12 Stones

The TwelveStone Blog

organ donation concept
Embracing the Gift of Life: National Donate Life Month Awareness

Each April, Donate Life America (DLA) leads National Donate Life Month (NDLM), an observance focusing national attention on the need and importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. NDLM emphasizes the importance of registering your decision to be a donor, honoring deceased and living donors, and celebrating the lives they saved.

What Do You Know About Hemophilia?

March calls attention to inheritable blood and bleeding disorders during Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, as most people are unfamiliar with hemophilia or have little knowledge of the condition.

mom with MS walking with a cane and her daughter
Shedding Light on Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding and Managing the Journey

What do actresses Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Christina Applegate, country music singer-songwriter Clay Walker, and TV personality and musician Jack Osbourne have in common? They are public figures who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their openness about their diagnoses has helped reduce stigma and foster understanding of MS in the public eye.

iphone user listening to Christian podcast and reading bible
Renewed Spirits: Navigating Mental Health and Wellness through Christian Wisdom at the Heart of Healing

The connection between mental health and physical wellness has been explored by scientists for decades. And the connectivity of mental health and wellness in a spiritual context acknowledges the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit.

reading bible
Navigating The Post-Holiday Blues

What happened to all the glitter and twinkle that seemed to fill the air just a few weeks ago? The Christmas carols, sounds of joy, and rows of happy lights all around? Now that we’ve packed up the decorations, and taken down the lights, it seems that all we are left with is the disappointment of unmet expectations, and the cold, anemic gray of winter. Though, not a mental-health professional, as a seasoned Bible teacher and minister I do see the importance and value of being “real” and meeting people where they are.

Understanding Infusion Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

Your physician has prescribed infusion therapy, and you’re overwhelmed. What is infusion therapy? Why has the doctor prescribed it? What’s involved?

Christmas cross
A Season of Healing and Compassion: Embracing the True Spirit of Christmas

As the air turns crisp and the streets sparkle with festive lights, we find ourselves immersed in the magical season of Christmas. Beyond the decorations and the exchange of gifts, Christmas is also a time to reflect on compassion, healing, love, and gratitude.

couple at dinner
Crohn’s Colitis Awareness

Most Americans have heard of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In fact, you may know someone with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, but do you know the similarities and differences for two chronic conditions?

COPD Awareness Month
COPD Awareness and Glassia

Thanks to TV commercials, we’ve all heard the acronym COPD. But what is it? November is COPD Awareness Month, so at TwelveStone we’d like to offer education and news about new treatments for this chronic disease.

grandfather with granddaughter and parents
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

The number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease is growing, and the ripple effect is straining families, communities, and the healthcare system, yet talking about the disease on a personal level can be difficult.

breast cancer awareness, faith, hope, love
I have the biggest God, the Greatest Prayer warriors, and an Excellent Medical Team

Janelle is a “40-something” nurse who works in TwelveStone’s as a clinical liaison. In early June of 2023, she found a small lump in one of her breasts. “I knew it wasn’t a cyst because it was hard like a BB.” Janelle immediately contacted her doctor and was scheduled for an ultrasound and mammogram.

breast cancer awareness pink ribbons on group of women
There’s More to Fighting Women’s Cancers Than Pink Ribbons

Currently, more than 3.8 million women live with or beyond breast cancer in the United States. In 2023, an estimated 297,790 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 55,720 women will be diagnosed with non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

Toys R Us
What We Can Learn from Toys R Us

When my kids were young, I felt like we were visiting a local Toys R Us at least 3-4 times every month to buy gifts for birthday parties and to get ahead of the busy holiday season. My oldest son, Will, loved Legos, my middle son, Jack, was all about Super Mario and my youngest daughter, Emma-White, adored Elmo.  My kids also loved “Geoffrey the Giraffe”, the lovable Toys R Us mascot---a great mascot and brand concept.

Roaring 20 Awards TwelveStone Health Partners team
All Awards are a Team Sport

On August 24th I was honored to join ten of my colleagues at the beautiful Conrad Hotel in downtown Nashville for the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Roaring 20 Award banquet. TwelveStone was thrilled to be honored by the TN chapter of the ACG because it further validates the impact, and success we’ve had in building a unique business model that treats those with complex, chronic disease with a differentiated medication experience.

A Chronic Illness Diagnosis: What Comes Next?

