August 2009

A recent Iowa Hospital Association report shows that Grinnell Regional Medical Center provided $9,496,542 in community benefits to its service area. Based on 2008 figures, this includes more than $7 million in uncompensated charity care, unpaid Medicare and Medicaid and more than $2 million in free or discounted community benefits to help area residents.

Community benefits are activities designed to improve health status and increase access to healthcare. Despite continued financial challenges, GRMC maintained community benefits including such services and programs as money to schools from sports physicals, charitable donations, bike helmets to area third graders, Senior Education program, Women’s Health Focus, GRMC Baby Fair, community blood screens, infant/child car seat safety, and Relay for Life sponsorship.

“GRMC is committed to providing quality healthcare to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. It’s our mission and we are proud to be here when we are needed,” says Todd C. Linden, president and CEO, GRMC.

The results for GRMC are included in a statewide report by the Iowa Hospital Association that shows in 2008, Iowa hospitals provided community benefits of more than $1 billion. All 117 of Iowa’s community hospitals participated in the survey.

“Obviously, Iowa’s community hospitals provide programs and services beyond healthcare. Hospitals provide excellent jobs, attract new residents and businesses, as well as related healthcare businesses such as physician practices, pharmacies, retirement communities, home health services and more,” Linden says. “Iowa hospitals are recognized nationally for their high level of quality care, access to care, and affordability of care. You can’t put a value on that.”

Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary will raise funds in a one-day blitz on Friday, Aug. 28. 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.

“I believe the support for the auxiliary and the hospital continues to be strong. The auxiliary can make a significant contribution to the care of patients through fundraising for the hospital,” says Shannon Reding, GRMC Auxiliary Tag Day chair. “Changing economic times for area residents as well as the hospital make this year’s Tag Day a bigger challenge. We ask that if you are out and about on Friday, Aug. 28, to make a donation of any amount. They all add up. Last year we collected more than $2,000 and we hope to exceed that goal. These funds are more important than ever.”

Tag Day supports the auxiliary’s projects every year. For 2009, funds collected will go toward the $10,000 pledge to scholarships for students entering college and advancing their degrees in the healthcare field as well as support the Women’s Health Focus on October 7.

Area residents from all the communities in the GRMC service area are encouraged to stop at participating businesses or collection places to make a donation. Tables will be set up in Brooklyn, Grinnell, Montezuma, and New Sharon. In Grinnell look for auxiliary members at GRMC, Beckman's Gallery, Fareway, Fly High Fitness Studio (over the lunch hour only), Grinnell State Bank, Hammond’s Hallmark, HyVee, Lonnski’s, McNally’s, Pioneer Bookstore, Post Office, Saints Rest, Van Ersveldes, and Wal-Mart. A table will also be located at the farmer’s market in Grinnell on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 3 to 6 p.m.

For more information or to be an auxiliary Tag Day volunteer, call 641-236-2588.

A new challenge grant at Grinnell Regional Medical Center will match new and renewed gifts to the 2009 annual fund drive. The Brownell Family Foundation, Grinnell State Bank, and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust are collaborating to provide this challenge opportunity.

Those who have never given to the GRMC annual fund drive or who have given but not in 2008 and so far in 2009 are eligible for this challenge in which each of the three organizations will match the contribution given, making this a 1:3 match.

“Thank you to our faithful givers. Your loyal support is needed now more than ever. For those who have never given or not recently had an opportunity to increase the impact of their gift can make a significant contribution to healthcare for their community,” says Mindy Uitermarkt, GRMC development director.

The first gift to qualify for the 2009 challenge was a gift of corn from Mark and Nancy Hendrickson of Grinnell. The gift totaled $300, but because of the challenge match the gift’s value increased to $1,200.

“A little can mean a lot regardless of the challenge, but this challenge grant can make donations reach more people in the community. Giving what we can will go farther during these economic times thanks to the organizations that are offering this challenge grant,” Uitermarkt says.

“Brownell’s Family Foundation couldn’t be happier to be part of this new way of broadening the support base of GRMC. Besides turning every $1 raised from a new donor into $4 for the medical center, we are getting more people engaged in our hospital’s success,” Brownell says.

To participate in this challenge, contact the GRMC development office by calling 641-236-2961. You may also make a gift online at www.grmc.us or mail your contribution to the Office of Development, GRMC, 210 4th Avenue, Grinnell, IA, 50112.

GRMC Hosts 20th Annual Golf Outing

Grinnell Regional Medical Center celebrated the 20^th Annual GRMC Golf Outing on Friday, Aug. 14. Golfers played nine holes in the morning and 18 holes in the afternoon raising more than $10,200 for the medical center.

 “This annual event is a great way for the friends of GRMC to come together to raise money for the medical center and have a fun day of golf,” says Todd C. Linden, CEO and president of GRMC. “We want to thank all the sponsors, golfers, and the Grinnell Golf and Country Club for their support and contributions for the past 20 years of this successful event.”

This year’s major event sponsors were Bernie Lowe and Associates, Grinnell State Bank, and Iowa Telecom.

The GRMC golf outing is a best shot, four-person team format.

Eight teams played in the morning tournament. First place with a score of 30, winning by a cardback, went to the team of Dick Gustafson, Nate Gustafson, Jack Gustafson, and Sam Barnes. Coming in second place, also with a score of 30, was the team of Rich Gogg, Laura Gogg, Rick Ramsey, and Darcy Swick.

Teams played 18 holes during the afternoon session. The score is divided into two flights and three placings in each flight.

In the first flight, first place position, the team of Jim Ramsey, Steve Bodensteiner, Rich Shell, and Shawn McKay, came in with a score of 51. The second place team included Skip Lowe, Tim Lowe, Chris Roudabush, and Troy Johnson, with a score of 58, winning by a cardback. The third place team also had a score of 58. They were Hugh German, John German, Ellen Ayres, and David Ayres.

