Jane Pauley acquires pediatric center
Also, traffic restricted on 50 E for two months; IU Kokomo welcomes new nursing students
Jane Pauley Community Health Center (JPCHC), a leading provider of accessible and affordable healthcare across central Indiana, is excited to announce its expansion into Howard County with Kokomo Pediatrics. Formerly North Central Indiana Pediatric Center in the Community Health Network, Kokomo Pediatrics continues the practice’s record of high-quality, comprehensive primary healthcare for children in the local community with the same trusted providers.
This expansion represents a significant milestone in JPCHC’s mission to provide high-quality healthcare to underserved populations at a low cost. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, JPCHC ensures that families in Kokomo have access to essential medical services without the financial burden often accompanying healthcare. The practice will serve patients with or without insurance, regardless of their ability to pay.
Marc Hackett, CEO of JPCHC, shared his excitement about this new initiative, stating, “We are thrilled to bring our services to the Kokomo community. By managing this trusted pediatric practice, we are not only expanding our reach but also continuing our commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible for families. Our goal is to provide top-tier care to children and their families, ensuring they can live healthy lives without worrying about the costs.”
The location serves various health needs, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, sick visits, and preventive care. It also offers financial assistance programs to ensure families with limited insurance options or low incomes can receive the care they need. As a community health center, JPCHC offers integrated behavioral health services, a food pantry (coming soon), low-cost prescriptions, and licensed insurance navigators at no cost to patients.
“We believe every child deserves access to the best possible healthcare, regardless of their family’s financial situation,” said Hackett. “This expansion is just the beginning of our effort to ensure that families in Kokomo have the resources and support they need to thrive.”
Kokomo Pediatrics officially opened on January 13 at 3611 S. Reed Rd., Suite 108. For more information about the Kokomo location, including hours of operation and appointment scheduling, please visit www.JanePauleyCHC.org/Kokomo-Pediatrics or call 844-MY-JPCHC (844-695-7242).
Traffic restricted on 50 E for two months
Crews will begin installing lane restrictions on County Road 50 East, Friday, January 24, between Smith Road and County Road 400 North (U.S. 35) for installation of sanitary sewers in the southbound lanes of 50 E. Two-way traffic will be maintained but restricted to allow for the construction. These lane restrictions are expected to last 60 days, weather permitting.
Questions regarding the project should be directed to Mr. Jon Pyke, at 765-456-7400.
IU Kokomo welcomes new nursing students
Indiana University Kokomo’s newest class of student nurses took the first steps toward becoming health care professionals at the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SNAHP) traditional induction ceremony Wednesday (January 15).
Assistant Dean Stephanie Pratt welcomed the students and their families, congratulating them on accepting the opportunity to become nurses.
“With this gift, you will make a difference, do great things, change lives, and even save lives,” she said. “We are given the opportunity to serve, to share in life’s journey with others. There truly is nothing small about this wonderful privilege that you have been given to become a nurse.”
Carolyn Townsend, interim dean of SNAHP, said the future nurses have chosen a challenging and “profoundly rewarding path,” and welcomed them on behalf of the faculty.
“Nursing is more than a career,” she said. “It requires clinical expertise, compassion, empathy, and a commitment to the well-being of others. As new students, you are embarking on a journey that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to make a significant impact in the lives of your patients and their families.”
They will learn from exceptional faculty, engage in hands-on labs, and learn in real-world clinical settings along the way, which will prepare them to deliver high-quality care, Townsend said, and encouraged them to take part in student life opportunities to enrich their campus experience. She also reminded them that faculty and staff will support them along the way, and they can also lean on their classmates.
“As you begin this new chapter, I want to remind you of nurses’ profound impact on the lives of those they care for,” Townsend said. “You have the power to heal, comfort, and make a difference. Embrace this opportunity with an open heart and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Heather Woody, lecturer in nursing, addressed family and friends of the students, charging them with the task of being a cheerleader for their nursing student.
“Cheerleaders, nursing school isn’t easy, but it is rewarding,” she said. “I leave you tonight with the knowledge that your unwavering love and support is powerful. As your student enters nursing, know that your care for them is passed on to those they care for, and that’s something to be proud of.”
The new students, selected through a rigorous acceptance process, wore the red scrubs that marked them as an IU student for the first time as they each crossed the stage to receive a certificate of accomplishment. The incoming class also recited the Nursing Pledge, which is a promise to uphold the ethics of the nursing profession. The Indiana Nurse Honor Guard also participated in the ceremony in Havens Auditorium.
Those honored, listed by hometown, included:
Anderson: Mercedes Robbins
Cicero: Autumn Packard
Flora: Krista Despot
Frankfort: Jade Valdes Vasquez
Indianapolis: Rowan Reed
Kokomo: Braylee Acord, Karolina Kubilius, Arielle Liggin, Ella Purcell, Alexandria Winters
Logansport: Kennedy Hughes, Elijah Rans, Emily Sanchez
Middletown: Ryleigh Flynn
Peru: Madisyn Nordman
Westfield: Adedolapo Famuyiwa
Windfall: Cassandra Hoover
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.