Grinnell Regional Medical Center will offer a five-week support group designed for all who have lost a loved one and face the grief after a death.
“This group will explore some of the challenges of loss and sadness and the process of grieving,” says Connee Harnden, LMSW, GRMC bereavement counselor. “This program explores techniques for coping with life after someone dear to the heart is gone. Our class is open to anyone in the community, not just hospice patients. In a confidential setting, we will share our pain and loss with our group. This will be a time to support others as you seek to find comfort for yourself.”
Gatherings will be held on Mondays, beginning April 12 to May 10, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Mini-conference room at GRMC, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell.
This group will be facilitated by Harnden, social worker at GRMC and bereavement counselor with Grinnell Regional Hospice. There is no fee to participate, but interested persons must pre-register by calling Grinnell Regional Hospice at 641-236-2418.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Orthopedic Care Expands at GRMC
Grinnell Regional Medical Center and Iowa Ortho announce the latest addition in orthopedic care. D. Scott Peery, PA-C, began seeing patients in February to complement the services of Daniel Vande Lune, MD, orthopedic surgeon.Peery joins the Iowa Ortho team in Grinnell providing comprehensive orthopedic care including joint replacement, sports and work related injuries, sprains, fractures, pediatric orthopedics, conditions and injuries of the hand, wrist, shoulder, back, neck, hip, knee, foot and ankle.
Peery and Vande Lune work as a team in surgery and with all follow-up care for procedures and therapy. Peery’s scope of practice includes assistance with on-call care for the emergency department in traumas. Peery may be the first orthopedic provider to see the patient in the emergency department to create a plan of care.
“Scott has already been actively assisting with Grinnell orthopedic patients. It has been most beneficial and he is readily available,” says John Bambara, MD, GRMC Emergency Department medical director. “This relationship has bridged a gap in orthopedic care to our patients. Many patients have commented on how nice it is to get this care locally and so quickly. His availability and interactions with the ED patients has been outstanding so far. His services are a great addition for our facility and the patients in our area.”
Peery earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Des Moines University and his bachelor of sciences degree in athletic training from the University of West Alabama. He worked for two years after earning his BS degree as the outreach coordinator/athletic trainer for a physical therapy clinic in Utah. He then joined Peru State College in Peru, Neb., as a head athletic trainer. Peery also served as athletic trainer at Jennie Edmundson hospital for two years before going to Des Moines University.
“Athletic training was absolutely wonderful. I am so passionate about it,” Peery says. “I love working with student athletes but wanted the opportunity to work with patients of all ages.”
Peery decided to pursue a career path that also allowed flexibility and great time for family life. He and his wife wanted a community that was work and family friendly and Grinnell was the perfect fit.
“Grinnell has the feel of big city life and small town values. Grinnell has a lot of family friendly activities as well as a standard of life that we were looking for in a community,” Peery says.
For more than 53 years, Iowa Orthopaedic Center, P.C., has been providing comprehensive orthopedic care. The physicians are fellowship trained and board certified in their fields, assuring patients that they will be receiving care from the highest qualified physicians and surgeons. The primary office is located in downtown Des Moines with additional practice locations in Pella, Clive, and Ankeny.
If you have concerns on an orthopedic condition, discuss with your primary care physician. Referrals are scheduled through primary care physicians.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Healthcare Is a Strong Factor in Local Economy
According to a recent study by the Iowa Hospital Association, more than 1,300 jobs in Poweshiek County are directly linked to healthcare services. Grinnell Regional Medical Center remains the largest healthcare employer in the county.
Specifically, GRMC generates 454 jobs that add $25,954,802 to the Poweshiek County’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association. In addition, GRMC employees by themselves spend $7,302,236 on retail sales and contribute $438,134 in state sales tax revenue. The research also reports an additional 256 jobs indirectly related to the hospital. This contributes more than $34 million in payroll and proprietor income related to health and wellness through GRMC.
