MRHC Auxiliary Continues to Make Impact

Auxiliary donation

The MRHC Auxiliary continues to make a meaningful impact on patient care and staff support through its dedication and fundraising efforts. Recently, the Auxiliary donated two essential pieces of equipment to enhance the hospital’s services and improve the overall patient experience: a ureteroscope and a fetal monitor.

The ureteroscope is a vital tool for MRHC urology services. It enables specialists to locate and evaluate blockages in the ureters or kidneys and, in some cases, remove kidney stones during the same procedure.

fetal monitorThe fetal monitor is an invaluable addition to MRHC’s obstetrics care. Used by Dr. McLaws in the clinic, this monitor can track a baby’s heart rate and other vital data during pregnancy. With this technology, MRHC is better equipped to provide comprehensive and attentive care to OB patients, maintaining the highest standards of service and ensuring a positive experience for expectant mothers.

“This state-of-the-art equipment ensures our patients receive precise and efficient care close to home,” said MRHC CEO, Shannon Black, MHA. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Auxiliary members for their ongoing support and generosity. Their contributions play a crucial role in helping MRHC provide exceptional healthcare to our community.”

If you are interested in supporting or joining the Auxiliary, please send your name, address, and phone number along with a $10 membership fee to Linda Vinke at 115 3rd Street, Manning, IA 51455.

Auxiliary donation

Antibiotic Awareness Tips

antibiotic tips

During the winter months when people are sick more often, MRHC urges the community to be mindful of antibiotic use and the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are powerful tools in fighting bacterial infections but are not effective against viruses like the flu. While it may seem convenient to keep leftover medications “just in case” the next time you or a family member are sick, it can be very dangerous.

Jen Morris

“Resist the temptation to go to your cabinet to take any leftover medication, especially antibiotics,” shared MRHC Pharmacy Director, Jen Morris, PharmD. “If you for some reason have leftover meds, taking that medication for another type of illness could create harm or result in side effects. Another concern with patients not finishing medications as prescribed is a fear of developing antibiotic resistance.”

Antibiotic resistance has become a serious public health threat. It occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, making bacterial infections harder to treat. Morris reminds the public to follow these guidelines for safe and responsible antibiotic use:

  • Use antibiotics only as prescribed.
  • Complete the full course of treatment. Stopping antibiotics early, even if you feel better, can allow bacteria to survive and become resistant.
  • Never self-treat with leftover medication or antibiotics prescribed for someone else.

While antibiotics are not effective against viruses, MRHC encourages flu vaccinations and proper management of symptoms to stay healthy. Over-the-counter remedies and home care can provide relief for viral infections without contributing to antibiotic resistance.

“If you go to the doctor and find out that an antibiotic is not needed for your infection, I encourage you to call your pharmacist to find out what you can take to help treat your symptoms that do not include an antibiotic,” said Morris.

Medication Management

In addition to using antibiotics correctly, proper medication management in general is key to maintaining health and safety. MRHC offers these tips for all medications:

  1. Take medications exactly as prescribed.
  2. Store medicines properly and check expiration dates.
  3. Learn about potential interactions and side effects.
  4. Keep an up-to-date medication list and bring it to all medical appointments.
  5. Ask a pharmacist if you have questions about a medication.
Medication Disposal

Morris also encourages safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs to help prevent medication misuse and opioid addiction. There is a medication drop box located at the MRHC Emergency Department entrance as well as the Manning Pharmacy. Residents can discreetly take leftover medications to these boxes and make sure unused prescriptions are securely destroyed without posing environmental threats.

Both sites can accept small amounts of liquids, pills, patches, creams, and inhalers. However, needles, sharps, and illegal substances are not allowed. Morris notes that common methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—are potential safety and health hazards and are not advised.

For more information about what to do with expired medications, please call MRHC at (712) 655-2072.

Blending Science and Service: How Jen Morris Found Her Calling in Pharmacy

Jen Morris

Jen MorrisFrom an early age, Jen Morris didn’t see herself in healthcare. After exploring several majors and taking career assessment tests, she was encouraged by local pharmacist, Bob Stessman, to consider pharmacy. The blend of science, math, and helping others felt like a natural fit, and Morris hasn’t looked back since.

After graduating from Drake University, Morris worked at the Manning Pharmacy and as a contract employee at MRHC for 12 years. Her dual role in retail and hospital pharmacy gave her a unique perspective on patient care, bridging the gap between inpatient treatment and home medication management. The field of hospital pharmacy evolved rapidly during her tenure, and by 2018, the increasing demands brought her fully into MRHC, where she assumed the role of Director of Pharmacy. In her current role, Morris wears many hats, engaging in both clinical and administrative work.

