MRHC to Host Senior Day on April 14

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) invites area seniors and their families to attend Senior Day on Tuesday, April 14, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at MRHC. This free, come-and-go event is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of older adults through education, resources, and community engagement. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance by visiting the MRHC website or calling (712) 655-2072.

Senior Day will include a health and wellness vendor fair from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., followed by a complimentary lunch, a series of informative presentations, and giveaways from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. from MRHC staff on topics tailored to the senior population:

Medication & Pain Management Modalities – Jen Morris, PharmD

Home Safety Equipment – MRHC Rehab Department

Promoting Mental Wellness in Aging Populations – Maribeth Christensen, BSW, MA, MSW, LMSW, CADC

Eat Well, Age Well – Haylee Barsby, MSN, RN

Optional Tour of Skilled Nursing Facility

“We want seniors to feel confident navigating the care and services available in our rural community,” said MRHC Chief Nursing Officer Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN. “This event offers education and resources to help them live healthier, fuller lives.”

Those participating in the health and wellness vendor fair include several MRHC departments (Radiology, Specialty Clinic, Respiratory therapy, etc.), plus Manning Ambulance, SHIIP, RehabVisions, Restorix, Psychiatric Medical Care (Senior Life Solutions), CANS, Holistic Health, Rolling Meadows, Carroll County Public Health & Carroll County Home Care, Crawford County Public Health, Gracewell Living – Denison, Cornerstone Caregiving, Angels Care Home Health, Manning Senior Living, Sister Meals, and Wall that Heals.

The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of RehabVisions, PMC, Rolling Meadows, Carroll Area Nursing Services   Manning Senior Living and Angels Care Home Health.

MRHC Welcomes New ENT Specialist

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) announced that Gary Huang, M.D., will begin providing ear, nose, and throat (ENT) services at the hospital starting April 1. He will see patients on the first and third Wednesday of every month.

Huang offers a full range of ENT services, including care for chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, neck masses, hearing loss, and complex sleep apnea.

“I’m committed to being thorough without rushing, said Dr. Huang, “I also want to be compassionate without being impersonal. I know seeing an ENT can feel overwhelming, with procedures being performed in a sensitive area, so my goal is to make the experience as comfortable and empowering as possible. I do my best to explain everything in plain language, answer every question, and treat you like I’d want my own family treated.”

Dr. Huang earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology at Case Western Reserve University’s Cleveland Medical Center and is board certified in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

“I chose ENT because of the variety – we can take care of newborns all the way to the geriatric population,” Huang said. “In one day, I can be helping someone sleep better, hear better, breathe better, and treat their head and neck cancer. It’s a very fulfilling specialty.”

Dr. Huang will begin services at MRHC on April 1. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling (712) 655-8100.

Recovering After the Holidays: Winter Self-Care Tips

After the holidays, it’s common to feel drained as routines shift and winter brings shorter days and increased isolation. This time of year makes it especially important to prioritize both mental and physical recovery. To help support individuals during this time, Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) shares practical tips to aid in post-holiday recovery and winter self-care.

“The weather during this time of year does not help with mental health conditions. The days are shorter; it appears gloomier and colder outside,” said MRHC Mental Health Counselor Hollie Schechinger, LISW. “This causes people to spend more time isolated indoors and not communicate as much with their supports.”

Post-Holiday Recovery

The holiday season often comes with disrupted routines, social fatigue, and sleep changes. Along with heightened emotions, these factors can all take a toll on our mental health. MRHC encourages individuals to allow time for the mind and body to reset. Simple strategies include:

  • Soft Landing Week: Fewer appointments, slower mornings, and smaller errands.
  • Re-Establish Sleep Gradually: Adjust bedtime or wake time by 15–20 minutes.
  • Let Your Body Lead: Use helpful cues such as “pacing myself today” or “this is a transition period”.
  • Micro-Resting: Incorporate brief restorative breaks with a warm drink, gentle stretching, or quiet music.
  • Hydrate & Nourish: Support overall well-being with balanced meals and staying hydrated.
  • Reestablish a Routine: Choose a daily anchor like a morning coffee, a short walk, or a consistent mealtime.

Winter Self-Care

Practicing self-care during the winter months is essential, as it supports physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being during a season marked by shorter days, colder temperatures, and post-holiday fatigue. Winter can bring low energy, mobility limitations, transportation barriers, increased isolation, pain or stiffness, emotional decline, and disrupted routines.

