Influential Visits Pave the Way for Behavioral Health Initiatives in Rural Iowa

Director Garcia visit

In a significant development for Iowa, influential lawmakers are turning their attention to the critical needs of behavioral health across Iowa, particularly in rural areas where access to comprehensive services and reimbursements remain a challenge. Recent visits from prominent figures underscore a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of substance abuse and promoting mental health support in communities throughout the state.

Director Garcia visitOn National Rural Health Day (November 16th), Iowa Health and Human Services Director, Kelly Garcia, and State Epidemiologist, Dr. Robert Kruse, visited MRHC and the Recovery Center. Their presence underscored the critical need for integrated behavioral health services, with a focus on mental health and substance abuse. Engaging with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and the hospital’s board and senior leadership team, Director Garcia and Dr. Kruse discussed collaborative solutions to improve statewide healthcare and to also address the unique needs of rural communities.

During her visit to Manning on September 12th, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird highlighted the importance of tailoring initiatives to the unique challenges faced by these areas stating, “Rural communities often encounter barriers in accessing quality healthcare and addiction treatment services. The opioid settlement funds are one-time funds that could provide an opportunity to bridge those gaps and make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by opioid addiction in our rural communities.” Brenna Bird

Earlier this year, agreements were reached with manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies to provide nearly $50 billion in payments for state and local governments across the nation. Funding was distributed to each state, and in Iowa a portion of those funds were distributed to each county for the county supervisors to disperse locally. The rest of the funds are currently held at the state level with the anticipation that lawmakers will determine appropriations in the next legislative session.

Charles GrassleySenator Charles Grassley as well as Republican presidential candidate and North Dakota Governor, Doug Burgum, accompanied by his wife, Kathryn, also visited MRHC earlier this fall to gain a better understanding of the healthcare needs affecting rural areas and the unique position of MRHC and the Recovery Center.

These visits provided lawmakers with a firsthand look at the Recovery Center’s efforts to support residential and outpatient recovering addicts. MRHC, serving as a model for rural healthcare services, became a platform for discussions on comprehensive strategies to address behavioral health challenges, reimbursements, and access to care in rural Iowa.Doug Bergum

Director Garcia emphasized the importance of addressing behavioral health needs, stating, “By understanding the challenges faced by the communities across our state, utilizing research-based methodologies, and taking a comprehensive approach to address the most critical health needs, we can develop targeted and effective strategies to improve our overall health outcomes.”

These visits reflect a broader, bipartisan commitment to address rural healthcare challenges in a unified and strategic way. This holistic approach starts with a grassroots understanding of the challeng es affecting rural hospitals accompanied by discussions to adjust policies at the state and federal levels. These collaborations reflect an aligned dedication to build healthier and more resilient commun ities across the state.

As Iowa takes a significant stride forward in the battle against opioid addiction, the opioid settlements stand as a beacon of hope for rural communities. MRHC Administration and the leadership of the Recovery Center are taking this opportunity to educate local county supervisors as well as statewide leaders to better understand the services that already exist, their vision for addressing this epidemic, and the potential for MRHC and the Recovery Center to serve even more clients and their families.

CEO Linn Block Attributes Staff & Community for MRHC’s Success

Linn block

Linn blockOver the past few years, our collective journey at MRHC has been nothing short of transformative. United by a shared commitment to patient safety, quality care, and team engagement, we have implemented a strategic plan that not only elevated healthcare standards but also garnered attention and respect from the broader healthcare community.

At the heart of MRHC lies its people – our exceptional staff, providers, and the communities we serve. Your unwavering dedication to our shared mission has resulted in numerous notable accomplishments in patient care, expanded service offerings, and financial resilience. This is a collective achievement, and I take immense pride in being a part of this remarkable team.

I want to express heartfelt acknowledgment for the extraordinary resilience and strength demonstrated by our community in the face of the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. These past couple of years have tested us in unexpected ways, and yet, together, we navigated uncertainties and overcame obstacles. Your commitment to safety protocols, mutual support, and unwavering trust in our healthcare team has been truly inspiring.

The way our community rallied during these trying times exemplifies the true spirit of unity and reinforces the vital role that rural healthcare plays in times of crisis. Your collective efforts not only safeguarded the health and well-being of our community members but also showcased the resilience that defines the heart of Manning Regional Healthcare Center.

Our ongoing community engagement initiatives, from local partnerships to the implementation of a new electronic health record system in collaboration with St. Anthony Regional Hospital, have further strengthened the bonds between MRHC and the communities we are privileged to serve.

