St. Mary School Students Raise Over $5,400 to Fuel Early Literacy at Regional Family Health

St. Mary School in Manchester is proving that small change can create big ripples in the lives of local children. This January, in celebration of Catholic Schools Week, students participated in a spirited “Star Sack” fundraiser that combined fun with philanthropy, raising $1,400 for the “Grow With Us” program at Regional Family Health (RFH) clinics.

This recent gift builds on the school’s momentum from 2025, where a “Penny War” fundraiser brought in $4,038.48. In just two years, St. Mary families have donated a total of $5,438.48 to ensure every child aged one to six receives a free book during their annual well-child visit at RFH clinics.

“What these students have done is wonderful,” shared Michelle Paris, RFH Clinic Director. “The excitement on a child’s face when they receive a new book is priceless. We are so thankful to the St. Mary families for making a lasting difference.”

Why is this gift so important? Reading to children from a young age is crucial for development. It fosters cognitive development, improves language skills and academic performance, and helps strengthen emotional attachment. By supporting early literacy, RFH aims to advance the overall wellness of the communities we serve.

How to Help:

Community members can join the students in supporting the “Grow With Us” program by donating online at regmedctr.org/donate or mailing a gift to: Regional Medical Center, ATTN: Donations, PO Box 359, Manchester, IA 52057.

Questions? Contact Valerie Lindsay, Volunteer Services & Fund Development Manager at 563-927-7534 or donations@regmedctr.org.

In a continued effort to combat the opioid crisis and support community health, the Delaware County Opioid Committee is proud to announce the installation of two Opioid Awareness & Harm Reduction Vending Machines at two locations in Delaware County. 

These FREE vending machines provide 24/7 access to essential harm-reduction resources, including:

  • Naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses
  • Wound care supplies to reduce infection and promote safe recovery
  • Condoms to support sexual health
  • Sharps containers to ensure safe disposal of needles
  • Gun Locks for prevention of a gun firing
  • Toothbrushes for overall wellness
  • Toothpaste for overall dental wellness

“Our goal is simple: save lives, reduce harm, and meet people where they are,” said Chief Deputy Jill Knipper. “These machines remove barriers by providing free, critical supplies without judgment to help protect both individuals and the broader community.”

Resource Vending Machine Locations:

“We recognize that addiction is a complex public health issue,” said Krystle DeShaw, Delaware County Public Health Administrator. “By offering these resources openly and compassionately, we are strengthening our community’s safety net and promoting healthier outcomes for everyone.”

The Delaware County Opioid Committee encourages community members and partners to help spread awareness of the new resource locations.

A special thanks to all our community partners who are helping to provide these resources and to the Delaware County Board of Supervisors for their support with the use of the Opioid Settlement Funding of this project. Any questions regarding this public health initiative can be directed to Delaware County Public Health by calling 563-927-7551.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) and Regional Family Health (RFH) are pleased to announce the addition of Samantha Fitzgerald, MD, to the team starting April 1, 2026. Dr. Fitzgerald will serve patients at both the Manchester (Team II) and Hopkinton locations, specializing in Family Practice and Obstetrics.

A native of Springville, Iowa, Dr. Fitzgerald returns to her roots to provide comprehensive care to rural communities. “I grew up in a rural community nearby, so I have experienced the challenges and variety that rural healthcare can provide,” shared Dr. Fitzgerald. “Early in my training, I was paired with a mentor here at RMC. Through those rotations, I knew this would be a great fit and would align perfectly with my professional goals.” 

In 2022, Dr. Fitzgerald graduated from the University of Iowa. She then completed her residency in 2025 at the Sioux Falls Family Medicine Residency Program in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Her arrival brings a significant boost to RMC’s obstetric services, as she possesses specialized training to perform c-sections, further closing care gaps in local obstetric services.

Outside of practicing medicine, Dr. Fitzgerald is a retired collegiate swimmer and an avid athlete who has participated in triathlons and multiple RAGBRAI trips. She and her husband, Ryan, enjoy spending time with their two dogs, Nova and Loki. She also enjoys reading, gaming and traveling to visit her extended family in Malaysia and Singapore. 

Dr. Samantha Fitzgerald is now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about the services offered at RFH, please visit regmedctr.org/rfh or call/text 563-927-7777.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is excited to announce the return of their Laboratory Career Camp! This year, two mini camps will be offered for high school students (freshmen through seniors). These one-day camps will provide a hands-on experience for students interested in the lab field. 

The “Future of Laboratory Professionals: Without the Lab, They’re Only Guessing!” mini camps will be held on two dates:

Participants will step out of the classroom and into a hospital environment to perform real-world laboratory techniques. 

