JCH&L To Celebrate National Rural Health Day Nov. 15

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Jefferson Community Health & Life will join the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and other state/national rural stakeholders in celebrating National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 15, with refreshments at its Fairbury Clinic and Plymouth Clinic.

NOSORH created National Rural Health Day as a way to showcase rural America; increase awareness of rural health-related issues; and promote the efforts of NOSORH, State Offices of Rural Health and others in addressing those issues. National Rural Health Day is an annual day of recognition which occurs on the third Thursday of November and was awarded the 2018 “Outstanding Rural Health Program of the Year” by the National Rural Health Association.

Events recognizing National Rural Health Day and “Celebrating the Power of Rural” are being planned throughout the nation. Refreshments will be available in the lobbies of JCH&L Fairbury Clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Plymouth Clinic from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 60 million people – nearly one in five Americans – live in rural and frontier communities throughout the United States. “These small towns, farming communities and frontier areas are wonderful places to live and work; they are places where neighbors know each other and work together,” said NOSORH Director Teryl Eisinger. “The hospitals and providers serving these rural communities not only provide quality patient care, but they also help keep good jobs in rural America.”

These communities also face unique health care needs. “Today more than ever, rural communities must tackle accessibility issues, a lack of health care providers, the needs of an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions, and larger percentages of un- and underinsured citizens,” Eisinger said. “Meanwhile, rural hospitals are threatened with declining reimbursement rates and disproportionate funding levels that makes it challenging to serve their residents.”

State Offices of Rural Health play a key role in addressing those needs. All 50 states maintain a State Office of Rural Health, each of which shares a similar mission: to foster relationships, disseminate information and provide technical assistance that improves access to, and the quality of, health care for its rural citizens. In the past year alone, State Offices of Rural Health collectively provided technical assistance to more than 28,000 rural communities.

Additional information about National Rural Health Day can be found at PowerofRural.org. To learn more about NOSORH, visit www.nosorh.org; to learn more about Jefferson Community Health & Life visit JCHealthandLife.org.

Parkinson’s Support Group to Meet Nov. 12

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The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Monday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. in Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Small Conference Room.

The program will be a webinar Cognitive Issues: Advice for Parkinson’s Care Partners, webinar by Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, clinical associate professor of neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the lobby signage to “Hospital.” The meeting rooms will be to the left. The Small Conference Room is the second door.

The Parkinson’s Support Group generally meets on the second Monday of each month.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity for area residents to share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. There is no cost for participants.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402)-729-3351.

Gardenside Recognized as ‘High Performer’ by the Quality Innovation Network National Coordinating Center

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Jefferson Community Health & Life Gardenside in Fairbury hosted the Great Plains Quality Innovation Network and team members of the National Coordinating Center on Oct. 17, 2018. The National Coordinating Center is the CMS-designated Quality Innovation Network-National Coordinating Center which supports the nation’s quality improvement organizations, like Great Plains QIN, in their efforts to achieve CMS goals for better health, better care and lower costs.

The purpose of the visit was to identify innovative practices that contribute to success and or improvement. Similar site visits are occurring in healthcare organizations across the country. The intent is to spread innovative healthcare practices with other facilities and quality improvement organizations.

As a way to improve resident-centered care, the quality assurance team at Gardenside implemented ‘natural awakening’ as a way to improve the overall sleep hygiene and the health and safety of their residents while promoting a more ‘home-like’ environment.

“Natural Awakening enhances sleep hygiene and proves how a good night of undisturbed sleep is one of the most important services we can give residents. By eliminating or minimizing night-time interruptions the resident receives more restorative sleep that is needed to maintain and enhance their quality of life,” said Deb Sutton, RN, Gardenside Administrator.

The Gardenside team outlined several elements of their success. First, it is imperative to partner with the pharmacy team to decrease and alter medication times to reduce the frequency of medication passes and avoid having to wake residents to dispense medications. Second, visiting with residents and their family members prior to implementing the natural awakening program is necessary. This conversation allows the resident to share his/her preferred sleep environment and whether they have a preference for their wake-up time. The Gardenside team also adjusted the dining room schedule to adjust for residents having an expanded timeframe to eat breakfast.

