MRHC Legacy Fund Hosts Valentine’s Day Basket Silent Auction

Those looking for a meaningful Valentine’s Day gift are invited to participate in the Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) Legacy Valentine’s Day Basket Silent Auction. The event offers community members a chance to bid on beautifully curated Valentine’s baskets while supporting the MRHC Legacy Fund.

“The Legacy Auction offers a simple way to find a thoughtful gift while making a powerful impact, supporting the hospital’s mission,” said MRHC Chief Operating Officer, Jackie Blackwell, RN, BSN, MBA, CPHQ.

Bidding on the Valentine’s baskets will begin Monday, January 26, at noon. Community members may place bids either in person in the MRHC lobby or online through the MRHC Legacy Valentine’s Day Basket Silent Auction Facebook event page.

Bidding will remain open through Thursday, February 5, at noon.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, February 5, at 3 p.m. Baskets may be picked up immediately following the announcement until 5 p.m. Additional pickup times will be available on Friday, February 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the MRHC Legacy Fund, which provides financial support for facility upgrades, new service lines, patient care programs and healthcare education.

“The Legacy Fund is a philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of MRHC,” said Blackwell. “More than a donation, it represents a lasting commitment to preserving and strengthening our organization so we can serve our community for generations.”

Community members are encouraged to participate, bid generously, and celebrate Valentine’s Day while giving back to a meaningful local cause.

The MRHC Legacy Fund extends its sincere thanks to the local businesses whose generous sponsorships helped make the Valentine’s Day baskets possible.

The Legacy Fund also encourages residents to mark June 12, 2026, on their calendars for the first Annual Legacy Golf Tournament at the Manning Manilla Golf and Country Club.

For more information, visit the MRHC Legacy Valentine’s Day Basket Silent Auction Facebook event page  or learn more about the Legacy Fund.

MRHC Recovery Center Awarded Opioid Settlement Funding

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) announced that the Recovery Center has been awarded more than $500,000 in Iowa opioid settlement funding through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Misuse Prevention and Treatment program. The award will support a regional initiative to expand evidence-based opioid use disorder (OUD) services in Carroll, Crawford, Shelby, and Audubon counties.

“This investment allows us to reduce barriers that often prevent rural residents from getting timely, effective care,” said Shannon Black, CEO of MRHC. “It strengthens our ability to serve patients close to home while responding to a growing regional need.”

MRHC’s Recovery Center will use the funding to strengthen the region’s continuum of care, expanding access to intake and outpatient services, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and chronic pain management. The initiative will increase access for Crawford County residents through a partnership with Crawford County Public Health in Denison, including on-site intake assessments and transportation to Manning for outpatients and MAT services.

The initiative includes establishing an integrated MAT clinic at MRHC and strengthening its multimodal chronic pain management program to reduce opioid reliance and improve outcomes. The project also supports specialized staff training, program leadership, workforce recruitment, and retention efforts to ensure long-term sustainability.

“MAT is one of the most effective tools we have for treating opioid use disorder,” said CNO, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN. “This funding allows us to integrate treatment, education and care coordination so more people can access services and stay engaged in prevention and recovery.”

A key focus of the project is restoring local access for Crawford County residents following the closure of Denison’s former outpatient provider. MRHC will partner with Crawford County Public Health to offer onsite intake assessments in Denison and coordinated transportation to treatment services in Manning.

MRHC’s Recovery Center is uniquely positioned to serve medically-complex patients, including high-risk pregnant women, through access to 24/7 nursing, diagnostics, emergency services and coordinated obstetric care through a partnership with Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, allowing patients to remain in treatment during medically-vulnerable stages of pregnancy.

“This support allows us to expand care while preserving the individualized, hospital-based approach that has defined the Recovery Center for more than four decades,” said Taya Vonnahme, Recovery Center Director. “By strengthening access, staffing and coordination, we can better meet patients where they are and support lasting recovery.”

MRHC will continue working with regional partners, including county leaders, hospitals, EMS, law enforcement, schools, and community organizations, to reduce stigma, strengthen referral pathways and improve access to care.

In addition to the opioid settlement funding, MRHC has applied for a Centers of Excellence designation through the state’s Healthy Hometown initiative under the Hometown Connections strategy. The designation would support rural health system partnerships and workforce recruitment and retention efforts, with award announcements expected in mid-January and contracts beginning in mid-February.

Free Medicare Information Seminars at MRHC in 2026

Looking for Medicare assistance? MRHC is hosting free “Welcome to Medicare” seminars throughout the year on January 27th, March 31st, May 26th, July 28th, September 29th, and November 24th from 7-9 pm for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare.

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.

Interested individuals should call (712) 655-2072 one week prior to the seminar to register. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.

Nancy DannerEven 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.”

Danner is also 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, benefits, plan options, claims, and how to guard against 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.

Anyone interested in making an appointment with Danner can email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com or call 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.

Mental Health Support for Children and Teens at MRHC

Mental health concerns among children and teens continue to rise. According to the CDC data from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, about 40% of U.S. high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year. At Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC), anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges seen among youth. Increased stress from academics, athletics, and social pressures is contributing to emotional distress, and, in some cases, self-harm behaviors. Support and professional care are available through MRHC’s mental health services.

“We are seeing a significant increase in anxiety among children and adolescents,” said MRHC Mental Health Therapist Tiffany Johnson, T-LMHC. “That anxiety often presents in different ways depending on the child’s age and can lead to serious concerns if not addressed early.”

Common Stressors Affecting Youth

MRHC reports that academic expectations, athletic pressure and bullying, including cyberbullying, are frequent stressors for youth. Social media use has also become a growing concern, as it can affect brain development, self-image, and how children and teens perceive the world.

“Social media often presents an unrealistic view of life,” said MRHC Mental Health Counselor Hollie Schechinger, LISW. “It’s important for teens to understand that what they see online is not an accurate reflection of reality.”

Warning Signs

Symptoms can present differently by age. Younger children often display behavioral changes, including aggression, while teens may withdraw from family and peers. Parents, teachers, and caregivers are encouraged to watch for early signs that a child or teen may be struggling, including:

  • Increased isolation from family or friends
  • Changes in behavior, such as acting out or becoming unusually quiet
  • Declining academic performance

Adults Supporting Youth

Parents can support teens by validating their feelings and listening without judgment. MRHC cautions against minimizing a child’s feelings by labeling them as “overly dramatic” or telling them to “calm down,” as this can discourage open communication.

Creating safe, consistent opportunities for conversation, such as shared meals, daily check-ins, and engaging in their favorite activities, can help ongoing dialogue. For teens, informal settings, such as going for a drive, often make difficult conversations feel more comfortable.

Healthy Daily Habits

Strong mental health is supported by daily routines, including adequate sleep, structured schedules, physical activity, and healthy screen time boundaries. Limiting screen use allows children to develop social and coping skills through real-world interactions. 

When to Seek Professional Care

Parents are encouraged to reach out for professional support anytime they have concerns about their child’s mental health. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

Counseling sessions at MRHC typically last 45 minutes to an hour and provide a safe environment for children and parents to discuss concerns. MRHC utilizes a dedicated playroom and incorporates play therapy techniques, especially for younger children. As children grow older, sessions may include individual time with the provider while maintaining parental involvement.

For more information about youth mental health services, visit the MRHC website or call (712) 655-8100 to schedule an appointment.