End of Year Gifts Help GRMC with Renovations

A bequest and an anonymous gift to Grinnell Regional Medical Center will fund renovations in the first floor hallways and the cafeteria as well as complete a sprinkler system upgrade. The $25,000 bequest from Dale and Eylene Brush will be added to a $20,000 anonymous gift to complete the first floor construction and facelift.

“We’re just tickled to be able to make these renovations to what many consider our entrance hallway to patient wings and the cafeteria,” says Kris Gilman, GRMC director of nutrition services. “This area can make an important impression on our guests. We want the facility image to match the excellent care, service, and food at GRMC.”

Excellent care and compassion during end of life and kind words prompted the $25,000 bequest from Dale and Eylene Brush of rural Grinnell/Lynnville. GRMC cared for Dale Brush during his battle with cancer and offered many services to Eylene’s mother in her final years. After the positive experiences and compassion at GRMC, Eylene wanted to give back to the hospital, says Don Davis, who is married to Eylene’s niece, Carol Davis.

The Brushes were long-time farmers north of Lynnville. Dale was an avid horse lover and judged 4-H contests for years. Dale passed away in 2000 and Eylene in 2008.

“I had the honor of knowing Dale and Eylene and we are so thankful for these generous donations,” says Mark Doll, GRMC director of facilities management. “I’m excited about helping implement renovations to the medical center as a tribute to them. This combined donation will allow GRMC to complete the much needed renovations. This is a tremendous blessing as we end 2011.”

The Brush bequest will be combined with an anonymous $20,000 annual fund drive gift designated for hospital renovations. By combining these gifts, GRMC will make an upgrade to the final segment of the sprinkler system in the first floor hallway as well as resurface the entire area from floor to ceiling.

Bequests through a will serve as an important way that residents can express thanks and appreciation for services and staff at GRMC. For more information about this option, residents may work with their financial planners or call Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development.

GRMC is nearing the end of its 2011 annual fund drive campaign. The annual fund drive supports operating costs at the medical center. This year, a special focus of the annual fund is to raise $140,000 toward four new anesthesia units for the surgery department. The medical center has raised about $120,000 toward the $140,000 project to purchase updated and uniform anesthesia machines for the four surgery suites. Each anesthesia machine costs $35,000. Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources have combined funds to offer a matching challenge to the community. By completing the challenge match, GRMC will close the funding gap needed to purchase all four machines.

“We’re so close to meeting the anesthesia goal. Our community is truly showing its support for this need. We need just $15,000 more to complete the match and fund all four units,” Lamphier says.

Donations to the annual fund drive may be given online, by phone, or by mail. For phone donations, call Lamphier in the GRMC Office of Communications and Development at 641-236-2589. Gifts may be made online by visiting www.grmc.us and clicking on “Make a Gift Online” under Quick Links. Or, mail donations to the Office of Communications and Development, Attn: Denise Lamphier, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell, IA 50112. Donations received or postmarked prior to January 1, 2012, are applied toward 2011 taxes.

New Cancer Support Group Meeting at GRMC

A new cancer support group now meets at Grinnell Regional Medical Center every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in room 204.

“It is an informal time of sharing and support for anyone with a cancer diagnosis,” says Linda Romero, LISW, social worker at GRMC.  “We hope that patients will attend, learn from each other, and gain support.”

To learn more about this new cancer support group, call Linda Romero at 641-236-2568. To learn more about cancer care at GRMC, go to www.grmc.us.

Massage Therapy Services at Deer Creek

Grinnell Regional Medical Center massage therapist, Jamie Hodina, LMT, will begin offering massage therapy services at Deer Creek Health Center on December 5. Hodina will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every other Monday.

“Massage therapy has so many benefits for clients,” explains Hodina. “It can reduce stress; improve circulation; and enhance flexibility and range of motion, as well as other benefits. I’m happy to provide massages to area residents.”

Residents may schedule 30, 60, and 90-minute massages with Hodina in Toledo by calling the Postels Community Health Park office at 641-236-2953. The Deer Creek Health Center is located at 401 First Ave.

Dr. Roy Doorenbos Joins Victor Health Center

The Victor Health Center welcomes Roy A. Doorenbos, MD, as the new medical director at the clinic. Doorenbos began seeing patients in the clinic on December 1.  As the new medical director, he will oversee care at the Victor Health Center and see patients routinely in the clinic. He joins Wendi Beck, PA-C, who currently serves at the clinic.

Doorenbos currently is a primary care provider with Grinnell Regional Family Practice, located in the Ahrens Medical Arts Building. He joined the GRMC medical staff in 1986. He was born in Boyden, Iowa, and attended Iowa State University for his undergraduate degree and the University of Iowa for his medical degree.

Doorenbos accepted the medical director position following the retirement of David Cranston, MD, who had been at the clinic for more than five years.

“I grew up in a small town, like Victor, and I’m looking forward to helping meet the medical needs of area residents. Small town Iowa is a good place to live and I want to help support the Victor community and the quality of life,” says Doorenbos. 

Beginning December 1, the Victor Health Center hours will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon; and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The clinic offers the spectrum of primary care services. To schedule an appointment, call the Victor Health Center at 319-647-7511.

Grinnell Clears First Hurdle to Becoming Blue Zones Community

Grinnell has been invited to make a full application to Healthways to become a Blue Zones Community. Grinnell Blue Zones project co-leaders Jennifer Jacobsen, Grinnell College wellness coordinator, and Cory Jackson, director of Grinnell Regional Wellness and Fitness programs, announced the invitation.

“The Blue Zones” is a book written by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic researcher who studied communities all over the world to find those communities where residents lived well into their nineties and even longer. Buettner summarized his findings and created the Power 9™, a pyramid of nine different small changes in individual lifestyle habits that have a big impact on a community. Grinnell’s Drake Community Library has this book in its collection.

“The Blue Zones project in Iowa goes hand-in-hand with Governor Branstad’s Healthiest State Initiative,” says Jackson. “Right now, 58 communities across the state of Iowa have been invited to apply to become one of a few Iowa communities to be named ‘Blue Zones.’ We’re already doing great things in Grinnell. Becoming a Blue Zones community would take us to the next level.”

The next level includes a community-wide survey of needs by Healthways-Gallup, funding for a full-time project coordinator, and creating initiatives that are collaborative, sustainable, and accessible to all members of the community.

More than 80 Iowa communities applied to be invited to make a full application to become a Blue Zones Community. Grinnell is one of 58 communities selected to move on to the next step of the process. 

"We are meeting with several community leaders from organizations that have incredible projects and plans for our quality of life in Grinnell," says Jacobsen. "We're putting our effort into establishing a plan that is sustainable, collaborative, and accessible for all residents. We are already doing some pretty amazing things. Being a Blue Zones Community would help us take it to the next level."

The full application is due in early January. Grinnell still needs residents to register their support at the Blue Zones website www.bluezonesproject.com/citizens/signup.

"Community involvement is really important for this process,” says Jackson. “It’s all about working together to make changes in our community making it easier for residents to live healthier, happier lives. We need residents to register their support and to ‘friend us’ on Facebook to get involved.”

For more information about Grinnell Blue Zones and local efforts, please contact Jacobsen, 641-269-3704 or Jackson, 641-236-2998.

Anonymous Donor Creates Endow Iowa Fund for GRMC

An anonymous donor has created an Endow Iowa endowment fund at the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation to benefit Grinnell Regional Medical Center. This endowed fund will have a maximum annual distribution of 5 percent. Going forward, additional donors may contribute to this newly established fund with a gift of $100 or greater and also take advantage of the tax benefit.

“GRMC is grateful to the donor who made this all possible,” says Todd Linden, GRMC President and CEO. “We are pleased to be a part of this collaboration between the donor and the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation. Interest earned from the endowment provides the medical center with funds for annual operating needs.”

“We are pleased to have the medical center included in this wonderful program,” says Tom Marshall, GPCF vice-president and founding board member. “This collaboration provides another opportunity for donors to give to a great organization.”

This partnership provides donors who wish to support the important work of GRMC with State of Iowa tax credits in addition to any federal tax benefits. This opportunity exists because of a program called the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program. Iowa citizens or businesses making a gift to a permanently endowed fund held by a qualified community foundation, such as GPCF, are eligible for a 25 percent State of Iowa tax credit.

