Wolff Named Next CEO of Jefferson Community Health & Life

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Holly Wolff, MHA, has been selected as the next CEO of Jefferson Community Health and Life. Wolff follows Bill Welch who has served as interim CEO since September.

Wolff most recently served as administrator at Mount Edgecumbe Medical Center/SEARHC, in Sitka, Alaska. She was previously chief executive officer at Roundup Memorial Healthcare in Roundup, Montana, and Ashley Medical Center in Ashley, North Dakota, and Family Practice Center and Family Medicine Residency Administrator at the Northeast Iowa Medical Education Foundation in Waterloo, Iowa. She said she loves rural health care, and the communities they serve.

“The intersection between rural communities and local healthcare is where we can be dynamic in our approach to addressing specific needs and create a gold standard of care that surrounds the whole person’s well-being,” Wolff said. “Growing up rural made a lasting impression on my love of small towns and commitment to serve the community.“

She has more than 10 years of experience in balancing strategic decisions and financial discipline with a hands-on approach to leadership. She has experience in several areas of health care, including long-term care. She said she strives for excellent employee, customer and provider satisfaction.

“Our staff, clinical and non-clinical alike, are the cornerstone of a strong foundation in the organization.  When staff are supported and valued, patients will be on the receiving end of amazing care.  My leadership approach is centered on being accessible and visible, to really create a workplace that is second to none,” she said.

She said she is excited to learn about JCH&L’s strategic initiatives and current programs, as well as the community JCH&L serves.

“My focus in the early days at JCH&L will be to listen and learn so I can continue the strong initiatives that are already in place,” Wolff said. “I want to empower  the staff and providers to help me understand the opportunities and challenges, creating  strong communication channels.  Living and volunteering  in the local community, through civic engagement, is important to me so I can support the greater initiatives in the region. When I came to visit, the first impression of Fairbury and JCH&L was of a stellar community that takes a lot of pride in the town and its healthcare organization.  It’s a privilege to accept this role and I am eager to join the JCH&L team.”

Wolff was chosen by the JCH&L board of directors from among more than 100 applicants for the position. Four candidates brought to Fairbury for on-site interviews.

“The board sought a CEO with exceptional leadership skills and a strong background in rural healthcare, and we are thrilled to welcome Holly to our community and to JCH&L,” said Trevor Steinmeyer, chairman of the JCH&L board of directors. “We were also pleased to have four excellent candidates interview on site for the CEO position, and we are confident Holly’s expertise and vision will greatly benefit our organization.”

Wolff will begin her role at JCH&L in early January.

She has two sons, Tripp, 17, a high school junior, and Finn, 15, a high school freshman. Both will be students at Fairbury High School.

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors announced Wolff’s selection to JCH&L staff on Dec. 4.

Jefferson Community Health & Life began serving residents of Jefferson County and the surrounding area in September 1963. Wolff will be the tenth CEO to lead JCH&L since it opened.

JCH&L Working With UnitedHealthCare on Provider Issue

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Jefferson Community Health & Life is currently working with UnitedHealthcare on an issue which has resulted in patients receiving notice that Brett Wergin, MD, will no longer be covered under their plan as of Dec. 5. Wergin has been a family medicine physician at JCH&L since 2018.

“We have been in contact with United Health Care and the issue is being resolved and all services will be covered appropriately,” said Kim Shadduck, JCH&L business office manager. “If anyone has received denials or letters from UHC regarding services from any of our providers, please reach out to us with any questions. If you receive notification from UHC that your services received here at JCH&L have been processed Out of Network, please contact us as soon as possible.”

JCH&L is a participating provider with UnitedHealthcare and all providers at JCH&L are included. JCH&L providers include: Craig Shumard, MD; Rebecca Stroklund, DO; Brett Wergin, MD; Kirisha Afuh, FNP-C; Rick Blum, PA-C; Megan Knutson, FNP-C; Kensly Williams, PA-C; and Keegan Williams, FNP-C.

Kids Cooking Class Offers January Session

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Children will have an opportunity to learn about healthy eating and the importance of working together to plan and prepare healthy meals during a Cooking Class for Kids to be offered Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at Jefferson Community Health & Life. The program is open to kids in grades 3-6 and their adult partners. During the class, participants will prepare a simple healthy meal together and then enjoy the meal as a group. The class is sponsored by Jefferson Community Health & Life and Nebraska Extension – Jefferson County.

The Friday, Jan. 3, class will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The registration fee is $20 per team. Pre-registration with payment is required by Monday, Dec. 30.

Aprons will be available for the children to wear during the class, and available for them to purchase after the class if they choose for an additional $5.

