Family Care Associates of Effingham

We’re proud to be a sponsor of The Climb event in Effingham, scheduled for October 5th, to support and raise awareness for postpartum mental health. Learn more by following their event page, and stay tuned for additional info!

⭐️⭐️ Sponsor Spotlight! ⭐️⭐️

Etablished in 1990, Family Care Associates of Effingham is an independent physician’s office in Effingham, Illinois. They provide a full range of
quality medical care and behavioral health care to their patients and families.

Their vision is to promote a wellness lifestyle for family and community. They treat every person with respect and dignity. They deliver personalized, comprehensive, collaborative, and continuous care to their patients.

Family Care Associates of Effingham is passionate about supporting maternal mental health - they’ve accomplished this by adding mental health screenings during newborn appointments and hosting a Mental Health Support Group for moms. Family Care Assistant wants to help continue to spread aware and education about Maternal Mental Health which is why they are proud sponsors of The Climb - Team Effingham Event!

Mark your calendars and come join us for a day of fun, support, and community at Evergreen Park! Together, we can make a difference. 💪

Did you know? Dr. Jeffery Crowell performs vasectomies at Family Care Associates on Friday evenings between 5-7pm during non-RHC hours. It’s one of the most effective forms of contraception and doesn’t affect sexual function, libido, or hormone production. And, it’s covered by most insurance providers.

Learn more and discuss your options with Dr. Crowell — call us at 217-342-7000 to schedule your consultation. Visit us at www.familycareassociates.com for additional information.

We’d like to thank Equity for inviting Family Care Associates to their Employee Benefits Fair today. Candi Estes, Nurse Practitioner and Zain Parker, Supervisor of Medical Office Assistants, are sharing information about FCA services with the Equity team!



Effingham County Chamber

As we continue to grow, our practice is hiring! Come join the Family Care Associates team as a Medical Office Assistant, Nurse, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Visit FamilyCareAssociates.com/Careers to learn more and to apply.

Summer's winding down—time to schedule your child's school or sports physical with Family Care Associates! Use our Patient Portal or call us at 217-342-7000. We'll have the Illinois physical form at your appointment, or you can access it at FamilyCareAssociates.com/patient-forms.

Not sure if your child needs a school physical? Here's what you need to know....

✅New to Illinois? All students need a physical before enrolling.
✅Physicals required for children entering Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades.
✅Sports physicals don’t meet 6th/9th grade exam requirements.

Have questions? Give us a call and our nurses can answer your questions and give you details on any immunizations your child might need as well.

Attention FCA Patients: STARTING TUESDAY, JULY 23 ....
The City of Effingham will close Merchant Street to thru traffic, from Eden Drive to Flamingo Avenue, for road reconstruction. Please use Evergreen Avenue to access Family Care Associates.

Note—This road closure will last approximately 3 months. Please be safe!

Attention FCA Patients: The City of Effingham will close Merchant Street to thru traffic, from Eden Drive to Flamingo Avenue, for road reconstruction starting Tuesday, July 23rd. Please use Evergreen Avenue to access Family Care Associates.

Note—This road closure will last approximately 3 months. Please be safe!

Considering a vasectomy? One of the advantages of a vasectomy is the relatively quick recovery time compared to other surgical procedures. Procedures are completed on Friday evenings between 5-7pm during non-RHC hours, and most men will resume their normal activities within a few days, with minimal discomfort and downtime.

During your consultation, Dr. Crowell will answer your questions and help you make an informed decision. Most insurance providers cover this procedure. Contact us at 217-342-7000 for info or visit us at www.familycareassociates.com.

We're excited to announce that Dr. Heischmidt is now accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance patients once again! This means even more access to the high-quality care you trust at Family Care Associates.

For any patient on the BCBS plan who was affected by this change earlier in the year, we invite you to contact us to schedule your appointment and let us take care of your health needs. Call us at 217-342-7000 or visit www.familycareassociates.com to book your visit.

Skip the back-and-forth between clinics. As a patient of Family Care Associates, you’ll have access to our on-site testing laboratory which offers a comprehensive range of tests, including blood work, urine analysis, throat cultures, pap smears and more. Get your results faster and streamline your healthcare journey with Family Care Associates.

Now accepting new patients! Call us at 217-342-7000 or visit FamilyCareAssociates.com to learn more.

Stop by to see Family Care Associates during Friday's EffingHAM-JAM BBQ Cookoff in downtown Effingham! We'll have a booth with FREE bottled water & FCA merch, plus you'll have the opportunity to talk with Dr. Lance Workman, Effingham native, who is joining our practice in August.