“The income generated from healthcare jobs impacts several communities and counties,” says Todd C. Linden, CEO and president. “More than 60 percent of GRMC employees live in Poweshiek County with the remaining 40 percent living in nearby counties. We provide a strong economic impact on schools, businesses, and retail in the entire area.”
The IHA report focuses on the direct economic impact and total economic impact of the five healthcare sectors in the county and on the state level. The five segments include hospitals; practitioners such as physicians, dentists, and other health providers; nursing and residential care facilities; pharmacies; and other medical and health services.
Of these, 474 jobs are with nursing and residential care facilities, 332 at physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners, 55 at other medical/health services, and 16 at pharmacies, in addition to those reported at GRMC in 2009. Based on 2009 Bureau of Labor statistics, Poweshiek County has 9,410 employed residents, making more than one-fifth of the county’s total employment linked to healthcare.
“Our personal health and wellbeing directly impacts our quality of life. Employers looking to relocate their business consider the strength and quality of the healthcare available in the same way they look at the labor pool, real estate, and schools,” says Linden. “Even in these tough economic times, healthcare remains a very strong economic as well as quality-of-life factor in Poweshiek County and beyond.”
The study found that Iowa hospitals directly employ 74,027 people and create another 73,953 jobs outside the hospital sector. As an income source, hospitals provide $3.65 billion in salaries and benefits and generate another $2.5 billion through other jobs that depend on hospitals.
“The downturn in the economy has impacted activity at GRMC like most other organizations,” added Linden. “We have really focused on maintaining our workforce because our people are our most precious resource. It would have been easy to just do a layoff; instead we reduced hours, did not fill vacated positions and reduced some benefits. It was a shared sacrifice to save jobs.”
In all, Iowa’s healthcare sector, which includes employed clinicians, long-term care services and assisted living centers, pharmacies and other medical and health services, directly and indirectly provides 354,907 Iowa jobs, or more than one-fifth of the state’s total employment.
Specifically, GRMC generates 454 jobs that add $25,954,802 to the Poweshiek County’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association. In addition, GRMC employees by themselves spend $7,302,236 on retail sales and contribute $438,134 in state sales tax revenue. The research also reports an additional 256 jobs indirectly related to the hospital. This contributes more than $34 million in payroll and proprietor income related to health and wellness through GRMC.
“The income generated from healthcare jobs impacts several communities and counties,” says Todd C. Linden, CEO and president. “More than 60 percent of GRMC employees live in Poweshiek County with the remaining 40 percent living in nearby counties. We provide a strong economic impact on schools, businesses, and retail in the entire area.”
The IHA report focuses on the direct economic impact and total economic impact of the five healthcare sectors in the county and on the state level. The five segments include hospitals; practitioners such as physicians, dentists, and other health providers; nursing and residential care facilities; pharmacies; and other medical and health services.
Of these, 474 jobs are with nursing and residential care facilities, 332 at physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners, 55 at other medical/health services, and 16 at pharmacies, in addition to those reported at GRMC in 2009. Based on 2009 Bureau of Labor statistics, Poweshiek County has 9,410 employed residents, making more than one-fifth of the county’s total employment linked to healthcare.
“Our personal health and wellbeing directly impacts our quality of life. Employers looking to relocate their business consider the strength and quality of the healthcare available in the same way they look at the labor pool, real estate, and schools,” says Linden. “Even in these tough economic times, healthcare remains a very strong economic as well as quality-of-life factor in Poweshiek County and beyond.”
The study found that Iowa hospitals directly employ 74,027 people and create another 73,953 jobs outside the hospital sector. As an income source, hospitals provide $3.65 billion in salaries and benefits and generate another $2.5 billion through other jobs that depend on hospitals.
“The downturn in the economy has impacted activity at GRMC like most other organizations,” added Linden. “We have really focused on maintaining our workforce because our people are our most precious resource. It would have been easy to just do a layoff; instead we reduced hours, did not fill vacated positions and reduced some benefits. It was a shared sacrifice to save jobs.”
In all, Iowa’s healthcare sector, which includes employed clinicians, long-term care services and assisted living centers, pharmacies and other medical and health services, directly and indirectly provides 354,907 Iowa jobs, or more than one-fifth of the state’s total employment.