For more information or a registration form, call Lisa Edeal, RDN, LMNT, at 402-729-6846.

JCH&L Now Offering Parkinson Voice Project’s SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program

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Jefferson Community Health & Life is pleased to announce the SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program is now available through its Sports Medicine and Rehab Services speech-language pathology department. Kristen Banahan, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed provider

The SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program, developed by Parkinson voice Project, is a research evidence-based program helping individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s and related neurological disorders regain and retain their speech and swallowing. This comprehensive program combines individual speech therapy with education and ongoing group support.

“Up to 90 percent of people with Parkinson’s are at risk of losing their ability to speak. In addition, swallowing complications account for 70 percent of the mortality rate in this patient population. Our vision at Parkinson Voice Project is to make quality speech therapy accessible to people with Parkinson’s worldwide,” said Samantha Elandary, Parkinson Voice Project’s founder and chief executive officer.

JCH&L Sport Medicine and Rehab Services is committed to serving its Parkinson’s community by offering the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program. Provider referral is required. For more information, contact JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services at 402-729-6840.

JCH&L Home Health Offers Medical Alert Systems

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In partnership with VRI Connect, JCH&L Home Health offers area residents medical alert systems which can enhance their health and well-being.

Medical alert systems allow people to get help with just the touch of a button. VRI Connect (formerly Life Alert) provides friendly care representatives 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. They can assist users with emergency and non-emergency situations.

Units are lightweight and there are both home and mobile options. They are waterproof, so can be worn while showering. All units offer 24/7 monitoring by U.S.-based care representatives. Units offer GPS location and fall detection is available. Each unit is set up to be personalized to the user. Responders can include family, friends, neighbors and EMS.

“JCH&L Home Health offers set up and maintenance for anyone in our area,” said Lori Ohlde, RN, director of JCH&L Home Health. “We are here to answer questions and provide assistance – it’s all part of the reasonable monthly fee.”

Units are leased, so they can be returned when they are no longer needed.

“We would be happy to visit with anyone interested about the options available to them,” Ohlde said. “We have had great experience with this company. Although there is a new name, the same great service continues.”

It is recommended that the units be tested monthly.

“Medical alert systems are a great tool for helping to keep our area residents in their home as long as possible, and provide the opportunity to push the button for help when it is needed,” Ohlde said.

For more information, call JCH&L Home Health at 402-729-6857.

Aesthetics Treatments Return to JCH&L

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Aesthetic treatments have returned to Jefferson Community Health & Life, with services provided by Kirisha Afuh, FNP-C. JCH&L is now accepting appointments – please call 402-729-6851 for available dates.

JCH&L offers both cosmetic and therapeutic injections.

Cosmetic neurotoxin injections (such as Botox® and Xeomin®) can relax the muscles on areas of the face and neck which cause wrinkles associated with facial expressions or facial pain. Treatment with neurotoxins can cause facial expression lines or wrinkles to be less noticeable. Areas most frequently treated are around the eyes, forehead and lips.

Cosmetic injections (removing or reducing wrinkles) are typically not covered by insurance. For cosmetic injections, payment is required the day of treatment. JCH&L offers a Cosmetic Neurotoxin Loyalty card program.  Free consultations are offered for cosmetic services. At your consultation, you can discuss your needs, procedure recommendations and costs.

Therapeutic neurotoxin injections may be covered by some insurances for 1) TMJ dysfunction; 2) Bruxism (teeth grinding); 3) types of orofacial pain including headaches and migraines; or 4) Excessive sweating.  Therapeutic neurotoxin injections for medical purposes will typically be referred by a health care provider.

Therapeutic neurotoxins are diluted to a very controlled solution. When the solution is injected into the muscles with a very thin needle it is almost painless. Patients may feel a slight burning sensation during the injection. The procedure takes about 15- 20 minutes. Results are not permanent, but may last up to three months.

Treatment with dermal fillers can smooth out facial folds and wrinkles, add volume to the lips, and contour facial features that have lost their volume and fullness due to aging, sun exposure, illness, etc. Facial rejuvenation can be carried out with minimal complications. These dermal fillers are injected under the skin with a very fine needle. This lifts and smooths wrinkles and folds. Results may be seen immediately. Dermal filler treatments are not covered by insurance, and payment is required on the day of the treatment.

If you have questions for a medical professional trained in Aesthetics, Afuh can help. Afuh received certificates through Aesthetics Medical Educators Training and the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics. Her training included hands-on work with patients.

NCBB Seeks Donors During Blood Emergency

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The Nebraska Community Blood Bank has declared a blood emergency due to a more than 20 percent decline in donations after Thanksgiving. The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the mobile unit in the parking lot of JCH&L’s North Building, 825 22nd St.