The 25 percent Endow Iowa tax credit means that for every $100 contributed to this fund, the donor’s Iowa income tax bill is reduced by $25. The gift remains income tax-deductible for federal purposes, which produces additional savings for the donor consistent with their specific tax bracket.

The Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program was created to encourage individuals, businesses, and organizations to make lasting investments in their communities. To date, Iowans have donated $75 million by taking advantage of the Endow Iowa tax credit through endowments at community foundations across the state. Locally, donors have contributed more than $500,000 toward endowment funds through GPCF.  The foundation manages local funds for the Endow Iowa tax credit as the area’s community foundation. Endow Iowa tax credits are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about how to support Grinnell Regional Medical Center with the Endow Iowa program, please contact Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us. Donors with questions about Endow Iowa, may contact Delphina Baumann, GPCF gift planning coordinator, at 641-236-5518 or delphina@greaterpcf.org.

Annual GRMC Auxiliary Wreath Raffle Ushers in the Holiday

Welcome the holiday season with the annual wreath raffle sponsored by the Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. This year, the auxiliary will sell raffle tickets for 40 holiday and winter wreaths, more than ever before. Wreaths are 24 inches in diameter and decorated by area businesses and volunteers in a wide variety of themes – from traditional, whimsical and contemporary.

Ticket sales begin Monday, November 28 at The Glass Gift Box at GRMC. Wreaths will be displayed in the hospital hallways by The Glass Gift Box, laboratory waiting, and physical therapy. The drawing for wreaths will be Friday, December 16, at 1 p.m.

“We are thrilled to have so many wreaths for the raffle this year,” says Donna German, committee chair. “It’s a fun event to kick off the holiday season.”

This fundraiser for the GRMC Auxiliary will go toward the Auxiliary’s effort to help GRMC with a new mobile hospital van. Overall, the GRMC Auxiliary supports various medical center and health education programs, including $5,000 in scholarships, major equipment gifts to the medical center, books and gifts to newborns at the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, and health education such as the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair.

Raffle tickets may be purchased at The Glass Gift Box, the Auxiliary’s gift shop inside the medical center, for $1 each or 6 for $5, beginning Monday, Nov. 28. While at The Glass Gift Box, shoppers can also purchase angels for the hospital angel tree in honor or memory of a loved one.

For more information on any of these events or to support the GRMC Auxiliary, call the GRMC volunteer coordinator at 236-2588. 

Community Challenged to Fund Anesthesia Machines

Three organizations have collaborated to offer Grinnell Regional Medical Center a $35,000 challenge to the community to fund the need for upgraded anesthesia machines in the surgery department.

Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources will together match all donations to GRMC’s annual fund drive designated for the new anesthesia machines dollar for dollar up to $35,000.

“This effort is about so much more than medical equipment,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development. “Last year, GRMC performed 2,800 surgeries. So far this year, GRMC has performed more than 2,560 surgeries. Included in this year’s patients were my sister and my best friend. For me, this effort is about providing the best medical care close to home for our friends, neighbors, and family members. An upgrade to our anesthesia machines will help ensure quality care for years to come.  Because of that, I am both professionally and personally grateful to Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources for offering this matching challenge.”

The medical center has already raised almost $70,000 toward the $140,000 project to purchase updated and uniform anesthesia machines for the four surgery suites. Each anesthesia machine costs $35,000. Completion of the challenge from Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources will close the funding gap needed to purchase all four machines

“Grinnell is fortunate to have a facility like GRMC right here in town. We recognize that the medical center continually strives for improved quality of care and patient safety, and that this equipment is a step toward that goal,” says Raynard Kington, president of Grinnell College.

The anesthesia equipment upgrade will allow the GRMC surgery staff to deliver anesthetics with much more sophisticated ventilator capabilities in a safe and effective manner. Benefits for the patient include hands-free ventilation so the anesthesia provider can focus even more closely on the patient. In addition, improved technology advancements reduce the potential for errors.

“I imagine many of my family members, as well as myself, have been helped many times over by these machines. So, I imagine these new machines will be there for us many times into the future. Please join us in making such an important contribution to our own well-being,” says David Jones, president and CEO of Grinnell State Bank.

 “As a locally owned and operated company, Laser Resources believes strongly in partnering with our Central Iowa customers. We hope our support of the anesthesia machine effort will help further the good work being done at GRMC,” says Bob Lashier, president of Laser Resources, a supplier of printing and copying technology to GRMC.

Donations to the anesthesia effort—online, by phone, or by mail—will be matched dollar for dollar. For more information, call Lamphier in the GRMC Office of Communications and Development at 641-236-2589. Gifts may be made online by visiting www.grmc.us and clicking on “Make a Gift Online” under Quick Links.

GRMC Volunteer Recognized as a Shining Star with IHA

Grinnell Regional Medical Center volunteer Shirley Broders was recognized by the Iowa Hospital Association as a Shining Star at their annual meeting on Oct. 6 in Des Moines.

Broders was nominated by GRMC Auxiliary for her length of volunteer service and her dedication. She began her involvement with the auxiliary more than 20 years ago through her employment with GRMC. She would work during the day and volunteered in the gift shop in the evenings.

“Shirley served as a dedicated employee of GRMC and has continued that commitment to the health in retirement as a volunteer. We are truly blessed to have such excellent volunteers at GRMC,” says Todd C. Linden, CEO and president of GRMC. “Shirley is a shining star for GRMC and the auxiliary. We want to thank her for her service for so many years.”

In 1990, Broders began maintaining the GRMC Auxiliary archives to preserve the rich history of the Auxiliary. In 2000, she started volunteering as a breakfast cashier. This is a valued service to our guests and employees and a fundraiser for the auxiliary. Broders also participates in the annual Iowa Hospital Association Legislative Day. Over the years, she has accumulated more than 2,000 hours volunteering for the Auxiliary and Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center Receives $5,000 Grant

Grinnell, Iowa Monsanto Site Helps Local Organization Purchase Anesthesia Equipment

GRINNELL, Iowa –The Grinnell Regional Medical Center, dedicated to the care of nearly 40,000 residents in greater Poweshiek County, received a $5,000 grant with the help of the Grinnell Monsanto Site.

            The Grinnell Regional Medical Center (GRMC), a top rural medical center in Poweshiek County, was presented a $5,000 check from the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. The presentation took place at the GRMC’s Blue Jean Ball, on Saturday, Sept. 24.

            The GRMC will utilize the grant to help fund the purchase of new anesthesia equipment. “This equipment is extremely expensive, and particular during tough economic times, we count ourselves blessed to have received this generous donation,” said Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development at GRMC. "On behalf of the Medical Center and the community, we are sincerely appreciative for the Monsanto Fund and this donation.”

             Al Henderson, Monsanto Site lead, was also excited to play a part in the donation.  "The support of the Grinnell Regional Medical Center is important to the local community, as it helps the hospital to maintain and provide a high level of service to local residents,” he said. “It is continually striving to improve equipment and facilities so that it can attract new physicians and staff along with providing Grinnell area residents with the latest advancements in medical care."

            This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund, which is focused on strengthening farming communities, as well as the communities where Monsanto’s employees live and work.

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About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

Monsanto and Vine Design® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2011 Monsanto Company

GRMC Auxiliary Member Meeting

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites everyone to the annual fall luncheon scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The regular gathering will again be held in the dining center at Buckley Hall on Park Street in the Mayflower Community, Grinnell.

“Our mission of the GRMC Auxiliary is to support the medical center through financial as well as volunteer services. We invite all members and the public to our luncheons where we share our successes and goals for the new year,” says Sheila Latcham, GRMC Auxiliary president. “For example, we are collecting items for the Stork’s Nest at this year’s fall luncheon to support a program for young mothers.”

The Stork’s Nest is launching a project for mothers in the program. They need plain colored T-shirts sized 0-3 months through 2T. In addition, the Stork’s Nest always needs items like diapers, bottles, pacifiers, wipes, and baby items. GRMC Auxiliary luncheon attendees are invited to bring an item for the Stork’s Nest.

The agenda for the meeting includes: the election of 2012 officers and board members, updates on projects at the hospital and auxiliary, and door prizes. Entertainment will be provided by the Four Tones.

Tickets are $8 and available in The Glass Gift Box – the GRMC gift shop, from any GRMC Auxiliary Board member, or call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588.

