Nov. 2023 | ISSUE 39
BOO! CONTEST Which witch won?
Employees of the Month: Elizabeth Abedi & Erin Scott Page 4
BO OO
Co P
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over Story Page 11
Welcome to the Team! Page 8
VARIETY CARE | 4
Employees of the Month: Determination
Elizabeth Abedi PharmD
Erin Scott PharmD, RPh
You champion for patients' unique medication needs. Why is that important to you? As a pharmacist, I am an advocate for patient safety. I want to ensure that all medications are medically indicated and safe for patient use.
You were nominated for Determination because you advocate for affordable pricing on your patients’ prescriptions. Why is that important to you? It’s important to me because if I do not advocate for affordable pricing, the patients will walk away from their prescriptions and will not get the therapy needed for their treatment.
How does it feel when you collaborate with providers and suggest alternative options for medications? I want what is best for the patient. Therefore, whenever a medication dosage is changed to better reflect optimal dosages according to my recommendations, I feel like I have done my due diligence. How long have you been at Variety Care? I have worked at Variety Care full-time for about three and a half years. Before that, I worked as a PRN pharmacist at Variety Care.
How does it feel to be a part of creating positive health outcomes? It is great to be able to help patients get the medications they so desperately need. When I worked in regular retail, our hands were tied to how we were able to help. At Variety Care, we are a part of a team that all want the same outcome for the patient. How long have you been at Variety Care? I have worked at Variety Care for 10 years.
How does it feel to be recognized as Employee of the Month? I am honored! I am surrounded by wonderful Variety Care employees and staff members so I know there was a lot of competition.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that people who would never be able to afford or get the medications we provide without us are getting the highest standard of care, regardless of the cost of the medication in regular retail.
What is the most interesting thing about your work at Variety Care? The 340B drug pricing program truly changes lives. It allows patients to afford their medications and improve their health.
What do you like the most about your job? Helping people and helping the company help people.
WANTS TO INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE!
World AIDS Day December 1, 2023
In 2021, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported that there were 7,476 individuals living with an HIV diagnosis in Oklahoma. We are inviting staff to show their support by wearing red ribbons in commemoration of World AIDS Day on Friday, December 1. The ribbons, which will be distributed at each Variety Care location, not only raise awareness for the epidemic, but also help to combat the stigma associated with HIV and testing.
Show us your red! Snap a picture of your team showing support on World AIDS Day, and you could see your photos featured in the next magazine! Submit all pictures to communications@varietycare.org.
NO COST
HIV/ Hepatitis C RAPID TESTING
More than 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV and 1 in 7 don’t know it.
SIN COSTO PRUEBAS DEL
VIH Y HEPATITIS C
Más de 1.1 milliones de personas en los Estados Unidos viven con el VIH y 1 de cada 7 no lo sabe.
Rapid Testing Dates:
Fechas para Pruebas Rápidas: EVERY MONDAY EVERY THURSDAY from 4pm - 7pm
from 4pm - 7pm
Cada lunes de 4pm a 7pm
Cada jueves de 4pm a 7pm
PUTNAM - VARIETY CARE 11220 N Rockwell Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73162
STRAKA - VARIETY CARE 1025 Straka Terrace Oklahoma City, OK 73139
No testing on Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, 2023 | No habrá pruebas el día de acción de gracias, Nov. 23, 2023
Can't make the walk-in? Book online anytime at varietycare.org/you
¿No puede venir? Reserve en línea en cualquier momento en varietycare.org/you
SAME DAY
RESULTS RESULTADOS EL MISMO DÍA
In Collabora�on With: | En Colaboración Con:
to our team Maria Ariza
Giselle Atilano-Flores
Stephanie Deque
Jessica Florencio-Marquez Medical Assistant, Straka
Medical Assistant Float, Pete White
Dulce Gerrero
Azminda Hernandez
Naty Hernandez
John Gonzales
Araceli Mora
Patient Access Specialist, PAC
PSR, Straka
PSR, Yukon
Dental Assistant III, Straka
VARIETY CARE | 12
Patient Access Specialist, PAC
WIC Cleark, Straka
PSR Float, PAC
LaVada Carreon
Medical Assistant, Straka
Tiffany Garcia
PSR, Baptist Portland
Kathryn Moreland
Medical Assistant, Anadarko
Ericka Richmond
Monica Owens
Medical Assistant II, Mid-Del
Medical Assistant II, Putnam
Mykal Stevenson PSR, Norman
Neira Silva
Patient Access Specialist, PAC
Tiffany Wright Billing Clerk III, Admin
The cold winter weather has arrived! As a reminder, Variety Care’s dress code is still in effect during cold weather, so be sure you know what you can wear including: All staff may wear jeans and safe footwear (including boots) if: • The high temperature of the day is 32 degrees or below OR • There is snow or ice on the ground • All patient care staff must wear their Variety Care scrub top with their jeans. Administrative staff are required to wear a Variety Care logo top with jeans. • All jeans must be in good condition with no tears, rips, stains, holes, patches or discolorations. Variety Care approved outerwear in black or charcoal (such as jackets, vests, cardigans and sweaters) may be worn in clinics over scrubs. Outwear that is not Variety Care logoed may not be worn in the clinics. Staff wearing scrubs may wear long shirts under their scrubs if they are black, white, or red. For more details on the dress code and personal appearance policy, click here.
MEET OUR NEW Education: OU Health Science Center College of Nursing Specialization: Family Medicine Lindsay Barron, MSN, FNP-C, APRN, believes in patient-centered care. She loves educating and empowering patients to give them the confidence to take care of themselves. Lindsay Barron, MSN, FNP-C, APRN Family Medicine, Straka
Education: OU Health Sciences Center Specialization: OB/Gyn Belinda Broady-Symes, MD, has a great appreciation for Variety Care's mission. Having grown up herself in an agricultural community with limited access to healthcare, she places great importance on serving in a community health center. Belinda Broady-Symes, M.D. Women’s Health, NW 10th
Education: Maryville University Specialization: Pediatrics Sierra Lacey, APRN, places importance on fostering compassionate, patient-centered care. She believes that effective communication enables collaborative healthcare decision-making. VARIETY CARE | 12
Sierra Lacey, APRN Pediatric, Norman
BOO OOO