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.

Older Americans Month came into being during the administration of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The purpose of Older Americans Month, which is celebrated each May, is to recognize the contributions of older Americans and draw attention to the psychological, social, and physical health of that generation.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement condition that causes a strong urge to move your legs when you’re resting. You may also feel sensations like itching, pulling, crawling or throbbing. There isn’t a cure for RLS, but treatment is available. Patrick Stevens, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services, discusses RLS, potential home treatments, and medications available to treat this condition.re

National EMS Week is observed May 19-25. Kelby Eck, Director of Emergency Services, discusses the importance of EMS and the people who provide those services. Eck also talks about his passion for EMS and the ever-expanding nature of the duties and responsibilities of providing emergency services in rual Iowa.

National Hospital Week is celebrated during the week of May 12 through 18. Erin Muck, President and CEO, discusses current events at CCMH including physician recruitment, new electronic medical record and patient portal, and the proposed building remodeling and expansion planned to begin in the fall of 2024. Muck also talks about the great work CCMH employees are doing everyday and using National Hospital Week as an opportunity to recognize those efforts.

National Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6 through 12. Theresa Sheer, Chief Nursing Officer, discusses the difference nurses can make in the lives of patients and families. She also talks about the DAISY Award, which recognizes outstanding individual nurses, as well as the opportunities available for education and employment in the nursing field.

Terry Brockman is the Director of Laboratory Services at CCMH and a 43-year veteran of working in a medical laboratory environment. On this podcast, Brockman discusses the role of the Medical Laboratory Scientist, how their work helps improve diagnoses and healthcare, and the vast number of opportunities currently available for Medical Laboratory Scientists in healthcare and many other fields.

Each year, CCMH celebrates National Volunteer Week to recognize the contributions of our volunteers. Not only is this a time for volunteer appreciation, it’s also an opportunity to talk about the volunteer opportunities at CCMH. Dustin Durbin, Volunteer Services and Community Outreach Coordinator, discusses the upcoming CCMH Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on Friday, April 19 and the many ways people can volunteer for the Patient Transportation Service, Hospital Gift Shop, and Good Samaritan Center Thrift Shop.

Patient Access Week celebrates the founding of the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). Patient access staff work to provide access to the healthcare system by enhancing guest relations, boosting hospital and clinic staff morale, and improving communications between patients, staff and providers.

National Nutrition Month is all about a well-balanced diet as the key to a healthy lifestyle, along with exercise and getting good sleep. Brooke Tasler is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Director of Dietary Services at CCMH. On this podcast, Brooke discusses the difference between conventionally-grown and organic foods, prebiotics and probiotics, and strategies to get enough water intake during the day.

Much has been in the news over the past few years regarding respiratory diseases like influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID. On this week's podcast, Heather Rasmussen, Chief Quality and Ancillary Services Officer at CCMH, discusses the status of those diseases in Iowa and Crawford County. Rasmussen sees COVID and RSV on the wane while flu cases continue to tick up. Prevention though hand hygiene and vaccination are also discussed.

Samantha Pauley, Emergency Room nurse at CCMH, has been recognized as one of 100 Great Iowa Nurses for 2024. Pauley was one of only a handful of nurses from Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in Iowa who will be honored during a ceremony in April. Pauley is being celebrated as a nurse that routinely goes above and beyond every day to ensure safe, compassionate care for their patients. Great Iowa Nurses are also recognized for taking on leadership and mentoring responsibilities, serving as role models for everyone they work with, and especially those healthcare workers just entering the profession.

Since the advent of the polio vaccine, invented by Jonas Saulk, in 1953, there has been an unrelenting push to eradicate polio from the earth. Rotary International created the PolioPlus program in 1985 and the Denison Rotary Club has been a supporter of these efforts. From 350,000 cases in 1988, there were only 6 reported cases of polio in 2021. JJ Johnson, president of the Denison Rotary Club, discusses Rotary and PolioPlus, and how the program in dedicated to end polio now.

The next CCMH Community Wellness Event is being held on Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 20 from 6 am to 9 am both days. Don Luensmann, Executive Director of Marketing and Development, discusses the Community Wellness Event and how receiving an annual wellness screening can help improve your overall health and wellness.

The next Welcome to Medicare seminar is set for Thursday, March 14 beginning at 5:30 pm at CCMH in Conference Room B. Connie Riesselman, Senior Health Insurance and Information Program (SHIIP) Counselor will lead the session. This free seminar is open to the public. Anyone turning 65 in the next few months, or those who are helping seniors with their Medicare coverages, are invited to attend.Welcome to Medicare includes information regarding how to sign up, what Medicare Parts A & B are all about, as well as the supplements to insurance, like Part D for prescription drug coverage. Register in advance by calling 712-265-2509. Registrations are suggested by March 11 although anyone can attend the day of the seminar.