Here's To Your Health - CCMH Denison

One in five adults, or roughly 600,000 Iowans, live with some form of mental illness. On this week's podcast, Jill Wonder, a counselor for Plains Area Mental Health Center, discusses her work with mental health patients and the great need for mental health services in Iowa. Immediate help for someone in a mental health crisis is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, by calling 1-888-546-0730. Services can also be accessed by logging on to www.plainsareamentalhealth.org.

Domestic violence affects a significant number of families across Iowa including Denison and Crawford County. On this podcast, Jill, a victim advocate for Family Crisis Centers (FCC), discusses the how and the why of domestic violence, and some of the possible solutions. She also describes the kinds of assistance available through FCC to domestic violence victims. If you are in need of assistance due to domestic violence, call 800-382-5603. You can also text IOWAHELP to 20121.

Breast Cancer Awareness is celebrated every October. This observance brings to the forefront the need for early detection and treatment through self-exams and regular mammograms. On this week's podcast, Sarah Steadham, Radiologic Technician at CCMH, talks about breast cancer awareness, causes, and improvements in diagnostic testing. For those women who would like to schedule a mammography, contact CCMH directly at 712-265-2500 or 712-265-2561.

Farm safety is of the highest priority now that harvest season in full swing. Samantha Pauley, Director of Enmergency Services, discusses the need for patience on the roads, in the fields and when unloading grain on-farm.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7, 2024. On this podcast, Connie Riesselman, Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) coordinator, says open enrollment is a good time to review coverages, especially Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, to determine if a change can help save money. To schedule an appointment with the SHIIP counselors at CCMH, call 712-265-2509.

September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, eventually making it difficult to perform basic tasks. It’s the most common type of dementia and the leading cause of dementia in older adults. Doug Bickford, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter, talks about what his organization does and how it provides support for Alzheimer’s patients and families. For more information, call 800-272-3900 or go online at www.alz.org/iowa.

National EVS (Environmental Services) Week is recognized during the second week of September each year. On this week's podcast, Kade Ohlmeier, EVS Technician, and Bob Fink, Director of Maintenance and Facilities, discuss what makes EVS so important to hospital operations. CCMH was recently recognized as one of just 15 hospitals in Iowa, and 350 hospitals across the US, that have achieved a 5-Star rating from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CCMH has an current opening in the EVS department. If interested, click here to apply!

Simulation In Motion or SIM Iowa is a mobile lab specializing in training for EMS providers. SIM Iowa deploys three specially-outfitted vehicles that visit just about every county in Iowa on a regular basis. John Hansen from Granville, Iowa; Jason Smith, SIM Iowa Western Region Coordinator; and Caroline Homan of Storm Lake discuss how and why SIM Iowa is important to EMS volunteers.

A swing bed program is a type of care that allows a patient to transition from acute care (such as after surgery or an illness requiring intensive treatment) to a less intensive level of care, like rehabilitation or recovery, without having to move to a different facility. The term “swing bed” refers to a hospital’s ability to “swing” or change the use of its beds from acute care to skilled nursing care, depending on the needs of the patient. On this podcast, Brooke Schwery, Care Transitions & Utilization Review Nurse, discusses how swing bed programs can enhance patient outcomes, provide continuity of care, and offer a vital resource for rural communities. For more information, call 712-265-2693.

The CCMH Expansion and Remodeling Project began in earnest on Monday, August 12. A significant amount of work outside of the building has commenced. On this podcast, Matt Foster, Superintendent from Graham Construction, the Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) for the project, gives an update. Matt describes what has been accomplished so far and what is coming up next on the project.

Dr. Benjamin Burkett is a Board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon who began his practice at CCMH in July. In this podcast, Dr. Burkett discusses his education and experience. He also talks about what drew him to the orthopedic field and how he likes to interact with patients. Those wishing to schedule an appointment with Dr. Burkett can go online, or call the CCMH Medical Clinic at 712-265-2700.

CCMH recently completed its first year of a newly-developed internship program, offering six local students an 8-week paid rotation in various clinical departments, including rehab services, emergency services, and the medical unit. On this podcast, Dana Neemann, Director of Education, discusses how this program provided participants with hands-on experience, the valuable insights into the healthcare field interns received, and her hopes of expanding the program in the future.

Beginning on August 5, CCMH will embark on a 30-month remodeling and expansion project. Erin Muck, President and CEO, discusses why the project is important to the growth of CCMH and how the project is financed. She also talks about the changes happening inside the CCMH building to accommodate the improvements, and the increased signage both inside and outside of the facility. Groundbreaking for the project will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, August 9. The public is invited to attend.

With the first day of school less than 30 days away, now is the time for back-to-school and sports physicals. Michael Delong, Immunization Specialist, talks about Well Child Visits, immunization updates for students, and the cash cost for sports physicals. Parents wishing to schedule a back-to-school or sports physical for their child are encouraged to call 712-265-2700 and make an appointment in the CCMH Medical Clinic.

Crawford County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) has announced it will be ending OB services on August 1. CCMH will partner with St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll to provide prenatal and postnatal care in Denison. Erin Muck, President and CEO, talks about the tough decision to end OB services and the circumstances which brought it about. She also discusses family planning, birth control and GYN services which will still be offered at CCMH.

Fireworks and floods are in the news. Kelby Eck, Director of Emergency Services, discusses the safe handling of fireworks to keep the 4th of July festivities a happy occasion and free of injury. He also offers tips and advice to keep safe in a flood situation.

While COVID and the flu have waned, there are still a number of summertime illnesses, diseases, and skin issues that can arise. Most notably, illnesses or diseases carried by mosquitos or ticks, skin rashes that can result in swimming in lakes or rivers, and skin damage from the sun. Heather Rasmussen, Chief Quality and Ancillary Services Officer, discusses all of these summertime issues and more.

The annual Hospital Foundation of Crawford County Charity Golf Outing is set for June 28. Registration begins at 9 am with a shotgun start at 10 am at Majestic Hills Golf Course in Denison. Brandi Ruskell, Marketing and Development Coordiantor, discusses the sponsorship opportunities available and how to sign up to participate.

CCMH is implementing a new Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system on Monday, June 24. On this week's podcast, Tiffany Ransom, Patient Experience Manager, and Kendra Hartwig, Patient Experience Lead, discuss the upcoming changes in check-in times, and the documents needed for registration. Additional information about the new EMR will be posted to the CCMH website and other media in coming days.

The month of May includes is National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week. Theresa Sheer, Chief Nursing Officer, recaps the events of the past month and highlights the winners of the DAISY and BEE Awards. She also talks about the open nursing positions at CCMH and how you can apply.