Protect Against the Flu with a Vaccine

Grinnell Regional Public Health joins the Iowa Department of Public Health and the CDC in urging an annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older as the best way to protect against influenza.  By getting a yearly influenza vaccine, you can protect yourself from illness, and protect those around you. 

“The best way to protect you and your family is to receive an annual influenza vaccination,” said Patty Hinrichs, director of Grinnell Regional Public Health. Since the flu season begins in the fall, public health recommends residents receive the vaccine at an upcoming clinic.

This year, 170 million doses of influenza vaccine will be available in the United States. Manufacturers are currently shipping flu vaccines for the 2011-2012 season. The flu vaccine is plentiful this year, and is available in both the “shot in the arm” and “spray in the nose” formats.

Influenza is a respiratory illness that most often causes fever, headache, extreme tiredness, coughing, sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose. Occasionally, nausea and diarrhea can accompany the respiratory symptoms.  The flu virus is spread when people who are ill cough or sneeze without covering their mouths and noses, sending tiny droplets of saliva into the air for others to breathe in and get sick.  A person can also get the flu by touching a surface or object (such as a door handle) that has been touched by someone with the flu (who coughed into their hand), and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

Grinnell Regional Public Health will host public immunization clinics throughout the county. No appointment is necessary. Residents should bring their insurance card and information (including private, Medicare, and Medicaid).  The schedule includes:

Monday, Oct. 3, 2 to 6 p.m. – Grinnell Athletic and Recreation Center, 1500 Penrose St., Grinnell

Thursday, Oct. 13, 10:30 to noon – Brookside South, 214 4th Ave. West, Grinnell

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m. – Grinnell Senior Center, 927 4th Ave., Grinnell

Thursday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to noon – St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 211 Jackson St., Brooklyn

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 3:45 to 6 p.m. – Grinnell High School media center, 1333 Sunset St., Grinnell

Thursday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to noon – Mayflower Community, 600 Park St., Grinnell

Monday, Oct. 31, 1 to 3 p.m. – Montezuma Presbyterian Church Family Center, 300 E. Washington, Montezuma

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 3 to 6 p.m. – BGM Elementary cafeteria, Brooklyn

Thursday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to noon – Seeland Park tenplex lobby, Orchard Dr., Grinnell

Thursday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Grinnell United Methodist Church, 916 5th Ave., Grinnell

Vaccine is also available at area physicians’ clinics as well as the GRMC affiliated clinics in Victor, Toledo, New Sharon, and Lynnville.

For more information, call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2385.

New Pathologist Joins GRMC

Grinnell Regional Medical Center welcomes Soraya Rodriguez, MD, pathologist with Des Moines-based Pathology Associates of Central Iowa, PLC. Rodriguez began with Pathology Associates in early August and will begin providing clinical and anatomical pathology services in Grinnell in early September.

Rodriguez joins Dale Andres, DO, as pathologists at GRMC. Both provide anatomic and clinical pathology services. Clinical pathology includes the diagnosis of disease through the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids. Anatomical pathology involves the diagnosis of disease based on the microscopic evaluation of tissue specimens.

For the past 13 years Rodriguez has been working in the pathology field in the Miami area, with 11 of the 13 years at Jackson Memorial Hospital at the University of Miami, Fla. She earned her medical degree from the Higher Institute of Medical Science in La Habana, Cuba.

Rodriguez is board certified in clinical and anatomic pathology. She completed a cytopathology fellowship at Jackson Memorial in June. Cytopathology is a branch of pathology that studies and diagnoses diseases on the cellular level. A common application of cytopathology is the Pap smear, used as a screening tool, to detect precancerous cervical lesions and cervical cancer. Cytopathology is also commonly used to investigate thyroid lesions, lymph nodes, and salivary gland lesions and to find diseases in sterile body cavities, and a wide range of other body sites, including the deep organs such as liver, pancreas, lung, and kidney.

“The addition of Dr. Rodriguez to our pathology staff will bring expanded capabilities, especially in the area of surgical pathology and cytopathology,” says Gregg Hawkins, director of GRMC’s laboratory. “The addition of Dr. Rodriguez will allow rapid in-house testing of tissue samples by frozen section and fine needle aspiration biopsies. GRMC will now have expanded capabilities to perform rapid diagnostic tests on tissue while a patient may still be in surgery or through outpatient fine needle aspiration procedures. This will give all our physicians greater ability to triage patients, make diagnosis, and treat medical conditions.”

“Our relationship with Mercy connected GRMC with Pathology Associates of Central Iowa. Now we’re able to bring additional expertise to provide greater services for our patients,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC President and CEO. “We’re very pleased to welcome Dr. Rodriguez and her diagnostic skills and experience.”

Rodriguez moved to Grinnell this summer to start a new chapter in her life.

“Working in this smaller community will allow me to have a better relationship with the referring physicians and patients,” Rodriguez says. “Grinnell and the quality care performed at the medical center seem like a great fit for me.”

Rodriguez is married to Jerome Wehr, MD, Grinnell Family Care. She has one grown son. She enjoys biking and rode in her first RAGBRAI this summer.

GRMC Auxiliary to Host Tag Day

Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary will raise funds in a one-day blitz on Friday, Aug. 26. This annual Tag Day event has been a GRMC auxiliary tradition for more than 85 years where area residents are asked to make a donation in exchange for the bright yellow tags.

This year funds raised will go toward a second epidural pump for obstetrical patients in the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center. This specialized pump provides OB patients with a pain relief option that is safe and effective during labor. With the addition of OB/GYN specialist Seanna Thompson, MD, and more babies being delivered at GRMC, the OB unit needs two pumps available for patients.

Local residents may support the GRMC Auxiliary and this equipment purchase by making a donation on Tag Day. Watch for volunteers at tables throughout the GRMC service area communities. Or for more information call the volunteer office at 641-236-2588.

Untangle Life at Women’s Event

In the busy lives that women lead, they might forget to take care of themselves. “You: Untangled,” this year’s Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair, brings together education, humor, and social time to help de-tangle life. Guest speaker Pat Wynn Brown will share her Hair Theater Beauty School perspective to find your inner beauty.

The fifth Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair sponsored by Grinnell Regional Medical Center and the GRMC Auxiliary will be Wednesday, Oct. 5. The event will be held in the Grinnell Newburg Community High School beginning at 4 p.m. with educational exhibits and retail therapy vendors.

“New this year, we will have several hair salons providing 10-minute hair style ‘up dos’ to participants,” explains Jennifer Cogley, past president of the GRMC Auxiliary. “We’re very excited to be able to offer several makeovers to individuals who register to attend the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair.”

When individuals purchase a ticket they will indicate if they would be interested in receiving the makeover. To be considered for the makeover, please purchase tickets before Sept. 21, when individuals will be selected for the free makeovers. This could include hair, makeup, nails, all depending on each salon.

This will be a night focusing on inner beauty.

“Hair Theater Beauty School is a laughter and story-telling ‘conditioner’ for the tangles of life’s stresses and frets. Humor is an age-defier and a good giggle can erase years off our face,” Brown says. “The phases of our hair and lives share a common message for all women.”

Exhibitors and Retailers
The evening will begin at 4 p.m. with 40 educational booths covering everything from breast health, obstetrical services, childcare resources, sleep medicine, foot care, public health, hospice care, community resources, nutrition, wellness, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to have five-minute chair massages, hand paraffin dips, and meet GRMC’s obstetrician/gynecologist —while also enjoying a girl’s night out.

Childcare will be provided for a small fee. Happy breastfeeding babies under six months of age may remain with their mothers. Due to the increased number of exhibitors, stroller access will be limited.

The GRMC Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair is a relaxed night out with the girls. The Mayflower Community chef and catering staff will do all the cooking. This year’s menu includes: angel hair pasta with Alfredo chicken or marinara and sausage, chicken breast with mango and pineapple salsa, steakhouse salad, vegetable stir-fry over rice, fresh vegetable salad, fresh fruit salad, cheese tray, bread basket, and a wonderful dessert table.

In addition to door prizes tailored to new and expecting mothers, the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair will give away body wraps and massages from Postels Community Health Park, a three-month membership at GRMC Wellness Services, a Flip camera, gift certificates to The Glass Gift Box, and gift baskets from salons – Visions, Marcia’s Trim U, 1st Impressions, and Expressions. All women who attend will have their names entered for these drawings. In addition, many vendors and exhibitors will offer drawings for prizes.

