MRHC Financial Giving to Ensure Healthcare Remains Close to Home

Donor Wall

“We are grateful for the many financial contributions, large and small, that have made a significant impact on the services offered here at Manning Regional Healthcare Center,” shared MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “We are proud to be able to recognize those within the hospital with the Trees of Hope donor wall display.”

The recent installation of the donor wall, located near the MRHC surgery waiting room, represents the contributions made during the hospital’s recent capital campaign, Project Forward. In total there were 83 donors who contributed nearly $700,000. As donations continue to be made to the hospital, additional leaves will be added throughout the year.

“We recognize that it takes many different funding sources and committed citizens to ensure that we can provide the high-quality care and variety of health care services that we offer here at MRHC,” said Block. “One of the organizations that has made a significant impact over time has been the hospital Auxiliary, and they have lots to celebrate this year.”

Auxiliary Surpasses $300,000 in Contributions

While membership is only $10/person, the total contributions from the Auxiliary to Manning Regional Healthcare Center over the past 47 years has now surpassed $300,000. Since 1975, the Auxiliary, on average, has maintained an annual membership of 200 members.

“While some people can afford to make larger donations, others can only make smaller, incremental donations over time,” shared Janet Myer, hospital Auxiliary president. “It’s incredible how those smaller donations add up, though.”

Some of the more notable donations Myer recalls over the years were furnishing the birthing room at the old hospital, providing a van for the Plaza, creating a beauty shop at the Plaza, and getting furniture in the Recovery Center.

“Although some of these items are no longer in use, one thing that remains steady is our commitment to keeping quality healthcare available here in Manning,” said Myer.

As the needs of the community and the hospital evolve, so do the projects that the Auxiliary funds. “Each year we ask MRHC departments for a wish list and try to spread the support throughout the whole facility,” emphasized Myer.

The Auxiliary has had to adapt to new ways of funding over the years as well. For many years, the Auxiliary hosted a snack bar at the Plaza. The Auxiliary now hosts the snack bar at the Manning Public Library from 2-4pm every Monday through Friday.

“We invite the whole community to take advantage of the homemade snacks while visiting the beautiful new library,” encouraged Myer. “It’s an easy way to show your support and get a sweet treat as well!”

The Auxiliary also hosts multiple bake sales throughout the year. These have been held in conjunction with the Manning Farmer’s Market twice per summer since the pandemic. Annual bake sales are also held before Easter and Christmas.

The Auxiliary’s final bake sale of 2022 will feature Christmas goodies on Saturday December 3rd on Main Street in Manning.

Continued Financial Need

While Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements continue to be a challenge for rural hospitals, community members have shown increased financial support to ensure high-quality healthcare services are available close to home.

“We are grateful for the increased financial support to our hospital,” shared Block. “When people set foot in our hospital, they are surprised and impressed by the beautiful facility and quality of healthcare that is unexpected from a small-town hospital.”

There are many ways to give to support the hospital, both great and small. For long-term financial support of the hospital, please contact Linn Block at (712) 655-2072 or email linn.block@mrhcia.com.

MRHC Hosts Healthcare Career Camp for IKM-Manning Students

healthcare career camp

Manning Regional Healthcare Center hosted 24 IKM-Manning middle and high school students for a Healthcare Career Camp on Thursday, September 29th to introduce students to healthcare careers, tour the facility, and participate in simulations and hands-on activities.

“Recruitment to the healthcare field continues to be a challenge, so we wanted to spark an interest in students starting with middle school and high school-age students,” shared MRHC Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN. “We collaborated with the IKM-Manning guidance counselors to form a mutually beneficial partnership. MRHC purchased mannequins and supplies to make it as hands-on as possible. We plan to offer the event to students at IKM-Manning two to three times per year in the fall and spring months.”

Students stopped at seven stations throughout the hospital to learn more about the different roles of healthcare, the variety of healthcare fields, and learn useful skills to utilize after leaving.