“During the winter months, hibernation looks like intentional rest that helps the mind and body heal, while isolation looks like withdrawing from the world because things feel too hard,” said Senior Life Solutions Therapist Maribeth Christensen, BSW, MA, MSW, LMSW, CADC. “If stepping back gives you comfort, that’s healthy, but if it deepens the feelings of sadness or hopelessness, it may be an indication to seek support.”

These factors can make self-care feel difficult or even “selfish,” but it is not indulgence; it is necessary maintenance. MRHC’s practical, simple strategies can help make winter care more manageable:

  • Two-minute rule: Complete quick tasks such as stretching, opening curtains, or drinking water.
  • Comfort basket: Include items like cozy socks, a hot pack, lotion, tea, a puzzle, or a book for easy access.
  • Weather backup plan: When leaving home isn’t possible, choose alternatives such as a phone call or a short video chat to stay connected with friends and family.
  • Warmth rituals: A warm drink, a heated blanket, a warm bath, lotion on your hands, or sitting in a sunny window can promote relaxation.
  • Daily meaning check: Note one moment of comfort, gratitude, or connection each day.
  • Stay connected: Schedule weekly check-ins or attend community events when the weather allows.
  • Lower the bar: Keep expectations realistic. Small, consistent acts of care are most effective.

These small, steady practices help the body and mind stay regulated, grounded, and supported through the winter season. If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress persist and interfere with your daily routine, it is important to seek professional help. If you or a loved one is struggling, MRHC provides mental health services to support individuals of all ages:

Counseling Services in person or virtually for individuals 12 and older. Call (712) 655-2072 to schedule an appointment.

Play Therapy to support children five and older. Call (712) 655-2072 to schedule an appointment.

Senior Life Solutions for individuals 65+ struggling with anxiety, depression, or life transitions. Call (712) 655-8262.

The Recovery Center provides residential and outpatient treatment. Call (712) 655-2300 for help.

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or call or text 988 for confidential, 24/7 support.

Obstetrics Care Expands Through Myrtue Partnership

Earlier this year, MRHC pursued a strategic partnership that now offers expectant mothers the convenience of receiving prenatal and postnatal care in Manning, while delivering in Harlan. Myrtue Medical Center now provides a full obstetrics program for prenatal care and deliveries for MRHC patients.

Dr. Kelly Anderson, DO, a board-certified OB-GYN began seeing patients at MRHC in Manning in June. She visits the Manning clinic on the fourth Thursday of each month, providing access to specialty care without requiring patients to travel long distances. Her services complement those of board-certified and ACOG fellow, Dr. Michael Woods, MD, who has provided OB-GYN care in the Manning area for over 30 years. Although Woods does not offer prenatal and delivery services in Manning, he does offer female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, urogynecology, and obesity medicine.

Together, Drs. Anderson and Woods ensure patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care at every stage of life – from annual exams to pregnancy and beyond.

Since the program’s inception earlier this year, Dr. Anderson’s clinic has been full. This partnership exemplifies how two community-focused hospitals can work together to strengthen access to specialized care, improve patient outcomes, and provide exceptional services close to home.

Setting Healthy Boundaries During the Holidays

Healthy boundaries and realistic expectations are essential for protecting mental health during the holiday season. Boundaries help safeguard your time, energy, emotional well-being, and personal space, while expectations influence how you feel the holidays “should” go. To support the community during this busy time, Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is sharing tips to help individuals navigate these pressures and encourages anyone experiencing increased mental health concerns to seek professional support.

“The holidays are viewed as a joyful season, but the pressure to be happy can increase stress, especially for those already managing mental health conditions,” said MRHC Mental Health Counselor Hollie Schechinger, LISW. “This expectation can heighten feelings of depression or anxiety this time of year.”

When boundaries are unclear or expectations become unrealistic, individuals may experience guilt, heightened stress, and emotional fatigue. Clear boundaries and realistic expectations promote emotional stability and healthier holiday traditions. To support this, MRHC encourages individuals to intentionally establish boundaries, adjust expectations, and implement practical strategies that foster a more balanced and meaningful holiday season.

Types of Healthy Boundaries

  • Emotional Boundaries: Protecting emotional safety by taking breaks when needed.
    Example: “I need a few minutes to step away and take a break.”
  • Time and Energy Boundaries: Setting limits on availability or participation.
    Example: “I can come for a bit, but I’ll need to leave by 6:00.”
  • Role Boundaries: Adjust caregiving, hosting, or “doing it all” expectations.
    Example: “I can help set the table, but I can’t host this year.”
  • Conversation Boundaries: Redirect or decline topics that are stressful or triggering.
    Example: “Let’s focus on positive memories today instead of difficult topics.”
  • Physical/Sensory Boundaries: Honor comfort, mobility, and health needs.
    Example: “I need a chair with back support.”