The Retail Therapy area will be open with area vendors as part of the evening’s fun. Scheduled for the event are: Cory Hall Photography, Flower Connection, Jo Jones Photography, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and The Glass Gift Box. Salons include Expressions, Shear Delight, and Visions.

Ticket Information
Tickets to the event are $18 and financial assistance is available. On-site childcare is also available for $3 per child, which includes a meal for children over 2. Register for childcare at the time of ticket purchase. To purchase tickets, go online to http://tinyurl.com/2011whf. Tickets are also available at The Glass Gift Box located inside GRMC, Dori’s Fine Fashion and Shoes, and Postels Community Health Park. Women who cannot afford tickets may inquire with Amanda Bergman at 641-236-2567 or Jesse Johnson at jesseilert@yahoo.com or 641-236-2326.

This year’s Women’s Health Focus is co-sponsored by GRMC and the Grinnell Regional Auxiliary. Many other partners play a significant role in bringing this event to the community, including Grinnell College, Mayflower Community, Grinnell Eye Care, Grinnell Family Care, Iowa Radiology, Maytag Laundry and Tanning, Medela, and KGRN 1410 AM.

Fun with Fitness Youth Program

Teaching youth about health and wellness at an early age can be easier with the Fun with Fitness program for area youth. The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Wellness Services department will offer this program for students in kindergarten to 8th grade.

The program will meet once a month on early-out Wednesdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Postels Community Health Park, in the activity room. This area has youth sized equipment, kid friendly nutrition activities, fitness education, and local field trips. The program runs from September 7 to May 2.

Free transportation is available from Grinnell elementary and middle schools.

“We developed the content to be a unique after-school option for kids and parents who want their children active and making healthy choices,” explains Jen Ness, GRMC Wellness Services and program coordinator. “We educate the students on why certain exercises work, how foods nourish our bodies, and why we want to make our bodies healthy – all in a fun, youth focused way.”

For families who have family membership to the GRMC Wellness Services, the program is free.

For more information or to register, call the GRMC Wellness Center at 641-236-2999.

GRMC Posts Its 2010 Annual Report Online

Grinnell Regional Medical Center released its annual report, “Recognized. Renowned. Remarkable. Why Choose GRMC?” that summarizes the hospital’s activities and finances during 2010. The annual report can be found online at www.grmc.us.

The past year welcomed several huge successes for the community hospital. Topping the list are the Leapfrog Group Top Hospital Award and the Bariatric Center of Excellence re-accreditation. Both awards earned GRMC national recognition for quality care.

“Success came in different forms this year. We welcomed seven healthcare providers and secured four others who began work in 2011. These providers filled specialty areas such as OB/GYN and internal medicine and increased our capabilities in anesthesia, family practice, general surgery urology, and orthopedics,” says Ed Hatcher, president of the GRMC Board of Directors. “We also enjoyed two TV news segments on Des Moines area stations.”

Another significant advancement was the installation of a new MRI inside the radiology department. GRMC also added high definition endoscopes and monitors, a Turis urology laser for stones, new beds in intensive care and the medical/surgical units, upgraded wireless network and IT security, and new testing units for advanced lab tests.

“Community support is so critical to the medical center’s success and in 2010 we’re very pleased to report broad community support for GRMC and our many programs,” Hatcher says. “I’m amazed and proud of the community we live and work in because of the commitment to support GRMC. The economy was difficult in 2010 and yet giving to support GRMC increased. We see perseverance to support our local non-profit hospital. We try to be transparent about what is happening financially and where donated money goes. I think our supporters appreciate that and understand the difficult situation we face.”

GRMC’s 2010 annual fund drive raised almost $264,000 from 765 donors. Simultaneously, 430 donors contributed $322,000 to upgrade the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) services. Giving to both efforts totaled $586,113—topping last year’s annual fund drive.

This support helps fund the operations of GRMC. In 2010, GRMC reduced its costs significantly over 2009. Total operating revenue from all sources totaled more than $70 million – this includes patient charges, grants, and other revenue. However, the medical center is not able to collect all the patient charges, primarily due to Medicare and Medicaid policy. Because of the size and location of the hospital, GRMC is severely disadvantaged compared to other rural hospitals. In 2010, GRMC had total deductions of $33.5 million, which allowed GRMC to end the year with a net revenue of $36.7 million. Total expenses were $39 million, leaving a total operating loss of $2.2 million. GRMC received other contributions and gain on investments so the overall loss in 2010 was slightly more than $1 million.

“In 2010, GRMC reduced its costs significantly over 2009, through expanded group purchasing, shifts in costs for services using our Mercy Health Network relationship, and personal sacrifices by staff with the hopes that a short-term forfeit of benefits provides a long-term benefit of the hospital,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “These cost reductions of nearly $1.4 million helped in reducing the expenses over revenues and the overall loss for the year.

“The past several years have been financially difficult primarily due to poor government reimbursement and patient volume decline resulting from the economic downturn and fewer physicians in a couple specialties. Fortunately, the future looks much better given the improvements to GRMC Medicare payment starting in 2012 as part of the healthcare reform legislation and our wonderful success recruiting physicians and mid-level providers. With more than a 20 percent reduction in our expenses the past several years and these improvements which will enhance revenues, I am confident we have turned the corner financially,” Linden says.

For the complete financial report, the lists of donors, and all the successes in 2010, go to www.grmc.us. Click on the “About Us” link, then the “Annual Reports” link.

For more information or a list of donors, please contact Jan Veach, GRMC office of communications and development, at jveach@grmc.us or 641-236-2946.

Locations to Purchase Blue Jean Ball Tickets

Tickets may be purchased at the following locations:

• www.grmc.us           
• Seaton’s Grocery, Brooklyn
• Postels Community Health Park   
• Lynnville Medical Clinic
• The Glass Gift Box           
• Victor Market
• New Sharon Memorial Clinic   
• Victor Health Center
• Deer Creek Health Center
• Montezuma State Bank
• Peoples Savings Bank, Montezuma

$25/person; $45/couple; or $30/person at the door

New Orthopedic Surgeon at GRMC

Capital Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine announces William R. Boulden, MD, FAOSS, will begin providing general orthopedic services at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Boulden will see patients on Tuesday each week in the Ahrens Medical Arts Building beginning August 9.

Boulden is a general orthopedic surgeon with special interest in lumbar spine surgery, total knee replacement surgery, and total hip replacement surgery. Boulden was raised in Southwest Iowa. After graduating from high school in Lenox, Iowa, Boulden attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a B.S. in pharmacy. He went on to graduate from the University of Iowa Medical School. Boulden spent two years in general surgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He completed an Orthopedic Residency Program at the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

He has provided orthopedic care in the Des Moines area since 1977. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

“We’re extremely pleased to expand the orthopedic surgery options at GRMC,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Dr. Boulden’s reputation for providing excellent orthopedic surgery to thousands of Iowans precedes his arrival to Grinnell.”

Both Capital Orthopeadics and Iowa Orthropeadics, groups based in Des Moines, have strong ties to Mercy Health Network.

“Our goal is to continue working with these groups to recruit a full-time orthopedic surgeon to Grinnell. Adding Capital Ortho at this time expands both our coverage currently and our opportunity to recruit a physician permanently to Grinnell,” Linden says.

Area residents may schedule consultations for surgeries through their primary care providers.

GRMC Hosts First-Ever Blue Jean Ball

Get out your favorite jeans and make plans to attend the first-ever Blue Jean Ball hosted by Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

The event will be Saturday, Sept. 24, from 8 p.m. to midnight at Grinnell Regional Airport/Billy Robinson Field. Advance tickets are $25 per person; $45 for two. Tickets go on sale Aug. 1 and can be purchased online or the following locations: The Glass Gift Box; Postels Community Health Park; in Brooklyn at Seaton’s; Lynnville Medical Clinic; New Sharon Memorial Clinic; Deer Creek Health Center; Victor Health Clinic; and Victor Market. Tickets at the door will cost $30 each.

Headlining the event’s entertainment is The Dweebs, a popular Wisconsin-based band that covers hits from the ‘70s to today.

