MRHC Thanks Community for Supporting the First Legacy Gala

Manning Regional Healthcare Center is pleased to share the impact of its first Legacy Gala, held on November 14. The event welcomed 165 attendees and played a key role in supporting the newly established MRHC Legacy Fund. Since launching in July, the Legacy Fund has raised $31,661.25 to support local healthcare initiatives. These contributions will help strengthen and sustain local healthcare services for years to come.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support at our first Legacy Gala,” said Chief Operating Officer Jackie Blackwell, RN, BSN, MBA, CPHQ. “Seeing our community come together with such generosity and pride reminds me why MRHC’s mission matters so deeply.”

MRHC extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who donated to and supported the gala. A special thank-you is extended to the presenting sponsors whose generosity helped make the inaugural gala possible: Availa Bank, Carroll Control Systems Inc., and Templeton Savings Bank.

MRHC also thanks all additional sponsors, volunteers, community members, staff, participants in the wreath silent auction, and anyone who contributed time, materials, and financial support to the event.

“The Legacy Gala marked a defining moment for MRHC,” Blackwell shared. “The launch of our Legacy Fund ensures we can continue strengthening local healthcare, investing in our mission, and supporting our community for generations to come. This fund represents more than philanthropy; it represents a shared commitment to ensuring MRHC remains strong, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of those we serve.”

Staff Recognition

In addition to raising funds for local health and wellness initiatives, the Legacy Gala recognized several employees for their outstanding service and achievements over the past year. Their accomplishments highlight the exceptional level of service provided throughout the organization and reinforce MRHC’s commitment to maintaining high standards in patient care, leadership, and community service.

Dr. Douglas McLaws: awarded the IHA Hospital Hero Award, one of Iowa’s highest recognitions in healthcare, for his compassion and lasting impact on patients, coworkers, and the wider community.

Steph Brink, registered nurse in the Med-Surg Department: recipient of the DAISY Award for her compassionate care and clinical excellence.

Shelli Barsby, acute care administrative assistant: Outstanding Employee Award recipient for her dedication, positive attitude, and support across departments.

Taylor Nelson, therapy director and physical therapist: first recipient of the MRHC Impact Award for his leadership, innovation, and positive influence on patient care and staff.

Mikasia Jacobsen: named a 2025 Great Iowa Nurse for her commitment to compassionate care and calm, dependable leadership, particularly in the ER.

Building the Legacy: Current & Upcoming MRHC Legacy Fund Initiatives

Following the momentum of the first Legacy Gala, MRHC is moving forward with several initiatives that support healthcare access, education, community engagement, and compassionate service.

  • Food Drive: Ongoing efforts to assist local families in need.
  • Valentine Wreath Basket/Gift Auction: Coming February 2026.
  • Scholarship Program: Launching this spring to support students pursuing careers in healthcare.
  • MRHC Legacy Golf Tournament: Scheduled for June 12th.
  • Legacy 5K: Planned for August 22nd, featuring a scenic route along the community walking trails.
  • Annual Legacy Gala: Returning November 13th.
  • Memory Tree at MRHC: Planned for December 2026 as a meaningful way to honor loved ones.

These initiatives support MRHC’s mission to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare close to home, while creating opportunities for the community to connect, give back, and help shape a stronger future. All proceeds will help finance essential facility upgrades, expand patient care programs, and introduce new service lines.

About the Legacy Fund

The Legacy Fund is a philanthropic initiative 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.

To learn more or donate to the MRHC Legacy Fund, click here. If you have any questions, please call Jackie Blackwell at (712) 655-8167.

The MRHC Auxiliary Donates Life-Saving Equipment

Thanks to the support of the Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) Auxiliary, the hospital recently acquired a LUCAS device, a hands-free chest compression system that ensures consistent, high-quality CPR at the optimal depth and rate. It reduces the physical strain on medical staff and allows them to focus on other critical, life-saving interventions.

“The LUCAS device has many benefits for both staff and patients,” said Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN. “This device will reduce staff fatigue in emergencies, leading to improved patient outcomes.”

