For more information please contact the Public Relations Office at 641-236-2589 or by e-mail by using the link below.
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Novel H1N1 Flu Reaches Poweshiek County
Grinnell Regional Public Health announces the first confirmed cases of novel H1N1 influenza in Poweshiek County. Because of confidentiality laws, GRPH is prohibited from releasing identifying details about the individuals affected.
Patty Hinrichs, Grinnell Regional Public Health director, asks all residents to continue to take simple precautions to help prevent getting or spreading the virus. These precautions include:
- Wash hands frequently, and always wash hands after coughing or sneezing with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Cover coughs by using a tissue or coughing into the elbow, and then washing hands thoroughly.
- Do not share personal items such as utensils, drinks or straws.
- Know the signs of the flu and stay home when ill for at least 24 hours after the fever has ended without using medication. Children should not go to daycare or school if they feel ill. Adults who are ill should stay home from work, stores, and any public places.
Symptoms of H1N1 include fever (greater than 100˚ F), along with cough, sore throat, headache and body aches, and extreme tiredness. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
For individuals at high risk of complications from H1N1, vaccine to protect against H1N1 will become available in mid-October. See your physician to determine if you qualify for the priority vaccination clinics.
In order to receive the most current local information, area residents are encouraged to monitor the GRMC website, www.grmc.us or follow GRMC on Twitter. Both methods of communication will be used to provide real time, up to date information.
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GRMC Auxiliary Member Meeting
The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites everyone to the annual fall luncheon scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The regular gathering will again be held in the dining center at Buckley Hall, Mayflower Homes, Grinnell.
“This year we are making a special plea to our luncheon guests. We’d like each guest to bring in a donation of diapers or baby wipes for the Stork’s Nest. The Stork’s Nest provides education, support, and baby supplies to mothers eligible for Title XIX, WIC, FIP, or hawk-i insurance,” explains Maralee Kruse, GRMC Auxiliary luncheon chair. “With the current downturn in the economy more and more women are turning to the Stork’s Nest for assistance so there is a great need for donations. Our auxiliary board voted to make an appeal to our membership to support this important human services program. The item of greatest demand is diapers.”
The agenda for the meeting includes: the election of 2010 officers and board members, updates on projects at the hospital and auxiliary, and door prizes by The Glass Gift Box. The menu features chicken walnut salad, dinner roll, and warm apple cake. Tickets will be $7 and available after October 1 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.
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GRMC Auxiliary's Tag Day Exceeds Goal
Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Auxiliary delighted in the results of the latest Tag Day efforts. This annual fundraising blitz raised more than $2,000 on Friday, Aug. 28. Volunteers with the auxiliary were stationed throughout the GRMC service area accepting donations in exchange for the bright yellow Tag Day tags. Collection tables were located in Brooklyn, Grinnell, Montezuma, and New Sharon. A table was also set up at the Grinnell farmer's market on Thursday, Sept. 3.
“The GRMC Auxiliary would like to thank all the very dedicated volunteers and the GRMC communities that helped to make our Tag Day a success,” says Carol Jordan, GRMC Auxiliary president. “A big thank you goes to Shannon Reding for serving as chair of this fundraiser and coordinating all the wonderful volunteers and securing locations.”
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 and the remainder of the Auxiliary’s 2009 goals.
If you missed the annual fundraising event but want to make a contribution, please contact the GRMC volunteer coordinator at 641-236-2588.
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Living After the Death of a Loved One
Grinnell Regional Medical Center will offer a six-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,” explains Randy Svendsen, LBSW, MACM, GRMC bereavement counselor. “In a confidential setting, we will share our pain and loss with each other; and hear what others in the group are doing to cope effectively. This will be a time to support others as you seek to find comfort for yourself.”
This service is designed for individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one. It provides a safe place to accept and move through the grieving process.
Gatherings will be held on Mondays, beginning October 12 to November 16, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Grinnell United Methodist Church, 916 5th Ave.
This class will discuss effective ways to cope with issues such as emotional challenges, physical health, and social support.
This group will be facilitated by Svendsen, 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.
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Car Safety Seat Check Day
Grinnell Police Department and Grinnell Regional Medical Center will host a car seat safety inspection on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Grinnell Police/Fire Station. The inspection for infant and child car seats is 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.
Certified technicians from the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center perform the inspection. Grinnell Police Department and GRMC staff teamed up to help educate parents on baby and child safety as part of the National Baby Safety Month.
“As a patient-centered obstetrical team, we want to ensure the wellbeing of all the children we welcome into the world,” says Jesse Johnson, RN, Kintzinger Women’s Health Center. “We ensure the car seat fits the infant when they leave GRMC at birth. This inspection allows parents to come back and make sure the seat is still safe and fitting properly as the child grows.”
