Grinnell Regional Medical Center announced this week that its 2010 annual fund drive raised almost $264,000 from 765 donors. GRMC simultaneously raised more than $322,000 from 436 donors 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 total of $364,366.
“Time and again, the community supports the projects and programs at the medical center. This amazing support allows the medical center to fulfill its mission of serving the community and working daily to care for those in their time of need,” says Todd Reding, chair of GRMC’s foundation board and president and CEO of ASI Signs, Inc.
From $5 to $10,000, individuals in the community have contributed to the annual fund drive, which enhances the medical center’s operating budget by making certain programs possible. It also allows GRMC to purchase important equipment and support daily operations.
“We are so grateful to the many people who supported these two really important fund-raising efforts. What this shows is that people are committed to GRMC. Despite the fact that it is a tough economy out there, people believe in and choose to invest in GRMC,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development.
Both the annual fund drive and the MRI campaign benefited from several donors who matched gifts to the campaigns through challenge grants. Because of these challenge grants, every gift had a greater impact.
Challenge fund donors to the annual fund were the Brownell Family Foundation, the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust. Challenge fund donors to the MRI campaign were the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Iowa Radiology, and Grinnell College.
Another success this year came in the form of online giving to the medical center. In August, GRMC began using PayPal to handle its online donations, offering donors a secure and convenient way to support GRMC. The addition increased the number of hits to the medical center’s development website and helped GRMC raise almost $1,400 online—the largest in online gifts in the hospital’s history. The online giving page can be accessed at www.grmc.us.
“Even though the hospital is not tax supported, it is truly a property of the community. As a nonprofit hospital, these donations make a major difference in the lives of our patients on a daily basis. We truly appreciate the generosity of everyone in the GRMC service area,” Lamphier says.
For additional information about GRMC’s annual fund or development program, contact Lamphier at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Stork’s Nest Moves to Light Center
The Stork’s Nest office and store will move on Tuesday, Feb. 1, to the Light Center for Community Health, 306 4th Ave., Grinnell. The Stork’s Nest works with qualified pregnant women and new mothers to encourage and support healthy behaviors. This incentive program provides classes related to pregnancy, child birth, infant care, and parenting topics.
A significant benefit to the women is the Stork’s Nest store. This move allows staff to open the store for additional hours. Previously the Stork’s Nest was located on the second floor of Postels Community Health Park. Public health staff operate the incentive program along with volunteers in the community.
“We work closely with staff from Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, Maternal Health, WIC, and MICA to identify low income women who can benefit from this incentive program. Being in close proximity to these departments will assist us in serving our clients,” explains Amanda Bergman, Stork’s Nest coordinator. “Having the store in the Light Center, where women often bring their children for immunizations and WIC services, will be more convenient for the women we serve.”
Participants earn points for various healthy behaviors and attending classes. These points are redeemed at the store for infant and child-related merchandise. The Stork’s Nest store is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 6 p.m. After the move, the store will be open the third and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to maintain these additional hours.
For more information on the Stork’s Nest or volunteering with the program, please call 641-236-2385.
A significant benefit to the women is the Stork’s Nest store. This move allows staff to open the store for additional hours. Previously the Stork’s Nest was located on the second floor of Postels Community Health Park. Public health staff operate the incentive program along with volunteers in the community.
“We work closely with staff from Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, Maternal Health, WIC, and MICA to identify low income women who can benefit from this incentive program. Being in close proximity to these departments will assist us in serving our clients,” explains Amanda Bergman, Stork’s Nest coordinator. “Having the store in the Light Center, where women often bring their children for immunizations and WIC services, will be more convenient for the women we serve.”
Participants earn points for various healthy behaviors and attending classes. These points are redeemed at the store for infant and child-related merchandise. The Stork’s Nest store is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 6 p.m. After the move, the store will be open the third and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to maintain these additional hours.
For more information on the Stork’s Nest or volunteering with the program, please call 641-236-2385.
MRI Ready for Open House on Feb. 7
Grinnell Regional Medical Center recently installed its first fixed-based Magnetic Resonance Imaging unit in January. With testing completed during the final weeks of January, the community and donors who helped fund the new equipment will get a chance to view it first hand.