“Our goal is to introduce students to the opportunities a lab career has to offer,” shared Venita Minnicozi, RMC Lab Manager. “By letting them actually stain bacteria, type blood, and work with simulation manikins, we hope to inspire the next generation of lab professionals.” 

Registration for camp is $25 per student, which includes a camp t-shirt. To ensure an impactful experience, class sizes are limited. Applications are due by April 10th. Parents and students can find the online application and required consent forms at regmedctr.org/labcamp.

Pictured: Past Lab Camp Participants 

Regional Medical Center (RMC)’s Therapy Services has reported a significant increase in patients seeking treatment for vertigo over recent months. While the sensation of spinning can be alarming, local physical therapists are reminding the community that many forms of vertigo are highly treatable. 

“Vertigo is the sensation of spinning, even though you are still. You may feel like you are moving or that the room is moving around you,” shared Cory Kluesner, Lead Physical Therapist at RMC. “It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating and abnormal eye movements. Our goal is to help patients understand that they don’t have to just live with it.’’

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), most causes of vertigo involve the inner ear, or vestibular system. Triggers can range from inner ear infections and displaced “ear crystals” to migraines, head injuries, or more serious conditions like a stroke.

To help providers find the best treatment, RMC Therapy Services encourages patients to track their symptoms by asking: 

  • What triggers it? (turning your head, bending over, rolling in bed?)
  • How long does it last? (seconds, minutes, hours or days?)
  • Are there other symptoms? (Hearing loss, ringing, or fullness in the ears?)

Physical Therapy (PT) is a frontline treatment for dizziness. Through specific head and neck maneuvers or tailored exercises, PT can often eliminate the spinning sensation in just a few visits. 

While most vertigo is treatable through therapy, RMC Therapy Services reminds the public to seek Emergency care immediately if vertigo is accompanied by double vision, difficulty speaking, a change of alertness, arm or leg weakness, or inability to walk. 

To learn more about vertigo visit apta.org or contact RMC Therapy Services to schedule an appointment at 563-927-7322

Regional Medical Center (RMC) has the distinct honor of announcing Mary Lou Gudenkauf, LPN and Angel Martin, BSN, RN have been recognized as one of the 2026 Great Iowa Nurses.

The Great Iowa Nurses program recognizes nurses in the state of Iowa and spotlights qualities that demonstrate efforts beyond those expected of a nurse within their normal duties. The honorees are nurses who take that extra step to ensure safe, compassionate care for their patients. They also take on leadership and mentoring responsibilities, serving as role models for everyone they interact with, especially those just entering the profession. 

Mary Lou Gudenkauf, a nurse within the RMC Medical-Surgical department and Angel Martin, a nurse within the OB & Family Health department, were both recognized amongst the list of other 2026 Great Iowa Nurse honorees

A piece of Gudenkauf’s nomination reads: “Mary Lou knows even the smallest actions can mean the world to a patient and their family. She knows a few extra minutes of listening, giving a back rub, etc. can be so important to the patient’s healing and well-being.” A snippet from Martin’s nomination reads: “Angel leads by example. Her commitment to continuous improvement in patient care and developing nurses to be able to provide exceptional care has been significant to our facility’s success.” 

A virtual ceremony will occur later this year to recognize the 2026 honorees. On behalf of everyone here at RMC, we congratulate Mary Lou and Angel on this well deserved recognition and thank them for their many years of dedicated service. 

Pictured: Mary Lou Gudenkauf & Angel Martin 

“The butterfly ultrasound was very convenient. Thank you to the donors for making my life, and the doctors/midwives lives easier.”

Through the Regional Medical Center (RMC) Endowment Fund, the Butterfly iQ+ Ultrasound is now available for family practice providers to use at all Regional Family Health (RFH) clinics. 

This portable, pocket-sized ultrasound allows providers to perform immediate diagnostic imaging at the point of care. For patients like Erica Kortenkamp, who has received care in both the RFH Winthrop and Manchester locations, the addition of this device has transformed her healthcare experience. 

“Having the Butterfly ultrasound available at my appointments made it a lot more accessible,” shared Kortenkamp. “It was very convenient. It was just a little iPad with a cord so I didn’t have to go anywhere special for it. I was able to see my baby just in the regular room where they did my appointment.” 

The purchase of this equipment is a direct result of the generosity of RMC’s donors. The RMC Endowment Fund serves as a bridge between community support and medical innovation, ensuring that rural clinics remain at the forefront of modern medicine. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the donors who recognize the importance of the Endowment Fund,” shared Valerie Lindsay, Volunteer Services and Fund Development Manager. “Every gift, regardless of the size, helps us put life-saving tools into the hands of our providers. Erica’s story is a beautiful example of how donor support creates a tangible, positive impact in the lives of our patients.” 