It’s news no one wants to hear: You’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness. Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that generally can be controlled but not cured. People living with chronic illnesses often must manage daily symptoms that affect their quality of life and experience acute health problems and complications that can shorten their life expectancy if not managed.

psoriasis on white board written by dr
August is Psoriasis Action Month

Thanks to TV ads featuring songstress Cyndi Lauper, you’ve probably heard of psoriasis and the associated misery including burning and itching. But few know what psoriasis is, the symptoms, and the treatments. During Psoriasis Action Month TwelveStone is raising awareness in hopes of reducing the stigma around this chronic, complex condition.

prayer hands bible
Trusting in the Silent Times

It is much easier to trust God when everything in our lives is sunshine and roses.  When the bills are paid, everyone we love is safe and healthy and the pantry and fridge are full, we easily walk around humming, “God is so good”. 

consistency is key to success graphic
Consistency is the Key to Success

Legendary Alabama football coach, Nick Saban, was interviewed about an upcoming game with the University of Tennessee. He was asked, “Are you concerned about the 100K screaming fans and their influence on your team?” He replied “Fans don’t catch passes, run routes, block defenders, or kick field goals. We do. He knew win or lose, the responsibility fell on them, not the crowd. 

juvenile arthritis awareness month is july
Juvenile Arthritis Month

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, which calls attention to this group of chronic conditions that affect children.

nurse showing patient ipad
It’s Not the Customer’s Job to Know What They Really Want

Company brands are like a person’s reputation. A person earns a positive reputation by making good choices and helping others who are in need. Companies earn their good brands when they make good choices and go above and beyond to help others. It really is that simple.

infusion center room
Post-Acute Infusion Therapy: At-Home or Ambulatory?

Post-acute care includes rehabilitation or palliative services that patients receive after or, in some cases, instead of a stay in an acute care hospital. Depending on the intensity of care the patient requires, treatment may include a stay in a facility, ongoing outpatient therapy, or care provided at home.

parent and child breathing treatment
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month: Shining a Light on CF

May is National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month creating the opportunity to learn more about a lung disease that affects more than 30,000 people in America. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes constant lung infections and may also impact other organs where there's an accumulation of mucus. While we still haven't found a cure for cystic fibrosis, advancements in medical science—some delivered by infusion therapy—have made it possible for patients with the condition to live everyday life.

couple with woman smiling at camera
Raising Osteoporosis Awareness: What You Need to Know

Osteoporosis, “brittle bone disease”, is a bone condition that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease or when the structure and strength of bones change, which can lead to a decrease in bone strength that can increase the risk of fractures and broken bones.

nurse and patient infusion center
Celebrate National Nurses Day: Appreciating Our Healthcare Heroes!

Who is the true backbone of the American healthcare system? If you said physicians, you’re wrong. It’s nurses! They are also more of them, per a report from the American Medical Association there are ten nurses to every three physicians. From providing comfort and care for those with chronic illnesses to advocating for better healthcare

TwelveStone Health Partners Announces New Infusion Center Opening in Duluth, GA

Supporting the northeast Atlanta Area Murfreesboro, TN May 9, 2023—TwelveStone Health Partners, a leading provider of comprehensive chronic care medication services, announces to the greater Atlanta business and healthcare community the opening of their next infusion center located at 2925 Premier Parkway, Suite 145 Duluth, GA 30097. The center began operations in late April 2023.

TwelveStone Health Partners Announces Cumming, GA Opening

Joining Other Locations Supporting Cities Surrounding the Greater Atlanta Area Murfreesboro, TN May 2, 2023—Twelve Stone Health Partners, a leading provider of comprehensive chronic care medication services, announces to the greater Atlanta business and healthcare community the opening of the newest Georgia Infusion Center in mid-April, 2023. The address is 2920 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Suite

arthritis knee pain
Arthritis Awareness: Treating a Chronic Condition with Infusion Therapies

During Arthritis Awareness in May, TwelveStone would like to share what patients living with these conditions can do to improve their lives.

servants heart
The Importance of a Maintaining Servant’s Heart

TwelveStone Health Partners was built on the foundation of  a "Servant’s Heart.” It takes a lot of humility, patience, and selflessness to lead with that spirit and at times I get concerned about losing our edge. This isn’t meant to discourage any member of our team,  but rather to encourage each of us to stand firmly on this cornerstone belief.

national bleeding disorders month
Unlock the Power of Bleeding Disorder Awareness!