GRMC will host an open house on Monday, Feb. 7, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Guests will gather in the Tomasek Conference Center on the first floor of GRMC. The radiology staff will lead tours of the new MRI suite, answer questions, and provide information about the technology and equipment.
The Hitachi Echelon 1.5T brings expanded MR imaging options to the physicians and surgeons serving area residents as well as added patient comforts and benefits. The significant enhancements include the location inside GRMC’s radiology, feet-first entry positioning for many tests, faster speeds of computers and scanning, additional testing options for the abdominal area, and a wider hole and shorter bore for greater comfort.
During the tours, Iowa Radiology’s Marvin Walker, MD, will be available for questions. Refreshments will be served. No RSVP required. For more information on the open house, call the office of communication and development at 641-236-2590.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Healthcare Day at the State Capitol
The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites the public to participate in the annual Iowa Hospital Association’s Legislative Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 23. Legislative Day allows area residents to voice their opinion at the state capitol about the government’s role in healthcare policy and funding.
IHA Legislative Day, now in its 17th year, is the largest annual gathering of hospital advocates. The event, sponsored by Iowa Hospital Association, is free to all hospital supporters across the state. The mission is to give hospital advocates the tools and skills needed to directly address issues facing Iowa hospitals, healthcare providers, and citizens with their legislators at the Iowa Statehouse. Grinnell Regional Medical Center has been a leader in this program with an average of 40 individuals attending in recent years.
“With a new governor and change in House majority, funding for Medicare to hospitals and healthcare providers will be scrutinized,” explains Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Preserving Iowa’s Medicaid program – both in terms of services to beneficiaries and payments to healthcare providers – must be a priority for state government.”
The IHA provides legislative papers explaining current health related topics. Issues under consideration include behavioral health delivery system, healthcare data mandates, and state-level health insurance reform related to standardized claims and payment and operations.
The GRMC Auxiliary has reserved a bus to transport area residents to Legislative Day that will leave Grinnell at 10 a.m. The event, at the Polk County Convention Complex, begins with lunch followed by presentations. This year’s keynote speaker will be quite different. Ben Franklin Live!, portrayed by Christopher Lowell, will address the Legislative Day participants. Franklin will share his insights on both current and historical issues. In addition, IHA Greg Boattenhamer, IHA government relations senior vice president, will discuss the 2011 legislative agenda.
At 1:15 p.m., the GRMC group plans to meet with State Senator Tom Rielly and State Representative Guy Vander Linden.
To sign up for this free event, please call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588, or email at kolson@grmc.us, by Tuesday, Feb. 15.
IHA Legislative Day, now in its 17th year, is the largest annual gathering of hospital advocates. The event, sponsored by Iowa Hospital Association, is free to all hospital supporters across the state. The mission is to give hospital advocates the tools and skills needed to directly address issues facing Iowa hospitals, healthcare providers, and citizens with their legislators at the Iowa Statehouse. Grinnell Regional Medical Center has been a leader in this program with an average of 40 individuals attending in recent years.
“With a new governor and change in House majority, funding for Medicare to hospitals and healthcare providers will be scrutinized,” explains Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Preserving Iowa’s Medicaid program – both in terms of services to beneficiaries and payments to healthcare providers – must be a priority for state government.”
The IHA provides legislative papers explaining current health related topics. Issues under consideration include behavioral health delivery system, healthcare data mandates, and state-level health insurance reform related to standardized claims and payment and operations.
The GRMC Auxiliary has reserved a bus to transport area residents to Legislative Day that will leave Grinnell at 10 a.m. The event, at the Polk County Convention Complex, begins with lunch followed by presentations. This year’s keynote speaker will be quite different. Ben Franklin Live!, portrayed by Christopher Lowell, will address the Legislative Day participants. Franklin will share his insights on both current and historical issues. In addition, IHA Greg Boattenhamer, IHA government relations senior vice president, will discuss the 2011 legislative agenda.
At 1:15 p.m., the GRMC group plans to meet with State Senator Tom Rielly and State Representative Guy Vander Linden.
