MRHC Wound Care Clinic Receives Dual Awards

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to announce that the Wound Care Clinic has received two outstanding achievement awards from RestorixHealth. They are the recipients of the Clinical Distinction Award and Excellence in Patient Satisfaction 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, and a national patient satisfaction benchmark of 96%. The MRHC Wound Care Clinic has received these awards multiple times in addition to a Center of Excellence award in 2019.

“We are proud to be recognized for the quality of care our wound center provides our patients,” said RestorixHealth’s Area Program Director and MRHC Wound Care nurse, Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN, BSN. “This achievement reaffirms our commitment to patient experience and optimized outcomes, which can only be accomplished with the effort and dedication of our staff and providers and support from the hospital. We look forward to continuing restoring health and improving the quality of life – and access to care – for the patients we serve.”

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, DO, and Kendra Tiefenthaler and supported by Elaine Macumber, RN, Courtney Grabill, RN, and Amanda Blum, RN. Courtney Rupiper, PA-C, covers wound care needs when Dr. Luong is out. 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.

Pelvic Floor Therapy Available at MRHC

MRHC is pleased to announce the addition of pelvic floor therapy services, now available with occupational therapist Amy Osbahr, OTR/L.

This specialized therapy is designed to help individuals of all ages strengthen and improve the function of their pelvic floor muscles, addressing common concerns such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, postpartum recovery, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

“Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition that sometimes gets brushed off as being normal for many women,” said Osbahr. “Nearly 50% of women suffer from some sort of pelvic floor dysfunction and 1/3 of women postpartum. Although common for women, it is not normal. However, there are treatment options to improve these issues. Pelvic floor therapy can be up to 80% effective in improving the quality of life for these conditions.”

Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for men and women who struggle with pain, incontinence, or other pelvic health issues. Women often seek therapy for pregnancy-related changes, menopause symptoms, or recovery after surgery, while men may need treatment for bladder control issues or post-prostate surgery rehabilitation. Through guided exercises, relaxation techniques, and personalized care, patients can regain strength and control over their bladder, bowel, and core strength, improving daily function and reducing pain.pelvic floor

Osbahr is certified in many areas, from neurological rehabilitation (for conditions like strokes, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis) to orthopedics (managing joint replacements, wrist pain, sprains, fractures, arthritis, and more). She is also trained in pediatric therapy, ASTYM treatment, blood flow restriction Therapy (BFR), LSVT-BIG Parkinson’s management, lymphedema treatment, and vestibular rehabilitation. Osbahr can perform workstation and ergonomics assessments as well as custom wheelchair assessments.

To schedule an appointment with Osbahr, call (712) 655-8298. Most insurance companies do not require a referral for pelvic floor treatment, but it is recommended that patients check with their insurance provider to verify coverage.

 

Town Hall at MRHC on March 6th for Community Health Needs Assessment Discussion

family practice clinic

To gauge the community health needs of residents, Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) invites the public to participate in a Community Health Needs Assessment Town Hall roundtable on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, for dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the MRHC Administration Conference Room.

This event is being held to identify and prioritize the community health needs. Findings from this community discussion will also serve to fulfill both federal and state mandates.

To adequately prepare for this event, it is vital for everyone planning to attend to RSVP. Please click here to complete your RSVP.

If you have questions regarding the Community Health Needs Assessment activities, please call MRHC Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN at (712) 655-8220.

MRHC Seeks Community Input on Local Health Needs

CHNA

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is working with local community leaders to update the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). MRHC is seeking input from community members regarding current healthcare delivery and unmet resident needs.

The CHNA uses data and community input from the survey that measures and identifies the health needs of the communities MRHC serves. This information is gathered, and the assets and/or needs are used to develop an implementation plan. The three-year implementation plan will then inspire collective actions from multiple community partners and ensure there is an effective allocation of resources from within the hospital and throughout the community.

The goal of this assessment update is to understand progress from past community health needs assessments conducted in 2022, 2019, and 2016, while collecting up-to-date community health perceptions and ideas. VVV Consultants LLC, an independent research firm from Olathe, KS, has been retained to conduct this countywide research.

A brief community survey has been developed if you would like to participate in providing this important feedback. The CHNA survey link can be accessed by clicking here.

All community residents and business leaders are encouraged to complete the survey by February 3, 2025. In addition, a CHNA Town Hall meeting to discuss the survey findings and identify unmet needs will be held on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, for dinner from 5 – 6:30 pm at the MRHC Administration Conference Room. More information will be shared soon.

If you have questions regarding CHNA activities, please call MRHC Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN at (712) 655-8220.

Mammos for Misses Women’s Health Event on October 16th

mammos for misses

MRHC is proud to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October through its “Women Supporting Women” initiative, offering opportunities designed to support, honor, and educate women in the community.

Women of all ages are invited to attend MRHC’s “Mammos for Misses” event on Wednesday, October 16th from 4:30-6:30 pm at Brickhaus Brews in Manning. This is an opportunity for women to learn more about mammograms and important women’s health topics and connect with healthcare professionals. Attendees can socialize with friends, enjoy complimentary appetizers, and learn from expert speakers. The schedule for the evening will go as follows:

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Social hour and learn more about mammograms and self-exams.

