GRMC Celebrates One Year of Skin-to-Skin Success

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Kintzinger Women’s Health Center celebrates a special anniversary in July. This anniversary focuses on those first moments of life when a baby is born at GRMC.

GRMC has utilized skin-to-skin contact as a post-birth bonding method since 2013 in the labor, delivery, recovery, and post-partum (LDRP) rooms but this past year the practice was implemented for babies born via Cesarean-section in the surgical suite as well.

The skin-to-skin practice is used to aid in the stabilization of the baby after birth and encourage the parent-baby bond.

Prior to implementation in July 2014, skin-to-skin was not an option in the surgical suite. Now parents may have immediate bonding time with their newborn. Mothers, particularly those who did not have the opportunity to try this practice in previous deliveries, enjoy the skin-to-skin experience.

“When my husband and I were expecting a baby a year ago, I made it my mission to try and find anywhere in Iowa that would allow for skin-to-skin. I have had two babies prior and never felt that full-blown emotion of holding a baby that I had worked so hard to make over the last nine months,” said Bethany Kriegel, the first participant of the skin-to-skin post Cesarean-section practice at GRMC.

The enactment of this practice generated huge process changes for all departments involved. Although the procedural change has been drastic, the staff involved has taken the shift in stride.

“Anesthesia has embraced the change and the OR staff has been very supportive,” said Sheryl Baarda, RN, obstetric nurse manager; “The benefits to mom and baby make this a change we want to embrace.”

Since the implementation of skin-to-skin in the operating room, the GRMC OB staff has noted many benefits of the practice, including an improvement in breastfeeding rates; better bonding between parents and babies; less pain for mothers; stabilization of infants’ body temperature, blood sugar, and heart rate; major decreases in formula supplementation; babies that cry less and self-latch within one to two hours.

“There are so many benefits with skin to skin. First, and foremost, was the emotional recovery. This was by far the best birthing experience I have ever had. The staff plays a large role in that, but the skin-to-skin made all the difference in the world. I honestly think it has helped with breastfeeding as well. Finally, the family bonding was so much more pleasant,” said Kriegel.

For more information about innovative changes at the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center to enhance birthing at GRMC, call 641-236-2326.

Photo cutline:

GRMC promotes the skin-to-skin practice for the first two hours after a birth.  Bethany Kriegel, the first participant of the skin-to-skin post Cesarean-section practice at GRMC, holds her daughter, Adelyn, while in GRMC’s surgical suite. 

SE*ED: Preserving our History

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Senior Education Program gives a view into the history of Poweshiek County as presented by Sue Eichorn representing the Poweshiek County Historical and Genealogical Society. The society works to preserve the history of Poweshiek County through the efforts of volunteers.

Eichorn will present history of the county, including a picture presentation and information on the three historical buildings that the society maintains. She will also be discussing the history of the society itself, as well as how the society works and goals for the future.

This information will be given at the SE*ED program on Monday, July 27, at 10 a.m. This program is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Drake community Library with refreshments beginning at 9:30 a.m. Parking is available at the Drake Community Library, along Park Street, on Fifth Avenue, and in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot.

Seniors needing transportation may call GRMC Communications and Development, 641-236-2593, by Thursday before the program. If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, please call 641-236-2593. For more information about upcoming speakers, please check GRMC’s website at www.grmc.us or call 641-236-2593.

SE*ED: Aromatherapy and Your Health

Certain smells may bring fond memories or make people happy, but did you know that specific aromas can have health benefits? Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Senior Education program will welcome Casie Olson, LMT, an aroma therapist and massage therapist with GRMC’s integrated therapies center. She specializes in the use of aromas as non-traditional medicine to benefit patients using “essential oils.”

In her Senior Education Program on August 3, Olson will describe what exactly essential oils are, and what medicinal benefits they have in comparison to traditional medicine. Olson also will bring in samples of essential oils, which may be purchased at Postels Community Health Park, to show and demonstrate to the group.