To sign up for this free event, please call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588, or email at kolson@grmc.us, by Tuesday, Feb. 15.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
First Baby of 2011
Kelley Davison OldBear, son of Elaine Youngbear and Zachary OldBear of Tama, was the first baby born in 2011 in the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Kelley was born at 12:29 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011, weighing 6.14 pounds and measured 20 inches in length, delivered by Michelle S. Rebelsky, MD, FAAFP.
Monday, December 20, 2010
MRI Installation Scheduled
Grinnell Regional Medical Center will begin installation of the new magnetic resonance imaging unit on Monday, Dec. 27, with the preparation for the magnets arrival on Tuesday morning.
“Installing an MRI magnet is a complex process that must happen within a narrow time frame,” explains Gina Fuller, GRMC director of radiology. “A special track will run from the emergency department entrance down the hall and to the magnet’s new home. For 48 hours, we will be closing down a portion of the hallway on second floor to install the magnet.”
The driveway ramp leading to the emergency department from Third Avenue will be closed to all traffic for about five hours on Tuesday, Dec. 28, from approximately 7 a.m. to noon. For emergencies, ambulance services and patients arriving by private car should come to the circle drive at the main entrance of the hospital, located on the south side of the hospital complex. Signs will be in place to assist emergency patients to the proper entrance.
A crane will lift the magnet from the transporter and place it on the track. Once this is completed, the crane can be moved and the emergency department will be able to receive patients.
“Our team has reviewed various scenarios to ensure access to services is not impacted and that our patient safety standards are maintained. All services will be available; however, patients may need to travel alternative routes to their destinations during this window. We hope our guests will forgive us for the inconvenience because this is such a significant equipment addition to GRMC,” Fuller says.
GRMC’s new MRI unit is scheduled to be operational by February 1. The current mobile unit will continue to be available for patients until then.
“Installing an MRI magnet is a complex process that must happen within a narrow time frame,” explains Gina Fuller, GRMC director of radiology. “A special track will run from the emergency department entrance down the hall and to the magnet’s new home. For 48 hours, we will be closing down a portion of the hallway on second floor to install the magnet.”
The driveway ramp leading to the emergency department from Third Avenue will be closed to all traffic for about five hours on Tuesday, Dec. 28, from approximately 7 a.m. to noon. For emergencies, ambulance services and patients arriving by private car should come to the circle drive at the main entrance of the hospital, located on the south side of the hospital complex. Signs will be in place to assist emergency patients to the proper entrance.
A crane will lift the magnet from the transporter and place it on the track. Once this is completed, the crane can be moved and the emergency department will be able to receive patients.
“Our team has reviewed various scenarios to ensure access to services is not impacted and that our patient safety standards are maintained. All services will be available; however, patients may need to travel alternative routes to their destinations during this window. We hope our guests will forgive us for the inconvenience because this is such a significant equipment addition to GRMC,” Fuller says.
GRMC’s new MRI unit is scheduled to be operational by February 1. The current mobile unit will continue to be available for patients until then.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Hospital Patients Benefit from Healing Music
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, patients, visitors, and staff at Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell, Iowa, hear the echoes of healing music throughout patient care areas.
You might hear the song, “Somewhere over the Rainbow” or “What a Wonderful World,” but the song you are most likely to hear is, “Amazing Grace.” And it is amazing and grace-filled when Chloe Yates, a first-year work-study student at Grinnell College, is making the rounds and taking requests from patients.
“She brings joy and relaxation for all of us, patients and caregivers,” says Gayle Johnson, RN. “I know she helps staff members as much as the patients.”
Yates goes into the emergency department, the intensive care unit, and the inpatient areas to ask if any patients or family members might benefit from a song of their choice. Without any accompaniment, she sings a few verses of a favorite song.
While Yates was looking at her options for community service through the Grinnell College Work-Study Program, she learned that GRMC was looking for people to do healing music.
“I love to sing,” Yates says. “It brings such joy and I have met so many wonderful people. It is very enjoyable for me, too.”
