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.

Mikasia Jacobsen’s Journey to Becoming a “Great Iowa Nurse”

Mikasia Jacobsen

Mikasia Jacobsen

MRHC is proud to celebrate Mikasia Jacobsen, BSN, RN, for being recognized as a “2025 Great Iowa Nurse.” This award recognizes nurses who go above and beyond to ensure safe, compassionate care for their patients, improve the health of their communities, and serve as role models for everyone they work with. With a lifelong passion for healthcare and helping others and an unwavering commitment to her patients, Mikasia has made a significant impact at MRHC.

When asked what makes a “great nurse,” Mikasisa reflected, “I believe all nurses are great nurses. But for this award, I think it means going above and beyond—not just showing up, completing tasks, and clocking out. It’s about helping wherever I am needed, whether at work or home, not just in my designated role.”

Inspired by Family and First Responders

Mikasisa ‘s journey into nursing began at a young age, shaped by the influence of her grandmother, an ER nurse, and her first-responder parents.

“I remember doing a project in school about what I wanted to be when I grew up. My grandmother was a big inspiration. She was an ER nurse, and getting to dress up in her scrubs and play with her equipment is something I remember fondly,” Mikasisa shared. “And growing up with first responder parents definitely changes your perspective when experiencing it firsthand, compared to watching it on TV.”

Following in her family’s footsteps, Mikasisa joined the Carroll County Ambulance Service as a volunteer EMT in 2016. She completed her EMT in 2017 but then realized she wanted more. Her oldest sister, Taya Vonnahme, the director of the Recovery Center and ARNP at MRHC, encouraged her to pursue nursing. So, in 2018, Jacobsen earned her CNA and began working at MRHC.Mikasia in ER

“Mikasia has always been a caring person for others. She talked about the medical field when trying to decide what to do and loves the adrenaline and trauma of the ER, which seems to be a family trait,” said Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC. “As sisters, we work well together, knowing each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and how we do things, which makes working in critical situations easier for each of us. We are all so proud of the nurse she has become and can’t wait to see what her future brings.”

With the support of her family and MRHC’s tuition assistance program, Mikasisa obtained her LPN in 2020, followed by her RN in 2021. In 2022, she was signed off as a Nurse Exempt Paramedic and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A year later, she stepped into her current role as House Supervisor at MRHC.

Mikasisa credits MRHC for playing a pivotal role in her career development. “MRHC is the only reason I became a nurse. Without their constant support, I don’t think I would have made it through nursing school, or the continuing education required afterward. If I have any doubts or issues, I know that those at MRHC are behind me, and I can fully rely on them when I need it.”

Thriving in Emergency Medicine

Now serving as an RN and House Supervisor, Mikasisa primarily works in the emergency room but also contributes to the Med/Surg unit, Specialty Clinic, and wherever she can help around the hospital. Known among her colleagues as the “ER Queen,” Mikasisa thrives in the fast-paced environment of emergency medicine.

“I love working in the ER because I can use my education and experience outside of the hospital to help my patients when they come in,” said Mikasisa. “Working in an ER can be very scary and unsettling, but I rely on my background, education, and co-workers to make sure we provide the best care in the most unfortunate circumstances. Knowing I am there helping them through these difficult times is more than rewarding.”

A Nurse Who Goes Above and Beyond

Mikasisa’s adaptability, leadership, and dedication to her job and patients make it easy to see why she was chosen as a “Great Iowa Nurse”, and she expresses immense gratitude for the recognition she has received.

“I can’t put into words what this award means to me. I am truly fortunate to work with our patients and my co-workers at MRHC every day,” Mikasisa reflected. “I appreciate more than I can say that I was selected for this award and hope that I continue to make MRHC proud as a great nurse.”

For those considering a career in nursing, Mikasisa offers honest and heartfelt advice: “Nursing is hard, and it requires dedication. It takes time away from family and friends, and you have to put others before yourself. But if you stick with it, one day, everything clicks. The struggles of nursing school, the extra classes, and the challenge of starting a new job all come together, and you’ll understand why nurses stay in this career. It truly is a rewarding profession.”

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