As March marks National Bleeding Disorder Awareness Month, it is essential to recognize and understand the importance of this cause. Common bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected, but with proper infusion-based care, individuals can lead full lives.

TwelveStone Build logo
It is a Time to Build

Great leaders know “buy in” from the team is essential to lead an organization. You may have heard the phrase: if you are leading and no one is following, you are just on a walk. For a successful team to build and expand there must be a clear vision of where you are going, why you want to go there, what needs to be accomplished along the way and the guidelines of how to get there.

Stack of rocks with heart-shaped rock on top
Heart Health Awareness Month: Tips for a Healthy Heart

How critical is this topic? Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. In fact, every 60 seconds, more than one person in the United States dies from a heart disease-related event. But the majority of heart disease is preventable.

stones with red heart stone
Putting a Spotlight on Women’s Heart Health

February is the time of year to rightfully turn our attention to Women’s Heart Health. Wives, mothers, and sisters, are the ‘heart’ of their respective homes---that heart now deserves our focus. “Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of U.S. women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year, more than all cancers combined.[1]  Further, 44% of women aged 20 years and older between 2015 and 2018 had some form of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure. And yet less than half of women are even aware of their greatest risk.

man in hoodie arms crossed
The Fentanyl Crisis in Our Backyard

Perhaps you saw Hulu’s limited series Dopesick, starring Michael Keaton. It’s based partly on material by journalist Beth Macy, who has written extensively about the opioid crisis in Appalachia. But the opioid crisis is not the stuff of TV series and is certainly not contained to Appalachia… it is nationwide.

puppy at christmas
Holidays for Many Can Be Very Hard

In 1863, during the dark days of the American Civil War, the great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem “Christmas Bells”.

woman at outdoor dinner party with friends
Can Smoking Make MS Worse?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition where the immune system attacks itself. MS affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to vision, movement, and balance problems. Over time, many studies have investigated the link between multiple sclerosis and smoking. Multiple Sclerosis News Today reports a serious conclusion: a smoker’s risk of developing MS is 1.5 times higher than non-smokers.

storm stock
Storms

Weathering the storm” has long been a phrase used to describe surviving a difficult challenge in life. Challenges come in all forms and can be physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual. But it’s equally true that storms are always a part of life. We are either heading into, passing through or coming out of one kind of storm or another. Often times, we are battling a combination of storms occurring at the same time.

shane reeves father at pharmacy
Getting Old Ain’t for Sissies

I had dinner with my dad over the weekend and given the nearness of his birthday (November 22nd) he was understandably reminiscing about his almost 81 years of life. Most of the community here in Murfreesboro and the employees at TwelveStone know that my dad is a pharmacist. He is the reason that I entered this profession more than 30 years ago.

momentum demands movement
The Momentum of Care

Momentum is a key factor in the success of any organization. It's the ability to keep moving forward, even when things aren't going well, or when they're changing rapidly. This matters because momentum keeps us from getting stuck in place, and it helps us move forward into new areas of growth and possibility.

12 Stone Chaplain Chip
How Infusion Centers can Improve Post-Acute Compliance and the Care Experience for Patients with Complex Chronic Conditions

Research has shown that care plan nonadherence is associated with “increased physician visits, higher hospitalization rates, longer hospital stays, disease worsening, and increased mortality.”[1]  Patients living with chronic conditions that require intravenous (IV) treatment are especially vulnerable. One of the greatest concerns is adherence to treatment. Infusion centers can fill this role by becoming a partner in the patient’s healthcare.

NMOSD Deshon
Living with Neuromyelitis Optical Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

Last year we shared information about neuromyelitis optical spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a chronic disease whose source is yet unknown, affecting between 1 and 10 per 100,000 Americans. Meet Deshon Williams, a Wonderful Patient from our Infusion Center in Canton Georgia.

thank you nurses
Honor Where Honor is Due: Nurses Week 2022

Happy Nurses Week! Nurses have always been the cornerstone of medical care delivery and it is important to give honor where honor is due. We are thankful for the incredibly talented nurses that work in a variety of positions at TwelveStone Health Partners. Our patients are blessed by your unwavering commitment to excellence balanced with caring, empathetic attitudes.

mom with family
Mother’s Day and the Sandwich Generation

For those of us in the sandwich generation, the age when we begin taking care of the women who raised us while also addressing the needs of our own children this is an especially poignant moment to honor our wives. My wife Amanda was a clinical professional who spent her career as a nurse caring for others. These days, she is most certainly the center of our home where she is air traffic controller for our three children and on point for issues associated with caring for aging parents. Her labor of love and ability to balance it all is quite astounding to behold.

grandfather grandson joyful
Where does your Joy come from?