The stations included:

Ambulance
MRHC staff set up a scenario in which an ambulance was called to the scene of a grain bin fall or ATV rollover. EMTs shared first aid measures that would be conducted at the scene of the accident: how to apply pressure to wounds (stop the bleed), support for the limbs, and how to limit exposure. Responders talked about their role and how they would assist with transfer to a medical facility. The groups toured the ambulance and learned about the ambulance crew’s duties.

Emergency Room
A doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and respiratory therapist followed a Trauma Nursing Process (TNP) with a manikin. Students learned a variety of things that would happen in emergency situations including IV or IO access, medication from the pyxis, confidentiality and HIPPA and regulations, intubation using a pig’s lung, CPR/LUCAS device, and more.

Laboratory and Radiology
Students toured both departments and were able to draw blood through an IV manikin and viewed samples under the microscope in the lab. In the radiology department they took x-rays of a pig’s leg while wearing lead aprons and learned about CT scan and MRI capabilities.

Surgery
This station featured the job responsibilities performed by a surgeon, anesthesia, and surgery techs. Students had hands-on experiences working in a sterile environment, donning/doffing surgical garb, suturing a pig’s skin, and dissecting a pig heart.

Recovery Center
Students met with the Recovery Center staff to learn about the substance abuse program and the services offered at MRHC.

Family Practice Clinic, Specialty Clinic, Infection Control, and Therapy Department
In this session, students learned about the follow-up process with providers after an injury. Students were able to see the teamwork and integration that happens between multiple departments within the hospital. The tour started in the Family Practice Clinic where students learned about proper handwashing techniques, practiced giving a flu shot on oranges, and listened to a patient’s breathing.

Clinic staff shared information about medication management and each of their roles, as well as the career paths taken to get to those positions. The students toured the Specialty Clinic where they were able to cut a cast and remove staples. The experience wrapped up with a tour of the therapy department where many follow-up services, provided by physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, occur.

First Aid
Students filled a first aid kit and learned how each item should be used. The groups then discussed their perspectives of the camp and had a chance to ask any follow-up questions regarding the schooling necessary for healthcare careers they were interested in.

When asked what their favorite part of the camp was, students shared, “I liked to go in the x-ray & surgery room.” “My favorite part was being able to see the different departments. I loved being able to see different jobs and do hands-on activities.”  “My favorite part was holding the pig heart and leg. Also seeing the little pig lungs inflate.”  “The EMS & ER part was my favorite.” “I liked going to the clinic and when I got to do an IV on a manikin arm.” “I liked learning about all the different jobs that make up a clinic and that there are SO many possibilities in healthcare. I like that we got to wear scrubs and a stethoscope.” “I loved everything that we did. It was very fun, especially if you want to be in the medical field.”

When asked if they would recommend this experience to other classmates, students shared that they definitely would. “It’s a great opportunity for people to learn about the healthcare field.” “It’s just a good place and might be a job opportunity.” “There were SO many things to learn.”

IKM-Manning High School Guidance Counselor, Amy Bemus echoed the students’ responses about the effectiveness of the event. “The students had nothing but positive things to say about their experiences at the Healthcare Career Camp! They loved all the hands-on activities and felt like they really got to see a variety of careers that are available in the healthcare industry. This was an absolutely wonderful opportunity for the students, and I am so pleased that everyone was able to work together to provide that for them! We look forward to continuing this partnership with the hospital!”

“We have already had other school districts reach out with an interest in conducting a camp for their students as well,” shared Julie Hodne, event coordinator. “So, this has evidently sparked interest both in the community and beyond.”

Danner to Offer Senior Health Insurance Information Services at MRHC

Nancy Danner

Where can I go to find answers about Medicare prescription drug plans? What is a Medicare Advantage plan? My medications have gotten so expensive I just can’t afford to take them all, is there any help?

Answers to these and other Medicare questions can be found by meeting with Nancy Danner, Manning Regional Healthcare Center’s new Senior Health Insurance Information (SHIIP) counselor. Danner is at MRHC to meet with individuals every Wednesday by appointment. Nancy Danner

“We’re so excited to welcome Nancy in her new role as a SHIIP counselor,” said Amy McLaughlin, CPA, Chief Financial Officer at MRHC. “She will be a great resource for individuals turning 65, those who are considering changing Medicare benefits, or for anyone simply wanting to learn more about their current benefits.”

SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa. Danner completed extensive training and shadowing before being certified. In her role at MRHC, Danner will provide information to aid in Medicare decision-making and answer questions related to Medicare itself, benefits, Medicare supplement insurance, Advantage plans, Medicare Part D plans, Medicare insurance claims, and how to guard against becoming a victim of Medicare fraud. She will not provide recommendations for plans or agents but will be able to answer questions and provide impartial information to help residents make informed decisions and assist people who have a limited income.

“The best time to start getting information is before you actually need it, so I recommend at least 6-12 months before someone turns 65 years old,” Danner recommended.

Danner worked as a registered nurse for 27 years in the Carroll County area, a Certified Physician Assistant for 16 years in Manning, and then a Certified Medical Coder at MRHC the last four years prior to retiring in August and transitioning to this volunteer position.

“I wanted to volunteer for something that was really needed,” Danner shared. “SHIIP helped my husband and I when we had to make Medicare-related decisions and we found the volunteer counselors were very helpful.”

Danner and her husband Rich live on a farm southeast of Templeton and have two grown sons, Chris and Matt.

Anyone interested in making an appointment with Danner can email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com or call MRHC at 712-655-8100. If a client is only wishing to talk on the phone, they may leave their phone number and Danner will return their call.

Local Businesses Generously Support Project Forward

check for capital campaign

As the year comes to a close, Manning Regional Healthcare Center is celebrating significant success since the launch of their capital campaign, Project Forward.

Recent year-end gifts have donation totals nearing $700,000. Most recently, two major gifts were received, $35,000 from AGP and $10,000 from Home Mutual Insurance Association of Carroll County. These contributions are representative of the high-level of continued support from the Manning-area business community.

Wayne Johnson, AGP’s Director of Marketing shared, “We have always done annual community donations in the past and have traditionally picked three or four communities to contribute to significant projects. Our new CEO, Chris Schaffer [who succeeded former CEO, Keith Spackler earlier this year] wants to remain focused on areas where our plants are operating and take care of those communities.”

In the past, AGP has made a sizable donation to the new Manning Fire Department facility and last year AGP made a significant contribution to Manning chamber bucks that matched local purchases of chamber bucks.

Additional donations include Warren and Sue Puck’s $50,000 donation and AMVC’s donation of $10,000.

“AMVC has been welcomed in the Manning community for 31 years, and Manning is a large part of our business. We are happy to participate in forward-thinking projects that benefit the families and communities we call home,” shared Bob Blomme, managing partner of AMVC Veterinary Services.

Several families have contributed at the $10,000 level or higher including James and Virginia Rasmussen, the Ohde family, Randy & Jean Behrens, and Marlene Borkowski. More than 75 total donors have contributed to the campaign to date.

Project Update

“We are happy to report that the Senior Life Solutions expansion, Pharmacy renovation and negative pressure isolation room projects have been completed,” said MRHC CEO Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “In the past month, we have started holding group therapy sessions for both the Senior Life Solutions program and the Recovery Center in the new space, have had several patients use the new patient isolation room, and the pharmacy is now in compliance with federal regulations.”

COVID has prevented an in-person open house, however, virtual tours of the newly renovated spaces have been shared on the MRHC Facebook and YouTube pages.

Projects Continue Forward

“The generosity of our supporters has been humbling to say the least,” said Block. “However, as we continue to evolve to meet the needs of our patients and provide care for three of the most common healthcare challenges we face today – mental health, obesity, and cancer, we request the community’s continued financial support.”

As MRHC approaches the new year, there are two major initiatives that staff, administration and board members are embarking on. An enhanced 32-slice CT scan will allow MRHC to provide scans that result in lower radiation, quicker scans, and more detail.

“The improved technology means that patients won’t have to travel to urban areas to receive better imaging,” said Linda Croghan, MRHC Director of Radiology.