We can't wait to see you!

Our hearts go out to the Stewardson-Strasburg community during this difficult time. Join us in praying for the families and friends of those who were involved in this tragic accident and for all the first responders.

Our team continues to grow, and we're hiring!

If you're ready for a better work/life balance and you want to work with a welcoming, professional, and supportive team of providers, please visit FamilyCareAssocites.com/Careers to learn more about our open positions and to apply.

Please share this post and tag those who might be a good fit for our team.

A vasectomy is a highly-effective and permanent contraceptive option for men seeking long-term contraception—and it's covered by most insurance companies. Dr. Jeffery Crowell performs vasectomies at Family Care Associates on Wednesday and Friday evenings between 5-7pm during non-RHC hours. Patients are given local anesthesia and have minimal discomfort and downtime.

Learn more and discuss your options with Dr. Crowell — call us at 217-342-7000 to schedule your consultation. Visit us at www.familycareassociates.com for additional information.

We wish you all a safe and fun 4th of July! Our office will be closed for the holiday.

Please be mindful when using fireworks, grilling, and spending time outdoors. Here are some quick tips and reminders:

Fireworks Safety
• Only use legal fireworks and follow local regulations.
• Never allow children to handle fireworks. Adult supervision is essential.
• Douse used fireworks with water before discarding them in a metal trash can away
from any buildings or combustible materials.

Grilling Safety
• Set up grills in a well-ventilated area away from the house, deck railings, and
overhanging branches.
• Never leave the grill unattended while cooking.
• Use long-handled tools to avoid burns and splatters.

Sun and Heat Safety
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours.
• Take breaks in the shade to avoid overheating and sunburn.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.

Water Safety
• Keep a close eye on children when they are in or near water.
• Make sure everyone wears a life jacket when boating.

We're so excited for Dr. Lance Workman to join the Family Care Associates team next month! A native of Effingham, Dr. Workman is eager to serve the community. He completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he honed his skills and expertise. His background in family medicine and passion for holistic care make him a perfect fit for our practice.

Dr. Workman is currently accepting patients. Please complete the application form found online at FamilyCareAssociates.com/welcome or call us at 217-342-7000.

Looking for a reliable healthcare provider for your family? Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Trust us with your family's health. We’re accepting new patients. Call 217-342-7000 or visit www.familycareassociates.com.

Summer is in full swing, but school will be starting before we know it! Have you scheduled your child's school or sports physical with one of our providers? Use the Family Care Associates' Patient Portal or contact us at 217-342-7000 to schedule an appointment. Your provider will have a copy of the Illinois physical form at your appointment, or you can access it at FamilyCareAssociates.com/patient-forms.

Requirements for physicals are based on what grade your child is entering. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your child ready for the 2024-25 school year:

1) If your family is new to Illinois, all students, regardless of age, must submit a completed physical examination before enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time.

2) Children entering Kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th grade are required to have a back-to-school physical before the first day of school.

Please note: a child’s sports physical (designed to meet IESA or IHSA requirements for playing school sports) does NOT meet the sixth or ninth grade physical exam requirements. If you still have questions, give us a call and we'll be happy to further discuss and get an appointment scheduled.

Please help us find our newest team members as we continue to grow!
Visit FamilyCareAssociates.com/Careers to learn about our open positions and to apply.

Every Tuesday, our “Mamas on a Mission” educational and support therapy group meets at Family Care Associates from 11am-12pm. Our licensed therapists are here to help you with all the challenges of motherhood, from pregnancy through your child's first year. Call us at 217.342.7000, ext. 505 to learn more or to sign up! Please share this opportunity with moms who could benefit from our support.

Are you passionate about helping people? Are you looking for a fun and energetic, fast-paced opportunity in the healthcare field? We'd love to tell you about the great opportunities at Family Care Associates ... Due to the growth and expansion of our physician-owned family medical clinic, we're currently hiring for the following positions:

🔸PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER
🔸MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANTS

Visit FamilyCareAssociates.com/Careers to learn more and to apply.

Effingham County Chamber

We're counting down the days until Dr. Lance Workman joins us in August! Visit FamilyCareAssociates.com/welcome to complete a new patient application.

As a first-generation college student, Dr. Workman said he received much love and support from his parents and grandparents throughout his 11-year journey to becoming a doctor. “I knew this road would be challenging but I was ready to work hard and put in the time, and I had the best support from my family, which is another reason I’m so excited to be coming back to the Effingham area where my family still lives,” said Dr. Workman.

In addition to getting back to where his dream started, Dr. Workman said he’s ready to settle in with the great team at Family Care Associates. “Learning never stops. I’m eager to work alongside the experienced providers at FCA, and I know they’ll be great mentors and colleagues.”