An abundance of material is available today for parents and caregivers looking for safety information regarding child restraint seats, according to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. This year’s Baby Safety Month campaign provides insight into selecting and using the right car seat to make every car ride with your little one safe and enjoyable.
For more information on the free car safety seat inspection, call the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, at 641-236-2324.
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GRMC Shares H1N1 Vaccination Details - Seasonal Flu Clinics Scheduled
Grinnell Regional Public Health is helping people know what to do about the flu—whether it’s caused by the H1N1 virus or seasonal influenza.
“Prevention is going to be very important this fall and winter against both seasonal influenza and the H1N1 strain,” says Patty Hinrichs, RN, coordinator for Grinnell Regional Public Health. “Take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy meals, and washing hands frequently.”
Another important influenza prevention tool is proper vaccination. “One vaccine will not protect people from both types of influenza,” Hinrichs says. “Seasonal flu vaccine will not provide immunization against H1N1 or vice versa. The steps for H1N1 vaccination will be very different from seasonal flu vaccination and it’s important for people to understand the process.”
H1N1 Vaccination Details
The Centers for Disease Control has identified several different priority groups for the first doses of H1N1 vaccination. The initial vaccine will be dedicated for pregnant women; parents, household contacts, and daycare providers for infants less than 6 months old; healthcare workers and emergency medical personnel in direct patient care; all children aged 6 months to 4 years, and ages 5-18 with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or immunosuppression.
As H1N1 vaccine supplies allow, the next priority will be all other healthcare workers and emergency personnel; children 5-24 years old; and adults 25-64 with chronic medical conditions. The third level of vaccine will be allotted to 25-64 year olds in good health.
“Studies of H1N1 indicate that people over age 65 have some natural immunity to the disease so they will be at less risk of contracting the disease,” Hinrichs says.
To demonstrate they are in a vaccination priority group, individuals must have an H1N1 priority authorization form signed by a physician. Individuals may begin this process now if they wish by contacting their physician’s office for information about accessing the H1N1 priority authorization form from them.
By federal standards, all priority groups must receive the vaccine from the public health department in the county in which they live. Photo identification will be required.
A specific vaccine for H1N1 is currently being manufactured. Public health anticipates receiving initial supplies of H1N1 vaccine in mid- to late October. Grinnell Regional Public Health will hold H1N1 vaccination clinics when the vaccine is distributed. Those dates will be announced as plans are finalized.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Available Now
Grinnell Regional Public Health is starting seasonal influenza clinics in mid-September at the recommendation of the Iowa Department of Public Health.
“While the H1N1 influenza strain is getting a lot of attention these days, we advise everyone to remember to protect themselves and their families against seasonal flu as a first line of defense in staying well,” Hinrichs says.
Children ages six months and older are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated as well as all adults. Most especially, caregivers and parents of infants, parents of children with asthma or diabetes, and adults who live with at-risk seniors are urged to get vaccinated to protect those at risk of complications from seasonal influenza. All adults over 50 years of age, residents of nursing homes, and any person with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk of severe complications from seasonal influenza and should be vaccinated. Healthcare workers, daycare providers, teachers, and school support staff are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of the disease.
This year’s public seasonal flu clinic schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, Sept. 15: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Brookside South, 214 4th Ave., West, Grinnell
Thursday, Sept. 17: 10 to 11:30 a.m., Grinnell Senior Center, 927 4th Ave.
Wednesday, Sept. 23: 9 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m., Grinnell Area Recreation Center
Monday, Sept. 28: 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. GRMC Senior Education Program, Grinnell Elks Lodge
Thursday, Oct. 15: 1 to 3 p.m., Seeland Park, 2021 4th Ave., Grinnell
Tuesday, Oct. 20: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Brooklyn Community Library, 306 Jackson, Brooklyn
Thursday, Oct. 22: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Grinnell United Methodist Church, 916 5th Ave.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: 1 to 3 p.m. Presbyterian Family Center, 300 E. Washington, Montezuma
Thursday, Oct. 29, 1 to 3 p.m., Mayflower Community
Children between the ages of six months and eight years who have not previously been vaccinated should receive two doses of the seasonal flu vaccine this year. FluMist, a no-shot alternative to the traditional vaccine, will also be available at the clinics. It is an effective vaccine for those between the ages of two and 49 and in good health.
For the most current information about seasonal and H1N1 flu, Grinnell Regional Medical Center and Public Health will use several ways of providing the public with the most up-to-date information. In addition to local radio and newspapers, GRMC will use its website, www.grmc.us and Twitter.com to provide the most current information. Simply make GRMC a friend on Twitter and get an RSS feed to get real time information. You may also periodically check GRMC’s flu update hotline at 641-236-2918.
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