JCH&L Women’s Health Day Set for Nov. 16

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Wellness Experience Offers Women a Convenient Way to Take Control of Their Health

In just about three hours women from Jefferson County and beyond can complete their annual health checks and receive a well-deserved indulgence at the same time. Women’s Health Day is a complete wellness experience designed to make women’s health easy. Jefferson Community Health & Life is now scheduling women for the experience on Monday, Nov. 16.

The program is available at the Jefferson Community Health & Life Health Center and Fairbury Clinic on select days every month, and includes:

* Personalized guidance from an on-site Women’s Health Day navigator

* Important health screenings, including fasting lab tests, a screening mammogram and a routine annual exam to assess overall and gynecological health (lab test and mammogram results will be available before participants leave for the day, while Pap test results will be provided later by mail)

* Complimentary breakfast and a relaxing indulgence—such as an express manicure or hand massage, for example. Offerings may vary.

* Reserved parking

“It’s so important for women to make time for their own health, but we know life sometimes gets in the way,” said Erin Starr, Chief Quality Officer. “That’s why we created Women’s Health Day—to provide a convenient way for women to get their essential health screenings all at once, while also taking time to unwind.”

All major insurance plans are accepted for screening and exams (coverage is subject to individual policy terms). JCH&L Fairbury Clinic accepts new patients.

Appointments for the Women’s Health Day experience start as early as 6:30 a.m. To schedule, call 402.729.6841.

Ground Broken for JCH&L Clinic Project

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Ground was broken for a new Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic on Monday, Oct. 19. The groundbreaking ceremony was a hybrid ceremony of in-person and on line. It is now available on the JCH&L Facebook page.

“This is a momentous occasion and we wanted to give it the attention it deserves, while keeping everyone safe in this time of COVID-19,” said Dr. Burke Kline, CEO. “The hybrid ceremony allowed staff and the community to witness this historic event safely.”

Ceremony participants included Dr. Kline; Fairbury Clinic physicians Dr. Craig Shumard, Dr. Rick Blatny Jr., and Dr. Brett Wergin; Jessica Borrenpohl, PA-C; Linda Bauer, JCH&L board chairperson; Ashley Norden, Clinic Administrator; Joe Beckenhauer, Beckenhauer Construction; and Kelly Heatley,  BWBR Architects.

“I think it’s safe to say that the standard of excellence at Jefferson Community Health Center is a source of pride for the entire county and the surrounding area, so when the subject of updating the clinic facility first came up a few years ago, the entire board immediately recognized how this would enhance the whole campus and help us continue to attract and retain the very best staff and providers, which in turn will help us to deliver even better care to residents,” said Linda Bauer, board president.

The clinic project is an estimated $8.4 million project which will attach JCH&L Fairbury Clinic to the west side of the health center. It will feature enhanced handicapped accessibility and infection prevention. Ashley Norden, clinic administrator, said the new facility will help provide better service to patients and make it easier with larger rooms and wider hallways. It will provide a negative pressure area, allow one-way flow through the building when necessary for safer health care.

“Our staff and providers are excited for team work space and technology improvements which will help with our electronic health record,” Norden said.

Dr. Craig Shumard talked about history of the clinic. Prior to 1925 there was a clinic above what is now Husker Rehab, then the Golden Rule building. He said it is uncertain if it was officially the Fairbury Clinic at that time, but it was officially the Fairbury Clinic in 1928 when the physicians moved across the street to the second floor of what is now Heartland Bank. The current clinic on 22nd Street opened in 1968.

“Now in 2021 we will see a new clinic built,” Dr. Shumard said. “That will be a huge milestone for us all.”

Jessica Borrenpohl, PA-C, said the facility and providers appreciate the community’s support. She thanked the community for attending, participating and donating.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership for a lifetime of health in this new clinic,” Borrenpohl said.

The full project began on Oct. 12 with construction of a new parking area west of Cedarwood, which needs to be completed before the clinic construction begins to allow for parking. The new parking area will have access from both the Cedarwood parking lot, and the north lot accessible from H Street. Clinic construction will utilize most of the south H Street parking lot, and will mean the south entrance from H Street will be closed.

In the early stages of the project, the front entrance circle drive will be closed and the main entrance will not be accessible. The main driveway and the north H Street parking lot will be accessible, along with the new parking just west of Cedarwood. Once the south driveway from H Street closes (now anticipated for Monday, Oct. 26), the Emergency Room and Outpatient Services will be accessed ONLY from 22nd Street. Some new parking will also be added south of the health center building, and will be accessible from 22nd Street.

“Thank you in advance for your patience with entrance and parking changes necessary for this project,” said Lana Likens, director of public relations.  “We apologize for any inconveniences this project will bring. We know the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term inconveniences.”

Anyone with questions about the project should contact Likens at (402) 729-6855.

OB-GYN to Be Added to JCH&L Specialty Clinics

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Dr. Wendy Reeves, OB-GYN, will begin seeing patients at Jefferson Community Health & Life outpatient services on Thursday, Oct. 15. Dr. Reeves is with Beatrice Community Hospital Women’s and Children’s Clinic, and will offer a monthly clinic at JCH&L.

