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

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.

Shelli’s Breast Cancer Journey – “Early Detection Saved My Life”

Shelli Lorenzen

Shelli Lorenzen’s journey with breast cancer began with a routine check—an annual mammogram at Manning Regional Healthcare Center. This small but vital step would change her life and ultimately save it. In sharing her story, Shelli hopes to inspire others to prioritize early detection and lean on their support systems during difficult times.

Like many women, Shelli made it a point to schedule her mammogram every year. However, during her most recent visit to MRHC, the results came back abnormal, requiring further testing. Following the mammogram, MRHC referred Shelli to the MercyOne Katzmann Breast Center in Des Moines for further care. The quick and proactive response allowed her to begin treatment at an early stage—something she stresses cannot be overlooked.

“If I had skipped just one year,” Shelli said, “my lump would have been much larger and possibly have spread. Early detection definitely saved my life.”

Shelli’s treatment involved a combination of surgery, radiation, and post-operative care. She had a lumpectomy at MercyOne in Des Moines and underwent six weeks of radiation therapy. While most of her treatments took place outside of Manning, MRHC played a crucial role in her recovery. Access to follow-up care close to home at MRHC provided much-needed convenience during an otherwise overwhelming time. Shelli experienced not only the medical care she needed locally but also invaluable emotional and professional support from her colleagues at MRHC, where she serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer.

“MRHC was wonderfully supportive of my needs as I navigated this scary situation. I was allowed to work from home following my surgery and could leave early for treatments. I could not have asked for a better employer or co-workers during this awful time.”

This workplace support allowed Shelli to focus on her recovery while maintaining as much normalcy as possible.

“It was very important to me to go on with life as normal as possible, and I feel like I did that for as long as I could,” Shelli shared. “I think that helped me. My mantra was: this too shall pass.  There will be tough days, but just remember that better days are coming.”

When asked what advice she would give to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer, Shelli emphasized the importance of asking questions and accepting support from others.

“It is a scary thing to hear that you have cancer. Ask questions of your provider. Talk to others who have had it. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you are going through,” Shelli encouraged. “Talking about it helped me rather than hiding it.”

Shelli’s story serves as a powerful reminder that support—whether medical, emotional, or professional—can make all the difference in navigating the road to recovery. And most importantly, that early detection saves lives.

“You must do your due diligence and get your mammograms annually,” she stressed. “If there is an annual test—like a mammogram—get the test every year. Cancer is a random disease that can hit anybody. Early detection is key —if you find something, have it checked out.”

MRHC provides 3D tomography screening and diagnostic mammography exams. The mammography machine features a soft touch pad, providing a softer, warmer mammogram for patients. Screening mammography is used to detect changes in the breast for women who do not have signs or symptoms or observable breast abnormalities. Diagnostic mammography is used to examine suspicious breast changes such as a lump, pain, or unusual skin appearance. To schedule a mammogram, please call (712) 655-8210.

Michelle Price’s Impact at the Recovery Center

Michelle Price

Michelle PriceMichelle Price’s journey in healthcare began with a choice at Western Iowa Tech, where she selected practical nursing over welding, setting her on a path that would span over two decades and profoundly impact many lives.

“When I decided to go to college, there were two options locally, and I believe it was God who made my decision to become a nurse,” reflected Michelle, LPN.

Michelle began her nursing career by dedicating 19 years to caring for others through home health and working at the Manilla Manor. Her transition to the Recovery Center at MRHC in 2019 marked a significant pivot, driven by a desire for change and a deep-seated sense of calling.

“The reason I began working at the Recovery Center is because I had family members who dealt with alcoholism and addiction,” Michelle shared. “In 2016, I began attending the ‘source of recovery’ program after being encouraged by Esta Denton. I began to familiarize myself with the recovery community and after attending several functions with friends I saw the growth in clients’ eyes.”

Now as a nurse at the Manning Recovery Center (MRC), Michelle directly aids those recovering from addiction, witnessing transformative changes in their lives.

“I am so grateful that I am a part of the MRHC family and the recovery community,” shared Michelle. “My favorite part of my job is when I see clients come in, and they are usually broken inside, many without support, and with the help of all staff at MRC, the clients begin to grow, and I get to see the light come back into their lives.”

As September marks National Recovery Month, an annual observance to promote recovery practices; the recovery community; and the dedication of service providers; the Recovery Center takes pride in individuals like Michelle who work with passion and determination to help addicts. Michelle’s deep commitment to patient recovery resonates with her colleagues, who view her as an integral part of the Recovery Center.

MRC Director, Taya Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC, praises Michelle’s contributions saying, “Michelle is the kind, caring, and patient nurse we need here in the Recovery Center. It takes certain people to be able to work in this setting and she thrives here. She goes above and beyond for patients when they are here and with follow-up after. Patients continue to point out how much she cares and is available for them.”