We don’t have to look far to find unhappy people. This is not what Jesus wanted for His children. He came that we might experience real joy and that our “joy might be full” (abundant and overflowing). Yet, many of God’s people are still incredibly miserable because they think being “happy” and being “joyful” are the same thing.

basketball goal
The Spirit of the Underdog

March Madness is appropriately named. Sixty-four teams come to the dance with hopes of taking home the NCAA top prize. Everyone brings their very best. And every year, brackets are blown as a few ‘Cinderella’ teams knock out the top seeds in the first or second round. But rarely does it happen past those first two rounds.

nurse heart essential worker love
Are You an A-Player?

“A-players” are essential to the success of any organization. At TwelveStone Health, these valuable team members are the people who embrace our values and work passionately towards a collective goal. They are also committed to their team and work collaboratively to achieve common objectives. A-players have a clear understanding of their role within the company and contribute value in a meaningful way.

spring hill infusion center
Keep Praying: Recognizing the Power of Prayer

At TwelveStone, we believe that prayer is powerful, sometimes more powerful than we realize. Prayers have the ability to change our situation even during the most challenging times in life. As the lead chaplain at TwelveStone, we communicate nearly every day with our employees, asking them to share prayer requests. We take the same approach with our patients, recognizing the positive power prayer has in the healing process. The simple act, just knowing that someone cares, has never been more important given the times in which we are currently living.

covid politics
The Politicization of COVID

When Public Health is Compromised by Political Maneuvering. How did matters of public health become a political issue? Cancer is not Republican. Diabetes is not Democrat. Heart disease is not Libertarian. Yet here we are.

compassion kindness
Kindness and Compassion, the Very Heart of TwelveStone

In 1990, I embarked on the journey to become a pharmacist. I am fiercely passionate about helping people and saw this career path as the perfect balance between science and service. Since beginning my career in 1994 in the family business (which evolved into TwelveStone Health Partners), I have only grown more devoted to connecting with people and ensuring that they receive the best care possible. It is a core responsibility of every team member to let God’s grace work through us to treat others with kindness, compassion, love, and peace of mind in their most challenging season.

new year what will you do
When the slate is clean where do you begin?

Welcome to the new year friends! Coming back from the holidays often involves mixed emotions. I find it can be bittersweet for one year to end and another one to begin, but I do love the clean slate that comes with a new calendar year. But, before diving into this new year, I’d suggest taking a moment in this transition.

Christmas-manger
Waiting for Christmas

Waiting for Christmas is a season of stillness, of waiting and of expectant hope. God brought His only son to us in the whisper of a dark night, away in a manger, away from the crowd.

who-are-you
The Foundation of a Successful Leader

It has long been debated whether leaders are born or created. And if you ask what makes a successful leader you are likely to find a variety of answers. Leaders come in many forms. Some are called to create from inception, others are more skilled for a maintenance season and then there are those who are at their best leading through storms and trials. Depending on someone’s native abilities, acquired skills and personality style they may be more successful (and/or more fulfilled) in one of these settings more than the others.

joyful
Be Excellent. Have joy. Love your job. What you do matters.

When you think about work, does it generate a feeling of joy or dread? Do you get excited looking at what you’ve accomplished at the end of the week, or do you start the Friday countdown on Wednesday? Considering that we spend 40-50 hours a week (or 45% of our waking hours) at our job, one would hope that we are spending it doing something that we enjoy and that matters to us and to others.

world-trade-center-memorial-skyline
Memories from 9/11

Memories (Good and Bad) can be great reminders of the faithfulness and goodness of God across the span of our lives. Memories also motivate us toward prayer, thanksgiving, and praise.  They may also act as tormentors that drive us to re-live pain, remorse, regret, or the shock of serious loss.  Good or bad, memories overtime can get cloudy or fade away, while others are etched like a photo on a steel plate in our minds. The memories that never seem to leave us (good or bad) should always serve to move and motivate us toward better things.

corporate-culture
Corporate Culture

We can look at culture (organizational health) in a company the same way a builder looks at the mortar between the bricks of a house. If the mortar is cracking or weak then the house will not be stable. It might collapse under the strain of bad weather due to a poor “mortared” foundation. The mortar at TwelveStone is a combination of our purpose statement, core values, aligned strategy, commitment to teamwork, and healthy communication.

achievement
The Most Rewarding Achievements in Life

The very word ‘achieve’ implies earned so let’s first eliminate the unexpected blessings we receive. But for those rewards that we do in fact earn there seem to be three main characteristics.

prayer-group
Prayer Matters

Life is hard. People are flawed. And at times this world makes it seem like there is no safe place. Sharing prayer requests is one of the most vulnerable things we can do. It is handing over a person or situation to someone else, trusting they will honor it well.