Ben Latimer and Jeffrey Knobloch are the masters of ceremonies for the evening that will include celebrating GRMC CEO Todd Linden’s upcoming 50th birthday.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of a new anesthesia machine for the surgery department. An array of items are on offer for guests to bid on through a silent auction, live auction, and raffle. Silent auction items include handmade truffles, artwork by local artists, overnight stays at area bed and breakfasts, gift baskets, and more. Live auction items include a week’s stay at a condo in Estes Park, Colo., as well as a week-long stay in a high-rise condo overlooking Chicago’s Lake Michigan.

The raffle offers the chance to win an iPad 2 or a Flip camera at a great price. For $5, participants can buy two tickets; five tickets for $10.

“GRMC has a long-standing tradition of hosting beautiful gala events,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC’s director of communications and development. “We wanted to keep the idea of a gala but make it more casual, so we came up with the idea of a Blue Jean Ball. There’s something for everyone. It’s really a celebration of the great relationship between GRMC and the community.”

In fact, the annual Optimist Fly-In Breakfast will be held earlier in the day, beginning at 7 a.m. at Grinnell Regional Airport.

“We want people to come out that morning and have a fun family time with the Optimists and then come back that night for some adult fun,” Lamphier says. “We are working with the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, Grinnell College, and ASI Signage Innovations, as well as our sponsors, to make this a memorable event to celebrate quality healthcare.”

Sponsors for this event include: Designer Sponsors – Manatts and the Michael and Susan Witt Foundation; Boot Cut Sponsors – Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and The Linden Family (Charles and Judith Linden; Erika Linden and Randy Thompson; Teresa and Mark Perrin; and Todd Linden and Angela Johnson); Stonewashed Sponsors – ASI Signage Innovations, Great Western Bank, Heishman Ag, VanderLinden Construction and the Villas at Prairie Pointe; and Dark Blue Sponsors – Axmear Farm, LLC, Bikes to You, Grinnell Family Care, Grandma’s House, KGRN, Dr. Matthew McKnight – Foot and Ankle of Iowa, The Phoenix Café and Market, and The University of Iowa Community Credit Union.   

A team of volunteers and GRMC staff have partnered with GRMC’s office of Communications and Development to plan this event. They include Rachel Bly, Tiffany Bridgewater, Jennifer Collins, Casie Cooling, Mary Emge, Kris Gilman, Julie Gosselink, Valerie Hammond, Angela Harrington, Sheena Huls, Heidi Knobloch, Sharon Lahn, Sally Lang, Ben Latimer, Leila Maring, and Emily Schmidt.

For more information about tickets call 641-236-2954 or email llof@grmc.us.

22nd Annual GRMC Golf Outing a Success

Golfers from around the area gathered at Grinnell Golf and Country Club on Friday, July 22 for the 22nd Annual Grinnell Regional Medical Center Golf Outing. Nearly $12,000 was raised for the medical center to use toward the purchase of a new anesthesia machine.

Bailey Thompson lines up a shot with help from teammates and 

fellow co-workers Joe Fenner, Mary Duke, and Becky Froias.

“The heat did not keep golfers from having a great day on the course,” says Todd Linden, president and CEO. “I think everyone had a great time raising funds for a new anesthesia machine for our surgery department.”

This year’s eagle sponsors were Associated Computer Systems, Bernie Lowe and Associates, Grinnell State Bank, and JELD-WEN.

The GRMC golf outing is a best shot, four-person team format planned by a committee of community members and hospital employees. They are Becky Froias, Dr. Scott Collings, Mary Duke, Scott Gilbert, Dr. Jeff Knobloch, Darcy Swick, Jeanette Budding, Denise Lamphier, and Jan Veach.

In the morning teams played nine holes. Finishing in first place was GRMC  (Becky Froias, Mary Duke, Bailey Thompson, and Joe Fenner) with a score of 30. The second place team, with a score of  32, was Priority Plastics (Morgan Pryor, Steve Crothers,  Phil Gross, and Randy Masterson). Third place went to Lincoln Savings Bank (Rich Gogg, Mike Pearson, Gary McKay, and Al Frischmeyer).

During the afternoon session, teams played 18 holes and were divided into two flights. First place, first flight went to Grinnell State Bank's team of Mike Larson, Eric Smith, Greg Muckler, and Jeremy Muckler with a score of 55. In second place was Baldwin-White (Kevin White, John Stenberg, and Paul Kroger) with a score of 57. Wes Finch Auto Plaza (Wes Finch, Jeff Finch, Hugh German, and John German) took third place with a score of 57.

In the second afternoon flight, first place went to Cirks Financial (Tom Cirks, Jacob Crawford, Mike Winblade, and Scott Gilbert) with a score of 59. The second team in the flight, ACS (Tony Foth, Jamie Ridgeway, Heidi Thompson, and Tom Szary), posted a score of 60. Iowa Orthopaedics (Dan VandeLune, Scott Peery, Doug Bryant, and Jeff VanPelt) also came in with a 60.

The GRMC golf outing includes contests at each hole. At holes 1 and 10, golfers tried to see who could land closest to the pin in one shot. The winner was Russ Bandstra who picked up a $50 HyVee gift card, courtesy of HyVee Food Store.

Holes 2 and 11 were sponsored by Grinnell Golf and Country Club and Bernie Lowe and Associates. On hole 2, golfers competed to have a better tee-off than Grinnell Golf and Country Club pro Mitch Burr. Bernie Lowe and Associates put up $500 to the first golfer to get a hole-in-one. No one was able to earn the $500 prize.

Sheri Schulz and Jeff VanPelt each won $50 gift certificates to the Grinnell Golf and Country Club, courtesy of KJWW Engineering, for the longest drives on holes 3 and 12.

On holes 4 and 13, Mike Creary won $50 in Grinnell Chamber Bucks, sponsored by BSC Construction Services for sinking the longest putt.

At holes 5 and 14, Bailey Thompson and Ben Latimer claimed the contest landing their ball closest to the bedpan and each won $50 in Pagliai’s Pizza gift certificates.

Shannon Renze and Jack Matthews each won a $50 gift certificate to Michael’s for getting their shot closest to the line on holes 6 and 15. The prize was donated courtesy of Michael’s.

Sheri Schulz and Joe Fenner won the prize for the longest drives on holes 7 and 16. Winners received $50 Grinnell Chamber Bucks, sponsored by The Straub Corporation.

Sheri Schulz and Dan VandeLune each earned $50 in Grinnell Chamber Bucks for getting closest to the tiger on holes 8 and 17. Prizes were sponsored by ASI Signage Innovations.

On the 9th hole, golfers paid $5 to bet that they could land on the green with one shot. All golfers who landed on the green in one and paid to play were entered in a drawing for a Cleveland Driver 9 460 CC with the winner drawn from these golfers. This year’s winner was Dave Smith.

Sponsors and donors who made this event possible included: Ahrens Park Foundation; ASI Signage Innovations; Bernie Lowe and Associates; BSC Construction Services, LLC; Bourbon Street; Brown Shoe Fit; Casa Margarita; Cirks Financial Services; Cory Hall Photography; Dayton Meats; Electronic Engineering,The Glass Gift Box; Grinnell Chamber of Commerce; Grinnell Golf and Country Club; Grinnell Health Care Center; Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company; Grinnell Regional Medical Center; Grinnell Sporting Goods – Rees; Hy-Vee Food Store, Iowa Hospital Association; Jensen Optometrists; Julin Printing; KJWW Engineering Consultants; Lincoln Savings Bank; Todd Linden; Linder Tire Service Inc.; Lonnski’s Pub & Deli; Mercy Health Network; Michael’s; Montezuma Country Club; Montgomery Sandwich Shop; Pagliai’s Pizza; Pigott; Pizza Hut; Poweshiek Publications; Prairie Knolls Country Club; Priority Plastics; Russ’ All Sports Consignment; Steel Erectors of Iowa; The Straub Corporation; Total Choice Shipping & Printing; University of Iowa Community Credit Union.

Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic to Open

Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine now accepts referrals for advance adult care.  The internal medicine outpatient clinic is fully staffed, following the addition of Todd Janicki, MD, MBA, on July 1.

The internal medicine specialists at the clinic specialize in care for adults with uncontrolled chronic conditions, symptoms that don’t have a cause or treatment, or severe acute conditions. The clinic is located on the second floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell. Clinic hours will be Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to noon.

“GRMC provides a full spectrum of care options and our clinic greatly expands the specialty care that area residents can receive close to home,” explains Christine Lindgren, MD, PhD. “We are specialists for the complicated and unsolved medical concerns of patients. We’re really looking forward to working with patients and their family care providers as a team to restore health.”