Contributions to the RMC Endowment Fund ensure that future medical advancements remain accessible to all patients in the region. To learn more about the Endowment Fund or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit regmedctr.org/endowment or call Valerie Lindsay at 563-927-7534.

Pictured: Erica Kortenkamp with RFH Provider, Michelle Radloff

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester is excited to announce its latest community fundraising event, the RMC Gratitude Gala “A Denim & Lace Affair”. The event will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Rustic Creek Event Center in Hopkinton, Iowa.

This evening of “rugged meets refined” invites the community to trade traditional black-tie formalwear for a more comfortable, dressy-casual, denim and lace theme. The Gala aims to celebrate the hospital’s community impact while also raising essential funds for its new $30 million dollar surgery addition.

“This evening is about more than just fundraising; it’s about celebrating the dedication of our staff and the loyalty of our patients,” shares Valerie Lindsay, RMC Volunteer Services and Fund Development Manager. “Every dollar raised goes directly toward our new surgery addition, ensuring that our future includes the best possible care, close to home.”

The night is designed to be as entertaining as it is impactful:

  • 6PMSocial Hour: Kick-off the evening with a cash bar and social time.
  • 7PM │ Dinner & Dessert: A delightful meal catered by Fat Chef’s Catering and The Bread Basket, featuring Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast and Brisket along with White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie and other delicious desserts!
  • 8PM │ Live Music: Featuring Darrell, Karen & Connie.
  • Ongoing (closes at 9PM): Participate in a 50/50 cash raffle and browse a silent auction.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Secure your seats early!

  • Individual Tickets: $50
  • Reserved Table (seats 8): $375 (a savings of $25)
  • Purchase Online: regmedctr.org/gala

The Gratitude Gala is made possible through the generous support of local businesses and partners. RMC extends special recognition to our Platinum Sponsors: INVISION Architecture; Iowa Anesthesia, L.C.; Louis & Diane Koch; Leonard-Muller Funeral Home & Crematory; and Sip & Dream AirBnb, Steve & Abby Buesing, PA-C.

Regional Medical Center looks forward to welcoming friends, neighbors and partners to this one-of-a-kind celebration. Together, we can bring the vision of our new surgery addition to life and ensure high-quality care remains accessible close to home.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is pleased to welcome Emma Bird, RN, as the new Program Director of the Senior Life Solutions (SLS) program. 

Senior Life Solutions is an outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals typically aged 65 and older experiencing depression or anxiety related to life changes or associated with aging. As the program director, Emma is responsible for directing and coordinating activities for the program along with providing community education to create awareness of the program. Over the last four years, Emma has spent working as a primary care nurse within a family practice clinic. 

“When this position opened, I was excited to shift my career focus towards the senior population, specifically the mental health side of things,” shared Emma Bird, RMC SLS Program Director. “I am excited to be part of this program. Following in the footsteps of past director, Eric Lechtenberg, who has transitioned to a new program location, I look forward to meeting the people in this community and continuing mental health advocacy for our local seniors.”  

Referrals to the program can be made by anyone, including a provider, family member, yourself or another healthcare professional. If you would like to make a referral or seek additional information, please visit regmedctr.org/sls or contact the SLS team at 563-927-7560

Pictured: Emma Bird (RMC SLS Program Director) Macie Miller (SLS Patient Care Representative) 

Newborns at Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester now have access to enhanced life-saving technology thanks to a $6,180.48 donation from the RMC Auxiliary. The funds were used to purchase a NeoView+ Video Intubation System for the OB & Family Health Department.

In neonatal resuscitation, ventilation is the most critical step for a struggling infant. The NeoView+ Video Intubation System provides healthcare providers with high-definition, real-time visuals of delicate neonatal airways, allowing for safer, faster and more effective intubations in vulnerable newborns.

“Our OB team must be prepared for any delivery, regardless of gestational age,” shared Angie Strum, OB & Family Health Manager. “This state-of-the-art system ensures our team has the most advanced technology ready to care for our smallest patients. We are incredibly grateful to the Auxiliary for their continued support and dedication to the health of our community’s families.”

If you would like to join the Auxiliary’s mission and support RMC, please visit regmedctr.org/auxiliary to learn more about their work.

Gifts and donations are always accepted and can be made:

  • Online at regmedctr.org/donate
  • By Mail (payable to Regional Medical Center)
    Regional Medical Center, ATTN Donations, PO Box 359, Manchester, Iowa 52057

For any questions about the Auxiliary, making a gift or volunteering, please contact Valerie Lindsay, Volunteer Services & Fund Development Manager at 563-927-7534 or donations@regmedctr.org.

Pictured: (Front L-R) Diane Childs, Pat Becker, Charlotte Emerson, Angie Strum – RMC OB & Family Health Manager (Back L-R) Linda Dolan, Joan Wessels, Carol McWilliams, Anita Palmer

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