to connecting with different kinds of students to employees managing their own practices to better serve their departments and themselves.

Cynthia Proctor, Math, Physics and Communications division chair, shared that MCC has been selected, along with other two- and four-year institutions, to participate in a new pilot program from the Higher Learning Commission for reaccreditation, which is due again in 2015-2016. Along with other national colleges and universities, MCC will participate in the HLC Open Pathways program. The program was offered to schools with a solid record of accreditation, inviting them to participate in the four-year Academy for Assessment of Student Learning.

All work conducted for the Open Pathways program will lead to a less mammoth undertaking during reaccreditation visits in the future – electronic files will be required, along with periodic updates, to keep the process streamlined and accessible, resulting in less cost, less labor cost, and a more streamlined process for MCC.

Serving the needs of different groups of students, from traditional high school graduates to returning veterans to those returning to education after many years in the workforce is one of the greatest challenges any institution faces. Andy Forester, evening and weekend coordinator at MCC-Penn Valley and chaplain for the United States National Guard, helped faculty and staff understand some of the needs of veterans returning to school after active duty and some of the challenges they face when transitioning back to civilian life.

Kim Fernandes, Kathryn Barker, Mary Northrup, Mary Ann Blitt, Ayanna Bridges, Crystal Johnson, Jessica Halperin and Kenneth Snell all gave presentations on how to best serve our students and ourselves for the next semester.

Welcome back to MCC-Maple Woods, student faculty and staff – we look forward to an exciting semester!

Penn Valley salutes veterans!

MCC-Penn Valley commemorated Veterans Day by hosting a dedication ceremony for the Veterans Success Center.

It was a standing room only crowd for the patriotic program which began with reciting of the pledge of allegiance and singing of the national anthem. Faculty, staff and student veterans were also recognized for their military service. The event concluded with a soup luncheon.

The Veterans Success Center is in the Campus Center, ,room 005. The ceremony and center were coordinated by Andy Forester, veterans coordinator.

Retreat for women vets to be held at MCC-Penn Valley

The U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau will sponsor a mini-retreat and stand down for women veterans on October 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MCC-Penn Valley. The event will offer free services such as: explanation of benefits and services by the Veteran's Administration; job search assistance; legal services, chair massages, clothing boutique, transportation and health screenings.

Continental breakfast, lunch and child care will also be available.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver is also scheduled to be on hand for this first-ever event.

The stand down is designed to prevent homelessness among women veterans by providing access to information, resources and services.

The free event is open to all women who served in the military, in any branch and in any capacity and area supporters. Veterans and community supporters can register for this event by contacting Carla Tillmon at 816.285.7234 or by visiting www.kcwomenveterans.wordpress.com.

IRS Open House to be held at MCC-Penn Valley

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)will host an open house in the lobby of the Campus Center building at MCC-Penn Valley. The event will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is aimed at veterans, persons with disabilities and their families.

Attendees will get answers to questions about tax laws, IRS credits as well as assistance with filing tax returns.