Monday, March 1, 2010
GRMC Auxiliary Launches Challenge Drive
The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary launched its fundraising Challenge Drive on March 1, inviting anyone in the GRMC service area to take part. The auxiliary and its Challenge Drive support the medical center through volunteer, financial, and educational initiatives.
“Our ambition is to renew the community’s support and awareness of all the services the GRMC Auxiliary provides to hospital patients and staff as well as our financial support for healthcare scholarships and aid for specific hospital goals,” says Char Ewan, 2010 Auxiliary Challenge Drive chair. “Your involvement helps us provide this support that enhances quality healthcare. The auxiliary plans to donate $15,000 toward the hospital for equipment and renovations. Plus, the auxiliary will again provide major scholarship funds to students in healthcare fields and co-sponsor the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair, set for October 6, 2010.”
Beginning in 2010, the auxiliary members can celebrate their birthday with a 40 percent off coupon at The Glass Gift Box to use during their birthday month. The auxiliary is also offering a new incentive to encourage members to recruit new members.
“We encourage members to recommend the name of a friend or family member who would value the benefits of being an auxiliary member. In return, the member making the recommendation will receive a $5 gift certificate at The Glass Gift Box for each new member recruited,” Ewan says.
As part of its mission, the auxiliary has two meetings each year. The public is welcome and anyone who makes a donation to the Challenge Drive will receive an invitation to these special gatherings. The auxiliary hosts activities such as coordinating an annual trip to Legislative Day at the state capitol; fund-raising activities that financially support the medical center; supplying gifts to all newborns at GRMC; and providing car seats to needy families.
The Challenge Drive has five giving levels: Bronze - $5; Silver - $15; Gold - $25; Platinum - $50; and Lifetime - $150. To accept the Auxiliary Challenge, stop by the Glass Gift Box, inside GRMC, and complete a Challenge card. Or mail your Challenge donation to the GRMC Auxiliary, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell, IA 50112
For more information on the GRMC Auxiliary, please call 641-236-2588.
“Our ambition is to renew the community’s support and awareness of all the services the GRMC Auxiliary provides to hospital patients and staff as well as our financial support for healthcare scholarships and aid for specific hospital goals,” says Char Ewan, 2010 Auxiliary Challenge Drive chair. “Your involvement helps us provide this support that enhances quality healthcare. The auxiliary plans to donate $15,000 toward the hospital for equipment and renovations. Plus, the auxiliary will again provide major scholarship funds to students in healthcare fields and co-sponsor the Women’s Health Focus and Baby Fair, set for October 6, 2010.”
Beginning in 2010, the auxiliary members can celebrate their birthday with a 40 percent off coupon at The Glass Gift Box to use during their birthday month. The auxiliary is also offering a new incentive to encourage members to recruit new members.
“We encourage members to recommend the name of a friend or family member who would value the benefits of being an auxiliary member. In return, the member making the recommendation will receive a $5 gift certificate at The Glass Gift Box for each new member recruited,” Ewan says.
As part of its mission, the auxiliary has two meetings each year. The public is welcome and anyone who makes a donation to the Challenge Drive will receive an invitation to these special gatherings. The auxiliary hosts activities such as coordinating an annual trip to Legislative Day at the state capitol; fund-raising activities that financially support the medical center; supplying gifts to all newborns at GRMC; and providing car seats to needy families.
The Challenge Drive has five giving levels: Bronze - $5; Silver - $15; Gold - $25; Platinum - $50; and Lifetime - $150. To accept the Auxiliary Challenge, stop by the Glass Gift Box, inside GRMC, and complete a Challenge card. Or mail your Challenge donation to the GRMC Auxiliary, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell, IA 50112
For more information on the GRMC Auxiliary, please call 641-236-2588.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Community Challenged to Support Annual Fund
Two local families and foundations have joined forces to jumpstart the 2010 GRMC annual fund drive. The Gosselink family, the Witt family, the Claude & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, and the Claude Ahrens Charitable Trust announced Monday they will match the community’s donations with a $25,000 challenge grant to help support healthcare programs and services through the 2010 Grinnell Regional Medical Center Annual Fund Drive.