The MRHC Auxiliary raises funds by hosting bake sales and raffles, receiving donations in memory of loved ones, and through annual membership dues. All funds go towards updating equipment that enhances patient comfort and care and creates a safer, more efficient environment for MRHC staff.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the ongoing dedication of the Auxiliary members. Their generosity helps ensure MRHC’s ability to deliver high-quality care to our community,” said Andersen.

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 St., Manning, IA 51455.

MRHC Earns 2025 Performance Leadership Award in Quality

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is proud to announce that it has received the 2025 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Quality, a national recognition highlighting the hospital’s commitment to delivering exceptional care close to home.

The award, compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, recognizes top quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes, and/or Patient Perspective.

“We are honored to receive this award, as it reflects the very heart of our mission at MRHC, delivering compassionate, personalized, high-quality healthcare to enhance the well-being of our community,” said MRHC Chief Executive Officer Shannon Black, MHA. “The award is based on objective quality and outcome indicators, making it a meaningful reflection of the care our patients receive and a clear affirmation of our team’s dedication to the high standards we uphold at MRHC.”

The Performance Leadership Awards program is based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing how rural hospitals are performing. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure performance across multiple areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

eHospitalist Program Launches Successfully

The eHospitalist program has been an invaluable addition to MRHC, providing essential support to both inpatient and emergency department teams. As a rural, critical access hospital, MRHC serves patients across a wide range of medical needs, often with limited on-site specialty resources. “The eHospitalist program bridges that gap by offering immediate access to experienced hospitalists and specialists through virtual collaboration, enhancing quality of care, clinical confidence, and patient outcomes while keeping care local,” shared CEO Shannon Black.

This support has been especially beneficial in the emergency department, where situations often evolve rapidly and decisions must be made in seconds. Having access to an eHospitalist during complex or high-acuity cases allows our emergency providers to consult in real time with a skilled specialist who can help assess diagnostic information, guide treatment decisions, and coordinate next steps for patient stabilization or admission. This not only improves care quality but also helps reduce unnecessary transfers to larger facilities.

“While MRHC providers are highly capable of managing a broad spectrum of medical issues, most are not frequently exposed to the more complex or uncommon cases,” shared Black. “In those moments, having a board-certified specialist ‘in the room’ virtually offers vital expertise and reassurance for both the provider and the patient.”

For example, during a recent cardiac emergency in the ER, our attending provider was able to connect immediately with an eHospitalist. Within minutes, the virtual hospitalist helped confirm the diagnosis, and guide the next steps in care. That collaboration allowed the team to act swiftly and confidently, ensuring the patient received advanced-level care right here at MRHC without delay or transfer.

The eHospitalist program exemplifies how technology can strengthen rural healthcare – connecting local providers with expert support to deliver high-quality, timely, and compassionate care close to home.

Life-Changing Wound Care for Out-of-State MRHC Patient

When Raymond Boyens first noticed a sore on his foot nearly four years ago, he didn’t think it was serious until about three years later.

“We tried to take care of it ourselves for about three months,” Raymond said. “But it just wasn’t healing, and it started to affect everything. I couldn’t walk far, couldn’t go out with friends, and it caused pain all the time.”

Living with diabetes, poor circulation, and rheumatoid arthritis since age 27, his wound steadily worsened. He saw several specialists in Texas, including his primary care doctor, a podiatrist, and a vascular specialist, before his great-niece Leesa Christensen, a surgical technician at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC), encouraged him to come to Iowa for care.

“Leesa came down to Texas, saw my wound, and took me back to Iowa for care,” Raymond said. “Once I got to the Wound Care Clinic at MRHC, I finally felt like it was going to be taken care of.”

Under the care of Wound Care nurse Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN, BSN, and the MRHC wound‑care team, Raymond underwent six weeks of IV antibiotics and daily cleaning and dressing changes for the wound.

“The care team was extremely helpful,” he said. “The attention I was given was the best thing about the care, and how the doctor and team listened and answered all my questions.”

After several weeks of dedicated treatment, Raymond’s wound fully healed. “The day my wound was healed, I was very relieved and happy,” he said. “I went from using a walker to being able to walk without any assistance.”

Diabetes and Wound Complications

Raymond’s story is a good reminder of how diabetes can complicate even a small wound. Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk for foot-related complications such as neuropathy, vascular disease, and ulcers, according to Tiefenthaler.