“As a result of this effort to facilitate natural awakening, Gardenside has experienced a decrease in falls, antipsychotic medication use and infection rates. This information has been shared with other nursing homes through a number of educational sessions and the Gardenside team has willingly mentored homes who wish to implement natural awakening. The commitment to improving resident care is impressive. Gardenside sets the bar high in their continued quest for quality improvement. We are pleased to be able to help share their story with the NCC team and others,” said Krystal Hays, DNP, RN, RAC-CT; Quality Improvement Advisor with the Great Plains QIN.

“Improving the quality of care in our facility is and will continue to be a priority,” said Deb Sutton, Administrator. “Studies have shown that lack of sleep leads to a dramatic decline in a person’s ability to perform even simple tasks. Individuals who are sleep-deprived may experience drowsiness, irritability, lack of concentration and impaired performance. Furthermore, sleep deprivation compromises the immune system and persistent sleep deprivation can result in significant mood swings and erratic behavior. We believe in the power of natural awakening for improved health and quality of life. We enjoyed the opportunity to share our story; and will continue to do all we can to provide exceptional care at Gardenside and share what we have learned.”

“The Natural Awakening Program needs to be shared and spread throughout all nursing facilities; the NCC views this program as a best practice. The NCC has requested that Gardenside provide their knowledge on a future National Learning and Action Event,” said Jane Brock, MD, MSHP; Medical Director for the NCC.

Great Plains QIN is the Quality Improvement Organization for Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The GPQIN team works with healthcare providers and communities to implement data-driven quality initiatives to improve healthcare. Great Plains QIN offers technical assistance, tailored education, best practices, tools and resources. Through these efforts, we intend to improve patient safety, reduce harm and improve clinical care at the local and regional levels.

Plymouth Clinic Open House Set for Oct. 28

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Join us for Ribbon Cutting and Many Family Friendly Activities at the Plymouth Plaza

FAIRBURY — Jefferson Community Health & Life Plymouth Clinic invites everyone to a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Events will begin with the ribbon cutting at JCH&L Plymouth Clinic at 2 p.m. Many activities will follow throughout the Plymouth Plaza.

JCH&L Plymouth Clinic opened on Sept. 6. The clinic accepts both new and established patients.

Activities for the afternoon include tours of JCH&L Plymouth Clinic, refreshments in the future Hometown Eatery, canvas painting for those 8 and older by Orange Owl at P-Town Fitness (cost of $20), free mini pumpkin decorating for kids, free fun family games at Barefoot Buddies Daycare, music provided by Live Love Dance, and many free fun activities and giveaways. Anyone who donates a canned food item will receive 50 cents off a drink at P-Town’s Daily Grind. There will also be specials at P-Town Fitness.

JCH&L Plymouth Clinic is open 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Providers will be certified physician assistants Jessica Borrenpohl, PA-C; Kelsey Cherry, PA-C and Tyler Maguire, PA-C. Appointments can be made Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 402-729-6888. When the Plymouth Clinic is not open, calls will be answered by JCH&L Fairbury Clinic.

The Plymouth Clinic offers a wide range of family medicine services, including: physical exams and preventative care, treatment of acute and chronic illness, minor surgeries and procedures, laboratory services and radiology services.

Jefferson Community Health & Life’s mission is to inspire a lifetime of health by providing exceptional health and life services for every person, every time, in a comfortable setting near home.

“That means you and your family can count on a lasting relationship with a family medicine provider who knows you well and helps you stay healthy at every stage of life,” said Chad Jurgens, JCH&L CEO.

The new clinic was one of six businesses to announce they would be located in the Plymouth Plaza, located on Highway 4 in Plymouth. The clinic joins P-Town Fitness; P-Town’s Daily Grind; Live Love Dance; and Barefoot Buddies Daycare, which are already open. Hometown Eatery is planning a restaurant at the Plymouth Plaza.

JCH&L Accepts Award as one of Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the Nation

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Jefferson Community Health & Life has been named one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals for overall performance in the nation. Representatives accepted the award at the National Rural Health Association Conference in Kansas City Friday, Sept. 28.

The Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals scored best among critical access hospitals as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The rankings were announced in the spring by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA.)

The Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals are those hospitals which have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight indices of strength: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspectives, cost, charge and financial stability. This group was selected from The Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2018 Top 100 CAH list, which was released earlier this year. This year’s Top 20 includes 4 Nebraska hospitals.

“Jefferson Community Health & Life is proud of the efforts of its physicians and staff who have contributed to our hospital achieving this designation,” said Chad Jurgens, JCH&L CEO.  “Our results as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital means our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future.”