This program is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Drake Community Library with refreshments beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Looking ahead on the schedule, SEED will welcome Chad Timm, Humanities Iowa, who will present “Working with the Enemy: German, Italian, and Japanese Prisoners of War in Iowa during the Second World War.”

Parking is available at the Drake Community Library, along Park Street, on Fifth Avenue, and in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. Seniors needing transportation may call GRMC Communications and Development, 641-236-2593, by Thursday before the program.

If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, please call 641-236-2593. For more information about upcoming speakers please check GRMC’s website at www.grmc.us or call 641-236-2593

26 Years of Great Golf Supporting GRMC

Golfers from around the area gathered at Oakland Acres Golf Club on Friday, July 10, for the 2015 Grinnell Regional Medical Center Golf Outing. GRMC welcomed 151 golfers on 37 teams for the annual fundraiser and friend raiser to support GRMC’s Moving at the Speed of Life campaign. The sponsorships, contests, and golf registrations raised $20,398 from the one-day event with morning and afternoon tee times.

“The support from our community, business partners, and golfers surpassed our goals and we are extremely thankful for a great outing and the money raised,” says Todd Linden, president and CEO. “The $20,000 plus raised will go toward the emergency department renovations. GRMC says thank you to all involved in this day. Based on the scores, we had a great day of golfing.”

With this 18-hole course, par score of 69. GRMC’s outing offered three flights to three teams in each flight. All winning flight teams receive a $100 in either cash or gift cards. This year’s top team was Oakland Acres with John Dougery, Duane Loftin, Jo Loftin, and Dennis Potter, scoring 59. The Wes Finch Auto Plaza team also scored 59, with members Jeff Finch, Wes Finch, Hugh German, and John German. The third top flight team consisted of Dr. Nick Kuiper, Jarrod Phelps, Dr. Scott Collings, and Shane Hart. They scored nine under par with a 60.

The second flight included three teams all with a score of 65, with card back determining the order. First in the flight is the GRMC Wellness team of Cody Jensen, Holly Pettlon, Jon Pettlon, and Megan Ware. Second in the middle flight was the Associated Computer Systems team with Tony Foth, Chris Ayers, Heidi Thompson, and Eric Hodina. The final team in this flight was from Lincoln Savings Bank with Erin Black, Scott Black, Lynn Mawe, and Mike Plants.

The third flight teams all scored 68, one under par. First place went to the team of Joan Lemke, Roger Stafford, Curt Wayman, and Terri Wayman. Second place went to the Schoon Construction team with Scott Finneman, Jack Schmidt, LeRoy Schoon, and Blaine Wells. The final flight winner was the Great Western team of Scott Herbers, Dori Pearce, Jodie Ryan, and Rick Ryan.

GRMC held pin contests with prizes for men and women:

Hole 1: Straightest drive/closest to the line went to Marcia Rosendahl and Tom Mellon, each winning $50 in cash.

Hole 2: Drawing for landing on the green went to Joyce Chase who took home $200 in cash.

Hole 5: Longest putt on the green went to Mary Duke and John German, each taking home a $50 GolfUSA gift card.

Hole 7: Closest to the bedpan winners were Jodi Cheney and Scott Black, each taking home $50 in cash

Hole 12: Closest to the pin in one stroke went to Joan Lemke and Kim Pullen, taking home $50 gift Certificates to Michael’s Italian Restaurant.

Hole 13: Closest to the crutch winners were Susan Springer and Mark Doll, each winning $50 in cash.

Hole 15: Closest to the pin in two strokes went to Joan Lemke and Jamey Gibson, winning $50 gift cards to HyVee in Grinnell.

Hole 17: Closest to the pin in one stroke were Jo Loftin and Duane Neff, who took home $50 in cash.

Hole 18: Longest drive in the fairway went to Jen Hawkins and Shane Hart, each winning $50 in cash.

