Health and Human Services News

A new initiative making a big impact

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The MSU Care Clinic recently introduced a produce fridge that gives patients access to fresh and healthy food items they might not have otherwise.  

The produce fridge
The produce fridge

Thanks to Ozarks Food Harvest for providing this fridge to enhance the clinic’s capacity to meet patients’ food needs.

“Many of our patients cannot afford healthy food, so this fridge is a vital support for them,” said Justin Gassel, MSU Care Clinic practice manager. “This support helps patients focus on their health without worrying about food.”   

Fresh food for a better life 

The fridge is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, leafy greens and sweet potatoes and is restocked every week. Patients can take what they need during clinic hours without any additional requirements. 

“Fresh and nutritious food is a vital part of overall health and plays a key role in improving patients’ lives,” said Jaime Gnau, clinical assistant professor at Missouri State University and registered dietitian at the MSU Care Clinic. 

Looking ahead, the clinic plans to expand the food program through an internship opportunity for nutrition and dietetics students.  

“The students will offer recipes and cooking demonstrations to patients, empowering them to make the most of their fresh produce,” said Gnau. 

A lifeline for the underserved

Missouri State and Mercy Hospital Springfield opened the MSU Care Clinic in 2015. Located inside the O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Center, it provides free health services and medication to underserved and uninsured patients aged 18-64.

In addition to medical care and food, patients can get clothing and essential hygiene supplies. 

The clinic also serves as a referral point for homeless patients. It connects them with other resources, such as shelter referrals and assistance with Medicaid and Social Security Disability applications. 

The clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 

Check out the MSU Care Clinic

Fun times at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo 2023 

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The Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) is the largest conference focused on the latest research in the nutrition and dietetics field. 

Missouri State University nutrition and dietetics faculty members Dr. Sarah Murray, senior instructor and program director, and Jaime Gnau, clinical assistant professor, got to present at this year’s conference. 

Held in Denver, Colorado, from Oct. 7-10, the conference offered a variety of innovative technology and evidence-based research in the field of nutrition. Three MSU faculty and five undergraduate students attended the event. 

“Attending the annual FNCE is always invigorating! The conference is packed with cutting-edge information about what’s new in nutrition and dietetics,” Murray said. “It’s a great learning experience for all dietitians – no matter how long you have been in the profession.”  

About the event 

This annual event is hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, h which is the largest professional organization of nutrition and dietetic professionals in the country.   

“Attending FNCE provided me with invaluable networking opportunities and access to latest trends in nutrition,” said Ashlyn Ooi, senior dietetics student.  

“FNCE offers a unique chance to connect with industry experts, gain insights into cutting-edge research and foster deeper understanding of the field, ultimately advancing my professional development in the world of nutrition and dietetics.” 

The expo showcases innovative food products that support health, good nutrition and offer a variety of alternatives for special dietary needs. 

Yun Ji Kim, senior dietetics student, enjoyed learning about plant-based alternatives at one of the many informative sessions.  

“This knowledge will help me recommend the proper plant-based milk alternatives to future clients and patients based on their individual needs,” Kim said. 

Presentations on relevant topics 

This year, nutrition and dietetics faculty presented their research during the poster presentation session of the conference: 

  • Murray presented her research in student leadership development. 
    • “Exploring How Nutrition and Dietetic Students Make Meaning of Their Educational Experiences and the Impact It Has on Their Leadership Development.” 
  • Gnau and Stephanie Urich, graduate student, presented research on perceived nutrition risks among low-income patient populations.  
    • “Exploring Connections Between Perceived and Actual Nutrition Risk Among Low-income, Uninsured Patients and Their Healthcare Providers.” 

Enjoying the conference 

At the conference, MSU students and alumni had the chance to meet up, taking the opportunity to snap a group picture in front of Denver’s famous “Blue Bear.” 

Students were amazed at how much more there is to learn about the profession outside of the classroom. Topics ranged from leadership, career development, public policy and innovations in clinical dietetics. 