In the second flight, the first place team of Steve Fangman, Kevin Kincaid, and Todd Linden scored 64, winning on a cardback. The second team in the flight had a 64 with team members Dave Jones, Austin Jones, Kim Jones, and Mike Larson. The third place team members were Shaun Kukuzke, Dave Armentrout, Quentin Knaak, and Pat Naughton, with a score of 65.

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 winners were Robin Elliott and Jack Gustafson. Each won $50 HyVee gift cards, courtesy of HyVee Food Store.

Holes 2 and 11 were hole-in-one contests to win $300 in cash. No one was able to take either prize.

Kelly Rose and John German won $50 gift certificates to the Grinnell Golf and Country Club, courtesy of Ramsey Weeks Inc., for the longest drives on holes 3 and 12.

On holes 4 and 13, Greg Wallace won $50 in Grinnell Chamber Bucks, sponsored by Mercy Health Network for sinking the longest putt.  

At holes 5 and 14, Laura Gogg and Dick Gustafson claimed the contest landing their ball closest to the bedpan and won $50 in Grinnell Chamber Bucks, sponsored by Bernie Lowe and Associates, Inc.

Steve Fangman won a $50 gift certificate to Michael’s for getting his shot closest to the line on holes 6 and 15. The prize was donated courtesy of Michael’s.  

Jackie Harris and John German won the prize for the longest drive on holes 7 and 16. Winners received $50 Grinnell Chamber Bucks, sponsored by The Straub Corporation.

Ellen Ayres and Kevin Kincaid each earned $50 in Grinnell Chamber Bucks for getting closest to the tiger on holes 8 and 17. Prizes were sponsored by Gronewold, Bell, Kyhnn, and Co., P.C.

The GRMC Women’s Health Focus is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, at Grinnell Community High School.

The theme, “Make Every Beat Count,” focuses on paying special attention to our hearts and heart health. The keynote speaker is Emmy-award winning actress and comedienne, Tracey Conway. Conway has told her story on “Oprah” and to audiences across the country. At age 38, Conway literally dropped dead of a heart attack immediately after the live taping of her television show, “Almost Live.” She credits an off-duty firefighter in the audience who recognized what was happening and administered CPR until help arrived. Her story, “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” will inspire you to take care of your heart with laughter and tears.

“We are really excited for this year’s event,” says Jennifer Cogley, past-president, Grinnell Regional Auxiliary. “Our new location at the high school allows more room for exhibits, more seating for dinner, a market place, and the great new auditorium. I’m also thrilled that we are working with Scott Gruhn from the Mayflower Community on a wonderful buffet for dinner.”

Also new this year is an opportunity for participants to start their holiday shopping early. We've created a marketplace featuring area businesses with items for purchase. Come prepared to shop with our vendors – Dave Paulson Salon & Spa, Flower Connection, Let’s Create Space, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Signify Pink, The Glass Gift Box, and Water Lily Life Coaching.

For the past two years, the Women’s Health Focus has provided the opportunity for hundreds of women to learn more about the range of health and wellness services available through GRMC, our community, and our region, with several clinics and visiting specialists.

Tickets are $16 and financial assistance is available. On-site childcare is also available for $2 per child, including a meal. To purchase tickets, go online to www.grmc.us, call 641-236-2588, or stop at The Glass Gift Box located inside GRMC.

This year’s Women’s Health Focus is co-sponsored by GRMC and the Grinnell Regional Auxiliary. Many other partners are also helping to bring this event to the community, including Grinnell College, Harkin Wellness Grant through the Iowa Department of Public Health, Mercy Health Network, Iowa Heart, Iowa Radiology, Rebelsky Family Practice, Woodard Hearing Services, Grinnell Eye Care, and Iowa Telecom.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center announces its newest service: off campus outpatient physical therapy services. This outpatient physical therapy center will initially focus on women’s health. The clinic will be housed on the first floor of Postels Community Health Park.

Providing care initially will be Jackie Hutchison, MPT, BCIA-PMDB. Hutchison specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation, obstetrical care, incontinence, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia as well as treatment of headaches and lymphatic work, especially following cancer surgery. Her approach to integrated therapies is a perfect match with Postels Community Health Park services. She uses craniosacral and traditional manual therapies.

“Craniosacral therapy uses the body’s self-correcting mechanism,” Hutchison says. “It allows a broader understanding of pain or a condition within the body. Health is interrelated between all the body’s systems.”

The GRMC physical therapy department currently offers inpatient and outpatient services within GRMC’s physical therapy department. This new outpatient physical therapy clinic at Postels allows patients more options for physical therapy, particularly for women’s therapy.

“Each of our physical therapists uses a unique approach, technique, and format to treat patients in musculoskeletal conditions,” explains Tom Gallo, physical therapist and director of GRMC physical therapy services. “We’ve used innovative therapies for a while as new research clearly identifies the interconnectivity of all body systems and how it determines our state of health and wellness. Jackie complements our excellent team of therapists.”

A physician’s referral is preferred for physical therapy services because most insurance carriers require a referral. Area residents who use physical therapy could benefit from this new outpatient clinic with:

• Easier access to the clinic.
  
• Positive optimal healing environment focused on patient experience.
  
• Access to practitioners in the Postels Community Health Park who share a common philosophy on whole-being wellness and health.
  
• Lower out-of-pocket costs for some patients with private insurance.
  

“GRMC has a solid reputation for integrated therapies that embrace massage, acupuncture, chiropractor, physical therapy, and occupational therapy,” says Cory Jackson, director of GRMC wellness services and the Postels Community Health Park.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at Grinnell Regional Outpatient Physical Therapy at Postels, call 641-236-2060.