In addition to a rewarding career where she can make a difference, Michelle values the team environment and support she receives from Manning Regional and MRC. She is also motivated by the drive and dedication of the leadership team.

“MRHC treats everyone like family, and I don’t feel like a number,” Michelle shared. “We are all encouraged to voice our concerns, and I feel heard. Taya’s drive to help the people in the community and those who struggle with substance abuse can be seen and felt by all.”

The choice to work in a rural setting like Manning’s has been another important factor for Michelle. She highlights the unique benefits of providing addiction services in a less populated area, where community bonds are strong, and the recovery community is notably supportive.

“Rural health care has always been a concern, so offering addiction services in a rural area is very important,” Michelle emphasized. “One of the many benefits of living in a small community is that people care. The recovery community in Manning is remarkable. I have had many clients tell me, ‘ALL of the staff treat me like I am worth something’ and ‘I’ve never been in a place that cares so much about me as a person’. I look forward to an expansion and pray for that daily because if we can make our 16 clients feel like they are important and give them hope I’d like to see MRC do that for another 16.”

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

Recovery Center Services

The Recovery Center is a 16-bed, co-ed chemical dependency facility located in Manning. Services include detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and consultations or evaluations. The center’s trusted experts provide individuals with the right medical care, behavioral therapy, and social support to enable a healthy lifestyle free from drugs and alcohol. If you or someone you care about has problems with substance abuse, call (712) 655-2300. For more information, visit

MRHC Wound Care Clinic Receives Clinical Distinction Award

wound care award

MRHC is pleased to announce that the Wound Care Clinic is a recipient of Restorix Health’s Clinical Distinction Award. These awards recognize wound centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by meeting or exceeding national healing benchmarks, including a 90% healing rate and 32 median days to heal.

“The Wound Care Clinic is proud to be recognized for the quality of care our wound center provides our patients daily,” said Dr. Thang Luong, M.D. “This achievement reaffirms our commitment to optimizing patient outcomes, which can only be accomplished with the effort and dedication of our wound care staff and support from the hospital. We look forward to continuing our mission to restore health and improve the quality of life—and access to care—for the patients we serve.”

The MRHC Wound Care Clinic has received this award six times in addition to a Center of Excellence award in 2019 and multiple awards for excellence in patient satisfaction. The Wound Care Clinic is dedicated to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in patients with non-healing wounds. The approach to wound care is aggressive and comprehensive, coordinating traditional and advanced therapies and techniques that are proven to reduce healing time and improve healing rates.

Manning’s clinic is staffed by Dr. Thang Luong, Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN, and supported by Elaine Macumber, RN. Integrating a team of wound care professionals optimizes patient care while offering the most advanced healing options for hard-to-heal wounds.

The MRHC Wound Care Clinic is held every Thursday. For more information about treatment plans or to schedule an appointment, please call 712-655-8100.

About RestorixHealth

Committed to excellence in wound care, RestorixHealth is the wound care solutions company providing programs, services, products, and education across the care continuum. From developing and operating wound centers in partnership with hospitals, through supporting long-term care facilities with education and supplies, to providing in-home care, RestorixHealth’s solutions increase access to care, reduce hospital admissions, lower or avoid direct care costs, and most importantly, improve patient outcomes and quality of life. For more information, visit www.RestorixHealth.com.

MRHC SHIIP Earns Governor’s Volunteer Award

Medicare

SHIIP AwardMRHC is proud to announce that its Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) has received the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award for its 20 years of dedicated service to the community. This prestigious award acknowledges the tireless efforts of volunteers who have played a vital role in empowering area residents to make informed decisions about their health insurance options after the age of 65.

Over the past two decades, three individuals have spearheaded SHIIP at MRHC: Sally Hodne, Dee Schmitz, and currently, Nancy Danner. Each of these volunteers has shared a deep commitment to helping friends, neighbors, and community members navigate the complexities of Medicare and make well-informed choices about their health coverage.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the impact we can have,” shared Nancy Danner. “Helping people understand their Medicare options takes away a lot of stress and empowers them to make the best decisions for their health.”

Offered by the State of Iowa, SHIIP provides free, confidential, and unbiased services. SHIIP volunteers provide personalized insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. SHIIP counselors guide individuals on Medicare-related topics such as understanding Medicare Advantage plans, choosing the right Medicare prescription drug plan, navigating Medicare claims, protecting against Medicare fraud, and obtaining assistance for those with limited income.

Whether you’re approaching 65, considering changes to your Medicare plan, or want to learn more about your current benefits, Danner is available every Wednesday at MRHC to meet with individuals by appointment. Having served as a registered nurse, certified physician assistant, and certified medical coder, she possesses a deep understanding of the healthcare system and Medicare complexities. She will not provide recommendations for plans or agents but can answer questions and provide impartial information to help individuals make educated decisions. To schedule a consultation, call (712) 655-2072 or email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com.