“We have made a commitment to this community to provide the best quality of life we can with the resources we have been given.” says Susan Witt, vice-president of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and chair of the GRMC Board of Directors. “GRMC is so vital to our quality of life in Grinnell. It provides excellent healthcare and health related services to enhance life for the better.”
The annual fund drive supports hundreds of programs and services—from complex modalities such as life-changing surgery and treatment for chronic pain to simple offerings such as a fast-moving aerobic dance class or support from a compassionate healthcare provider.
Witt encourages everyone to consider what they can do to help support GRMC.
“Donors who give to the annual fund drive can make an impact with their gift no matter how large or how small,” she says.
The $25,000 challenge will double gifts from those who:
- Did not support last year’s annual fund drive.
- Increase their annual fund donation over their 2009 gift. (The increased portion will double.)
“When making a donation, one can take pride in the knowledge of ownership of making GRMC the success it is now and will continue to be for future generations,” Witt says.
To make a gift or pledge to the 2010 annual fund drive, jump on our website at www.grmc.us and go to the link “Make a gift to GRMC” or call Mindy Uitermarkt at 641-236-2961. Donations may also be mailed to the Office of Development, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell, IA 50112.
Return to GRMC webpage
Thursday, February 18, 2010
County Health Rankings Mostly Positive
A nationwide report called the “2010 County Health Rankings” was released Wednesday by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The report compares the overall health of counties in every state across the nation. Of Iowa’s 99 counties, Sioux County ranked highest in overall health; Johnson County ranked first in factors that influence health.
The rankings are health outcomes (based on measures of length and quality of life); and health factors (based on four major factors that influence health outcomes: behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the physical environment).
“Poweshiek County ranked above the 50 percent level in all measures except one area. We feel this is a very good benchmark for the county and shows the positive impact of public health efforts in Poweshiek County,” says Patty Hinrichs, director of Grinnell Regional Public Health. “However, there is room for improvement and we will use this information to address gaps in public health for county residents.”
Poweshiek County ranked 16 out of 99 counties for overall health. This measure is based on mortality and morbidity. To delve into the research, Poweshiek County ranked 20 for mortality rate, representing length of life, based on a measure of premature death: the years of potential life lost prior to age 75. The morbidity rank for Poweshiek County was 25 in the state, based on measures that represent health-related quality of life and birth outcomes. Researchers combine four morbidity measures: self-reported fair or poor health, poor physical health days, poor mental health days, and the percent of births with low birth weight.
In the ranking for health factors, Poweshiek County ranks 30 out of 99 counties. To calculate the summary score of health factors, weights were determined for each of the four major factors – health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the physical environment.
Healthy behaviors include measures of smoking, diet and exercise, alcohol use, and risky sex behavior. This was the area with the lowest rank for Poweshiek County. Clinical care includes measures of access to care and quality of care. Social and economic factors include measures of education, employment, income, family and social support, and community safety. The physical environment includes measures of environmental (air and particulate) quality and the built environment (access to healthy foods, liquor stores density).
Poweshiek County ranked its lowest score in healthy behaviors at 52 out of 99. In clinical care, the county ranked 14 in the state. Social and economic factors scored 45 out of 99 counties. The final measure, physical environment, ranked the best at sixth in the state.
“This is valuable information to build a healthier county. We will conduct the Community Health Needs Assessment in 2010 and form a Health Improvement Plan. These tools will give community members a chance to provide input on health needs for Poweshiek County,” Hinrichs says.
“It’s important to understand these rankings do not present a complete picture of what Iowa’s counties have accomplished,” said Iowa Department of Public Health Director Tom Newton. “These rankings will be used in conjunction with other community health assessments and planning efforts to find the best ways to address challenges and build upon successes.”