“These complications are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the U.S.,” she said. “Early intervention from a wound center is key to preventing those outcomes.”

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, an important time to highlight the risks, warning signs, and prevention strategies for diabetic foot complications. You may be at risk for a foot ulcer if you notice changes in your feet, including:

  • loss of feeling
  • a tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
  • pain when walking or resting
  • sores that won’t heal
  • thick or dry scaly skin
  • stains on socks or shoes
  • new calluses

Simple daily habits like checking your feet, wearing shoes that fit well, and using light-colored socks can help identify issues early and prevent serious complications.

“Diabetes affects blood flow and nerve function, two key factors your body needs to heal,” emphasized MRHC Specialty Clinic Director Elaine Macumber, RN. “Don’t ignore even the smallest wound because a small cut can become a big problem if you have diabetes. Proper wound care and blood sugar control are your best protection.”

Today, Raymond is grateful for his renewed independence. “I can walk on my own again,” he said. “The team at MRHC really knew what they were doing, and they gave me my life back.”

About the MRHC Wound Care Clinic

The Wound Care Clinic at MRHC provides advanced treatment for chronic and non-healing wounds, including diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, and surgical wounds. Recently recognized with a Center of Excellence Award by RestorixHealth, the clinic’s dedicated team uses comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to promote healing and prevent complications. To schedule an appointment, call (712) 655-8100.

MRHC Offers Food Assistance to Area Residents

The recent government shutdown has paused SNAP benefit funding, leaving many families in the area facing increased food insecurity. To help meet this immediate need, Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC), in partnership with the Legacy Fund, is offering weekly meal bags throughout November to local households impacted by the hold on SNAP benefits. Each meal bag will include non-perishable ingredients to prepare a complete meal for a family.

In addition, a Thanksgiving meal kit will be offered the week of Thanksgiving. The meal kits will be complete with a turkey and traditional Thanksgiving trimmings.

“At MRHC, we live our mission of delivering compassionate, personalized, high-quality healthcare to enhance the well-being of the communities we serve, and that extends beyond the walls of our hospital,” said MRHC Chief Executive Officer Shannon Black, MHA. “Our goal is to help our neighbors get through this difficult time with compassion and dignity.”

Families in need can sign up by contacting Jackie Blackwell at 712-655-8167 or jackie.blackwell@mrhcia.com.

For updates and information about how community members can support this effort, please visit the MRHC Facebook page.

MRHC Seeks Medical Laboratory Technologists

Medical Laboratory Technologist

MRHC is seeking Medical Laboratory Technologists (3 positions available)

Obtains/collects specimens for laboratory testing, including but not limited to, blood and urine. Initials, dates and times all collections.  Seeks assistance appropriately.  Performs venipunctures and finger sticks using aseptic technique and in accordance with Hospital procedures.  Ensures that specimen requirements are met at the time of collections and maintains specimen integrity.

Within scope of training, prepares specimens and performs laboratory analyses and quality control testing in accordance with established Hospital policies and procedures.  Recognizes test inconsistencies and takes appropriate corrective action.  Calls critical test results to appropriate personnel according to established criteria.

Prepares test reports in an accurate, legible and timely manner, initialing and dating own work performed.  Performs preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment, documenting all instrument checks, problems, and corrective actions taken.  Seeks assistance of appropriate laboratory personnel as needed to identify and/or resolve issues.

Maintains awareness of own safety in carrying out duties and responsibilities.  Adheres to universal precautions and infection control policies and procedures.  Keeps own work area clean, neat and professional in appearance.  Maintains awareness of workload of co-workers and offers assistance as needed.  Maintains patient confidentiality and uses discretion in patient interactions.

Varied work schedule including day/nights/weekends and rotating holidays.

Educational Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, or related field.

ASCP, MLS(ASCPi), NCA, AMT, MT (AMT) or MT (HEW) certification required.

Willingness and ability to work a varied work schedule including day/nights/weekends and rotating holidays.

To apply, complete the MRHC employment application and either email it to MRHC-Applications@mrhcia.com, or print a copy and mail it to:

MRHC
Attention: Shelli Lorenzen
1550 6th Street
Manning, IA 51455