MRHC Kicks Off New Legacy Fund With a 5K on August 23rd

Legacy 5K

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to announce the official launch of the Legacy Fund, a new philanthropic initiative created to support the long-term growth and sustainability of the hospital. With a mission to build a strong foundation for the hospital’s continued growth, innovation, and service expansion, the Legacy Fund empowers donors to leave a lasting impact on the community.

“The Legacy Fund is more than just a donation stream; it’s a commitment to preserving and strengthening our organization so we can fulfill our mission and vision of providing quality healthcare close to home for generations to come,” shared MRHC CEO Shannon Black. “By creating an in-house fundraising initiative, the Legacy Fund ensures the hospital can achieve its long-term goals and strategic priorities, leading to a healthier future for our community.”

To kick off this new initiative, MRHC will host the Legacy 5K Walk & Run on Saturday, August 23rd at Manning City Park. The race will begin at 9 a.m., and awards will be given to the top finishers in the men’s, women’s, and youth categories (under 12 and ages 13-18). Registration is open here. For $35, participants will receive a T-shirt and water bottle. Registration fees will directly support the MRHC Legacy Fund.

“Whether you’re a runner, walker, or simply want to support local healthcare, the Legacy 5K is a fun and meaningful way to get involved,” said Black. “I encourage everyone to participate, not only to support MRHC, but to help shape the future of healthcare in our community. Every step you take helps us build a healthier tomorrow.”

In addition to the 5K, MRHC plans to hold an annual Legacy Gala on November 15th and a Legacy Golf Tournament on June 12, 2026, to continue building support for the fund. Contributions to the Legacy Fund will help finance essential facility upgrades, expand patient care programs, and introduce new service lines, ensuring MRHC remains a strong, independent, and innovative rural healthcare provider.

To learn more about the MRHC Legacy Fund and register for the Legacy 5K, visit: https://www.mrhcia.com/legacy-fund. If you have any questions about this new initiative, please call Chief Operating Officer Jackie Blackwell at (712) 655-8167.

MRHC Addresses National Report & Reaffirms Financial Strength

MRHC leadership & Rob Sand

In response to a recent politically driven report highlighting rural hospitals with a high percentage of Medicaid patients, Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is offering reassurance to its staff, patients, and the communities it serves.

The report, circulated as part of a national policy debate around proposed Medicaid cuts, flagged MRHC based solely on its high Medicaid patient mix, placing the hospital in the top 10% of rural facilities in the country by this metric. While this designation may seem alarming, MRHC leadership emphasizes that it is not an accurate reflection of the hospital’s financial health or operational viability.

“We proudly serve all members of our community, including many who rely on Medicaid,” said MRHC CEO Shannon Black. “That metric alone doesn’t tell the full story. MRHC is financially strong, well-managed, and not in danger of closing. We’ve long been proactive in monitoring healthcare policy changes, and we’ll continue to advocate for decisions that protect the patients and communities we serve.”

Black stressed that the report was not based on recent performance or risk of closure but was instead used as a communication tool between lawmakers to support positions on national Medicaid policies.

“We understand that seeing our name on such a list may cause concern,” Black added. “But inclusion in the report was not a reflection of financial weakness; it’s proof that we’re fulfilling our mission to care for all, including the most vulnerable.”

MRHC leadership & Rob SandOver the holiday weekend, Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand made time to visit MRHC in person to better understand the hospital’s position and to discuss how the state can support rural healthcare providers navigating funding uncertainty. He toured the facility and met with leadership to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural health systems.

“We appreciated the opportunity to share how MRHC is working every day to meet local health needs while remaining financially responsible and future-focused,” said Black.

Key Takeaways for the Community:
  • MRHC is financially stable and operationally sound.
  • The hospital is not at risk of closure.
  • Leadership remains vigilant in monitoring state and federal policy developments.
  • MRHC remains committed to serving all patients, including those insured through Medicaid.
  • Open, honest communication remains a priority as MRHC continues to advocate for rural healthcare.

Free Medicare Information Seminar at MRHC on July 29th

SHIIP services

New to Medicare or helping a loved one navigate it? Join us for a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) on Tuesday, July 29th from 7–9 p.m. Whether you’re approaching eligibility or simply want to understand how Medicare works, this session will provide valuable information. Call (712) 655-2072 by Monday, July 21st to register.

These seminars, 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, and tips to help individuals identify Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.

SHIIP services Even if you’re not eligible for Medicare, MRHC’s volunteer SHIIP Counselor, Nancy Danner, encourages early education. “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,” she says.

If you are not able to attend on the 29th, two additional seminars will be held at MRHC in 2025 on September 30th and November 25th. Each session is held from 7–9 pm at MRHC and is open to anyone seeking a better understanding of Medicare.

Danner is also available every Wednesday at MRHC for one-on-one appointments. She offers guidance to help with Medicare decision-making and answers questions on benefits, plan options, and fraud protection. While she does not recommend specific plans or agents, she provides impartial, reliable information. Anyone interested in making an appointment with Danner can call 712-655-2072 or email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com. If a client is only wishing to talk on the phone, they may leave their phone number, and Danner will return their call.

Susan Zeman: A Friendly Face with a Creative Spirit at MRHC

Susan

Susan ZemanFor many patients at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC), the first person they see when they walk through the door is Susan Zeman. As a Patient Services Representative, Susan plays a key role in setting the tone for each patient’s visit. With a warm smile, a familiar face, and a genuine desire to help, she’s an important part of what makes MRHC feel welcoming.

Before joining MRHC, Susan spent over two decades working at the Manning Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician. That experience gave her a strong foundation in patient care and familiarity with the community she now serves at the hospital.

As a patient services representative, Susan is often the first point of contact for patients, answering questions, offering guidance, and helping ease any anxiety they may feel. “We try to be welcoming and informative,” she says. “Our role has a direct impact on the overall patient experience.” A responsibility she takes seriously. Susan at Admissions

Her supervisor, Michelle Starman, says Susan’s impact goes far beyond what patients see at the front desk. “Susan is always willing to lend an extra hand, whether it’s for a coworker or one of our patients needing assistance,” she shares. “She has a positive attitude that has brought our patients a sense of security over the phone or in person! We are lucky here at MRHC to have Susan in the admissions department.”

Susan credits Michelle with helping create a supportive and uplifting work environment. “Michelle is always positive and makes us feel appreciated,” Susan notes. “She’s very supportive of our needs, and that makes a big difference.”

The collaborative spirit at MRHC is another reason Susan enjoys coming to work each day. “Our department works really well together,” she says. “We have good communication, and we’re flexible when it comes to time off and personal needs. It’s a great team.”

But there’s more to Susan than her role at MRHC. Outside of work, she’s a talented and passionate artist with a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around her. “I have many hobbies, probably too many!” she laughs. “I inherited my love of creating from my late mother, who was a true artist. Photography is one of my main interests, and my photos have been featured in magazines and even displayed at the Iowa State Fair.” She also enjoys painting, making bracelets and sun catchers, and finding inspiration in the natural world during long walks. “About 80% of the artwork in my home is my own,” she says proudly.

Susan’s creativity, kindness, and commitment to helping others make her a valuable member of the MRHC team and a bright presence for her coworkers and the patients she serves. Whether she’s welcoming someone at the front desk or capturing the perfect photo of a sunset, Susan brings heart and artistry to everything she does.

Here are just a few examples of Susan’s artwork and creative talents!