All types are needed. Donations help to ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need at our local hospital, and other area hospitals. Nebraska Community Bloodbank is Jefferson Community Health & Life’s blood supplier, and the two organizations partner for blood drives in Fairbury to save lives.

Appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851, or visit NCBB.org/searchdrives 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 mbc.org/iDonate

JCH&L Christmas Project Raises Funds

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Each year Jefferson Community Health & Life asks the community’s help in completing a special project for patients, residents, and visitors. This year, we’re asking for the community’s help once again for four special projects which will benefit our community: an acute care Hospice room, a new EKG machine for JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, refinishing the JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center basketball court floor, and a new bladder scanner for JCH&L Gardenside. We hope to raise at least $33,700 to accomplish these four worthwhile projects.

When a patient nears the end of life, patients and their families often appreciate Hospice/Respite care. Hospice works closely with JCH&L staff to provide quality comfort care for those who need it. Our vision is to have a comfortable acute care Hospice room for those who are in their journey, to help provide the patient and their family additional comfort and dignity. Renovation of a hospital room to be a short-term Hospice/Respite room is estimated at about $10,000.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic provides ongoing clinical care for many patients who have heart conditions. The EKG machine (which measures the electrical activity of the heart to help diagnose and evaluate heart problems) is used frequently and is in need of replacement. A new unit will cost $10,700.

The JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center provides fitness opportunities for our area residents, and one space that is especially appreciated by youth is the basketball court. The fitness center has more than 400 youth members. Used for basketball, volleyball and even some boxing, the floor is in need of refinishing. The estimated cost is $6,500.

JCH&L Gardenside uses a bladder scanner to help care for residents who have urinary problems. A scanner can help alleviate unnecessary catheterization, and can help those with incontinence issues to be more comfortable. A new bladder scanner will cost about $6,500.

Donations of all amounts are welcome and will make our project successful. Contributions may be made in honor of someone living or in memory of someone who has passed away.  Memorial gifts are recognized each year in a newspaper ad prior to Memorial Day. All donations of any amount are counted toward cumulative recognition on the Wall of Honor. When donations total $1,000, a plaque is added to the wall.

Those who would like more information should contact Lana Likens at 402-729-6855, or by emailing lana.likens@jchealthandlife.org.

Caregivers Support Group to Meet Dec. 12

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The Caregivers Support Group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association will meet on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 4:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program will be a video on “Making Visits Valuable – Part 4” by Teepa Snow.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the signage to “Caregiver’s Support.”

The Caregiver’s Support Group is a program of the Alzheimer’s Association. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month in the JCH&L Clinic Conference Room.

The support group is designed for those who are caregivers and family members of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.  The group provide an opportunity anyone interested to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s Disease and learn from other’s experiences. There is no cost, and no pre-registration required.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402-729-6855.

JCH&L Receives Award from Chartis Center for Rural Health

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Performance Leadership Award Recognizes Quality

As part of the National Rural Health Day celebration, Jefferson Community Health & Life announced it has been recognized with a 2024 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Quality. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (e.g., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and Patient Perspective.

“Quality has been a top priority for JCH&L for many years,” said Bill Welch, JCH&L interim CEO.  “This recognition affirms the commitment of JCH&L’s staff, physicians and board to providing excellent quality care.”

JCH&L was among 28 Nebraska hospitals recognized for quality.

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. INDEX data is trusted and relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across several areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“The Performance Leadership Awards capture the commitment, diligence, and innovation with which America’s rural hospitals approach the delivery of care within their communities,” said Troy Brown, Network Consultant, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “It’s a tremendous honor to be able to recognize the efforts of this year’s award winners and celebrate their achievement as part of National Rural Health Day.”

Performance Leadership Award recipients are rural hospitals ranking in the 75th percentile or above in the INDEX performance pillars for Quality, Outcomes, and/or Patient Perspective.

Jefferson Community Health & Life has previously been recognized with the NOSORH/iVantage Performance Leadership award for quality and patient perspective in 2023, 2022, 2021; quality in 2020; for quality, outcomes and patient perspective in 2019, 2018, and 2017; the Performance Leadership award for financial strength and patient satisfaction in 2016; named as a Top 100 critical access hospital for 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, and 2014; named as a Top 20 critical access hospital for quality in 2020 and Top 20 overall in 2018; and named a HEALTHSTRONG hospital in 2015.

“JCH&L’s mission is to inspire healthy living by providing exceptional health and life services for every person, every time. This recognition recognizes our commitment to our patients and to our community,” Welch said.

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