Courtney Rupiper5:30 – 6:00 pm: Women’s Health Program by MRHC Clinic Provider, Courtney Rupiper, PA-C on mammograms, self-exams, and women’s health at different life stages.

6:00 – 6:30 pm: Q&A session and conversations with healthcare providers about scheduling screenings and annual visits.

“We want to remind women how important it is to get an annual physical at all age levels because your body is constantly changing,” explained Rupiper. “It is important to be seen regularly so we can decide what screenings we need to do. We work with every patient to individualize their health care plan, determining what is best for them at their stage in life.”

Most insurance plans cover annual well-woman appointments. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider in advance to understand what is covered under their wellness and prevention benefits. To schedule an appointment, call MRHC’s Family Practice Clinic at (712) 655-8100.

Honoring Survivors with Special Flower Deliveries

MRHC is also offering a unique way to honor breast cancer survivors this month. In partnership with Kristina’s Flowers, MRHC invites community members, businesses, or organizations to nominate local breast cancer survivors to receive a surprise floral arrangement. Bouquets will be delivered to cancer survivors within a 30-mile radius of Manning. To nominate someone or sponsor an arrangement for $40, click here. Payments can be made online or at Kristina’s Flowers.

Get to Know MRHC CEO, Shannon Black

Shannon Black

Shannon BlackIn February, MRHC was pleased to welcome Shannon Black as the hospital’s new Chief Executive Officer. With her unique blend of experience and vision, MRHC looks forward to navigating the future of rural healthcare under her guidance and leadership, while remaining dedicated to continuing its mission of providing trusted, quality care close to home. Learn more about Black’s background, personal life, and what inspired her career in healthcare.

Q: What encouraged you to pursue a career in healthcare administration?

Shannon: Rural healthcare has always been my passion. I am a 5th generation rural Iowan and care deeply about the future of healthcare in our communities and being able to take care of the people we serve for years to come.

Q: What has your career path looked like that brought you to where you are now?

Shannon: I’ve been in the industry for about 20 years. Most recently I served as clinic administrator for Unity Point Clinics in the Des Moines market, serving family medicine clinics in Waukee where I worked to increase patient access, patient experience, and employee satisfaction. Prior to that, I was with Greene County Medical Center for about ten years where I held several different leadership positions and wore many hats learning the ropes of rural healthcare. I had some great mentors along the way who allowed me to learn, grow, and develop my career path. I have a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Walden University and will have my master’s in healthcare administration in April from the University of Phoenix.

Q: What attracted you to MRHC and what are you most looking forward to about working here?

Shannon: I was drawn to MRHC because of its reputation of being a great place to work and providing outstanding patient care. The more I learned about MRHC, I was drawn to the cultural beliefs and mission as they align with my own core values and leadership style. My first week has been wonderful. I’ve felt welcomed and I am looking forward to building relationships with this team and working together to achieve our goals. I’m eager to dig in and get to work as well as meet members of the communities MRHC serves.

Q: What are your main goals as the CEO of MRHC?

Shannon: As the CEO of MHRC, my goals are to continue to advocate for our hospital and rural healthcare in general; to provide quality care; and to remain viable for generations to come. I also aim to look for ways to grow in the areas the community needs us the most.

Q: Family Composition:

Shannon: My husband, Chad, and I have four children, Gwen (23) who is a graduate of Iowa State and now lives in Nevada; Nate (20) a sophomore at Grand View University studying Kinesiology and on the track team; Nick (14) in 8th grade; and Grace (10) in 5th grade both at Greene County Middle School.

Q: Where are you from and where do you live currently?

Shannon: I am a Jefferson-Scranton graduate and currently reside outside of Jefferson, which also happens to be my hometown.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

Shannon: I have been the head cheerleading coach at Greene County for seven years, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, riding my bike with friends, attending concerts, and attending my children’s events with my husband.

Q: How are you involved in your community?

Shannon: I have been very involved in my community over the years, serving on several committees and boards including Jefferson’s Bell Tower Festival Steering Committee, and serving as a city councilwoman for eight years.

Are Gaming or Gambling Habits More than a Hobby?

Gambling, sports betting, and video games – we all know they can be fun in moderation. But when do they become more than just a hobby? The community is invited to learn more about addictive behaviors such as sports betting, gambling, and gaming disorder at the “Addiction to Gambling and Gaming” event on Tuesday, March 12th from 4-6 pm at the Timmerman Shelter House at City Park in Manning. This is a free, come-and-go event for adults and children hosted by the Recovery Center at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, the City of Manning, and New Opportunities.

“We know that we live in a tech-filled world, and this has made activities, such as gambling, easy to access and indulge in, to the point of affecting lives and relationships,” said Recovery Center Director, Taya Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC. “The same goes for gaming; this is at anyone’s fingertips including children. We are hoping to educate the community on how these behaviors can lead to addiction and how to get help if needed.”