GRMC hosted special contests off the course. For the putting contest held throughout the day, Dave Miller took home a new putter and a box of balls.

A 50/50 raffle generated $610, which was split between the winner, Colleen Klainert, and GRMC.

The best dressed contest went to Dr. Scott Collings in a very dapper traditional English golfer’s outfit. Special mention goes to Shane Hart for his Scottish golfer’s kilt. In the most fun category, Jarrod Phelps took the honor with stiff competition by the Solera Wine team in their and tiaras. Team members included Sam Cox, Sara Cox, Colleen Klainert, and Karen Richards. Special mention also goes to Dave Smith for his wild shorts.

 This event depends on sponsorships from business partners and community businesses. In 2015, GRMC offered a new sponsorship level called Headliner sponsors. With a one-time donation, Grinnell College and Oakland Acres Golf Club are recognized as a sponsor for the Golf Outing, the Blue Jean Ball, the bike helmets, and for the auxiliary business membership.

The Eagle sponsors for 2015 were Associated Computer Services, Bernie Lowe & Associates, Inc., Brown’s Medical Imaging, Graham Construction Company, Grinnell State Bank, Heartland Finishes, Inc., Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors, Manatt’s, Inc., and Mayflower Community.

Birdie sponsors were ASI Signage Innovations, Great Western Bank, Dr. Nicholas and Stacy Kuiper, Seim Johnson, LLP, and Wes Finch Auto Plaza.

The 19^th Hole sponsors were Dan and Jo Becker, Electronic Engineering, Family Dentistry, Healthcare Solutions, Jensen Optometrists, PLLC, Kevin White Design, Lincoln Savings Bank, Todd and Angela Linden, The 801 Group of Morgan Stanley, Pagliai’s Pizza, Priority Plastics, Sysco, and The Straub Corporation/PAW Marketing.

Flight sponsors who made this event possible include: Brown’s Shoe Fit, Dayton Meat Products, Inc., Dr. Gene Gessner, Julin Printing Company, Leila Maring, Mayflower Community, Poweshiek Publications, Schoon Construction, Inc., and University of Iowa Community Credit Union.

Pin sponsors were Ahrens Park Foundation, Mary and James Duke, Grinnell HyVee, GRMC, KJWW Engineering, Mayflower Community, Michael’s Italian Restaurant, Mail Services, Ramsey-Weeks, Inc., and Rees Vinyl Signs.

Raffle prizes were donated by Anna Kayte’s, Ballyhoo in Ink, Bill’s Jewelry, Casa Margarita, CI3/ADG, Cirks Financial Services, Communications Engineering Company, Cory Hall Photography, Mary and James Duke, Dr. Gene Gessner, Golf USA, Grinnell Golf and Country Club – Donn Carlisle, GRMC, Todd and Angela Linden, Linder Tire, Mayflower Community, Meskwaki Casino, Oakland Acres Golf Club, Pagliai's Pizza, Saints Rest Coffeehouse, Solero Wine Bar, The Cheesecake Factory, The Glass Gift Box, and Van Meter, Inc.

The GRMC golf outing is a best shot, four-person team format planned by a committee of community members. They are Jeanette Budding, Dr. Scott Collings, Mary Duke, Becky Froias, Jen Hawkins, Dr. Nick Kuiper, Derrick Sears, Denise Lamphier, Darcy Swick, and Jan Veach.

Photo Cutlines –

Photo 1 – Best dressed golfers

Winners of the attire contest were Scott Collings, OD, for Best Dressed; and Jarrod Phelps, for Most “Fun” Dressed, shown with their team members Dr. Kuiper and Shane Hart.

Photo 2 – golf winning team

The GRMC Golf Outing overall team scored 11 under par. Winners were (from left) John Dougery, Duane Loftin, Jo Loftin, and Dennis Potter, scoring 59.

Photo 3 – Fun dressed women

Special mention was giving to several golfers during the 2015 GRMC Golf Outing. One team earning recognition is the Solera Wine team of Sara Cox, Colleen Klainert, Sam Cox, and Karen Richards, all in lace and tiaras.