Providing outpatient care will be Christine Lindgren, MD, PhD; Ronald Collins, MD; and Todd Janicki, MD, MBA. The three internists will rotate their clinic hours as well as provide inpatient coverage as hospitalists.

The clinic operates on a referral and consult service basis only. Patients must be referred initially from their primary care provider and surgeons. Patients may also be referred to the clinic following hospitalization.

“GRMC’s internal medicine specialists primarily focus on inpatient care,” explains Lindgren. “We’re a hybrid practice with our priority on hospitalist activity and supporting inpatients with follow-up care after hospitalization. Outpatient care addresses specialized care for those areas that GRMC doesn’t have a full time specialist.”

GRMC recruited internal medicine specialists with strong clinical background for the hospitalist positions.

“These physicians have years of experience in diagnosing and treating challenging cases. They’re not straight out of residency,” explains Todd Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Their backgrounds are extremely helpful for our service area and the individuals we care for at GRMC.”

For more information on Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine, call 641-236-2382.

Donor Gives $25,000 to GRMC: Donation will Fund Continuing Education

An anonymous donor has given $25,000 to Grinnell Regional Medical Center to support continuing education for staff.

“To say that we are immensely grateful for this kindness would entirely understate the matter,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Continuing education is absolutely critical to the mission of the medical center. Until now, we have never been able to meet all the continuing education needs of our staff right here in our own facility. In the past, our staff members have needed to drive and pay expensive course fees to meet the rigorous criteria necessary to maintain their certifications and licensure.”

GRMC will use the donation to subscribe to classes via Mercy Health Network’s Midwest Rural Telemedicine Consortium over the Iowa Communication Network. GRMC’s affiliation with Mercy gives the medical center the option to make this connection for an annual fee. The donation will give GRMC staff access to the many classes annually offered by Mercy’s MRTC for a 10-year period.
This type of distance learning allows for live audio/visual interaction between instructor and students throughout Mercy’s telemedicine consortium. Multiple members of GRMC staff can attend the courses through the ICN at one time, and staff will save time and travel costs when needing continuing education.

“This gift has the potential to benefit all GRMC employees and physicians,” says Alex Thompson, RN, GRMC clinical educator. “The staff at GRMC touches hundreds of lives a month. Because of this donor’s support, imagine how many patients will benefit from the knowledge our staff gains from this program over the next decade.”

Linden adds that the indirect benefits from this gift are also immense.

“In addition to helping us provide first-rate education to staff, we also believe the opportunity to receive continuing education credits right here at home will help us with recruitment and retention efforts,” he says.

For information about the new clinical education program or about making a donation to GRMC, contact Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development, at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us

Healing After the Death of a Loved One

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will offer a five-week grief support group designed for anyone in the community who has lost a loved one. The group will explore the challenges associated with loss as well as the opportunities that loss presents for healing and growth.

“The grief support group will be a safe place for participants to share their loss and fond memories of their loved,” explains Randy Svendsen, LBSW, GRMC social worker and group facilitator. “This will be a time for group members to explore ways to remember, heal, and grow.”

Gatherings will be held on Tuesdays, beginning August 2 and run through August 30. The support group will be held noon to 1 p.m. at Brooklyn’s Presbyterian Church, 503 Clay St.

There is no fee to participate, but interested persons must pre-register by calling Grinnell Regional Hospice at 641-236-2418. Childcare will be offered free of charge for those who may need it. Please request childcare when you register.

Child Safety Seat Inspection

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will host a car safety inspection at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 27, at the south employee parking lot, off of 3rd Ave. Staff of the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center will complete the inspections, which are free to anyone who transports children, including parents, grandparents, and childcare providers.

At the inspection the vehicle and seat are thoroughly evaluated to make sure the child safety seat is installed correctly based on age and weight of child. The certified technicians will also examine the car seat size and review whether the seat appears on a recall list. To make newborn seats more safe, technicians may install a noodle to properly fit the baby to the seat and not restrict the baby’s air pathway.

A certified technician instructor will also be available to answer questions. For more information on the free car safety seat inspection, call the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, at 641-236-2324.

GRMC Auxiliary Hosting Kid Zone

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary partnered with the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce offering a new service to Friday Fest activities all summer long. The Kid Zone is a safe and fun environment for youth during the first Friday of the month festivities in downtown.

The Kid Zone includes inflatable games, temporary tattoos and face painting, and minute to win it games. Parents may purchase a $10 wrist band that allows the youth unlimited participation for the evening in the Kid Zone and a free bottle of water. Individual tickets may be purchased for each activity as well. Hours are 7 to 9 p.m.

Jacob Lowe, son of Linda and Skip Lowe, tried his hand at a 
Minute To Win It game during the Kid Zone activities.

“Our Auxiliary wanted to offer this service to allow youth a safe and fun environment during the Friday Fest activities. The community has really supported coming out on a Friday to meet their friends, family and neighbors downtown,” explains Shannon Reding, GRMC auxiliary vice chair. “We saw a great opportunity to supplement this social gathering. The Kid Zone is a service to the Friday Fest as well as a fundraiser for the auxiliary. Our first one went very well and we invite everyone to come to the next three Friday Fests on July 1, Aug. 5 and Aug. 26.”

The auxiliary will also sell bottled water, sports drinks, and soft drinks for Friday Fest and Kid Zone attendees. The Kid Zone activities are designed for youth over five years of age. Parental supervision is advised for youth eight and under as the auxiliary volunteers will run the games and activities.

The GRMC Auxiliary is a service organization dedicated to supporting the mission of Grinnell Regional Medical Center. To keep up to date on all the GRMC Auxiliary functions please stop by The Glass Gift Box and fill out our Challenge form. For as little as $5 a year, auxiliary friends can keep up on all the happenings. You may also sign up online at www.grmc.us/donate/auxiliary.html.  Funds raised by the auxiliary support scholarships for healthcare, patient services and education, and medical equipment. For more information call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588.

Internal Medicine Specialist Joins GRMC

Internal medicine services continue to expand as Grinnell Regional Medical Center welcomes Todd A. Janicki, MD, MBA, to the medical staff. Janicki will primarily provide hospitalist coverage for inpatients at GRMC as well as outpatient care at Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine.

Janicki moved to Grinnell from Dublin, Ohio, where he served as a hospitalist for Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. He earned his medical degree from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, graduating magna cum laude. He received an MBA the same year from Niagara University, Lewiston, New York. His bachelor of arts degree is also from Niagara University.

“I had a strong interest in medical care so I became an EMT,” Janicki says. “I worked with good friends who were training to become physicians and that inspired me to go on to medical school. I really wanted to work with patients in the hospital setting.”

Janicki says he and his wife decided on Grinnell for a totally different practice style as well as life style.

“I’d been in the bigger city hospitals. At the large tertiary hospitals with my specialty, I didn’t really get the direct patient care that I wanted in a practice. It was a complex system so I really coordinated many other specialists. I wanted a smaller hospital setting so I can have direct hands-on care and responsibility with patients,” Janicki says.

“On a personal level, we were looking for a smaller community and plan to live on property outside of town. We hope to be able to have a recreational hobby farm once we get moved.”

Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine will be staffed with Christine Lindgren, DO, PhD, and Ronald Collins, Jr., MD. With the third internist, GRMC will expand hospitalist coverage for inpatients as well as re-launch the internal medicine outpatient clinic.

“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Janicki to our medical staff. He brings excellent diagnostic skills and experience that will be a great benefit for our patients and the complex cases we will see in the clinic as well as the hospital,” Lindgren says. “With three internists on staff, we will greatly expand the care options available to local residents for receiving healthcare close to home.”

Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO, adds, “Dr. Janicki adds dimension and depth to the internal medicine specialty care. We are pleased to round out the internal medicine team with this recruitment. We can offer a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services to our area residents. With three internists on staff along with our state of the art eICU, our sickest patients will have 24/7 advanced care coverage. We can offer follow-up care after discharge and assure the continuum of care for patients from hospital back to their primary care providers.”

Grinnell Regional Internal Medicine in a specialty clinic of Grinnell Regional Medical Center, located on the second floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell. For information, call 641-236-2382.

GRMC Auxiliary Hosts Bridge and 500 Invitational

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites all Bridge and 500 card players to its annual Invitational on Thursday, June 23, at the Drake Community Library, 930 Park St., Grinnell. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with the luncheon at noon and games to follow.