“We know that music can alter our emotions,” says Cory Jackson, GRMC director of wellness services. Jackson coordinates optimal healing therapies at GRMC and coordinates Chloe’s time at GRMC. “Music can be very therapeutic and fits in with all the other therapies we provide with pets, massage, essential oils, and spiritual care,” Jackson says. “It is a wonderful gift she provides.”
After singing, Yates records her activity with each patient in their chart. Her singing counts as an activity for skilled care patients. It also allows GRMC to track any benefits that may result for the patient such as a decreased need for pain medication and increases in patient satisfaction.
Even without hard data, it is clear that Yates is making a difference.
Yates recently visited a hospice patient in their home who had been unresponsive for some time. Before Yates sang, the family felt that they—and not the patient—would be getting the benefit of her music because they thought their loved one would be unaware of the music. While Yates sang, the patient squeezed a family member’s hand a couple of times.
Another time, Yates sang the ABCs with siblings in the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center to give the older children some special time.
Caregivers and support staff take a moment from their busy schedules to listen outside the door. That moment also offers GRMC staff a moment of tranquility.
“She brightens our day,” Johnson says. “Our patients love it. We all look forward to her time with us.”
Yates’ time at GRMC is made possible through the Federal Work-Study/Community Service Program at Grinnell College. This program is an opportunity for students to earn their financial aid award while working at a community non-profit organization or in the local schools.
Students on Work-Study can serve as a link between the non-profit organization and the campus to raise awareness of community needs and encourage participation from other students and campus groups.
“It is easy to get stuck in the bubble of a college campus,” Yates says. “This is a great opportunity for me to get involved in the community. I’m meeting people and having experiences I would not otherwise have. It has been really great.”
Watch the video from KCCI
You might hear the song, “Somewhere over the Rainbow” or “What a Wonderful World,” but the song you are most likely to hear is, “Amazing Grace.” And it is amazing and grace-filled when Chloe Yates, a first-year work-study student at Grinnell College, is making the rounds and taking requests from patients.
“She brings joy and relaxation for all of us, patients and caregivers,” says Gayle Johnson, RN. “I know she helps staff members as much as the patients.”
Yates goes into the emergency department, the intensive care unit, and the inpatient areas to ask if any patients or family members might benefit from a song of their choice. Without any accompaniment, she sings a few verses of a favorite song.
While Yates was looking at her options for community service through the Grinnell College Work-Study Program, she learned that GRMC was looking for people to do healing music.
“I love to sing,” Yates says. “It brings such joy and I have met so many wonderful people. It is very enjoyable for me, too.”
“We know that music can alter our emotions,” says Cory Jackson, GRMC director of wellness services. Jackson coordinates optimal healing therapies at GRMC and coordinates Chloe’s time at GRMC. “Music can be very therapeutic and fits in with all the other therapies we provide with pets, massage, essential oils, and spiritual care,” Jackson says. “It is a wonderful gift she provides.”
After singing, Yates records her activity with each patient in their chart. Her singing counts as an activity for skilled care patients. It also allows GRMC to track any benefits that may result for the patient such as a decreased need for pain medication and increases in patient satisfaction.
Even without hard data, it is clear that Yates is making a difference.
Yates recently visited a hospice patient in their home who had been unresponsive for some time. Before Yates sang, the family felt that they—and not the patient—would be getting the benefit of her music because they thought their loved one would be unaware of the music. While Yates sang, the patient squeezed a family member’s hand a couple of times.
Another time, Yates sang the ABCs with siblings in the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center to give the older children some special time.
Caregivers and support staff take a moment from their busy schedules to listen outside the door. That moment also offers GRMC staff a moment of tranquility.
“She brightens our day,” Johnson says. “Our patients love it. We all look forward to her time with us.”
Yates’ time at GRMC is made possible through the Federal Work-Study/Community Service Program at Grinnell College. This program is an opportunity for students to earn their financial aid award while working at a community non-profit organization or in the local schools.
Students on Work-Study can serve as a link between the non-profit organization and the campus to raise awareness of community needs and encourage participation from other students and campus groups.
“It is easy to get stuck in the bubble of a college campus,” Yates says. “This is a great opportunity for me to get involved in the community. I’m meeting people and having experiences I would not otherwise have. It has been really great.”
Watch the video from KCCI
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)