“As a pharmacist, I want to provide great care for our patients,” shared Morris, PharmD. “That goal motivates me to keep learning and see how a pharmacist can be a piece of the team and an asset in a variety of settings in the hospital.”

As the Director of Pharmacy, Morris is busy reviewing patient charts, collaborating with medical providers, verifying medication orders, purchasing meds, and maintaining the pharmacy computer system, among other responsibilities. With the help of MRHC’s Certified Pharmacy Technician, Kala Chapman, the pharmacy department provides medications to all the clinical departments of the hospital and mixes medications, including chemotherapy at MRHC.

Working at MRHC has been a fulfilling experience for Morris. This is largely due to the positive environment fostered by MRHC’s leadership and being able to work closely with colleagues who share her commitment to patient care

“While I feel like I would join many of my coworkers in saying that MRHC offers a great team environment, a fun atmosphere, and an emphasis on work/life balance, one of the things I love about MRHC is their commitment to patient and medication safety,” Morris shared. “Administration also works to listen and think outside the box to make ideas happen. We have a culture that supports growth and problem-solving.”

For Morris, the supportive environment and team-oriented culture at MRHC make coming to work each day meaningful.

“I appreciate that when I come to work, I am a valued member of the team, and my coworkers are working to provide the best possible care for our patients. It is the expectation in working at MRHC that we put the care and safety of our patients as a priority,” Morris emphasized.

Morris also values the flexibility she has in her role as well as the opportunity to get involved in and serve her hometown community, which brings an added layer of fulfillment.

“I love that I get to do a job that I love, in a hospital that resides within the community that I live in and grew up in,” she shared. “I get to provide care for people I have known my entire life, and there is a lot of fulfillment in that.”

Passionate about advocating for healthcare access in rural areas like Manning, Morris is grateful for the community support and feels a strong sense of purpose in her work to maintain accessible healthcare in a rural area.

“In an economic environment where hospitals and retail pharmacies are being forced to close due to many economic factors, rural areas will continue to fight to have access to healthcare,” she explained. “Not only is healthcare close to home convenient, but it’s also linked to timely care and improved outcomes for patients. I’m grateful for our community and the support they show for the healthcare workers and locations here.”

By blending her pharmacy expertise with a strong sense of community, Morris continues to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care close to home. With her goals rooted in patient-centered care and safety, Morris remains steadfast in her vision to strengthen MRHC’s role in rural healthcare.

If you are interested in joining the MRHC team, click here or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

Medicare Part D Event & Welcome to Medicare Seminar

Medicare events

Manning Regional Healthcare Center reminds Medicare beneficiaries to review their Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Advantage Plan options during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs until December 7, as Medicare is undergoing significant changes in 2025.

MRHC will host a special Medicare Part D enrollment event on Friday, November 22nd to help area residents compare and answer questions regarding Medicare Part D plans offered for 2025.

“The coverage and cost of Medicare plans tend to change each year,” said Amy McLaughlin, CPA, Chief Financial Officer at MRHC. “Meeting with MRHC staff and volunteers can help people understand the Medicare options better and potentially save them money as a result.”

MRHC staff will be available on the 22nd to provide free, unbiased, and confidential assistance. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (712) 655-2072. Participants should plan for 45 minutes and bring a listing of all recent medications and current or old Medicare cards.

During the open enrollment period, MRHC reminds residents to do three important things:

  • Read notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year – especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Review your plan’s information to make sure the prescriptions you use are still covered, and your medical providers and pharmacy are still in network.
  • Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Does your current plan best meet your needs?
  • Shop for the plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. Compare plans even if you’ve been satisfied with your current plan. The coverage and costs for plans can change from year to year.

If you are new to Medicare, MRHC is hosting a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on Tuesday, November 26th from 7-9 pm. Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 by November 18th to register. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.

This seminar, offered by 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 tips to help individuals identify Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. The seminar aims to help prepare individuals for Medicare open enrollment and provide attendees with valuable information about the upcoming Medicare changes, including:

  • A cap on out-of-pocket drug spending: Starting in 2025, Medicare beneficiaries with Part D coverage will have an annual out-of-pocket drug spending cap of $2,000, a significant reduction from the previous limit.
  • The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: This optional program allows beneficiaries to spread out the costs of their prescription drugs over the year.
  • Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low Income Subsidy program. These can help reduce prescription costs for eligible individuals.

If you are unable to attend either event, MRHC’s volunteer SHIIP Counselor, Nancy Danner, is available every Wednesday at MRHC to meet with individuals. She can provide information to aid in Medicare decision-making and answer questions related to Medicare itself, benefits, plan options, claims, and how to avoid 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 with a limited income.

To schedule an appointment with Danner, please email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com or call 712-655-2072. If a client only wishes to talk on the phone, they may leave their phone number and Danner will return their call.