“Attending FNCE was a great experience,” said Cassidy Fontinel, senior dietetics student. “It was a great opportunity for learning, networking and paving the path to my future as a dietitian.” 

Explore the nutrition and dietetics program

Dietetics professor wins award for work with MSU Care clinic and food insecurity

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Congratulations, Professor Gnau!

The Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MOCAN) awarded Jaime Gnau, a registered dietitian nutritionist and clinical instructor of dietetics at Missouri State University, with the Excellence in Connecting Health to the Community award.

The award recognizes a Missouri healthcare professional who goes above and beyond to promote healthy eating and active living in his or her community.

Gnau, also a dietitian at the MSU Care clinic, partnered with Ozarks Food Harvest in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide food for clinic patients, many of whom face food insecurity.

The program was a huge success and is still active.

As of August 2021, the clinic has distributed 30,427 pounds of food, which equates to 25,355 meals.

Read more about Gnau’s work with the MSU Care clinic

MSU Care clinic faculty and staff volunteer once a month to make the food distribution program happen.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Gnau or the MSU Care clinic

Helping those in need

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In March 2020, when it became clear that COVID-19 was impacting lives in the Ozarks, Jaime Gnau placed a call to Ozarks Food Harvest.Gnau is a dietitian at the MSU Care Clinic. In May 2020, she graduated with a master’s degree in health promotion and wellness management.

That degree gave her the organizational and leadership skills to launch a food box initiative at the clinic.

“I had a diabetic patient that came in and he was scared to go to the grocery store. He was scared to leave his house. We started doing phone visits to stay connected with him. He didn’t have enough food and it was impacting his blood sugar. I felt so helpless,” Gnau said.

Taking action

Jaime Gnau hauling food boxes.
Jaime Gnau bringing in food supplies at the MSU Care Clinic.

Gnau transformed that feeling into action.

She contacted Ozark Food Harvest and asked if she could get nutritious food to hand out to food-insecure patients.

“I told them the contents I would like to have. Food that is low in sodium, balanced with fruits and vegetables, whole grains over refined grains. I told them how many we would need based on what I assumed would be the need. They stepped up to the plate,” she said.

“My degree in health promotion and wellness management has helped me as far as the academic side. There was a lot of focus on theory and research and that has helped me immensely. It’s a strong program.”

The need exceeded her expectations.

Between March 27 and September 9, staff at MSU Care Clinic parceled out 14,093 pounds of food to their patients.

That translates into 11,744 meals.

The partnership is continuing.

“I am proud of our team. It’s been great. If you are hungry, it’s hard to do anything. I am glad we’ve been able to help with food insecurity. It’s a climbing problem with COVID,” she said.

Big hearted, but not yet a Bear

This is a second career for Gnau.

The Ozark native spent 13 years as a radiologic technologist, but she longed for more.

“I got into health care to help people. In that position I didn’t get that fulfillment. We were told to get people in and out as fast as we could. I couldn’t develop relationships with people,” she said.

So in 2013, Gnau decided to switch careers. She enrolled in Missouri State’s dietetics program.

“I love that Missouri State has the community focus. It resonated with me to be a Bear,” she said. “This is exactly where I want to be.”

She graduated in 2017 and completed her one-year internship in 2018.

Then she decided to pursue a master’s in health promotion and wellness management. The degree would expand her skillset and enhance her degree in dietetics.

“What I really enjoyed was it was flexible enough for me to work part time and take care of my family,” Gnau said. “The faculty were very helpful in helping me complete the process and supporting my goals. It fit really well within my experience as a dietitian. A lot of responsibilities of health educator align with nutrition.”

She landed a job before graduation — at Missouri State.

Gnau wears three hats: she’s a clinical instructor in the biomedical sciences department, a dietitian at the MSU Care Clinic, and clinical coordinator for the dietetic internship program.

“I love that I get to teach and remain in clinic,” Gnau said.  “It’s the best of both worlds.”

Earn a master’s degree in health promotion and wellness management