“We are pleased to forge this partnership with Beatrice Community Hospital, which allows women to receive many obstetric and gynecological services here at JCH&L,” said Burke Kline, DHA, JCH&L CEO. “We are committed to offering a wide array of specialty clinics and being our community’s most trusted partner for a lifetime of health.”

Besides OB visits, Dr. Reeves will offer a variety of services at JCH&L: minor procedures, tubals, diagnostic laparoscopies, LEEPs, hysterectomies and hysteroscopies. For pregnant women, the initial obstetric appointment will be in Beatrice, and routine visits will be available in Fairbury, unless the patient is high risk. Deliveries for patients seen at the Fairbury outpatient clinic will be at Beatrice Community Hospital. A referral from a primary care provider will be required for an appointment with Dr. Reeves.

Dr. Reeves received her doctorate of medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, and did her residency at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center, Dearborn, Mich. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

All outpatients who visit the clinic are screened and will be asked to wear a mask. For more information, call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851.

Dr. Todd Martin, OB-GYN, had previously provided specialty services at JCH&L on a monthly basis, but was unable to continue holding clinics at JCH&L because of other priorities.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic does not currently offer pre-natal care. JCH&L Fairbury Clinic does offer complete general care of family members of all ages, including well baby checks and general health care for pregnant mothers. JCH&L health center does not currently deliver babies.

COVID Testing Q&A

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There are many questions surrounding COVID-19 testing and what is available at Jefferson Community Health & Life. While information continues to change and evolve, here is the current information.

What are symptoms of COVID-19?

Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea

If a person has symptoms, what should they do?

We encourage people with COVID-related symptoms to call JCH&L Fairbury Clinic at 402-729-3361 and choose option 1 to make an appointment with one of our providers. The person making the appointment will ask you what your symptoms are. Depending on symptoms, you may be scheduled for a car visit – which because of changing weather will soon be held in a designated location at the health center. The patient will be given instructions on location.  You will be assessed by a provider. The provider will determine whether or not COVID testing is appropriate.

Those who have emergency warning signs of COVID-19 should call JCH&L at 402-729-3351 before coming to the emergency room. Signs that you need emergency care immediately include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face.

If you need an emergency visit and have COVID-related symptoms, you may be asked to go directly to the entrance for our negative pressure rooms. You will be given instructions.

What if a person needs a test before having surgery?

The ordering facility will call JCH&L health center and we will contact the patient.

If the patient has time for a longer turnaround time, they could also utilize TestNebraska. Test Nebraska is currently at JCH&L each Tuesday providing free COVID-19 testing. Register on-line at TestNebraska.com. On the site you can also see all TestNebraska testing sites available.

What if someone needs a test before travel?

Those who need a test for travel should register online for TestNebraska.com. Tests are free through TestNebraska.

If you need testing for travel and the timing for TestNebraska won’t meet your needs, you can request a private-pay test, which is about $220.

What if a person does not have symptoms, but wonders if they have COVID-19?

TestNebraska can typically be utilized for:

  • Asymptomatic individuals who have no known exposures
  • Known positives wondering if they are still carrying the virus (NOTE: one negative result does not eliminate the 10-day isolation period)
  • Individuals in their 14-day quarantine who are curious if they have the virus (NOTE: it is mandatory to quarantine for all 14 days. Individuals can’t ‘test out’ of quarantine)
  • Individuals wanting free pre-op testing who can afford a shorter turn-around time
  • Individuals needing or wanting COVID testing before or after travel
  • Individuals concerned about asymptomatically spreading the virus to patients, coworkers, family or friends
  • Symptomatic individuals who are willing to wait longer and don’t want to make an appointment (NOTE: these individuals are expected to quarantine until they receive their results)
  • Individuals who do not meet requirements for the 14-day quarantine, but were exposed to someone who was exposed to a known positive and are genuinely concerned for their health and the health of those around them

What about health care workers and public safety officials (such as ambulance or law enforcement)?

Those with symptoms should call JCH&L health center at 402-729-3351.

Does insurance pay for COVID-19 testing?

Typically, if a person has symptoms and a COVID-19 test is ordered or if they are required to have pre-op testing, insurance will cover COVID-19 testing.  If a test is ordered for travel purposes or curiosity, there is an approximate $220 private pay charge for a test.

TestNebraska is offered free for qualifying individuals. Please note, the availability of testing supplies and test kits may affect what the criteria are for qualifying for TestNebraska.

Water Aerobics Class Resumes at JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center

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JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center has begun offering a morning water aerobics class again this week. Morning water aerobics begins the week of Oct. 5, joining other classes which resumed the prior week: Body Pump, Armchair Aerobics, Circuit Training, Senior Yoga, and Tai Chi.

For the water aerobics class, special markings will show participants their spaces in the pool and maintain social distancing. Water aerobics participants will be asked to pay particular attention to masking and social distancing in the locker room, and when entering and leaving the pool area.