Small group praying in circle with hands on shoulders
The Power of Prayer

Most companies don't have a chaplain---but perhaps they should. The TwelveStone commitment to both the physical and spiritual healing of our patients extends to our employees as well. Families care for one another, and we like to view our organization as an extension of our own families. That's how we treat every patient...

forgiveness
The Miracle of Forgiveness

Forgiveness can be a painfully difficult but life-changing choice. Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) was a Dutch activist during the Nazi Occupation of the Netherlands. She worked tirelessly to hide Jews from arrest and deportation driven by her Christian faith. Her strongly held belief was in the equality of all human beings before God led to her imprisonment, along with many of her family in a concentration camp.

mom-daughter-cooking
Improving the Lives of Patients Suffering with NMOSD

Neuromyelitis optical spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a chronic disease that typically affects between 1 and 10 per 100,000 Americans. NMOSD is usually characterized by an inflammation of the optic nerve and spinal cord, creating a host of symptoms, including damage to the motor, sensory, and autonomic functions[1], causing incontinence and difficulty walking. This autoimmune disorder causes the individual’s own body to attack the central nervous system impacting proteins like aquaporin-4 resulting in some patients testing positive for aquaporin-4 antibodies.

Healthcare Heroes

While out driving around, I saw a sign on a business about the “57 Rules to Success”. It read: Provide incredible value to your customers. The other 56 don’t matter. This sign made me think about the work we are doing here at TwelveStone and how proud I am of the value we provide our own customers.

On Restoration and Hope

An interaction I had with a woman at church recently seemed to really fit this topic. She shared that she had gotten an infusion in the TwelveStone Murfreesboro Infusion Center. She went on to share that she had been quite nervous until she stepped out into the hallway and saw the scripture on the wall from Isaiah 40:31

On Giving Thanks

On September 28, 1789, the first Federal Congress passed a resolution asking that the President of the United States recommend a day of thanksgiving. A few days later, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, November 26, 1789 as a "Day of Publick Thanksgivin" - the first time Thanksgiving was celebrated under the new Constitution. It was a time of great excitement in this new nation. Giving thanks seemed the right thing to do, can the same be said today?

Moving Past the Pandemic – The Plan for Vaccines

Like many of our clients and my constituents, I lost a dear friend this past weekend due to COVID-19. Although he had a blood disorder and other comorbidities that simply prevented his immune system from mounting a serious fight against the virus, I have become more convinced each day that this virus is not going anywhere. The “new normal” for this season will include cough, cold, the flu and COVID. There are many opinions about the COVID vaccine and the topic of vaccinations in general. As a healthcare provider and a member of the Tennessee Senate, I have made the decision to get immunized as soon as it becomes available for three reasons.

The Power Of Prayer And Humility During Challenging Times

Governor Bill Lee recently designated October 15th as a Day of Prayer, Humility, and Fasting.[1] And the need has never been greater. The proclamation acknowledges the “pain, suffering and challenges Tennesseans are experiencing from this unique season of life in our state and in our nation.” It speaks to, among other things, our need to “act with justice, kindness and love, no matter the circumstance.”

A Higher Level of Care: Making a Difference One Patient at a Time

As a senator, I have the opportunity to routinely connect with people across the state of Tennessee. This happened again Sunday afternoon in Bedford County. I was approached by a gentleman who explained to me that his wife had been facing a number of serious health conditions over the last couple of years that required in-home infusion services from TwelveStone Health Partners.

Building A Safer LTC Community For The Next Pandemic

After nearly four months of shut-down due to the coronavirus pandemic, our nation is finally in the process of reopening. Most states are following a multi-stage strategy for which businesses and organizations can reopen first, as well as guidelines that have to be followed. Although some states’ guidelines are more stringent than others, most agree that there must be no compromises when it comes to reopening our long-term care (LTC) facilities. These facilities have borne the brunt of our nation’s COVID-19 fatalities.