While Newton says IDPH takes these rankings and all health assessments seriously, he says they are simply tools to review and identify weaknesses or gaps in the health factors in individual counties. Newton says the rankings should also be used to illustrate the need for continued public and government support for public health efforts, as well as to stimulate public and private partnerships to advance community health.
Reports for every state are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org. For more information on Poweshiek County Health, contact the public health office at 641-236-2385.
Return to GRMC webpage
The rankings are health outcomes (based on measures of length and quality of life); and health factors (based on four major factors that influence health outcomes: behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the physical environment).
“Poweshiek County ranked above the 50 percent level in all measures except one area. We feel this is a very good benchmark for the county and shows the positive impact of public health efforts in Poweshiek County,” says Patty Hinrichs, director of Grinnell Regional Public Health. “However, there is room for improvement and we will use this information to address gaps in public health for county residents.”
Poweshiek County ranked 16 out of 99 counties for overall health. This measure is based on mortality and morbidity. To delve into the research, Poweshiek County ranked 20 for mortality rate, representing length of life, based on a measure of premature death: the years of potential life lost prior to age 75. The morbidity rank for Poweshiek County was 25 in the state, based on measures that represent health-related quality of life and birth outcomes. Researchers combine four morbidity measures: self-reported fair or poor health, poor physical health days, poor mental health days, and the percent of births with low birth weight.
In the ranking for health factors, Poweshiek County ranks 30 out of 99 counties. To calculate the summary score of health factors, weights were determined for each of the four major factors – health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the physical environment.
Healthy behaviors include measures of smoking, diet and exercise, alcohol use, and risky sex behavior. This was the area with the lowest rank for Poweshiek County. Clinical care includes measures of access to care and quality of care. Social and economic factors include measures of education, employment, income, family and social support, and community safety. The physical environment includes measures of environmental (air and particulate) quality and the built environment (access to healthy foods, liquor stores density).
Poweshiek County ranked its lowest score in healthy behaviors at 52 out of 99. In clinical care, the county ranked 14 in the state. Social and economic factors scored 45 out of 99 counties. The final measure, physical environment, ranked the best at sixth in the state.
“This is valuable information to build a healthier county. We will conduct the Community Health Needs Assessment in 2010 and form a Health Improvement Plan. These tools will give community members a chance to provide input on health needs for Poweshiek County,” Hinrichs says.
“It’s important to understand these rankings do not present a complete picture of what Iowa’s counties have accomplished,” said Iowa Department of Public Health Director Tom Newton. “These rankings will be used in conjunction with other community health assessments and planning efforts to find the best ways to address challenges and build upon successes.”
While Newton says IDPH takes these rankings and all health assessments seriously, he says they are simply tools to review and identify weaknesses or gaps in the health factors in individual counties. Newton says the rankings should also be used to illustrate the need for continued public and government support for public health efforts, as well as to stimulate public and private partnerships to advance community health.
Reports for every state are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org. For more information on Poweshiek County Health, contact the public health office at 641-236-2385.
Return to GRMC webpage
2010 GRMC Board Announced
Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Board of Directors welcomes two new members as it announces the 2010 officers.
Karla Erickson, PhD, MA, assistant professor of sociology with Grinnell College, and Laura Van Cleve, DO, psychiatrist at Poweshiek County Mental Health, join the medical center’s governing body. Erickson and Van Cleve join 13 area residents providing direction, vision, and strategic planning for GRMC’s future. Van Cleve steps in as the new 2010-2012 GRMC medical staff president and as an ex officio member of the board.
“Karla brings a unique perspective to the board as a sociologist, as well as her special research interest in end of life care,” says Susan Witt, GRMC board chair. “Some of her work focuses on how the transforming world impacts organizations and organizational changes. As healthcare faces extremely rapid changes and challenges, this perspective will help as we develop our vision of healthcare in Poweshiek County.”