JCH&L has been among the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals four of the last five years, and has been named a performance leader in specific areas in 2016 and 2017. In 2017 JCH&L was named a performance leader in financial strength and patient satisfaction.

Accepting the Top 20 Critical Access Award at the Nebraska Rural Health Association Convention were, from left: Chad Jurgens, CEO; Judy McGee, RN, Chief Nursing Officer; Lana Likens, director of public relations; Chance Klasek, CFO; Sandy Bauer, director of human resources; and Erin Starr, Chief Quality Officer.

TOP 20 CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS:

Androscoggin Valley Hospital Berlin, N.H. ; Aspirus Ironwood Hospital & Clinics, Inc. Ironwood, Mich.; Aspirus Langlade Hospital Antigo, Wis.; Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital Miller, S.D.; Avera Holy Family Hospital Estherville, Iowa; Barrett Memorial Hospital Dillon, Mont.; Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Montpelier, Idaho; Box Butte General Hospital Alliance, Neb.; Central Montana Medical Center Lewistown, Mont.; CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington Carrington, N.D.; Community Hospital McCook, Neb.; Community Medical Center Falls City, Neb.; Floyd Valley Healthcare Le Mars, Iowa ; Grande Ronde Hospital La Grande, Ore.; Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury, Neb. ; Livingston Healthcare Livingston, Mont.; Riverwood Healthcare Center Aitkin, Minn.; Transylvania Regional Hospital Brevard, N.C. Wallowa Memorial Hospital Enterprise, Ore.; and  West River Regional Medical Center Hettinger, N.D.

For more information on Jefferson Community Health & Life, see our website at JCHealthandLife.org.

Medicare D Enrollment Event Scheduled at JCH&L

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 Don’t make a Medicare Part D mistake

Letting your Medicare Part D drug insurance automatically roll over from year to year could cost you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in unnecessary costs. Jefferson Community Health & Life is sponsoring “Pick the Right Medicare Drug Plan” on Thursday, Oct. 25 in Fairbury.

Medicare uses competition between insurance companies to reduce the price of prescription drug insurance. Individuals with Medicare can learn how to avoid excessive prescription costs at a free enrollment event by Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). Appointments are required.  To schedule an appointment, call Lori DeBoer at Jefferson Community Health & Life at (402) 729-3351.

“Every year Medicare drug plans change prices, drugs covered, even the pharmacies where you get the biggest discount. That is why it is so important for people to compare drug plans every year between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7,” said SHIIP-certified Medicare counselor Lori DeBoer. “With open enrollment just around the corner, it is time for people to start thinking about how to get the best drug coverage at the lowest price.”

SHIIP is part of a national network funded by Medicare, which offers unbiased counseling and information about Medicare. SHIIP does not sell or promote any insurance products. For information about Medicare, contact SHIIP at (800) 234-7119.

Parkinson’s Support Group to Meet Oct. 8

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The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Monday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. in Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Small Conference Room.

The program will be a webinar, “Apathy or Depression: Which one is it?” by Dawn Bowers, Ph.D., Professor of Clinical & Health Psychology and Neurology, University of Florida.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the lobby signage to “Hospital.” The meeting rooms will be to the left. The Small Conference Room is the second door.

The Parkinson’s Support Group generally meets on the second Monday of each month.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity for area residents to share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. There is no cost for participants.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402)-729-3351.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group to Meet Oct. 22

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The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group will meet on Monday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. in Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Small Conference Room.

The program will be  “Caregiver Training: Agitation and Anxiety.” This webinar by the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care program is training for caregivers on dealing with agitation and anxiety experienced by the loved ones they care for.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the lobby signage to “Hospital.” The meeting rooms will be to the left. The Small Conference Room is the second door.

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group typically meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson Community Health & Life. It is designed for those who are caregivers and family members of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity anyone interested to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s Disease. There is no cost, and no pre-registration.

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

2018 JCH&L Golf Tourney Raises Record $13,000

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22nd annual tournament successful

FAIRBURY — The 22nd annual golf tournament to benefit Jefferson Community Health & Life was successful, raising a record $13,000.
“We are very pleased with the success of this annual event. It’s a great way for JCH&L supporters to have a good time and help provide quality health care for our community,” said Chad Jurgens, JCH&L Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s event was a record-setter, with 32 teams, 18 hole sponsors, and raising a record $13,000.”