For all classes, social distancing will be a requirement, class sizes will be limited, instructors will wear masks (optional for participants), and staff will do extra cleaning. In some cases, reservations may be required. All participants will enter through the alternate entrance (north side of the basketball court), and will be screened. Please do not come if you are ill or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

The basketball court remains closed to activities, and there will be no access for members or guests to the health center from the fitness center.

For details on the classes, please call the Burkley Fitness Center at 402-729-6139.

Members are encouraged to watch JCH&L’s Facebook, Twitter and website for updates, or call 402-729-6139 for more information.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits Oct. 26

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FAIRBURY –The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2  p.m. in the mobile unit in the parking lot of JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, 825 22nd St.

All types are needed. Giving blood is giving a gift of life. Nebraska Community Bloodbank is Jefferson Community Health & Life’s blood supplier, and the two organizations partner for blood drives in Fairbury to save lives.

To make an appointment, call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851, or visit NCBB.org and use sponsor code JCHC.

With iDonate you can save time by completing your health history on line ahead of your bloodmobile visit. To get started, visit NCBB.org/iDonate

Mobile Screening Services to be Offered at JCH&L

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Mobile Screening Services from Bryan Health will be offered at Jefferson Community Health & Life on Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The screenings are available on a private-pay basis only.

Several types of screening are available. Atrial fibrillation screening is available for all ages. Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart arrhythmia, affecting 2.7 million Americans. The cost of this screening is $10.

The other three screenings offered are available to those who are 65 or older, or age 55 with certain personal risk factors or family history. Please discuss your eligibility with the scheduler when you call to make an appointment. Screenings available based on age or risk include:

  • Peripheral Arterial Disease screening – A painless, non-invasive test called the anklebrachial index (Abi) compares the blood pressure in the ankles to the blood pressure in the arms to determine how well the blood is flowing. Cost– $20.
  • Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound screening – This painless, non-invasive screening detects the presence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta (four hour fast required.) Cost – $40.
  • Carotid Artery Ultrasound screening – This painless, non-invasive screening detects plaque deposits in the carotid arteries. These plaque deposits are a leading risk factor for stroke. Cost – $40.

Appointments for any of the screenings maybe made by calling JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Planned for JCH&L Clinic Addition

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Groundbreaking ceremonies for a new JCH&L Fairbury Clinic are set for Monday, Oct. 19, at 12:30 p.m. The groundbreaking ceremony will be a hybrid ceremony of in-person and virtual held on the west side of the health center facility. JCH&L staff and participants in the ground breaking will attend in person (masked and respecting social distancing where possible), and the public will be invited to join by Facebook Live.

“This is a momentous occasion and we want to give it the attention it deserves,” said Dr. Burke Kline, CEO. “We also want to keep everyone safe in this time of COVID-19. This allows staff and the community to witness this historic event.”

The clinic project is an estimated $8.4 million project which will attach JCH&L Fairbury Clinic to the west side of the health center. It will include a new main entrance to the facility and a future new office area.

“The new location for the clinic will be much more convenient for our clinic patients, especially when they also need hospital services,” Kline said. “It will modernize the clinic, provide better internal handicap accessibility, allow for easier use of technology, and increase the clinic space to allow us to continue to grow.”

The full project is expected to begin on Oct. 12 with construction of a new parking area west of Cedarwood, which needs to be completed before the clinic construction begins to allow for parking. The new parking area will have access from both the Cedarwood parking lot, and the north lot accessible from H Street. Clinic construction will utilize most of the south H Street parking lot, and will mean the south entrance from H Street will be closed.

In the early stages of the project the front entrance circle drive will be closed and the main entrance will not be accessible. The main driveway and the north H Street parking lot will be accessible, along with the new parking just west of Cedarwood. During the project, the Emergency Room and Outpatient Services will be accessed ONLY from 22nd Street. Some new parking will also be added south of the health center building, and will be accessible from 22nd Street.

“We are working diligently to make sure there is ample parking for patients, customers and staff throughout the project, and when the project is complete,” Kline said. “We apologize for the inconveniences this project will bring. We know the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term inconveniences.”

During the project:

*Burkley Fitness Center users will continue to enter from the basketball court entrance on the north side of the fitness center. This has been the temporary access because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will continue to be the temporary access to the fitness center because of the construction project.

*Patients using JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services will be able to use the Burkley Fitness Center temporary entrance, or may use the Outpatient Services entrance.

*Emergency and Outpatient services patients and customers must use the 22nd Street drive to access services.

*Health center patients, visitors and all others who need to access the health center should use the Emergency and Outpatient entrance.

*Ambulances must use the 22nd Street entrance to access the Emergency Room.

*Gardenside visitors, when permitted, will be directed to which door to use. The main entrance will not be available.

*There will be minor disruption in the west side of Cedarwood’s parking lot during construction of the new parking west of Cedarwood.

Plans for the project are currently being finalized. Plans will be shared during the groundbreaking ceremony. Because the ceremony will be shared on Facebook Live, it will also be available as a video on JCH&L’s Facebook page following the ceremony, said Lana Likens, director of public relations.

2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE