MRHC Invites Community to the 2026 Legacy Gala on Friday, November 6

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) invites the community to come together for an evening of celebration, entertainment, and support for local healthcare at the 2026 Legacy Gala on Friday, November 6, at the Manilla Memorial Hall (550 Main Street, Manilla, Iowa).

The Legacy Gala will bring together community members, local businesses, healthcare supporters, and MRHC staff for a memorable evening honoring individuals who make a difference at MRHC while raising funds to strengthen healthcare close to home.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner catered by Dan Grove at 6 p.m. The evening’s program and awards presentation will begin at 7 p.m., with dueling pianos entertainment from Ted Oliver Productions to follow. Formal to semi-formal attire is encouraged.

“We invite members of the community, local businesses, healthcare supporters, and all who appreciate compassionate service to join us for this meaningful night,” said MRHC Chief Operating Officer Jackie Blackwell, RN, BSN, MBA, CPHQ. “Together, we’ll celebrate those who make a difference, acknowledge those who lead with care, and support a healthier future for our region.”

Celebrating Those Who Make a Difference

A highlight of the evening will be recognizing MRHC employees whose compassion, dedication, and service have made an impact on patients, coworkers, and the community.

Robin Heaton, surgical nurse, will be recognized as the recipient of the DAISY Award for her compassionate care and clinical excellence.

Neeka Jacobsen, intake coordinator and counselor at the Recovery Center, will receive the Outstanding Employee Award for her support across departments and commitment to helping others.

Cathy Dammann, Senior Life Solutions office and patient coordinator, will be honored with the Impact Award for her extraordinary compassion and positive influence on others.

The evening will also recognize the first four recipients of Legacy Fund scholarships: Taylor Ferneding, Morgan Baker, Haylie Irlbeck, and Erin Ramsey.

Registration Details

Tickets are $50 per person or $90 per couple, and tables of eight are also available. Businesses and individuals looking to further support the event can participate through presenting, event, and table sponsorship opportunities. Proceeds from the Gala will support essential facility upgrades, expanded patient care programs, and new service lines as MRHC continues investing in the future of rural healthcare. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, visit mrhcia.com/legacy-gala or call 712-655-8167.

Building a Legacy for Local Healthcare

The Legacy Gala is one of three events supporting the MRHC Legacy Fund, a philanthropic initiative focused on the hospital’s long-term growth and sustainability. Through the Legacy Fund, donors can help MRHC continue investing in its facilities, services, people, and the future of healthcare in the region.

“The Legacy Fund is a commitment to preserving and strengthening our organization so we can fulfill our mission and vision of providing quality healthcare close to home for generations to come,” shared MRHC CEO Shannon Black. “It ensures the hospital can achieve its long-term goals and strategic priorities, leading to a healthier future for our community.”

Whether attending to celebrate an honoree, enjoy an evening out, support local healthcare, or all three, the Legacy Gala is an evening to celebrate the people who make a difference while supporting the future of healthcare close to home.

2026 MRHC Employee Awards

Manning Regional Healthcare Center congratulates three staff members who were recently recognized for their exceptional performance.

DAISY Award – Robin Heaton

Robin Heaton, RN, BSN, surgical nurse at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, received the 2026 DAISY Award in recognition of the compassionate, patient-centered care she provides every day. Robin was nominated by a patient who shared how her kindness, reassurance, and attention to detail helped make a difficult surgical experience feel comfortable and supported. From celebrating special moments with patients to delivering exceptional follow-up care, Robin consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every patient feels valued and cared for.

“Robin’s attention to detail and compassion for patients is second to none. She truly makes every patient feel cared for, heard, and supported during some of their most vulnerable moments,” shared one patient.

Read more about Robin and the incredible nominations she received here.

Outstanding Employee Award – Neeka Jacobsen

Neeka Jacobsen, IADC, intake coordinator and counselor at the Recovery Center, was honored with the 2026 Outstanding Employee Award for her dedication to patients, coworkers, and the communities MRHC serves. Neeka is recognized for her willingness to help wherever needed, her passion for supporting individuals through recovery, and her involvement in community outreach efforts such as the Hidden in Plain Sight camper initiative. Her compassion, positivity, and commitment to service make a meaningful impact on those around her each day.

“Neeka is always willing to step up and help others. Her compassion, encouragement, and dedication to our patients and community truly make her an outstanding employee,” said one nominator.

Read more about Neeka and some of her nominations here.

Impact Award – Cathy Dammann

Cathy Dammann, office and patient coordinator for Senior Life Solutions, received the 2026 MRHC Impact Award for the lasting difference she makes in the lives of patients and families through her kindness and support. Patients who nominated Cathy described her as caring, uplifting, and genuinely invested in helping others through difficult times. Through her compassionate approach and positive attitude, Cathy creates an environment where patients feel encouraged, respected, and never alone.

One patient shared, “Cathy has such a caring heart and always knows how to make people feel welcome and supported. She has made an incredible impact on so many lives through her compassion and encouragement.” 

Read more about Cathy and testimonials from some of Cathy’s patients here. 

Thank you to each of you for your continued commitment to MRHC. We are proud to have you on our team!

All award recipients will be formally recognized at the MRHC Legacy Gala on November 6th, where the community is invited to celebrate these individuals who’s dedication continue to strengthen the mission of Manning Regional Healthcare Center.

MRHC Employee Awards

Manning Regional Healthcare Center congratulates three staff members who were recently recognized for their exceptional performance.

Steph BrinkDAISY Award – Steph Brink

Steph Brink, a med-surg and ER nurse, received the DAISY Award. She was recognized for her outstanding compassion, clinical skill, and patient-centered care. Known for her positivity, vibrant energy, and heartfelt dedication, Steph consistently goes above and beyond for patients and colleagues. Whether supporting individuals in recovery, comforting a parent in the ER, or brightening the hospital halls with her warm smile and glow-in-the-dark scrubs, Steph exemplifies everything the DAISY Award stands for.

“She is compassionate and supportive. Her energy and enthusiasm are an inspiration to all,” shared one patient.

Read more about Steph and the incredible nominations she received here.

Shelli BarsbyOutstanding Employee Award – Shelli Barsby

Shelli Barsby, the acute care administrative assistant, received the MRHC Outstanding Employee Award. Shelli was nominated by her co-workers, who recognized her dedication, exceptional work ethic, and positive attitude.

This award honors an MRHC employee who consistently performs high-quality work and extra duties beyond those normally assigned, works well with others, assists whenever needed, has a positive attitude, displays exceptional dependability, and creates a positive work environment. Qualities that Shelli undeniably possesses, making her a popular nomination and an easy choice for the award.

“She is the glue that holds us all together—the most organized of us all. If you can’t find something, she most likely knows where it is or how to find it,” said one nominator. 

Read more about Shelli and some of her nominations here.

Taylor NelsonImpact Award – Taylor Nelson

Therapy Director Taylor Nelson won the first MRHC Impact Award. This honor recognizes outstanding non-nursing employees whose care and dedication have left a meaningful and lasting impression on patients. Nominations come directly from patients who felt personally impacted by the care they received.

As the inaugural recipient, Taylor Nelson has set a high standard. He has made a profound impression on patients with his knowledge, compassion, and sincere commitment to helping others heal.

One patient shared, “Taylor was so sincere and caring. I was really impressed with how much time he took to explain to me what was going on. I highly recommend Taylor, and I am so grateful for his help,“ 

Read more about Taylor and testimonials from some of Taylor’s patients here. 

Thank you to each of you for your continued commitment to MRHC. We are proud to have you on our team!

Shelli Barsby Receives MRHC Outstanding Employee Award

Shelli Barsby

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is proud to announce Shelli Barsby, the acute care administrative assistant, as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Employee Award. Shelli was nominated by her co-workers, who recognized her dedication, exceptional work ethic, and positive attitude.

The Outstanding Employee Award honors an MRHC employee who consistently performs high-quality work and extra duties beyond those normally assigned, works well with others, assists whenever needed, has a positive attitude, displays exceptional dependability, and creates a positive work environment. Qualities that Shelli undeniably possesses, making her a popular nomination and an easy choice for the award.

“There is an employee here at MRHC who displays all the criteria for this award, but tends to hide behind the scenes,” wrote one nominator. “She is the glue that holds us all together—the most organized of us all. If you can’t find something, she most likely knows where it is or how to find it.”

Despite her official title, Shelli is often referred to as the unofficial assistant to the entire team. She keeps track of essential forms, standing orders, and staff education requirements, all with a friendly, can-do attitude. Shelli never hesitates to help, regardless of whether it falls under her job description.

“You can always count on Shelli to get things done, and done in a timely manner,” shared a co-worker. “She ensures all our reports are submitted on time and sent to the appropriate agencies. She does all of this with a smile and a positive attitude. She’s been working for MRHC for years and has always been hard-working and helpful to everyone.”

The Outstanding Employee Award was created to recognize the vital contributions of MRHC’s non-medical staff in improving patient experiences and strengthening the culture of the organization. Shelli’s recognition is a testament to her behind-the-scenes impact and her essential role in MRHC’s daily operations.

Bruce Named Outstanding Employee at MRHC

George Bruce

George BruceGeorge Bruce, IT Specialist at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC), was recognized for his exceptional performance and growth in his job and received the 2023 MRHC Outstanding Employee Award on May 10th. Bruce was nominated for the award by several of his co-workers who all agreed he not only meets but exceeds the criteria for this award.

The Outstanding Employee Award recognizes an MRHC employee who consistently performs a high quality of work and extra duties beyond those normally assigned, demonstrates a willingness to work with others and assist whenever needed, has a positive attitude, displays exceptional dependability, and creates a positive work environment. Characteristics that Bruce undeniably possesses, making him a popular nomination and an easy choice for the award.

In a nomination letter, one of Bruce’s co-workers commented that, “George is extremely passionate about his job and ensures that MRHC not only has a safe network but that users can access and do their work efficiently. He has gone above and beyond in the number of projects he has helped to implement in the time he has been here. We are so much safer and better off with him. I don’t know what we would do without George!”

Another co-worker commented that, “everyone at MRHC knows his laugh, and he’s built positive, collaborative relationships with employees all throughout the facility. I think most, if not all, would say that if George is working on their IT problem, they can expect a resolution. He continually puts in time outside of his core hours (evenings and weekends) and he is always there and available. There are so many technical things George has impacted that most employees don’t see or know about.”

In addition to assisting with technical needs and problem-solving for fellow co-workers, Bruce has also played an integral role in helping MRHC seamlessly introduce a new electronic health record system earlier this year.

“George’s technical knowledge is unmatched by anyone I’ve ever worked with and that shows in his quality of work,” said a fellow co-worker. “He has been instrumental in our EMR conversion, often serving as the subject matter expert for technologies, vendors, equipment, and systems that we don’t even own.”

Several of Bruce’s co-workers also shared how his personality, dependability, and commitment to MRHC make him the best choice for the Outstanding Employee Award.

“George is extremely dependable when it comes to finding answers or solving problems and he works tirelessly until he finds solutions for his peers,” a co-worker wrote. “He puts others’ wants and needs above his own and is always willing to lend a helping hand where needed. If there is a problem, he will not only fix it but go above and beyond to research how to prevent it from happening in the future. He is super knowledgeable, very approachable, and always willing to help. We are so lucky to have George at MRHC!”

MRHC Honors Outstanding Employee Sarah Lorenzen

Sarah Lorenzen

Sarah LorenzenMRHC’s first ever Outstanding Employee Award honoree is Patient Access Manager, Sarah Lorenzen. This award recognizes employees who consistently perform a high-level of work and extra duties beyond those normally assigned, has a positive attitude, displays exceptional dependability, and creates a positive work environment.

Sarah’s positive attitude, leadership skills, and dedication to her job are just a few in the long list of reasons why she is so deserving of this award. Sarah and her staff are the first encounter every patient has when they walk through MRHC’s doors; from contacting patient transportation services to taking patients to their destination by walking them there or via wheelchair, and coordinating multiple appointments for patients. The exceptional support, caring attitudes, and helpful smiles they provide have not gone unnoticed. Here are some of the things the individuals nominating her had to say:

“Sarah is a caring individual that comes to work every day with a smile on her face. She is compassionate to her patients and she has a sense of humor.”

“She has the respect of the staff and other department leaders that work with her. She is an example of an employee that every facility would want to have on their team! We are lucky to have her!”

“No matter how busy she is with her duties, Sarah is always willing and happy to help anyone or any department in the hospital. She constantly takes on extra duties and she and her staff always get them done.”

“Sarah and the admissions department played a large role in our COVID-19 vaccination clinics. They fielded hundreds of calls and made many, many appointments on top of their normal duties. Sarah shines bright and so does her staff! I admire them and the role they play here at MRHC.”

“Sarah is a true team player! No matter what she is doing or working on, she will always help in any way she can. She is always willing to listen and suggest solutions for issues that arise. I feel there is nothing Sarah wouldn’t do for MRHC, our patients and her fellow employees.”

“Sarah not only manages the day-to-day work flow of her staff, but participates as an equal alongside her coworkers in the department. She is thorough and detail-oriented when coordinating care between the clinic and other departments within the hospital. She is a problem solver, critical thinker, and the most pleasant person to be around.”

Thank you, Sarah, for your commitment and dedication to your patients, coworkers, and