Men and women of all skill levels are welcome to this afternoon of fun, card playing, and socializing. A $10 fee is charged and covers the luncheon and prizes.

“This annual event brings together men and women in our area for a fun afternoon of card playing and socializing,” says Karen Voecks, GRMC auxiliary committee chair. “Participants do not need to find a foursome to play. We will match up tables during registration. Individuals will be given a tally and table information upon registration.”

Proceeds from the event will support the GRMC Auxiliary’s goals to purchase equipment for the hospital, fund scholarships, and host the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair, among other projects.

For more information or to reserve your space at the annual Auxiliary Bridge and 500 Invitational, contact Natalie Dunn by June 20 at 641-236-3644 or email her at natk.jmdn@yahoo.com; or call Voecks at 641-236-4963 or email her at hlcch@iowatelecom.net.

GRMC Takes Reins at Deer Creek

Following six months of planning and transition work, the Deer Creek Family Care clinic will begin operation under the management of Grinnell Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, June 1.

“Through this transition we have focused on the patients’ experience and our employees,” explains Dave Ness, GRMC vice-president. “We’re maintaining services and hours to make the transition seamless to our patients. For example, in the future a patient’s statement will come from Deer Creek instead of the University of Iowa Community Medical Services Professional Office Services.”

The majority of employees decided to join GRMC in the transition. GRMC welcomes Tracey Bradley, RN; Julie Breya, LPN; Donna Fish, LPN; Sherry Parks, PA; and Cindy Steuhm. Emil Pecholt, DO, and Kenne Hoskey will not continue with GRMC. Sherry Parks will serve as the primary provider and GRMC will make available medical staff support to meet the needs of patients.

To complete the conversion, the Deer Creek Family Care office will need to close for one day – Wednesday, June 1 – for computer and records transfers. The clinic hours will remain the same for the summer, Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. The Deer Creek Family Care clinic will continue as a primary care clinic addressing general medicine, women’s health, preventive healthcare and screenings for adults, health promotion, and wellness services. The staff provides care such as an annual physical, well-baby check, broken bones, cuts, pneumonia, or managing a chronic illness. The clinic accepts same-day appointments for urgent care needs and provides vaccinations including flu vaccines.

GRMC also announces that Sheryl Rutledge, a Tama resident who has worked for GRMC for 14 years, has been selected to serve as the Rural Health Clinics director. She will oversee Deer Creek Health Center and GRMC’s other three rural clinics.

The Deer Creek Family Care is located at the Deer Creek Health Center, 401 First Ave., Toledo. The Deer Creek Health Center also houses Deer Creek Specialty Clinic with visiting specialists, Deer Creek Dental, and Deer Creek Wellness and Rehab.  For more information on Deer Creek Health Center or any of the health services call 641-484-2602.

22nd Annual GRMC Golf Outing on July 22

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will host its 22nd annual golf outing on Friday, July 22, at the Grinnell Golf and Country Club. This annual event brings together supporters from both the community and GRMC business partners. Participants in the four-person best ball scramble will enjoy raffle prizes, flight prizes, lunch, and beverages on the course as well as hole contests.

For 2011, GRMC will introduce new activities, return to a few traditions, and build a little friendly competition. The GRMC golf outing will return with two tee-off times. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., golfers will play 9 holes for a reduced price. The afternoon game will tee off at noon for 18 holes. GRMC will also offer a $500 cash prize to the first golfer to get a hole-in-one on Hole # 2 and #11, thanks to a sponsorship by Bernie Lowe and Associates. New for the outing, golfers will play Beat the Pro on Hole #2 with Golf Pro Mitch Burr, Move Up on Hole #6, and a new fashion judging contest for both the best dressed golfer and the most obnoxiously dressed golfer.

This year local golfers from Poweshiek County will compete for a best local team award. Area businesses will be able to compete for bragging rights and an award to prove their skills.

Golfers and teams may register by calling GRMC’s office of communications and development at 641-236-2946 or by going online at http://tinyurl.com/grmcgolf. Registration fees are $40 for 9 holes in the morning and $85 for 18-holes in the afternoon. Carts are $15 in the morning and $30 in the afternoon. Deadline for registration is July 15 or until the golf slots are filled.

Sponsors making this event possible include Associated Computer Systems, Bernie Lowe and Associates, Grinnell State Bank, and JELD-WEN at the Eagle level; Baldwin White Architects, Grinnell College, Grinnell Golf and Country Club, Great Western Bank, Health Enterprise, Mercy Health Network, and Todd Linden at the Birdie level; Electronic Engineering, HyVee, and Jensen Optometrists at the 19th Hole Sponsorship level; as well as flight and hole prizes by Ahrens Park Foundation, ASI, Cirks Financial, Gronwold Bell and Kyhnn & Co., HyVee, Julin Printing, KJWW Engineering Consultants, and Poweshiek Publications.

A group of community members are helping plan this year’s event including Scott Collings, OD; Mary Duke; Becky Froias; Scott Gilbert; Jeff Knobloch, DO; and Darcy Swick along with GRMC’s office of communications and development staff Jeanette Budding, Denise Lamphier, and Jan Veach.

Three Join GRMC Foundation Board

Leonard Seda, Victor; Jan Hansen, Montezuma; and Carol Jordan, Grinnell; are new members of the GRMC Foundation Board.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Foundation Board added three new members at their May 12 meeting. Jan Hansen, Carol Jordan, and Leonard Seda joined the board that makes decisions about the hospital endowment and fund-raising efforts.

Hansen retired after working at Brownells for more than 25 years. She and her husband, Jim, are long-time Montezuma farmers. Jordan is the past-president of Grinnell Regional Auxiliary and is serving as an ex-officio member of the board for a two-year term. Jordan retired as the director of network services for the company formerly known as GTE. Seda is a retired veterinarian from Victor. He is a member of the Victor Community Development Association and was instrumental in helping GRMC establish the Victor Health Center.

“Every member of the GRMC foundation board provides valuable guidance and leadership for GRMC’s fundraising efforts and management of the foundation’s endowment,” says Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development. “They serve as a liaison within their communities on behalf of GRMC as well.”

The 2011 officers for the foundation board are George Drake, chair; Sally Lang, chair-elect; and Julie Gosselink, secretary/treasurer.

Other foundation board members are: Dan Agnew; Sig Barber; Orville Bloethe; Warren Bower, MD; Pete Brownell; Jenny Erickson; Jack Gustafson; Ed Hatcher; Joanie Heimsoth; Clark Jensen, OD; Mark Kennett, Dianne Latimer; Todd C. Linden; Leila Maring; Nancy Walters Smith; Sally Smith; Pat Supple; Dave Vander Linden; and Victor Wilson, MD.

The medical center is currently engaged in a handful of fund-raising activities for which the board provides guidance, including the annual fund drive, the golf outing, this year’s Blue Jean Ball, and planned giving activities.

GRMC Auxiliary Announce Scholarship Recipients

From left, Marisa Bushong and Amanda Albertsen. 

Not pictured: Tilly Schmidt, Bailey Zegers, and Kali Montgomery.

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary introduced the five $1,000 scholarship winners at the annual membership spring luncheon on April 13. The GRMC auxiliary provides scholarships to new high school graduates as well as adults returning to advanced education in a healthcare field.

The 2011 GRMC Auxiliary Scholarship recipients are:

Amanda Albertsen, Tama. She will graduate from South Tama County High School in May.  She has been accepted to attend the University of Iowa where she plans to major in biology and pre-med. Her parents are David and Nancy Albertsen.

Tilly Schmidt, South English. Schmidt is in her third year at Mt. Mercy College where she is studying nursing. She is the daughter of Richard Schmidt.

Bailey Zegers, Sully.  She is a 2009 graduate of Lynnville-Sully High School and is currently a nursing student at Mt. Mercy College.  She is the daughter of Brad Zegers and Denise Williams.

Kali Montgomery, Brooklyn.  She will graduate from BGM High School in May, and will attend Luther College to study nursing.  She is the daughter of Kyle and Marna Montgomery.

Marisa Bushong, Montezuma.  Bushong will graduate from the Montezuma Community School in May, and will study nursing at DMACC and Allen College. She is the daughter of Rex and Kim Bushong.