Facing the Invisible Foe Head On: Protecting Tennesseans Throughout The COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Imagine that you are on a boat in the middle of the ocean and a huge surprise storm suddenly hits. You were not prepared for a storm, so the boat quickly capsizes, and you find yourself floating in the ocean.

Response to COVID-19: A Challenging Time, Yet Remembering What’s Most Important

The rapid spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) reminds us all of the vital role hospitals, health systems, and providers play in supporting our society during stressful moments like this in history.

The Power of Prayer in the Eye of the Storm

Never, ever, take life or your loved ones for granted. It is short, and it is precious.

Healthcare Age Discrimination. Not Ok, in Tennessee, nor America.

Former NYC Mayor and current presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg is taking heat for suggesting that it’s reasonable to deny treatment to older Americans as a cost-cutting measure for a health system in crisis. Media outlets including Forbes, reported that in 2011, Bloomberg was recorded saying that society’s unwillingness to make hard choices when it comes to caring for older Americans is “going to bankrupt us.”1

Starting the Year and Today in a Positive Way

I celebrated my 52nd year of life this past weekend.  Although no one’s life is easy, I’ve had my share of blessings along the way and am thankful on this Martin Luther King morning for another week to live, love and try and make a difference in Murfreesboro, Tennessee--our little corner of the world.

It’s a Wonderful Life

There are more than a few tremendous lessons that can be extracted from the interaction between George Bailey (and Jimmy Stewart for that matter) and Clarence the angel.

Christmas, A Magical, Difficult Time

For many of us, the holidays can be an emotional roller coaster.  We want to celebrate and remember “The Reason for the Season”, but the empty chair at Thanksgiving and now Christmas and even New Years can bring tears and heightened grief.

The Joint Commission Patient Safety Goals of 2019

The Joint Commission, accrediting more than 21,000 health care organizations, has new patient safety goals for 2019 to take effect in 2020. The goals highlight safety problems in the current state of healthcare and offer possible solutions.

National Diabetes Month Part II: Bob’s Diabetes Care Journey

November is National Diabetes Month, an observance that invites individuals and communities everywhere to focus attention on diabetes. This educational and advocacy effort is organized and promoted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Tennessee, An Intelligent and Intentional Approach

The Tennessean published a thoughtful article this morning about the opioid epidemic in our state. First and most importantly, my heart goes out to any Tennessean that has lost a loved one or friend to an overdose of opiates. As my scorecard indicates, we understand this is a major problem and are committed to winning this battle.

Certificate of Need: Impact on Access, Affordability and Quality?

As featured in TN Talks, a monthly publication of the Tennessee Association for Home Care

Making Strides Toward a Healthier Future for ALL Tennesseans

The state of Tennessee is beautiful on so many levels: our people, our natural resources, our great farmers, and top universities. We have so much to be grateful for and appreciate. But there are several significant challenges that strain our state, especially in the area of healthcare.

Four Steps To Improving Healthcare In 2019 and Beyond

Embracing Change and Innovation is the Key to Success As a state senator and head of a post-acute specialty pharmacy, I see first-hand the remarkable strides being made in healthcare every day. Even though we have a long way to go to be where we should be in terms of care delivery and outcomes, I

A Christmas Miracle

by Chip Sekulich, TwelveStone Chaplain Many years have passed since I found out who Santa really was, after which Christmas lost much of its mystery. However, I still believe in the possibility of Christmas miracles. A Different Time, 51 Years Ago Christmas of 1967 was a rough time for many families, especially those with loved

Displaced By Michael, Blessed by TwelveStone

By Chip Sekulich, TwelveStone Chaplain Many of us have enjoyed the beauty of the Gulf Coast of Florida. As you know, Eastern Panama City, Mexico Beach and Southwest Georgia took the brunt of Hurricane Michael’s wrath. We look at the shattered shore line and realize that many, many lives have been impacted by the devastation

Remember…17 years ago, today.