Erickson moved to Grinnell with her husband, Matt Karjalahti, in 2004 to join the sociology department at Grinnell College. She completed graduate work and taught for one year at St. Olaf College in Minnesota before moving to Grinnell. She earned her PhD in American studies and women’s studies from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.; an MA in liberal studies from Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn.; and her BA in English and women’s studies from Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Ill. Her board experiences include serving as an ex officio member of the Midwest Sociological Society as the editor of its magazine and on the ethics committee of Mayflower Community. Erickson also earned a certified nursing assistant certificate.
“In serving on the hospital board and as a faculty member at Grinnell College, I will work with GRMC to collaborate on joint projects. I’m very interested in quality end-of-life care and want to work with GRMC as it continues its mission in that area,” Erickson says.
“This is a great hospital both as vital resource to the community and for my research. Serving on the board is enticing for me as someone who studies the process of work,” Erickson says. “I’ll see the inside operations of what I, as a sociologist, study and teach. GRMC has been very supportive of the research I do with students for end of life and sociology.”
Erickson is a frequent user of hospital services at Fly High Fitness Studio, where she is a regular yoga participant. She also enjoys downhill skiing, writing poetry, watching movies, and serving as a hospice volunteer.
Van Cleve joined the GRMC medical staff in 1997. She provides psychiatric care to area residents through the Poweshiek County Mental Health Center. Van Cleve earned her medical degree from Des Moines University and completed a residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She also completed a fellowship at the University of Iowa in child and adolescent psychiatry. She is board certified by the Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Van Cleve currently serves as the ethics chair of the Iowa Psychiatric Society.
She will serve a two-year term on the GRMC board that coincides with her elected position as medical staff president. As the representative from the medical staff, Van Cleve bridges communication and represents the medical staff at the board table.
“In 2009, the board of trustees, administration, and the medical staff created four ad hoc task forces to find ways to expand knowledge, understanding, and improvement in GRMC’s physician recruitment, process improvement, communication, and information technology efforts. I will focus on these four areas to help ensure a stronger future,” Van Cleve explains. “We still face a difficult future with the economy and healthcare reform. We need a strong unified leadership of hospital, board, and medical staff to meet the challenges ahead.”
“The co-dependence between the medical staff and the hospital emphasizes the role of the medical staff representative on the board of trustees. Laura understands the essential dependence yet independence of physicians to this process to build strong relations,” says Todd Linden, GRMC CEO and president. “She takes her role leading the medical staff very seriously and has already made concerted efforts to build on the already strong relationship that exists within the hospital.”
Erickson and Van Cleve began their roles on the GRMC Board in January when the board installed officers. Starting her second year as chair is Susan Witt, co-owner of Miraco, Corp. Chair elect has been filled by Ed Hatcher, long-time board member and area farmer. Debby Pohlson, assistant at Jensen Optometrists, continues in the past-chair position. Secretary is Stan Greenwald, MD, retired obstetrician. Treasurer is Frank Brownell, owner of Brownells, Inc., in Montezuma.
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 listed above as well as Laura Ferguson, MD; Bill Menner; Michelle Rebelsky, MD; Wally Walker, and Joanne Yuska. Ex officio members of the board include Todd Linden, GRMC president and CEO; Todd Reding, GRMC Foundation board president; and Van Cleve.
Sig Barber, PhD, German professor at Grinnell College, Clayton Francis, MD, and Leila Maring, RN, retired from the board in December. Francis completed his two-year term as medical staff president, now filled by Van Cleve. Barber and Maring completed four, three-year terms on the board.
“GRMC is grateful for the many, many hours of dedication to our mission from these three stellar board members,” Linden says. “The commitment to excellence in governance was their hallmark and the hospital will forever be a better place because of their service.”
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.
Return to GRMC webpage
Karla Erickson, PhD, MA, assistant professor of sociology with Grinnell College, and Laura Van Cleve, DO, psychiatrist at Poweshiek County Mental Health, join the medical center’s governing body. Erickson and Van Cleve join 13 area residents providing direction, vision, and strategic planning for GRMC’s future. Van Cleve steps in as the new 2010-2012 GRMC medical staff president and as an ex officio member of the board.