Realistic Expectations to Hold

  • Expect Mixed Emotions: Gratitude and grief, joy and loneliness, connection and stress can all exist at once.
  • Expect Imperfection: Awkward silences, burnt food, last-minute changes, or tension are normal and do not mean failure.
  • Expect Energy Limits: Fatigue may occur more quickly, and taking breaks or leaving early may be appropriate.
  • Expect People to Be Themselves: Family members may continue their usual patterns, and individuals can focus on adjusting their own response regardless of others’ behavior.
  • Expect Your Needs to Matter: Participation itself is meaningful; contribution does not require perfectionism or taking on excessive tasks.

Practical Strategies for Navigating Boundaries & Expectations

  • Use “gentle but direct” phrases:
    “I’m going to pass on discussing that topic.”
    “Thank you for thinking of me, but that doesn’t work for me.”
    “I need a little space; I’ll rejoin in a bit.”
  • Practice “short & kind” responses when explanations aren’t needed:
    “No, thank you.”
    “Not this year.”
    “I’m taking care of myself today.”
  • Prepare a backup plan:
    A quiet room to step away to, a supportive person to sit with, have transportation available if an early exit is needed, or a list of “safe topics.”
  • Release the pressure to please everyone:
    Use the mantra: “I’m responsible for how I show up, not for how others feel.”
  • Normalize taking breaks:
    Join in the moments that feel good, sit near an exit if that helps, take slow breaths, or step out for a short walk when things feel heavy.
  • Focus on today, not the past:
    Stay present, let go of old roles or wounds, and create new traditions that fit your current reality.

Healthy boundaries and realistic expectations can make the holidays feel more manageable and emotionally safe. However, if feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress begin to interfere with daily routines, seeking professional support is important. For those who are struggling, MRHC offers a range of mental health services for individuals of all ages:

Counseling Services: Available in person or virtually for individuals 12 and older. Call (712) 655-2072 to schedule an appointment.

Play Therapy: Supports children five and older dealing with stressful or traumatic experiences. Call (712) 655-2072 to schedule an appointment.

Senior Life Solutions: Group therapy for individuals 65+ struggling with anxiety, depression, or life transitions. Call (712) 655-8262 for support.

The Recovery Center: Residential and outpatient treatment for substance use concerns. Call the Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300 for help.

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text or call 988 for confidential, 24/7 support.

MRHC Expands Services with New Dermatology Care

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to announce that dermatology services will soon be available locally. Sierra Thompson, NP-C, will start seeing patients at MRHC beginning January 16th, and will be in Manning each month for scheduled appointments.

Dermatology services at MRHC will include preventive skin care, early identification of potential issues, treatment of medical dermatologic conditions, and access to cosmetic skin care options.

“I am excited to start outreach dermatology services as a part of Dr. Kuwahara’s dermatology team from CNOS at MRHC in the new year,” said Thompson. “I’ve always loved dermatology, and I’m passionate about helping patients improve their self-esteem, quality of life, and confidence in their own skin. I look forward to bringing specialized care closer to my small-town community!”

Thompson is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner accredited by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She earned her Associate and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees from St. Luke’s College of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa, and her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner – from Briar Cliff University. She specializes in dermatology and brings valuable experience in family medicine, surgery, medical-surgical care, and long-term care.

Patients can schedule an appointment through a referral with their primary care provider or by calling (605) 217-2667.

MRHC Enhancing Patient Care Through Avel eCare Hospitalist Program

ER

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is expanding its partnership with Avel eCare to include the implementation of the eHospitalist program in its acute care inpatient department. This new development builds on the success of the telemedicine services already integrated into MRHC’s emergency room.

“We understand that access to expert medical advice and support is crucial, especially during critical moments. Ensuring our advanced care providers have access to timely and expert support is a top priority at MRHC,” said MRHC CEO Shannon Black, MHA. “This program offers a vital lifeline, enabling us to enhance patient care, improve provider confidence, and ultimately, strengthen the delivery of quality healthcare within our community.”

As part of MRHC’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, timely, and expert care, the eHospitalist program utilizes advanced telemedicine technology to connect MRHC’s advanced practice providers with board-certified hospitalists. This connection ensures comprehensive, real-time support for complex patient care needs.

