Ekern Health Center
Whether for a cadet seeking routine care, evaluation of a sprain from athletic practice, relief from a seasonal cold, or a summer camper needing attention, the Ekern Health Center on MMA’s campus serves as a quiet place for cadets to be evaluated, rest and recover. Cared for by qualified medical professionals with decades of experience, every cadet is treated in accordance with the gold standard for medical care.
Scroll down for key information about …
- Routine care
- Non-routine care
- On-campus doctor visits
- How to send medication for your cadet
- Returning medication during furlough breaks
- Contacting the health center
Routine Care
To receive any necessary daily medication, cadets visit the health center at their company-appointed times. When they arrive, they are greeted, have their temperature taken, instructed to use hand sanitizer, and given their prescribed medication according to the 8 Rights of Medication Administration.
Non-Routine Care
Similar to a visit to a medical office, the health center considers privacy and confidentiality a priority. When a cadet visits the health center with a medical complaint, they are taken to a private room dedicated to care and treatment, where they are interviewed about their symptoms and examined. Vital signs are taken and a physical assessment is made to determine if the cadet needs to be taken to the emergency room, urgent care or a physician’s office. If necessary, the health center will arrange that transportation.
With every visit, a cadet's symptoms and challenges are treated autonomously based on his own needs, with his best interest at heart. No matter how minor the situation, guardians are promptly notified about their cadet’s situation and empowered to consult with the health team regarding the medical needs of their cadet to develop a treatment plan.
On-Campus Doctor Visits
In order to provide timely medical care through our health center, MMA works with Elizabeth Crews, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), who is affiliated with Boone Hospital Center. She provides oversight for our health center staff and on-campus doctor visits. This partnership helps us provide medical care without having to bus cadets to and from various locations.
Medication Packaging
MMA requires all cadet prescriptions AND over-the-counter medications be sent in a pharmacy-packed blister/bubble card. MMA’s Ekern Cadet Health Center does not accept prescription pill medication in a "bottle" container. Powdered supplements are also not accepted.
If your pharmacy is unable to package your son's medication in a blister/bubble card, please contact:
- Webber Pharmacy. MMA has an established contract with Webber — this local pharmacy will fill medications in blister/bubble cards and deliver to MMA at no cost to you. You may contact Webber at (573) 581-6930 or via fax (573) 581-4904.
- Walgreens Pharmacy in Mexico, MO (free of charge). MMA will make regular trips to pick up cadet medications from this pharmacy. You can contact Walgreens at (573) 581-3353 or via fax at (573) 581-3249.
- Purchase your own. You may also purchase blister/bubble pack cards and package medications yourself to send to MMA. However, for each medication you package, you must also include the prescription label, or a copy, from the pharmacy. Click here for an example.
Medication During Furlough
The Ekern Health Center will need to coordinate the return of your cadet's medications during furlough breaks. Please click here to submit furlough medication plans. You will need to submit a new form for each furlough. The following options are available for medication return during furloughs:
- Pick-up medication on campus. The adult that is transporting your cadet home may retrieve medication at the cadet pickup location on his departure date. See the furlough departure schedule here.
- Cadets age 18 or older transport medication. If your cadet is 18 years or older, he may retrieve his medication upon his departure and transport his own medications home.
- Cadets under age 18 transport medication with authorization. If your cadet is under the age of 18 years of age, he may transport medication home with your written authorization. Click here to download an authorization letter. Please sign and return via email to clinic@missourimilitaryacademy.com at least 10 days prior to the beginning of furlough.
- Mail medication home. If you would like medication sent to your home, you may pay $10.00 per flat rate envelope to have medications sent via USPS.
Questions? Contact Ekern Health Center
The Ekern Health Center is your primary contact for anything regarding medications, illnesses or injuries. Our staff is dedicated to supporting your cadet’s or camper's health and well-being at MMA.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact them at 573-581-1776, ext. 643 or via email at clinic@missourimilitaryacademy.com.
The Ekern Health Center staff includes Mary Seibert, RN, health center director; Tracey Forrest, health center administrative assistant; and Graeme Goodwin, EMT/paramedic.