“Karla brings a unique perspective to the board as a sociologist, as well as her special research interest in end of life care,” says Susan Witt, GRMC board chair. “Some of her work focuses on how the transforming world impacts organizations and organizational changes. As healthcare faces extremely rapid changes and challenges, this perspective will help as we develop our vision of healthcare in Poweshiek County.”Erickson moved to Grinnell with her husband, Matt Karjalahti, in 2004 to join the sociology department at Grinnell College. She completed graduate work and taught for one year at St. Olaf College in Minnesota before moving to Grinnell. She earned her PhD in American studies and women’s studies from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.; an MA in liberal studies from Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn.; and her BA in English and women’s studies from Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Ill. Her board experiences include serving as an ex officio member of the Midwest Sociological Society as the editor of its magazine and on the ethics committee of Mayflower Community. Erickson also earned a certified nursing assistant certificate.
“In serving on the hospital board and as a faculty member at Grinnell College, I will work with GRMC to collaborate on joint projects. I’m very interested in quality end-of-life care and want to work with GRMC as it continues its mission in that area,” Erickson says.
“This is a great hospital both as vital resource to the community and for my research. Serving on the board is enticing for me as someone who studies the process of work,” Erickson says. “I’ll see the inside operations of what I, as a sociologist, study and teach. GRMC has been very supportive of the research I do with students for end of life and sociology.”
Erickson is a frequent user of hospital services at Fly High Fitness Studio, where she is a regular yoga participant. She also enjoys downhill skiing, writing poetry, watching movies, and serving as a hospice volunteer.
Van Cleve joined the GRMC medical staff in 1997. She provides psychiatric care to area residents through the Poweshiek County Mental Health Center. Van Cleve earned her medical degree from Des Moines University and completed a residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She also completed a fellowship at the University of Iowa in child and adolescent psychiatry. She is board certified by the Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Van Cleve currently serves as the ethics chair of the Iowa Psychiatric Society.She will serve a two-year term on the GRMC board that coincides with her elected position as medical staff president. As the representative from the medical staff, Van Cleve bridges communication and represents the medical staff at the board table.
“In 2009, the board of trustees, administration, and the medical staff created four ad hoc task forces to find ways to expand knowledge, understanding, and improvement in GRMC’s physician recruitment, process improvement, communication, and information technology efforts. I will focus on these four areas to help ensure a stronger future,” Van Cleve explains. “We still face a difficult future with the economy and healthcare reform. We need a strong unified leadership of hospital, board, and medical staff to meet the challenges ahead.”
“The co-dependence between the medical staff and the hospital emphasizes the role of the medical staff representative on the board of trustees. Laura understands the essential dependence yet independence of physicians to this process to build strong relations,” says Todd Linden, GRMC CEO and president. “She takes her role leading the medical staff very seriously and has already made concerted efforts to build on the already strong relationship that exists within the hospital.”
Erickson and Van Cleve began their roles on the GRMC Board in January when the board installed officers. Starting her second year as chair is Susan Witt, co-owner of Miraco, Corp. Chair elect has been filled by Ed Hatcher, long-time board member and area farmer. Debby Pohlson, assistant at Jensen Optometrists, continues in the past-chair position. Secretary is Stan Greenwald, MD, retired obstetrician. Treasurer is Frank Brownell, owner of Brownells, Inc., in Montezuma.
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 listed above as well as Laura Ferguson, MD; Bill Menner; Michelle Rebelsky, MD; Wally Walker, and Joanne Yuska. Ex officio members of the board include Todd Linden, GRMC president and CEO; Todd Reding, GRMC Foundation board president; and Van Cleve.
Sig Barber, PhD, German professor at Grinnell College, Clayton Francis, MD, and Leila Maring, RN, retired from the board in December. Francis completed his two-year term as medical staff president, now filled by Van Cleve. Barber and Maring completed four, three-year terms on the board.
“GRMC is grateful for the many, many hours of dedication to our mission from these three stellar board members,” Linden says. “The commitment to excellence in governance was their hallmark and the hospital will forever be a better place because of their service.”
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.
Return to GRMC webpage
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