The smart metal artifact reduction feature allows for high-quality images even if a patient has metal fillings, joint replacements, or metal hardware. The upgraded machine also allows local imaging for heavier people and will be able to accommodate patients up to 450 pounds. This CT is not only critical for hospital patients but also for specialty providers seeing patients in rural settings.

The other major investment is an Electronic Medical Records System which will enable MRHC to seamlessly access records and provide a system that is broadly accepted industry-wide, making medical record access much easier if a patient has to be seen at another hospital. The new system will allow online check-in for patients, enable patients to see their results online, and offer two-way communication with providers. The new system will improve telehealth capabilities as it is compatible with mobile devices.

Both projects present a significant financial hurdle for the hospital but are necessary to continue providing trusted healthcare close to home.

“Our hope is that our community members will consider supporting these projects with a monetary donation so we can continue to evolve to meet our patients’ needs, provide the best care possible and offer important, necessary services for residents in rural communities,” said Block.

As part of the Project Forward campaign, MRHC is planning a new donor wall located near the Med/Surg waiting room in the hospital that will feature a tree (or series of trees) that recognize the generous contributions from donors.

“We anticipate that donations of $100,000+ will be recognized as tree trunks, donations of $10,000-$99,999 will be branches or stepping stones, and donations of $1,000-$9,999 will be represented by leaves,” shared Block.

MRHC welcomes the support and participation in this campaign by the regional community, as well as individuals and businesses in neighboring counties. Those interested in donating can visit MRHC’s lobby to pick up a donation form, call Amy Benton at (712) 655-2072 to discuss funding needs, or visit www.mrhcia.com/2021-capital-campaign to find out more details.

senior life solutions group room

The new Senior Life Solutions group therapy room is also used for Recovery Center Outpatient group therapy.

check for capital campaign

AGP Director of Marketing, Wayne Johnson, presents a check for $35,000 to co-chairs of the Project Forward capital campaign, Randy Behrens and Virginia Rasmussen, and MRHC CEO, Linn Block.

Importance of Advance Directives for End-of-Life Medical Care

comforting an elderly lady

Do your loved ones and medical providers know what type of medical treatment you prefer? By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want, avoid unnecessary suffering, and relieve caregivers of decision-making burdens during moments of crisis or grief. You can also help reduce confusion or disagreement about the choices you would want people to make on your behalf.

An advanced directive is a legal document that explains how you want medical decisions to be made if you cannot make the decisions yourself. This directive lets your healthcare team and loved ones know what kind of health care you want or who you want to make decisions for you when you can’t. An advance directive can help you think ahead about what kind of care you want to receive as well as help guide your loved ones and healthcare team in making clear decisions about your health care when you can’t do it yourself.

“Advance directives help you protect your right to make medical choices that can affect your life,” said Julie Hodne, R.N., Education Coordinator at Manning Regional Healthcare Center. “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.”

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. For example, advance directives may help patients decide if they want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), artificial nutrition or hydration, intubation, ventilators, or dialysis. They can also address your feelings about pain control and comfort care.

Let your values be your guide when creating your advance directives. Consider what is important to you. That may include passing on without pain and suffering, being able to make your own decisions, leaving your family with good memories and not burdening them with difficult decisions, acting according to your religious beliefs, or to be with your loved ones at your time of passing. Discuss your feelings with your family, friends, physician, religious leader, or your lawyer to consider what is best for you.

Advance medical directives are most commonly in the form of a living will or a durable power of attorney for healthcare. Both documents allow you to give directions about your future medical care. 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.

To receive the form in the mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:  Iowa State Bar Association, 625 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50306, with the following information in the envelope: your full name, address, and date of birth. You can also print and download the selected form here.

Once you have the forms, put your wishes in writing and be as specific as possible. Review your advance directives with your family, friends, physician, and power of attorney (POA). You will need to sign and date your advance directives and have them witnessed and notarized.

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. IPOST stands for the 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 IPOST from the Iowa Department of Public Health here.

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!”