There’s no such thing as being too proactive when it comes to ensuring the health and safety of a community. As we begin to close out 2020, retirement communities are determining how to make sure that residents can live well and live better, no matter what future pandemics may come our way (or be here to stay).
“Even though our independent living community won’t open until 2021, we are already prioritizing the cleanliness of our community and the safety of our residents,” says Kevin Kast, Managing Member of Avalon Park, an independent living community scheduled to open in summer 2021 in Cottleville, MO. “We have developed and effected strategies to assure Avalon Park is safe and hygienic, our residents are confident and secure, and the community is prepared for any eventuality.”
“Avalon Park has already installed a specialized system that provides a comfortable, healthy environment with state-of-the-art ventilation and filtration. We have also created an Avalon Park Medical Advisory Board to oversee the wellness of our community and taken exceptional care to implement procedures and protocols that propel our community above expected industry standards.”
The Avalon Park Medical Advisory Board is composed of six medical professionals, each selected for their high quality of care, significant contributions in the health and wellness field, and dedication to their communities. We are pleased to welcome each one to our board and look forward to working hand in hand with them to ensure a healthy, safe and enjoyable lifestyle for our future residents.
Meet the Avalon Park Medical Advisory Board
Jim Hinrichs, MD
Infectious Disease Specialist, St. Louis County Public Health Department
Dr. James Hinrichs is an infectious disease specialist in Saint Louis, MO, and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area. He has been in practice for more than 20 years. He is board certified in infectious disease and medical microbiology. He also serves as Medical Director for Doorways, a nonprofit organization providing housing for HIV homeless clients and has provided much-needed support to that organization with coronavirus planning and training nursing staff. Dr. Hinrichs has also served as the Chief Medical Officer for SSM St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles and St. Joseph Hospital in Lake Saint Louis.
Julie Eckstein, MBA
Associate Vice President Community Health, Interim CEO DePaul Community Health Centers, Ascension Health Former State of Missouri – Director of Health and Senior Services
Julie Eckstein has over 30 years of experience in various areas of community and public health, health care delivery and health policy. She has developed transformational community health models, new care delivery models to meet the Quadruple Aim and innovative technology platforms. Julie is known for her visionary leadership, passion, enthusiastic energy level, commitment to “get it done” and her mantra, “It’s all about health!” She led the Governor’s Pandemic Planning and Healthcare IT task forces. Julie has clinical experience in psychiatry, brain injury rehabilitation, burn trauma, pediatrics, chemical dependency, skilled nursing, and long-term care/geriatrics and has also held leadership positions within economic development, marketing and process improvement.
Bruce Clements, MPH
Author of Disasters and Public Health: Planning and Response
Bruce Clements is the President at Pediatric Healthcare Connection in Austin, TX, and previously served as the Preparedness and Response Director at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), as well as the equivalent position for the State of Missouri. In this capacity, he provided leadership and oversight for public health preparedness programs and related legislative initiatives. His efforts combined the disciplines of public health, clinical medicine, emergency management and public administration to build a statewide public health and medical emergency response infrastructure. He has published a variety of articles on preparedness and has contributed book chapters. He has also lectured extensively on preparedness topics for over 20 years.
Carlos Seuc, MD
Cardiology Specialist
Dr. Carlos Seuc is a Cardiology Specialist in Saint Charles, MO, and has over 43 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Seuc has more experience with Adult Congenital Cardiac Disorders and Cardiac Care than other specialists in his area. He graduated from Madrid U medical school in 1977. He has been affiliated with medical facilities SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Lake Saint Louis and SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – St. Charles.
Ronald Wepprich, MD
Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Wepprich is an Internal Medicine Specialist, with over 39 years of medical experience, who has practiced in St. Charles County since 1987, with privileges in the SSM and BJC hospitals. After graduate studies and research (virology) in the University of Wisconsin Molecular Biology Program, he received his medical degree from University of Missouri, Columbia in 1981. Dr. Wepprich served on the Parkside Meadows Retirement Community board of directors for 9 years, completing that service as board president.
Christopher Normile, MD
Family Medicine
Dr. Christopher Normile specializes in family practice in Saint Charles, MO, and has over 31 years of experience in the field of medicine. He graduated from University of Missouri School of Medicine – Columbia medical school with his medical degree in 1989. He is affiliated with numerous hospitals in Missouri and more, including Mercy Hospital St Louis, and specializes in preventative care, medical care and ongoing patient care.
To learn more about the Avalon Park Medical Advisory Board, or to find out more information about our independent living neighborhood in Cottleville, MO, please contact us at 636-489-4427.
Live Well, Live Better at Avalon Park – Opening Summer 2021
Avalon Park, an independent living neighborhood, will open its doors and welcome active adults ages 62 and over to live the lifestyle they want in a neighborhood that is as friendly as it is thriving.
What does this mean for you? It means you can forget the responsibilities and costs of maintaining a home. Leave behind the worries and boredom of living alone. Live close to Cottleville’s shops, restaurants, entertainment, churches and more.
As an independent living resident of Avalon Park, you’ll have access to amenities, services and social events designed to foster wellness – mind, body and spirit. We’ll offer access to and coordination of supportive services as well as telehealth services. You’ll also find an array of social gatherings and activities, including lectures, classes, movies, hobbies and more.
Best of all, you can move to Avalon Park with confidence, knowing that you will never have to move again. If your health needs ever change, or if you need additional assistance to remain living independently, the care and support you need is right here. A local health and home care agency will have an office conveniently located on-site and will coordinate and provide any services you need – right in the comfort of your own apartment. You will also have access to telehealth services. Now that’s a level of reassurance you wouldn’t have living alone.
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