The golf tournament, held Friday, Aug. 10 at the Fairbury Country Club, was a fund-raiser for Jefferson Community Health & Life, a 17-bed critical access hospital located in Fairbury.

Championship flight champions – High Plains Anesthesia

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First Flight Champions – Rural Sleep

Second flight champions – Barber Furniture

Winning teams were:
Champions of the championship flight were High Plains Anesthesia—Marci Gillham, Penni Mitchell, Nate Koch; second place: ConvergeOne—Dennis Ahl, Dan Reikofski, Mike Bonham; third place: The Olson Group—BJ Davis, Jeff Wallace, Stacy Albert.

In the First Flight, winners were Rural Sleep—Stacy Shumard, Brooke Schwab, Marty Paget; second place: The Three Gs—Joy Gaston, Nichole Grummert, Darin Grummert; third place: West Gate Bank—Joe Dahir, Kevin Wilhelm, Garrett Krause.

In the second Flight, winners were Barber furniture—Terry Barber, Bob Endorf, Paul Dunekacke; second place: Glen Blobaum—Glen Blobaum, Tom Beachler, Tim Diller; third place: Globe Rexall—Bob Atkins, Doug Ruzicka, Doyle Buchmeier

This year’s sponsors include:

Hole sponsors: American National Bank, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, Brown’s Medical Imaging, Bryan Health, Cerner Corporation, CHI Health—St. Elizabeth, ConvergeOne, Davis Design, High Plains Anesthesia Service, Lottman Concrete Construction, Marcotte, M&B 2 Cylinder, MedHost, Nebraska Medicine, Pathology Medical Services PC, Seim Johnson, The Olson Group, Westin Packaged Meats/Fairbury Operations.

Breakfast Sponsor: Collection Associates

Lunch Sponsors: Gill Insurance Services, Inc., Plymouth Electric, Concordance/Kreiser

Contributing Sponsors: Beckenhauer Construction, HCIS MediBill, MedHost, Prairie Health Ventures, Stewart Lawn Care, Thrivent, UNICO

Raffle Prize Sponsors: The Olson Group, Golf bag; Barber Furniture Company —Rustic Clock; Nebraska Healthcare Association, Moscow Mule Basket; Casey’s General Store, $50 gift card; Don Sutton Club Repair, Driver; Sims Florist and Gifts, Decorative sign; JCH&L, Garden tool

Other Sponsors: Precision Signs & Graphics LLC, signage; Ray’s Applemarket, treats on the course; Fairbury Country Club; Kettlehut Real Estate, sound system
Flag Prize and Door Prize Sponsors: ByteSpeed; Cerner Corporation; Credit Management; Directions EAP; Eakes; First National Bank of Fairbury; Jefferson Community Health & Life; Nebraska Community Bloodbank; Nebraska Hospital Association; Schwarz Paper; Walmart #418—Fairbury

Teams: American National Bank, Avadyne, Barber Furniture Co., Glen Blobaum, Blobaum & Busboom PC, Cerner Community Works, CHI—St. Elizabeth’s, ConvergeOne, Davis Design, Den’s Meat Distributing, Diode Technologies, Edward Jones, Fairbury Dental Associates/Dr. Jack Wesch, Gerdes Meyer, Globe Rexall, High Plains Anesthesia Associates, Lottman Concrete Construction (2 teams), M & B 2 Cylinder, MCA, Marcotte, MedHost, Nebraska Hospital Association, PVI, Rural Sleep Solutions, Ron Sasse, The Olson Group, The 3 Gs , Bill Welch, West Gate Bank, Westin Packaged Meats (2 teams)

“We especially want to thank our sponsors, donors, golf teams and volunteers. It wouldn’t have been a successful event if we didn’t have such great support from our community, our peers, and companies we work with regularly,” Jurgens said.

Parkinson’s Support Group to Meet Sept. 10

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The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Monday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. in Jefferson Community Health & Life’s Small Conference Room.

The program will be a webinar Dealing with Dementia in Parkinson’s Disease, a webinar by Jennifer G. Goldman, M.D., M.S., Associate Professor Section of Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurological Sciences, PDF Research Center at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the lobby signage to “Hospital.” The meeting rooms will be to the left. The Small Conference Room is the second door.

The Parkinson’s Support Group generally meets on the second Monday of each month.

The group is designed to provide an opportunity for area residents to share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. There is no cost for participants.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402)-729-3351.

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