The success of our capital campaign, raising nearly $1 million for the obstetrics wing’s renovation, and the recognition with the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for Employee Engagement underscore the incredible teamwork and passion that define MRHC. Your dedication has made our hospital a beacon of excellence in the face of financial challenges and changing landscapes in rural healthcare.

As I transition to the next chapter in my career, I carry with me the valuable lessons and memories from MRHC. The growth of our specialty clinics, the addition of same-day appointments, and the success of the substance abuse recovery center are all reflections of your hard work and dedication.

To our exceptional team, thank you for making MRHC not just a hospital but a family that cares for one another and for our community. To our patients, thank you for entrusting us with your healthcare needs. Your trust is our greatest honor, and we remain committed to providing you with the highest quality of care. The journey ahead for MRHC is exciting, and I am confident that, with your continued dedication, MRHC will continue to thrive and be a beacon of healthcare excellence in rural Iowa.

-Linn Block

Difficult but Necessary Conversations During the Holidays

woman putting hand on elderly man's shoulder

As the holiday season nears and families begin to spend extended periods of time together, MRHC encourages that, amidst the joyous celebrations, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of discussing a topic often overlooked: advance care directives. While these conversations might seem difficult or uncomfortable, addressing them during the holidays can bring families closer and ensure everyone’s well-being.

What are Advance Care Directives?

Advance care directives are legal documents that allow individuals to outline their healthcare preferences. They serve as guiding principles for medical decisions when a person is unable to express their desires due to illness or incapacity. An advance directive can help you think ahead about what kind of care you want to receive as well as guide your loved ones and healthcare team in making clear decisions about your health care when you can’t do it yourself.

All patients have rights that include privacy, informed consent, information about your condition, and information about advance directives. Advance directives can protect these rights if you ever become mentally or physically unable to choose or communicate your wishes due to an injury or illness. Advance directives can also limit life-prolonging measures when there is little or no chance of recovery.

“Advance directives help you protect your right to make medical choices that can affect your life,” said Julie Hodne, R.N., Education Coordinator at MRHC. “They help your family avoid the responsibility and stress of making difficult decisions on your behalf. Advance directives also help your physician by providing guidelines for your care.”

Having these in place empowers individuals to maintain control over their healthcare choices, ensuring that their preferences are honored even when they can’t voice them. Advance care directives also facilitate discussions among family members, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s values, beliefs, and healthcare preferences. These directives come in various forms, including living wills, healthcare powers of attorney, and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.

Discussing Advance Care Directives During the Holidays

The holiday season presents a unique opportunity for families to gather and connect on a deeper level. While conversations about end-of-life care may initially appear daunting, the holidays can provide a supportive environment for these discussions. Here are a few ways to initiate conversations about advance care directives during the holidays:

  1. Create a Safe Space: Choose a comfortable and quiet setting where family members can openly express their thoughts and concerns without judgment. Emphasize the importance of respecting each other’s perspectives.
  2. Share Personal Stories: Encourage family members to share personal experiences or stories related to healthcare decisions. This can help normalize the conversation and demonstrate the significance of having a plan in place.
  3. Use Resources: Utilize educational materials or seek guidance from healthcare professionals to facilitate discussions and clarify any uncertainties regarding advance care directives.To get a durable power of attorney for health care or a living will, you will need to complete a form available from the Iowa State Bar Association website. Keep a copy in a safe and secure place and provide a copy to your physician to be kept as part of your medical records. Your Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare will also need a copy. Give copies to a relative or friend who is likely to be notified in an emergency. Review your advance directives regularly and make changes when necessary. Inform you physician, family, and POA of any changes.

    Another document to be considered for any individual who is frail and elderly or who has a chronic critical medical condition, or a terminal illness is the IPOST form (IOWA PHYSICIAN ORDERS for SCOPE OF TREATMENT). The original form is strongly encouraged to be accompanied by the person it is written for. You can discuss this with your medical provider and find more information about here.

  4. Focus on the Positive: Highlight the benefits of having these directives in place, such as reducing stress for loved ones and ensuring that individual preferences are respected.

Hodne suggests that “if you need help preparing your advance directives or if you would like more information, contact your legal counsel, healthcare provider, or any hospital, hospice, home health agency, or long-term care facility.” Hodne reminds everyone that “planning is the key to protecting your rights!”

As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, take the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about advance care directives. These conversations, though challenging, can strengthen family bonds and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

MRHC Joins Educational Alliance with Purdue Global

MRHC exterior

Purdue Global has signed an educational alliance agreement with Manning Regional Healthcare Center, bringing broad-based educational opportunities with tuition reduction to staff and their family members.

“The Purdue Global School of Nursing is excited to begin our partnership with Manning Regional Healthcare Center and eager to support its mission around continuing education and the pursuit of academic achievement,” said Melissa Burdi, Purdue Global dean and vice president of the School of Nursing.

The Purdue Global School of Nursing offers an associate degree program, an RN-BSN program, eight master’s programs in nursing specialties, and a doctorate program for nursing. Additional Purdue Global offerings include programs for business, criminal justice, human services and psychology, among others. The Purdue Global Law School and aviation programs are not included in this partnership.

Manning Regional staff and immediate family members (spouse, domestic partner, children, siblings and parents) will have access to a 20% tuition reduction for undergraduate programs, 14% reduction for graduate programs, and 10% reduction for doctoral programs.

“We look forward to partnering with Purdue Global to provide online educational opportunities for our staff,” said Michelle Andersen, chief nursing officer at the center. “We appreciate the convenience and flexibility this platform offers for our full-time working staff to be able to advance their careers.”

Click here to read the full article.

Building Healthier Communities Throughout Iowa

career camp

*Adapted from article by Richard C. Lewis with the University of Iowa.

It was a grisly scene. A 24-year-old male riding without a helmet had crashed his bicycle into a parked car. The man lay unconscious on the pavement, his right leg splayed at an unnatural angle. And his rescue hinged on a group of untrained adolescents. students in the ambulance station of the health care career camp

Although they were participating in a simulation, the students took their responsibilities seriously. Each sprang into action to attend the wounded individual—a life-sized mannequin—guided by professional EMT personnel. Tatum, an eighth grader who goes to school in Manning,  gently took the head and held it steady while a fellow eighth grade student, Audrey, cut the pants from the man’s wounded leg and applied a vacuum sling to immobilize the limb. They and three others then lifted the patient in unison onto a stretcher and securely loaded him into the ambulance.

The rescue scene was one of several scenarios staged at the Health Care Career Camp this fall in Manning, where middle and high school students from school districts in Manning and Coon Rapids learned about potential careers in the medical and health care fields. The students rotated among several stations, learning what happens on the front lines of the 17-bed critical-access hospital, which serves patients in Carroll and three surrounding counties in west-central Iowa. It was the fourth time MRHC had hosted the camp.

ER station at healthcare career camp
At the emergency room station, the students intubated a mannequin, their eyes wide as they watched on an overhead screen their progress in guiding a breathing tube into a trachea. At the laboratory stop, they practiced drawing blood; at the surgical and anesthesia center, they took turns stitching a wound and using a bone saw; in radiology, they looked awestruck at X-rays of children with broken arm and leg bones and a little boy who had swallowed a quarter; at the physical therapy unit, they learned balance techniques and how to use electric stimulation to help patients regain muscle function, among other activities. student learning to saw through cast

“What makes a difference is the dedication of the people who work here; they show the next generation all the great employment choices that exist here,” says Michelle Andersen, chief nursing officer at MRHC who conceived the idea for the career camp.

The whirlwind tour made an impression on Audrey, who attends school at IKM-Manning, and says she wasn’t sure what to expect—other than getting out of school for the day.

“It has changed the way I thought health care would be,” she says, adding the tour presented a far different picture of a hospital setting than television shows like Grey’s Anatomy. “It’s not always that people are stressed out. There are personal connections with patients, personal connections with your co-workers. It’s more of a people-based job.”

Summer, a sophomore at Coon Rapids High School, was in the same group as Audrey. She says she’s been interested in health and medicine since she was a child when she regularly accompanied her grandfather to the hospital for his cancer treatment appointments.

“I just like the idea of helping people and trying to make people feel better,” Summer says.

The tour not only solidified Summer’s interest in health care and medicine, it seemed to crystallize her desire to become a nurse anesthetist—and, hopefully, to work at a smaller hospital, such as MRHC.

“I would like to keep it close to home,” she says, “because I’m planning on having a family. I grew up around here, and I’d like my kids to also grow up around here.”

The Health Care Career Camp, organized by staff at MRHC, was funded in part by the Business Leadership Network, an initiative from the University of Iowa College of Public Health to promote and empower health and wellness in communities throughout Iowa.

Since launching in 2011, the BLN has coordinated 44 health and wellness efforts in 38 small to mid-sized communities in Iowa. With funding from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation for the past eight years, the BLN teams up with local businesses and civic and nonprofit agencies. The focus varies, depending on each community’s need. The BLN has spearheaded community public health initiatives that address a broad range of needs with particular emphasis on issues of concern in rural areas, including aging, agricultural health and safety, cyberbullying, immunizations, nutrition and physical activity, substance use, and mental health, among many others.

The goal, explains Edith Parker, dean of the College of Public Health, is to match the college’s resources and expertise with each community’s identified priority. “In public health, it’s critical to listen to local voices and engage communities in health solutions,” Parker says. “When we meet communities where they are and bring resources to support local priorities, there’s a much better chance of improving health outcomes.”

*Click here to read the full article.

Free Medicare Information Seminar at MRHC on November 28

Medicare event

Medicare open enrollment is going on now until December 7th. Keep in mind that Medicare plans can change coverage, premiums, co-payments, co-insurance, and provider networks every year. Ensure your plan meets your needs and is the most affordable option by attending the free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on November 28th from 7-9pm at MRHC.

Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 by November 24th to register. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.

This free seminar, offered by MRHC and the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), a free and confidential service, will cover Medicare Parts A & B benefits, Prescription Drug Benefits (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare supplement insurance, as well as share tips to help individuals identify Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.

Even if you do not yet qualify for Medicare, MRHC’s volunteer SHIIP Counselor, Nancy Danner, recommends that “the best time to start getting information is before you actually need it, so I advise thinking about it at least 6-12 months before someone turns 65 years old.”

If you are unable to attend the seminar, Danner is available every Wednesday at MRHC to meet with individuals by appointment. She can provide information to aid in Medicare decision-making and answer questions related to Medicare itself, benefits, plan options, claims, and how to guard against becoming a victim of Medicare fraud. She will not provide recommendations for plans or agents but can answer questions and provide impartial information to help individuals make educated decisions and assist people who have a limited income.

Anyone interested in making an appointment with Danner can email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com or call MRHC at 712-655-2072. If a client is only wishing to talk on the phone, they may leave their phone number and Danner will return their call.

From Executive Chef to Healthcare Support Services Director: Grove’s Culinary Journey Making a Healing Impact

Dan Grove

Dan GroveA culinary career can take many unexpected turns, leading to surprising and fulfilling destinations. This is the case for Dan Grove, whose passion for cooking initially led him to kitchens of prestigious hotels and restaurants, ultimately guiding him to a pivotal role at MRHC, where his culinary expertise now plays a crucial role in patient care.

Grove’s culinary journey began after graduating from Tech High Vocational Trade School. His thirst for culinary knowledge led him to earn an AAS in Culinary Arts from DMACC, solidifying his foundation in the culinary world in 1986. Throughout the years, he took on various roles as an Executive Chef, leaving his mark in renowned establishments like the Holiday Inn, Embassy Suites, and Marriott management services, as well as with local restaurants.

However, the demanding hours and the desire for a better work-life balance prompted Grove to shift his career. In 2007, an opportunity emerged at MRHC, where he joined as the Dietary Manager.

“I always wanted to be a chef. I enjoy cooking and have a passion for it,” shared Grove, CDM, CFPP, CWC. “But I came to a point in my life where the hours required were hard and affected my personal life. The position for Dietary Manager opened at MRHC, and it was a great fit for me having a young child at home.”

Grove’s role expanded over time, blending his culinary expertise with management skills. When the need arose for someone to manage housekeeping (EVS), his position morphed into the Support Services Director. The combination of nutrition services and EVS management aligned well, emphasizing the importance of sanitation in both departments. Grove’s commitment to maintaining impeccable standards in sanitation proved crucial, understanding that a clean and hygienic environment goes beyond the kitchen. Grove argues that it also has an impact on patient well-being.

“Proper nutrition is a huge part in healing the human body so our job in dietary is extremely important and goes a long way in making our patients well,” Grove emphasized. “And I think it goes without saying that a safe, sanitary, and clean environment is so beneficial and mandatory for the patient.”

Reflecting on the shift from restaurant kitchens to healthcare facilities, Grove is often asked if he misses working in that type of atmosphere.

“My immediate answer would be yes, but nothing outweighs my ability to work at a job I love and still be able to have quality time with my wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. This job allows me to do just that,” shared Grove.

Grove’s tenure at Manning Regional now spans an impressive 16 years, a testament to the supportive environment and the organization’s commitment to employee well-being.

“Everyone here is great to work with, and that makes it so easy to come to work each day,” said Grove. “It is a great atmosphere to work in. They truly care about their employees and try to make it a great place to work while still always moving forward and improving for our customer-patient experience.”

From orchestrating fine dining experiences to nurturing an environment conducive to healing, Grove’s culinary career showcases the power of passion, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives, one plate and one sanitized surface at a time.

To join the MRHC team, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond Care with MRHC

Blazek family

Are you planning a pregnancy, expecting a baby, or a new parent? If you answered yes to any of those questions, the decision about where you and your child will receive medical care is likely one of your top priorities.

Blazek familyFor Crisentia Blazek, a mother of two and resident of Denison shared that she “considered the provider’s experience in OB, the experience of my friends with providers, and the location of the facility” while determining where to receive prenatal and postnatal care.

Blazek chose to see Dr. McLaws at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, a decision she has been very satisfied with. “It is convenient to have appointments at MRHC, and I trust Dr. McLaws and MRHC to provide excellent, comprehensive care,” said Blazek. “Dr. McLaws listens to my concerns and answers my questions. He communicates with me about the treatment plan and respects my decisions.” post-natal care

And while MRHC does not deliver babies at their facility, the hospital has a partnership with St. Anthony Regional Hospital and McFarland Clinic in Carroll to provide a seamless pregnancy, delivery, and newborn care experience close to home.

“Here at MRHC, we continue to offer prenatal care to those in our rural areas even though we aren’t delivering babies in Manning. It gives our patients an opportunity to stay close to home and still receive quality care,” shared MRHC Clinic Director, Shelby Dickson, RN.

The partnership with St. Anthony allows mothers to receive prenatal care at MRHC, deliver at St. Anthony with Dr. McLaws, and then continue to receive postnatal and newborn care in Manning following delivery. Thanks to newly enhanced records systems, the med staff teams at both locations can easily access a patient’s chart as necessary to ensure seamless care.

“It works really well to come to MRHC for my appointments since I work in Manning, and I am usually able to come over the lunch hour so that I don’t miss any work,” said Blazek. “I love the fact that I don’t need to drive far away to the big city for my care. When my family needs to have a checkup, it is easy to schedule and go to the appointment. Plus, everyone at MRHC treats my family and I with respect. Every staff member I have encountered during my prenatal or postnatal care is friendly, caring, and keeps me in the loop of what’s going to happen.”

Call MRHC at (712) 655-2072 if you have any questions about pregnancy planning and prenatal/postnatal care at MRHC; the birthing experience at St. Anthony; newborn care, infant safety, and sibling adjustment; infant feeding and nutrition; wellness and specialty care as your child develops; or local support resources for new parents.

MRHC Provides Top-Notch Surgical Services to Rural Patients

Julie Danner and Dr. Stokesbary

When most people consider services offered by rural, critical access hospitals, surgical care is not always a standard service. However, in Manning, general surgeries have continued and most recently they have started offering total knee replacement and hip surgeries thanks to a visiting specialist.

Dedham resident, Julie Danner, recently received a total knee-replacement under the care of CNOS board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Stokesbary, M.D., FAAOS, at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC). She had her first knee replaced this January and her second knee replaced last month. Julie Danner and Dr. Stokesbary

“I had a great experience with Dr. Stokesbary,” said Danner. “He has fantastic bedside manners; he is personable and easy to talk to. He listened to my questions and concerns, and he truly advocated for me.”

Danner said she was scared to get her first knee replaced, but the surgery went so well that it encouraged her to get her second knee replaced.

After a recent follow-up appointment with Dr. Stokesbary, Danner shared, “I am very blessed. I was able to ditch my walker one week post-surgery. Dr. Stokesbary said he is proud of me. He made me feel so special and taken care of.”

Danner shares that she has also had a positive experience recovering from surgery. “After the surgery, I stayed overnight and then they sent me home with exercises to do on my own,” explained Danner. “I now go to physical therapy three times a week in Manning, and the PT team makes me feel right at home.”

Julie has been a patient at MRHC since the hospital was in its previous location on Main Street. “I like coming to MHRC because it is a top-notch facility, in my opinion, that is close to home,” shared Danner. “It is the best of both worlds. My primary doctor is there, and every staff member has treated me well during my visits.”

Besides the friendly staff, Danner mentioned how the hours of operation and billing processes are also convenient. “They were able to schedule me in pretty quickly,” said Danner. “Other people that I have recently talked to didn’t even know that MRHC offered services like knee replacement surgeries. I highly recommend this facility for these surgeries.”

The ability to receive high-quality specialty services close to home is very important to Danner. “MRHC is a really great facility. The doctors are very professional and great at their jobs,” explained Danner. “At MRHC, you don’t feel like just another number. I am so grateful we have this rural facility at our fingertips.”

In addition to orthopedic care and surgery, MRHC provides surgical services for hip surgeries, ear, nose and throat issues, OB-GYN, podiatry, urology, and general surgeries such as abdominal surgery, appendectomy, gallbladder removal, colonoscopy, hernia repair, hysterectomy, vasectomy, and more.