Attendees will learn how to identify symptoms of addiction and gambling-related lifestyle changes; understand the risks and consequences associated with gambling, sports betting, and gaming; discover how gambling can begin in adolescence; and learn when these common pastimes are considered a problem. The event will also address myths surrounding sports betting, similarities between video games and gambling, and how video game developers design games to be addictive.

For additional support regarding a gambling addiction, the Recovery Center offers problem gambling services on an outpatient basis that can be added to recovery services. Gambling services also include financial counseling with therapy. Call (712) 655-2300 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Exceptional Skilled Nursing Care at MRHC

skilled nursing

The decision between a nursing home and skilled care often weighs heavily on the minds of families seeking the best possible support for their loved ones. At MRHC, skilled care isn’t just an alternative—it’s a transformative solution that offers a path to recovery and independence, all within a community people have come to know, love, and trust.

MRHC’s skilled nursing program offers care for all ages following major joint procedures, strokes, colostomies, IV antibiotics, post-surgery recovery, chronic illness management, therapeutic interventions, and other post-acute services. Care is designed to cater to individuals requiring specialized medical attention and rehabilitation services to help them return to daily living. It can also help patients learn to live with heart conditions, respiratory problems, nutrition/metabolic disorders, and wound care.

“We strive to support individuals in reclaiming their well-being and vitality,” shared Chief Nursing Officer Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN. “Our mission is centered around providing comprehensive services aimed at facilitating the journey back to optimal health, all within a patient-centric environment that prioritizes the patient and their specific needs.”

The skilled nursing program consists of 24-hour care and supervision by nurses and clinic physicians; physical, occupational, or speech therapy; infection control; and nutritional assessment and management. Additional skilled services include education and monitoring for a variety of health conditions.

At the core of MRHC’s approach to skilled care is a multidisciplinary team of nurses, therapists, physicians, and support staff who work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive care. The skilled nursing staff possess the expertise and dedication necessary to ensure each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs. The skilled nursing team conducts a thorough assessment to understand each patient’s medical history, current condition, and specific goals. This personalized approach ensures that care is tailored to meet the distinct needs and preferences of each individual, optimizing outcomes and promoting a sense of empowerment and autonomy.

The skilled nursing staff not only provide clinical support but also offer emotional support, encouragement, and reassurance to patients and their families during challenging times.

“Our goal is to provide a relaxing environment to aid in the emotional well-being of each patient,” said Andersen.

Admission to MRHC skilled care services is by direct provider referral after a three-day stay in an acute care facility. Patients can be admitted immediately or within 30 days after an acute care stay. Discharge planning begins on admission to MRHC skilled care, and individualized goals are established with the patient, their family, and medical providers. Patients participate in a weekly care conference with family members and the patient’s multidisciplinary care team at MRHC.

If you or a loved one require skilled care services after an acute hospital stay, call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

John Hansen Making a Difference Behind the Scenes at MRHC

John Hansen

John HansenJohn Hansen’s career path is one rooted in family influence and a willingness to embrace a challenge. Despite a background in factory work, John decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and give the maintenance field a try. His decision turned out to be a rewarding one, and he found a true passion for the work at MRHC.

“I never saw myself working in a hospital, but I figured I would give it a try and am really glad I did,” John shared.

Starting as a maintenance tech in February of 2020, John would quickly grow into a leadership role just a year later, becoming the department supervisor in April of 2021. With the work he does and the impact he makes at MRHC, it is no question that non-clinical roles play a vital role in ensuring smooth functioning of healthcare facilities. While a job in maintenance might not be at the forefront of patient care, John emphasizes the importance of his role in keeping everyone comfortable during their stay at MRHC. From ensuring the functionality of facilities to addressing maintenance issues promptly, John’s work contributes significantly to the overall patient experience.

“MRHC is so fortunate to have John. He is knowledgeable in so many different areas, digs into whatever needs fixing, and tries to figure things out on his own,” said Chief Human Resources Officer, Shelli Lorenzen. “John quickly fell into a management role and absolutely owned it. We couldn’t ask for a more dedicated employee. He knows what needs to be done and he does it, even if that means spending the entire weekend at MRHC to move snow so the ambulances can always get to the ER.”

In addition to making a positive impact on patients and helping his coworkers whenever possible, John appreciates the flexibility and support that he has at the hospital. Trust also plays a crucial role in fostering a positive work experience, and John attests that the administrative staff at MRHC trusts him implicitly. Something that is key to a productive and positive workplace.

“MRHC is very family oriented, and I know that when a family issue arises, I can go without question,” he shared. “Dan’s food is just an added bonus to working here.”

John’s journey at MRHC exemplifies the potential for growth and fulfillment in non-clinical roles within the healthcare industry. From his family-inspired career choice to the impact he makes on patient well-being, John’s story is a testament to the diverse and essential roles that contribute to the success of a healthcare institution like MRHC.

To join the MRHC team, click here or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.