Senior Fitness Classes Offered by MRHC Physical Therapists

Senior fitness class

Looking to improve mobility & strength, learn simple exercises, and reduce your fall risk? MRHC Physical Therapists, Taylor Nelson and Lucas Schwery will be leading free fitness classes for seniors 70+ beginning in August. Classes will occur every Wednesday from August 7th until September 25th from 11-11:30 am at the Manning Senior Center.

“MRHC is working to offer more services for seniors in the community, and we became aware that fitness classes were of interest,” said MRHC Therapy Director, Taylor Nelson, PT, DPT. “Our goals with this fitness program are to keep people as mobile as possible and educate and empower older individuals to do simple things to maintain their strength and independence as they age. We lose strength as we get older, leading to other difficulties, one being falls. Exercising regularly has been proven to reduce this risk, and our goal is to help people by showing them ways to exercise safely.”

As a Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist, Nelson specializes in orthopedic-type conditions, implementing a multifaceted approach, including hands-on and exercise-based treatments to help patients achieve their therapy goals. Since starting at MRHC in 2021, Nelson has been dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based care.

In addition to Nelson, Physical Therapist Lucas Schwery, DPT, can address a variety of impairments including musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, balance, gait, and post-surgical impairments and injuries.

The MRHC therapy department is continually expanding and enhancing treatment options and services. Physical therapy hours are Monday-Thursday 7-7, and Friday 8-5. Occupational and speech therapy appointments are scheduled on an as-needed basis.

For more information about the senior fitness classes, please contact the MRHC Therapy Department at (712) 655-8298.

MRHC Welcomes New Cardiologist, Dr. Pandya

Dr. Pandya

Dr. Pandya

Manning Regional Healthcare Center is excited to welcome new Cardiologist, Dr. Jitendra Pandya, MBBS, MPH, RPVI, and his team through their new partnership with Clarkson Cardiology out of Omaha, Nebraska, beginning in July.

“At MRHC, we understand the importance of trusted healthcare close to home and are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality heart care possible,” said MRHC CEO, Shannon Black, MHA. “We are pleased to continue in-person cardiology services and are looking forward to our patients getting to know Dr. Pandya. We are confident this partnership will allow us to continue delivering the excellent cardiology care close to home that our patients have come to expect from MRHC.”

Dr. Pandya will offer cardiology services at MRHC on the first and third Tuesday of each month. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pandya, please call (712) 665-8100 and select Specialty Clinic.

Practicing since 2017, Dr. Pandya is certified by ABIM in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and interventional cardiology. Dr. Pandya earned his medical degree from BJ Medical College, India, and completed his internal medicine residency and fellowship in cardiology at Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Additionally, he completed an interventional cardiology fellowship at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.

Dr. Pandya is married and has two young boys. He likes to spend time attending their sporting events, and when the opportunity arises, he enjoys traveling.

Taylor Nelson Empowers Excellence in the Therapy Department

Taylor Nelson, MRHC Physical Therapist

Taylor Nelson, MRHC Physical TherapistAs the Therapy Director at MRHC, Taylor Nelson, PT, DPT, is committed to elevating the therapy department to new heights, offering cutting-edge treatments, and fostering a culture of excellence. As a Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist, Nelson specializes in orthopedic-type conditions, implementing a multifaceted approach, including hands-on and exercise-based treatments to help patients achieve their physical therapy goals. Since starting at MRHC in 2021, Nelson has been dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based care.

“I enjoy working with individuals, and I like to think that I am a good listener. I believe this helps in determining what patients have going on and planning different strategies to improve their condition,” Nelson shared. “MRHC has been more than willing to listen to new ideas and develop new service areas that not only help our department grow but more importantly, provide patients with new treatment methods that will help them achieve their overall goals.”

Most recently, the therapy department collaborated with the respiratory therapy department to develop a Pulmonary Conditioning Program for patients suffering from respiratory issues. This was a service that the hospital was not able to offer previously. This collaborative initiative underscores MRHC’s commitment to meet evolving community healthcare demands.

“I feel like MRHC is a great representation of what the community of Manning strives to be: progressive in accepting new possibilities while maintaining their core values and respecting each individual that comes through the door,” said Nelson.

While expanding and enhancing treatment options and services for physical, occupational, and speech therapy at MRHC is one of Nelson’s main priorities, his vision for the therapy department goes even further.

“My broad, overarching goal for the department is to be experts in our field so that people know they will receive top-notch, evidence-driven care for whatever condition they are coming to us for,” Nelson emphasized. “I realize that it can be frustrating when it seems like to receive the care you expect and deserve, you must travel long distances. I want our department to have the reputation that we can help, and we are the experts you can rely on.”

Central to Nelson’s success is the supportive environment cultivated by MRHC administration and his peers. In addition to the support he receives, he is also appreciative of the emphasis on teamwork and mutual respect that fosters a positive work culture where every voice is heard. He points out the administration’s dedication to creating an enjoyable workplace, where collaboration thrives, and professional development is encouraged.

“A good team environment is always a selling point for a job. At MRHC that is the genuine truth. It is a goal of our administration as well as every department lead to create an environment that listens to each other as well as make it an enjoyable place to work long term,” Nelson shared.

It is also evident that Nelson plays an important role in helping young professionals grow in their healthcare careers. As Therapy Director, Nelson oversees the physical, occupational, and speech therapy staff. His team is made up of four additional individuals, Physical Therapist, Lucas Schwery; Occupational Therapist, Amy Osbahr; Speech Therapist, Carrie Scharfenkamp; and Intake Coordinator, Stacy Arp – who all share Nelson’s vision of helping the therapy department continually grow and improve.

“Taylor has been a major help in preparing me for my career as a physical therapist,” shared Lucas Schwery, DPT. “He leads by example as to what it means to be a good physical therapist and is always there to answer any questions that I may have.”

For aspiring physical therapists or those interested in pursuing a general career in healthcare, Taylor offers advice rooted in his own experiences.

“Take advantage of all the opportunities afforded to you in high school. Many schools provide training to get your CNA before graduation. This would be a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience in general with the healthcare world. Having that experience would be greatly appreciated when starting the interview process to get into PT school or just expose you to other jobs in healthcare that you initially might not be aware of,” Nelson recommended. “If someone is dead set on PT, having a solid plan for the steps necessary to become a PT would help in terms of looking into which schools offer direct paths into their PT programs.”

If you are interested in joining the MRHC team, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

Struggling with COPD? Try Pulmonary Conditioning

pulmonary conditioning

Do you or a loved one struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or respiratory challenges? A pulmonary conditioning program at MRHC can help individuals manage COPD symptoms and improve their quality of life.

“This integrated form of therapy can be a valuable tool in helping people manage their COPD and live a healthier, more active life,” said MRHC Physical Therapist, Taylor Nelson, PT, DPT. Taylor Nelson, MRHC Physical Therapist

Chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis, can significantly impede an individual’s quality of life. These conditions often lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, chronic cough, tightness in the chest, fatigue, and reduced stamina, limiting one’s ability to perform daily activities and affecting their overall health.

Recognizing a need to address these issues, various MRHC departments have collaborated to develop an integrated, specialized pulmonary conditioning program tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant. The program has a multidisciplinary approach, combining exercise training, education, and personalized support to empower individuals to manage their respiratory conditions effectively.

Once a patient’s primary care physician has recommended the need for a pulmonary conditioning program, a respiratory therapist will perform a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and gain a baseline understanding of the severity of the individual’s condition. Based on these results, a program will be personalized to meet the patient’s needs and goals.

Key components of a pulmonary conditioning program include:

  1. Individualized Exercise Regimens: Participants undergo comprehensive assessments to evaluate their current respiratory status and physical capabilities. Based on these assessments, personalized exercise regimens are crafted to gradually improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and endurance. This is the primary component of pulmonary conditioning and is facilitated by a physical therapist. Activities may include aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling, and strength training. The exercise program will be tailored to individual needs and abilities and designed to maintain independence at home.
  2. Occupational Therapy: If needed, patients may be referred to an occupational therapist if activities of daily living are difficult or if their home is not conducive to their lifestyle. A living assessment may be performed and recommendations for alterations may be made.
  3. Education and Lifestyle Modification: Education plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals to take control of their respiratory health. Participants will gain insights into their condition, learn breathing techniques, and acquire strategies to conserve energy and manage symptoms effectively. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, proper nutrition, and stress management are emphasized to promote holistic well-being.
  4. Additional Services & Ongoing Support: Depending upon the condition, patients may also be recommended to a registered dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan to meet nutritional needs or a mental health counselor to help them cope with the emotional challenges of living with COPD. Participants receive continuous support and guidance from a dedicated team of healthcare professionals. Regular progress assessments are conducted to track improvements and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, ensuring optimal outcomes.

“Pulmonary conditioning has been proven to be effective in improving many outcomes in people with COPD,” Nelson said. “It can help you improve your ability to exercise without becoming out of breath; control COPD symptoms, like shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing; improve quality of life by making it easier to perform everyday activities; and reduce the risk of being hospitalized for COPD exacerbations.”

Learn more about how pulmonary conditioning can help with COPD and other interstitial diseases. Contact the MRHC Therapy Department at (712) 655-2072 or your MRHC primary care provider at (712) 655-8100.