About the eHospitalist Program

The eHospitalist service allows MRHC providers to consult with internal medicine physicians via a secure audio and video connection at any time, day or night. This enables:

  • Immediate Consultation – Providers can review medical records and discuss cases in real time with a hospitalist.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making – Hospitalists offer expert insights to support complex treatment decisions.
  • 24/7 Availability – Around-the-clock access ensures expert care is always available.
  • Improved Continuity & Quality of Care – The service reinforces MRHC’s established care protocols and provides consistent support. The collaboration fosters comprehensive, coordinated care plans.
Benefits for Patients

The implementation of this program offers numerous benefits for patients, including enhanced patient safety due to timely access to physician-level expertise; reduced delays and faster response times; greater access to specialized knowledge during evenings, weekends, and holidays; and increased peace of mind for patients and families as additional medical support is always available.

“At MRHC, we are dedicated to continuously improving the quality of care we provide to our community,” Black said. “Utilizing the eHospitalist program is a testament to our commitment to embracing innovative technologies that enhance patient outcomes. We believe this will significantly strengthen our ability to provide exceptional and compassionate care to every patient we serve. We are excited about this new chapter and the positive impact it will have on our community.”

For more information or questions about MRHC’s services or the new eHospitalist program, please call (712) 655-2072.

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.

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.

Influential Visits Pave the Way for Behavioral Health Initiatives in Rural Iowa

Director Garcia visit

In a significant development for Iowa, influential lawmakers are turning their attention to the critical needs of behavioral health across Iowa, particularly in rural areas where access to comprehensive services and reimbursements remain a challenge. Recent visits from prominent figures underscore a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of substance abuse and promoting mental health support in communities throughout the state.

Director Garcia visitOn National Rural Health Day (November 16th), Iowa Health and Human Services Director, Kelly Garcia, and State Epidemiologist, Dr. Robert Kruse, visited MRHC and the Recovery Center. Their presence underscored the critical need for integrated behavioral health services, with a focus on mental health and substance abuse. Engaging with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and the hospital’s board and senior leadership team, Director Garcia and Dr. Kruse discussed collaborative solutions to improve statewide healthcare and to also address the unique needs of rural communities.

During her visit to Manning on September 12th, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird highlighted the importance of tailoring initiatives to the unique challenges faced by these areas stating, “Rural communities often encounter barriers in accessing quality healthcare and addiction treatment services. The opioid settlement funds are one-time funds that could provide an opportunity to bridge those gaps and make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by opioid addiction in our rural communities.” Brenna Bird

Earlier this year, agreements were reached with manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies to provide nearly $50 billion in payments for state and local governments across the nation. Funding was distributed to each state, and in Iowa a portion of those funds were distributed to each county for the county supervisors to disperse locally. The rest of the funds are currently held at the state level with the anticipation that lawmakers will determine appropriations in the next legislative session.

Charles GrassleySenator Charles Grassley as well as Republican presidential candidate and North Dakota Governor, Doug Burgum, accompanied by his wife, Kathryn, also visited MRHC earlier this fall to gain a better understanding of the healthcare needs affecting rural areas and the unique position of MRHC and the Recovery Center.

These visits provided lawmakers with a firsthand look at the Recovery Center’s efforts to support residential and outpatient recovering addicts. MRHC, serving as a model for rural healthcare services, became a platform for discussions on comprehensive strategies to address behavioral health challenges, reimbursements, and access to care in rural Iowa.Doug Bergum

Director Garcia emphasized the importance of addressing behavioral health needs, stating, “By understanding the challenges faced by the communities across our state, utilizing research-based methodologies, and taking a comprehensive approach to address the most critical health needs, we can develop targeted and effective strategies to improve our overall health outcomes.”

These visits reflect a broader, bipartisan commitment to address rural healthcare challenges in a unified and strategic way. This holistic approach starts with a grassroots understanding of the challeng es affecting rural hospitals accompanied by discussions to adjust policies at the state and federal levels. These collaborations reflect an aligned dedication to build healthier and more resilient commun ities across the state.

As Iowa takes a significant stride forward in the battle against opioid addiction, the opioid settlements stand as a beacon of hope for rural communities. MRHC Administration and the leadership of the Recovery Center are taking this opportunity to educate local county supervisors as well as statewide leaders to better understand the services that already exist, their vision for addressing this epidemic, and the potential for MRHC and the Recovery Center to serve even more clients and their families.