Dr. Workman and his wife, Taylor, are excited to be moving back to the community. From Effingham and Champaign, respectively, both have family in the area and are happy that this journey is bringing them “home.”

“I’ve always wanted to practice rural medicine and having this opportunity at Family Care Associates is a dream come true,” said Dr. Workman. “I’m eager to be able to provide health care and treat my patients while working as part of the amazing FCA team.”

Please help us welcome Ashley Kreke, who will soon be joining the Family Care Associates' Behavioral Health team! Ashley earned her Master of Science in School Counseling from Eastern Illinois University and has 16 years of experience working with school-aged children. She has developed a deep passion for supporting children who have faced trauma, particularly those in the foster care system and/or those who have been adopted.

Along with her School Counseling certificate, Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and is currently completing her Registered Play Therapy requirements. She has received specialized training in Theraplay and TraumaPlay, further enhancing her ability to support and connect with her patients.

Ashley lives in Teutopolis with her husband and their four children. She is thrilled to start her journey at Family Care and looks forward to getting to know the staff and patients.

Mental Health Matters. Make a difference with us!

We're looking for a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to join our team. If you're passionate about making a difference in someone's mental health journey and eager to work with a supportive group of providers and staff, we want to hear from you.

Please visit FamilyCareAssociates.com/careers to learn more and to apply.

As we continue shining a spotlight on the amazing team we have here at Family Care Associates, we're excited to highlight the remarkable journey of Janice Westendorf. Janice was one of the original hires when Drs. Michael and Judy Brummer started their practice in 1990. Over the years, Janice has worn many hats, starting as a receptionist, moving to billing, then business manager, and now serving as our esteemed Practice Administrator.

Throughout her career at FCA, Janice has worked closely with our physicians and management team to ensure we provide exceptional care to our patients and a supportive environment for our employees. Her collaboration with our network of insurance providers on all aspects of contracting has been instrumental in our success. Additionally, she has played a key role in recruiting providers and overseeing our building expansions.

Janice has helped build an infrastructure that accommodates our rapid growth while driving our practice forward with her passion and commitment.

Janice lives in Dieterich with her husband, Roch. They recently celebrated the arrival of their first grandchild. In her spare time, Janice enjoys raising puppies, and as a well-respected breeder she loves being surrounded by her dogs!

Please join us in celebrating Janice's incredible contributions and her ongoing commitment to excellence at FCA!

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will experience a diagnosable mental health condition this year? During the month of May, our team members proudly wore green to support Mental Health Awareness Month. Green symbolizes renewal, hope, and vitality for those who experience mental health challenges.

Remember, always be kind — you never know what someone might be going through. Together, we can make a difference!

Please join us in congratulating Danielle Hite on her well-deserved promotion to Business Manager!

Danielle began her career with Family Care Associates in 2012 as a Medical Assistant. She then transitioned to our Billing Department, and in 2014, she became a Certified Professional Coder. This certification requires a high level of knowledge in medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology. Danielle maintains her certification with yearly continuing education to stay current with the latest rules and regulations in medical billing and coding.

In her new role as Business Manager, Danielle will also oversee all functions of our Behavioral Health Department. Her solid leadership qualities make her a valuable asset to our team. Danielle's longevity with FCA has given her a deep understanding of the workflow throughout our entire office, and we’re grateful for her commitment and contributions through the years.

Danielle and her husband, Robert, live in Stewardson, where their children keep them busy with school and sporting events.

As we continue to grow, we're adding a nurse to our healthcare team! If you're eager to work with a great group of providers and support staff, please visit FamilyCareAssociates.com/careers to learn more and to apply.

Please like and share to help us fill this position. Tag a nurse who would be a good fit for our team!

As you know, Family Care Associates is continuing to grow — and with that growth, we have expanded our management team!

We are happy to announce that Tera Bell has been promoted to Business Supervisor, overseeing our Clerical Office staff and Business Office staff. Tera joined Family Care in August 2013 and has filled many needs on the business operations side. She has extensive knowledge of office workflows and is dedicated to the success of our team. In her new role, Tera will continue leading with sincerity and expertise, ensuring our business operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Tera and her husband are from Mason and keep very busy in their spare time with a home business, Bell's Bees, selling honey and homemade beeswax products.
Please join us in congratulating Tera on her well-deserved promotion!

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country. As we enjoy time with family and friends, let's not forget the true meaning of this day. Please note that Family Care Associates will be closed today and will resume normal hours on Tuesday. Have a safe and healthy weekend!