Mission: Lifeline Helps Save Lives in Wyoming

The CEO of LifePoint Hospitals’ Wyoming market, Stephen Erixon brings more than three decades of medical leadership experience to the role. Stephen Erixon also makes time away from work to support health-care initiatives through the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

An estimated 51 Wyoming residents are diagnosed with heart disease every day. Each of them has a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. In response to this, the Wyoming division of the American Heart Association launched a three-year program called Mission: Lifeline.

Mission: Lifeline, funded by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, First Interstate Bank, and the Working for Wyoming Fund, seeks to streamline care provided to individuals suffering from ST-elevation myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as STEMI.

Offering proper training on response efforts and new equipment, the program ensures all patients receive quality care throughout the treatment and recovery process. Further, Mission: Lifeline raises awareness about heart attacks, teaching the public about symptoms that signal the need for emergency support. In addition to leveraging media outlets to share public service announcements, the program distributes educational materials statewide.

Lander Regional Receives Second Consecutive MPQH Hospital Award

Stephen Erixon heads Lander Regional Hospital in Lander, Wyoming, as CEO of the LifePoint Hospitals member facility. Serving in this capacity since 2012, Steve Erixon leverages an accomplished career in hospital management that spans more than three decades. Some of Stephen Erixon’s previous positions include president and CEO of Skaggs Regional Medical Center in Missouri and president and CEO of Baxter Regional Medical Center in Arkansas.

In October 2013, Lander Regional announced its co-receipt of a second consecutive “Commitment to Quality Award” from Mountain Pacific Quality Health (MPQH). Lander Regional and Riverton Memorial Hospitals of Riverton, Wyoming, were both presented with the accolade at the Wyoming Hospital Association’s September conference.

MPQH, a physician-sponsored organization, focuses on improving healthcare and related services in Wyoming and three other states. MPQH praised Lander Regional’s outstanding performance within several nationally benchmarked areas, including infections prevention, heart failure care, and pneumonia care. The award also recognizes the hospital’s leadership and strong track record of implementing quality care initiatives and patient-centered operations.

Important Safety Tips for Sporting Clays

Stephen Erixon serves as the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Rainy Lake Medical Center in Minnesota, a position he accepted after a significant tenure as the CEO of Skaggs Regional Medical Center. Outside of work, Steve Erixon enjoys a number of athletic pursuits, including sporting clays. Like virtually any sport, this activity involves certain risks. The use of guns elevates this risk, making it imperative that every participant understand the basic safety rules of the game. First, individuals should always point their guns in a safe direction–never at other people. This means remaining aware of the gun at all times. Also, individuals must never assume that a gun is unloaded. Whenever someone picks up a new rifle, he or she should check for live cartridges. Individuals should only load their guns at shooting stations and always leave the action open. Shooters should refrain from carrying more than one gauge of ammunition since loading the wrong size can result in serious problems. When preparing to shoot, people should never have their fingers on the trigger until they actually call for the target. In the event of a misfire, the individual should keep the weapon pointed downrange for at least 30 seconds before opening the action to avoid an accident. Also, participants should always wear proper ear and eye protection at the range.

Tips for Sporting Clays: Daily Practice

After a distinguished tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of Skaggs Regional Medical Center, Stephen Erixon has served as the Interim CEO at both Memorial Hospital of Carbon County and Rainy Lake Medical Center. When not overseeing medical facilities, Steve Erixon enjoys a variety of sports, including skiing and shooting sporting clays. Like any athletic activity, shooting clays requires a significant amount of practice. The best shooters work practicing into their daily routine. Practice does not require going to the range. Instead, individuals can easily practice in their own homes. In fact, practicing positions in front of a mirror ensure proper posture, stance, and movements. One of the most important motions to practice is swinging and mounting the gun. Of course, individuals should always ensure that the guy is unloaded before practicing. When swinging, a shooter should stand straight without tilting his or her head. Ideally, individuals use short, calculated motions with both hands. One should choose a single position to start from and attempt an equal swing and mount each time. Shooters must mount the gun to the face, rather than the shoulder.

Stephen Erixon Discusses Symphony of the Mountains

Founded in 1946, Symphony of the Mountains has entertained residents of Kingsport, Tennessee, and the surrounding area with music for nearly 70 years. Originally known as the Kingsport Symphony Orchestra, Symphony of the Mountains held its first rehearsal with just 27 musicians. This number nearly doubled soon after. Its first concert was free for the public, and all of the performers volunteered their services. Over the next several years, the entity expanded its offerings with pop, light, and classical music performances.

In the 1960s, Symphony of the Mountains created the Kingsport Symphony Youth Orchestra to provide young musicians with the opportunity to express themselves. Another major milestone occurred in the early 2000s when it combined with two local choirs.

Today, this organization runs events throughout the year. To access its calendar and learn about upcoming concerts, please visit http://www.symphonyofthemountains.org.

About the Author:

Board certified in Healthcare Management and the former Chief Executive Officer of Baxter Regional Medical Center and Skaggs Regional Medical Center, Stephen Erixon donates to Symphony of the Mountains.