Moving Forward
It has been a very exciting (and stressful) time! We now have an approved laboratory certificate permitting us to perform “official” pregnancy tests. A brand new state-of-the-art ultrasound machine donated by the Knights of Columbus has been delivered to the facility and is ready to go!Rick Morris, our sonographer, has been busy learning the ins and outs of this machine and is preparing to start doing ultrasounds. We visited Life Centers in Indianapolis to gain some insight from their experience with ultrasound testing and to help form our own patient flow. We have also had numerous conferences with our partners, NIFLA, who are guiding us through the medical conversion process.As expected, we have had some unplanned requirements to address and are currently reconfiguring the ultrasound room to meet OSHA standards; including the installation of hard surface flooring. We still have a few other loose ends to tie up in order to make sure we are in full compliance and are be able to deliver medically accepted ultrasound testing. Even so, I believe we have the appropriate personnel and policies in place to begin VERY SOON.Please continue to support the staff during this undertaking with your prayers; it is a very detail-driven, onerous task which is extremely demanding for everyone involved. But the end result - the ability to show mothers who come through our doors the miracle of life within them - is worth it all!Meet our ARDMS
Richard (Rick) Morris is a licensed ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography). He is certified in OBGYN abdominal and neurological diagnostic sonography. Throughout his career, Rick has maintained an esteemed reputation as a highly-skilled and talented sonographer.Rick began his career in radiology in 1977. Completing his ARDMS certification in 1992, he has become a master in his field. Since 1982, Mr. Morris was the only technologist that performed both CT and ultrasound examinations at Ball Memorial Hospital.Rick retired from IU Ball Memorial Health Hospital in October 2014 and has offered his services to First Choice for Women on a completely volunteer basis. His skill is only outweighed by his passion for life.Meet our Nurse Manager
Joellen Holzer received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2002 from Ball State University. She has worked in both intensive care and wound care. Joellen has generously accepted a volunteer position as the Nurse Manager for First Choice for Women.Joellen’s role is vital to the success of the ultrasound program, as she will be responsible for maintaining OSHA regulations, HIPPA compliance, department budgeting and scheduling. First Choice would not be able to move forward with the ultrasound program without Joellen.How truly blessed we are to have heroes like Rick and Joellen involved in this ministry!