By Chip Sekulich, Chaplain and Patient Advocate | TwelveStone Health Partners Seventeen years ago this morning, over the course of several hours, nearly 3,000 people in the Northeastern US left this life unexpectedly and the lives of many millions of the rest of us would be changed forever. Certainly, we should remember positive events and

A Stone Given, A Stone Returned

It started out as a day like any other, walking through the capital, mentally reviewing the day’s agenda when a gentleman approached me. “Mr. Reeves, you don’t know me, but my father was one of your patients. He passed away in November.” The man reached into his pocket, sharing something personal—“He gave this to me

Women and Heart Disease: Know the Differences

Heart disease does not discriminate. Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year and women are only half as likely to survive a heart attack. Why? The Hollywood Effect Many women don’t know what a heart attack is supposed to feel like. Hollywood has skewed the perception. It’s not a

Heart Disease: Facts that Save Lives

February is Heart Month. Beyond Valentine’s Day, it’s the time of year we bring awareness to: Heart disease Best-practice prevention protocols Heart disease medications and drugs to avoid Dosing factors and Solutions for simplifying medication adherence There is a Difference between Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Coronary Heart Disease. Patient’s often interchange the terms Coronary

Lipscomb University trip to Nicaragua aided by Rx4HIM

Recently, Lipscomb University took a team of 22 students and medical professionals to Nicaragua on a medical mission trip over the winter break. The team visited four cities: Yali, Pantasma, Apanas, and Jinotega, setting up a clinic in each.

Thanksgiving Blessings

We all remember learning about Thanksgiving in grade school. Besides making hand turkeys, many of us reenacted the Thanksgiving meal when pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians sat down together to celebrate the bountiful harvest. It’s hard to believe that nearly 400 years have passed since the first Thanksgiving in 1621. We can thank Abraham Lincoln for

Chronic Condition Patients Require More than The Corner Pharmacy

When was the last time you went to the doctor and came away without a prescription? If you’re like most people, it’s probably been a while. In fact, nearly 75% of doctor visits result in a prescription, and nearly a forth of us take 3 or more prescriptions on a regular basis. * That’s a

Either the Worst Luck or the Greatest Miracle: Lee Golden Chooses ‘Miracle’

Just over a year ago, Chief Pharmacy Officer Lee Golden thought he had a sinus infection. The weekend before, the competitive marathoner and father of two had just completed a 20-mile training run. But something wasn’t right. Within just a few days, he was admitted to the hospital with suspected meningitis. But other than a

7 Ways a Trump Presidency Impacts Post-Acute Care

By Shane Reeves, CEO of TwelveStone Health Partners With a Trump administration well into its first 100 days, those involved with post-acute care are busily reading the tea leaves brewing in Washington. Here’s a look at the likely changes coming to the post-acute care landscape: Hospitals are in the hot seat; post-acute care must be

Praise and Thanksgiving

By Shane Reeves, CEO of TwelveStone Health Partners After such a difficult election season, it only seems right to stop, reflect and think about why we even have Thanksgiving. It originated as a harvest festival and has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789, after a proclamation by George Washington. Thanksgiving has been celebrated

Honoring Pharmacists and Looking Forward

By Shane Reeves, CEO of TwelveStone Health Partners October is American Pharmacists Month, so it’s only appropriate that we honor the health care professionals who help us wade through adapting to new medications, recommended relief from seasonal allergies, and—if we didn’t get a flu shot—kindly point us to the medications that provide help during cold

Rx4HIM

“I believe that one of the next great moves of God is going to be through believers in the workplace.” — Dr. Billy Graham

The Transformation of Post-Acute Care

By Shane Reeves, CEO of TwelveStone Health Partners In a recent article put together for the Nashville Business Journal I summarized my thoughts about where I see our industry heading in terms of the transformation of post-acute care. Regulatory transformations and demographic shifts have quietly lined up to create a “perfect storm” for providers in

Lessons Learned at Leadercast

By Shane Reeves, CEO of TwelveStone Health Partners At the Leadercast Event last week, some incredible speakers shared highly relevant content with more than 100,000 people nationwide. As sponsors of a site in Murfreesboro, many of the leaders in my company and our community were able to hear from a group of really motivating presenters

The Transformation of Post-Acute Care

By Shane Reeves, CEO of TwelveStone Health Partners In a recent article put together for the Nashville Business Journal I summarized my thoughts about where I see our industry heading in terms of the transformation of post-acute care. Regulatory transformations and demographic shifts have quietly lined up to create a “perfect storm” for providers in

What’s Next in Healthcare—It’s All About the Patient

I think one of the most profound changes I’ve witnessed in the healthcare industry over the past 25 years is actually a philosophical challenge. Previously, executives and leadership had more of an inward focus—how many beds are filled this month? How many providers do we need for staffing? What is our market share in the