Congratulations to these 2011 scholarship winners. For more information about the GRMC Auxiliary and scholarship program, call 641-236-2588.

GRMC Wins Gold in Competition

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s 2010 Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair earned a gold award with the Aster Awards. The GRMC Office of Communications and Development entered the special event category for the competition and received notice of its gold rating.

The Aster Awards, one of the largest national competitions of its kind, is hosted by Marketing Healthcare Today Magazine and Creative Images, Inc. This elite program recognizes outstanding healthcare professionals for excellence in their advertising/marketing efforts for the calendar year 2010.

 “Our Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair was a huge success last fall and this award for the promotional materials supports that success. Our committee for this event includes GRMC staff and GRMC Auxiliary members working to produce an event that women of all ages will love,” explains Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development. “This is a great honor to be recognized nationally for this event.”

All entries for each category are placed together for judging by a panel of design and healthcare marketing professionals with decades of combined experience. Entries are judged on: creativity, layout/design, typography, production, quality & overall effectiveness. Participant’s entries competed against similar-sized organizations in their category. Entries must score at least in the top 16 percent to receive an award.

All winners are posted on the Aster Awards website (www.AsterAwards.com), as well as published in Marketing Healthcare Today, a national healthcare marketing magazine.

GRMC to Distribute Bike Helmets

Spring time brings out bicyclists and the annual bicycle helmet giveaway to more than 500 area third graders. Grinnell Regional Medical Center will once again lead the distribution of free helmets, provided by the GRMC medical staff along with GRMC, area businesses, and individuals.

Bicycling can be fun, healthy, and a great form of independence but it’s important to remember safety. GRMC and the area sponsors are commitment to avoiding head-injuries by teaming up to give a new bicycle helmet to each third grader in the GRMC service area. This year 520 helmets will be given away. Over the previous 15 years, 3,851 students in the GRMC service area have received a free bike helmet.

At each distribution an educational program is presented to emphasize the importance of wearing a helmet and to teach bicycle safety.  Children who use helmets as soon as they begin riding are more likely to continue that healthy behavior throughout their lifetime.

Helmets are given out in 12 school districts covering – BGM, Central Iowa Christian Academy, East Marshall, GMG, Grinnell/Newburg, Lynnville/Sully, Meskwaki Settlement, Montezuma, North Mahaska, Sully Christian, South Tama, and Victor (HLV).

Craig Cooper of Bikes to You, GRMC employees and medical staff, and in some communities like Grinnell, the Grinnell Police department staff, will visit the schools and fit a helmet to each third-grade student as well as discuss the importance of preventing head injury and safety rules.

Financial supporters of the bike helmet distribution in addition to GRMC and the GRMC Medical staff include Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Grinnell Bicycle Club, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, Grinnell State Bank, Lion’s Club of Sully, State Bank of Toledo, Wes Finch Auto Plaza, and the Michael and Susan Witt Foundation.

Biking Safety Tips
Make bicycling safer for all by observing the following safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet
• Obey all traffic controls
• Ride your bicycle near the right-hand edge of the road
• Be seen so wear something that reflects light and avoid riding at night
• Never carry another person on your bicycle
• Always use hand signals when turning or stopping
• Look out for cars at cross street, driveways, and parking places
• Be careful when checking traffic and don’t swerve when looking over your shoulder
• Give pedestrians the right-of-way
• Keep your bicycle in good condition
• Always ride carefully

Remember a bicycle is a vehicle. Bicyclists share the road with other larger forms of transportation. Children under 10 years old should not ride on the street.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Adventuresports.com

GRMC Board Announces 2011 Officers and New Members

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Board of Directors welcomes three new members as it announces the 2011 officers.

The 2011 GRMC Board of Director officers are: chair – Ed Hatcher, Grinnell, long-time board member and area farmer; chair-elect – Bill Menner, Grinnell, the Iowa State Director for Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture; past chair – Susan Witt, Grinnell, co-owner of Miraco, Corp., vice-president of Ahrens Foundation, and president of Ahrens Park Foundation; treasurer – Frank Brownell, Montezuma, owner of Brownells; and secretary – Stan Greenwald, MD, Grinnell, retired physician.

Wendy S. Kadner and Todd L. Reding began serving three-year terms on the GRMC Board of Directors in April. In addition, George Drake will serve a two-year term in an ex-officio role as the chair of the GRMC Foundation Board. These new members join 11 area residents in providing direction, vision, and strategic planning for GRMC’s future.

New board members

Kadner, senior vice-president and co-founder of Vitalize Consulting Solutions, has worked in healthcare for her entire career. She earned a master’s in health services administration, initially with the goal of becoming a hospital administrator. In 2002, she helped found a healthcare information technology and recruitment company.

“I’m excited to be able to share my career capabilities in a way that benefits the community where I live,” Kadner says. “I understand the operations, budgeting, and planning needs in healthcare and this board position allows me to use those skills to help our community hospital.”

Kadner earned a BA from Simpson College and a MHSA from University of Kansas. She moved to Grinnell in 2002. Her business, Vitalize Consulting Solutions, is a virtual company based out of Reading, Mass., which allows her to live in central Iowa while still serving as an executive in a national company.

Kadner fills her free time with supporting her daughter Makayla’s activities, helping at the Poweshiek Animal League Shelter, and enjoying concerts and travels.

“I’ve personally experienced GRMC’s inpatient and emergency department services. It is those experiences that make me really appreciate and value having a great community hospital. The staff were caring, knowledgeable people who created a positive experience,” Kadner says. “I see the value of having this hospital in the community and want to support it.”

The passion for quality healthcare intrigued Todd L. Reding to join the GRMC trustees as well.

“My family is involved in healthcare with several family members serving as physicians. It’s part of our family culture and I’m comfortable in the world of healthcare. I’m passionate about the positive changes in the future and the mission of our medical center,” explains Todd Reding, president and CEO, ASI of Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

“These are exciting times in healthcare with so many changes coming at us. It’s always improving. So as I join this board, I want to gain a deep understanding of the healthcare governance structure. One area of emphasis for me on the board will be quality initiatives. Quality is essential to our mission and I want to work with the quality committee to continuously improve our community hospital,” Reding says.

Reding was already familiar with GRMC operations and quality focus as he served an ex-officio role on the board as the chair of the GRMC Foundation Board. He received a bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Mo., and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He currently serves on the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce board as well.
George Drake, a long-standing icon in Grinnell, returns to the board as well. Drake served on the GRMC board in the early 1980s under the Michael Faas administration. He rejoined the board as another opportunity to serve the community in an organization that is such a vital part of the community.

“Issues from the early ‘80s were very different. It was a different world. Outpatient care was just beginning to take hold and we were still trying to keep certified beds as high as possible,” explains Drake. “Now, my goal is to understand the healthcare reform and make positive changes. Changes in the economic world affect how GRMC operates. The financial problem of underfunding is huge. We can work to resolve the payment issue.”

Drake graduated from Grinnell College in 1956. He went on to attend the University of Paris and Oxford University, as a Rhodes Scholar, before earning a PhD from the University of Chicago in 1965. Drake returned to Grinnell College as a professor of history and served as Grinnell College’s president from 1979 to 1991.

Community involvement remains an important part of Drake’s life. He serves on the Greater Poweshiek Community foundation, Mayflower Community Board, and GRMC Foundation. He also is the benefactor for the new Drake Community Library, named after him and his wife, Sue. He’s also seen performing in the Shults and Company sharing his musical talents.

Board

“These individuals all bring extraordinary experiences and strengths to the GRMC board of trustees,” explains Todd Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “With the uncertainty of how healthcare reform legislation will unfold, this board will face challenges never experienced before as we balance options for optimal patient care and financial stability.”

GRMC and the residents served by the medical center have benefited from the diverse membership of the board and representation by community members as well as medical professionals. The GRMC Board of Trustees includes the officers and new members listed above as well as Karla Erickson; Laura Ferguson, MD; JoAnn Manatt; Debby Pohlson; Michelle Rebelsky, MD; Wally Walker, and Joanne Yuska. Ex officio members of the board include Todd Linden; Laura Van Cleve, DO, medical staff president, and Drake.

The board is responsible for overall governance of GRMC, a nonprofit, private medical center. Its primary roles include maintaining the mission and vision; strategic planning; appointing members of the medical and allied health staff; approving the annual budget and providing financial oversight; monitoring overall quality of services; and appointing the chief executive.