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GRMC Announces Clinic Leadership Team

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s affiliated clinics are starting a significant leadership transformation and alignment this summer with new leadership and new roles for several long-time team members.

 GRMC’s 10 medical clinics program—serving patients in Victor, Tama/Toledo, Grinnell, and Lynnville—has grown to employ 16 health providers and more than 60 full-time employees.

“We have experienced a significant shift toward outpatient clinics and specialty care to meet the changing needs of patients in our area,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “We anticipate this industry trend will continue. Our administrative staff and board of directors approved a shift in the leadership to manage these clinics and the revenues generated. GRMC completed a national search to recruit a clinic administrator to our team, who will lead the affiliated clinics.”

Ray Davis joined GRMC on June 15 as the clinic administrator over all outpatient practice clinics. A certified medical practice executive, Davis brings years of training and experience to GRMC’s affiliated clinics. He moved from Liberal, Kan., where he was the clinic operations director for Southwest Medical Center. He has also served as practice manager at HCA – Lone Peak General Surgery, HCA–St. Mark’s Gynecology Oncology, and HCA – MountainStar Cardiovascular Surgery center, all located in Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition, he served as the clinic manager at Banner Health - Banner Medical Clinic in Torrington, Wyo.

Davis earned a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s of science in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix. He and his family will move to Grinnell this summer.

According to Linden, Davis’ role will include oversight of all clinic operations, community outreach, growth and development, recruitment, provider relations and engagement, and financial performance. He will also manage the day-to-day operation of the mental health clinic.

Shannon Zoffka, clinic manager, joined the clinics team in March. She is responsible for the day-to-day management of all the rural outreach and Grinnell clinics, including urgent care, family care clinics, visiting specialty clinics, internal medicine clinic, pain and rheumatology clinics, and sleep center.

Zoffka recently served as the executive director for Central Iowa Family Planning in Marshalltown. She advanced within that clinic over the past six years. As a registered nurse, Zoffka brings clinical as well as managerial skills to this position.

GRMC’s clinic leadership team also includes Brenda Peck, clinic billing coordinator; Jennifer Nevins, clinic support coordinator; and Nicole VerMeer, mental health clinic coordinator.

Peck has been in the GRMC billing function for more than 15 years. She now oversees the revenue cycle and billing operations for all the GRMC outpatient clinics.

Nevins provides administrative support that includes payroll, scheduling, reporting, and training all clinic staff. She also helps monitor the patient portal for GRMC’s clinics. Nevins has been with GRMC since 2007.

VerMeer provides administrative support for the mental health center and its satellite location at Grinnell College, including payroll, scheduling, reporting, and training. She joined the GRMC mental health team in 2013.

“We are very confident in the skills of our new team to provide exceptional care to patients while sustaining efficient operations at the clinic offices throughout the area,” Linden says.

For more information about GRMC’s clinics, please contact Davis at 641-236-2913 or Zoffka at 641-236-2416.

SE*ED: What did he say?

Perhaps the most common, under-diagnosed disability is hearing loss. Tens of millions of people are affected now; and this number will double as baby boomers mature. Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Senior Education program will host James R. Paulson, MD, as he presents, “What Did He/She Say?”

Paulson will address questions like: Why do we lose our hearing and more importantly, what can we do about it?  What are coils and loops?  What can we do in our community to maximize and help those with hearing disabilities? Hopefully you will learn the answers to these questions and more at Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s SE*ED program on Monday, July 13.

This program is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Drake Community Library with refreshments beginning at 9:30 a.m. Parking is available at the Drake Community Library, along Park Street, on Fifth Avenue, and in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot.

Seniors needing transportation may call GRMC Communications and Development, 641-236-2593, by Thursday before the program.

If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, please call 641-236-2593. For more information about upcoming speakers, please check GRMC’s website at www.grmc.us.