Regional Medical Center Unites in Teal and Purple for World Suicide Prevention Day

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, team members across Regional Medical Center (RMC) dressed in teal and purple to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. 

Teal and purple are the official colors for suicide prevention and crisis awareness. By wearing these colors, RMC team members sent a clear, visible message to patients and community members alike: you are not alone, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. 

How can you help? By recognizing warning signs – such as severe mood shifts, withdrawal from loved ones, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or talking about being a burden – you can help friends and family step in before a crisis escalates. 

“Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and prevention starts with open, honest conversations,” said Emma Bird, RMC Senior Life Solutions Progam Director. “Wearing teal and purple is our way of showing that RMC is a safe space to seek help.”

While suicide prevention is a vital effort for all ages, RMC offers specialzed care to support for older adults through their Senior Life Solutions program. The program offers intensive outpatient therapy to help seniors regain their emotional well-being and quality of life. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in a crisis, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. To learn more about local mental health support, including RMC’s Senior Life Solutions program call 563-927-7560 or visit regmedctr.org/mentalhealthresources.

Pictured: Macie Miller & Emma Bird

As the school year approaches, Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) recommends families refresh their daily schedules to reduce chaos and help children thrive through predictable, consistent routines. Children feel safe and secure when they know what to expect, and parents gain confidence through predictable responses and clear follow-through. 

PAT outlines how routines support development at every age:

  • Infants: Early routines for feeding, naps, and bedtime help infants recognize patterns and build foundational trust with caregivers.
  • Toddlers: Predictable schedules reduce power struggles, helping toddlers understand expectations, regulate emotions and cooperate.
  • Preschoolers: Morning, mealtime and bedtime habits build confidence as children practice important self-help skills independently.
  • School-Aged Children: Reliable sleep schedules and organized mornings reduce stress, creating structure that helps kids focus in the classroom.

Revisiting family routines now can create a smoother transition for the school year ahead and sets children up for long-term emotional and academic success.

PAT wishes everyone a great school year! If you could use extra support with your child’s development and school readiness, refer yourself or learn more about our program at regmedctr.org/pat.  

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is hosting a community blood drive with LifeServe Blood Center on Tuesday, September 29th from 12-5PM in the RMC Bob Holtz Conference Center

During the month of September, LifeServe blood drive centers are honoring pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease patients and their families. Blood transfusions play a vital role in supporting many of these young patients throughout their medical treatments. Blood donations bring hope, healing and strength to the youngest fighters in our community. 

“This month, your donation could go directly to a child battling sickle cell or cancer,” shared Venita Minnicozzi, RMC Lab Manager. “Giving back on this day carries great significance, and we invite the whole community to join in and offer their support,” emphasized LifeServe representative, Keirra McFadden. 

RMC Blood Drive (LifeServe):

  • Tuesday, September 29, 2026
  • 12-5PM
  • RMC Bob Holtz Conference Center (Level 3)

To schedule an appointment visit regmedctr.org/blood or call 1-800-287-4903. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcomed.

Pictured: Jessi Bahls, Community Blood Donor

Delaware County Public Health (DCPH) is encouraging residents to be aware of measles activity occurring in parts of Iowa and to take steps to protect themselves, their families and their communities.

At this time, there are no confirmed measles cases in Delaware County. However, Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) is currently responding to a measles outbreak in southern Iowa. As of August 24, Iowa HHS reported 17 confirmed measles cases in 2026, with evidence of person-to-person spread. 

“While measles has not been identified in our county, we want residents to be aware and prepared,” said Krystle DeShaw, DCPH Administrator. “Measles is highly contagious, and prevention is key. Knowing your vaccination status and recognizing symptoms can help protect you, your family and those who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.”

What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, followed by a rash that generally begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. 

Vaccination is the best protection. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection against measles.Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles. 

Residents are encouraged to:

  • Check their vaccination records to make sure they are up-to-date.
  • Talk with their healthcare provider or local public health department if they are unsure whether they are protected.
  • Pay attention to current measles activity and potential exposure locations identified by Iowa HHS.
  • Know the symptoms of measles and seek medical guidance if symptoms develop following a potential exposure.

If you believe you have been exposed to measles and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider before going to the clinic or emergency department. Calling ahead allows healthcare personnel to take precautions to protect patients and staff. 

Delaware County Public Health will continue to monitor measles activity and work with Iowa HHS and local healthcare partners to keep residents informed. Prevention starts with awareness. Know your status. Know the symptoms. Stay protected.

For the latest information regarding measles activity and potential exposure locations in Iowa, visit hhs.iowa.gov/measles. For more information, contact DCPH at 563-927-7551.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester has been recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) with a 5-star rating in the overall hospital category on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey.

Recently highlighted in a national report by Becker’s Hospital Review, RMC is one of only 9 hospitals in Iowa to achieve 5 stars in this specific measure. 

The 5-star distinction reflects feedback asking patients to rate their hospital stay on a scale from 0 (worst possible) to 10 (best possible). Hospitals receiving 5 stars in this category earned exceptional ratings from patients scoring their stay a 9 or 10. 

“Patient feedback is the ultimate measure of our care,” shared Danette Kramer, RMC CEO. “Knowing our patients consistently rate their stay as a 9 or 10 shows that our teams are delivering compassionate, quality care that makes a lasting impression.”

The HCAHPS survey is a national, standardized tool used by CMS to evaluate care quality from the patient’s perspective across various categories, including communication, hospital environment and overall stay satisfaction.

Regional Family Health (RFH) and Delaware County Public Health (DCPH) are partnering to host local flu shot clinics to protect the community this season. Annual vaccination remains the most effective way to safeguard yourself and others against the influenza virus.

Flu shots are available at no cost with a Medicare card and are covered by most insurance providers. All RFH and DCPH clinics are walk-in only; no appointments are required.

Regional Family Health in Manchester will host walk-in clinics throughout the month of October on Wednesdays from 4-6PM and Saturdays from 8AM-12PM. If you have questions or these times do not fit your schedule, please call 563-927-7777 to schedule an appointment during regular clinic hours.

Delaware County Public Health will offer additional walk-in clinics across the county. A full schedule of dates and locations are available at regmedctr.org/flushots. For more information, please call 563-927-7551.

“I never would have thought that the end would be so graceful and memorable. We are all sitting here so grateful that RMC took care of Mike in his final days.”

Known by his family as fiercely independent and beautifully stubborn, Manchester native Mike Peyton spent most of his life avoiding doctors and hospital visits. Yet, in his final days, the lifelong skeptic underwent a complete transformation, becoming one of Regional Medical Center’s (RMC) most passionate local advocates.

Following a lung cancer diagnosis, emergency complications late in Mike’s illness brought him to RMC’s Emergency Department. Upon being admitted to the Med-Surg inpatient floor, Mike formed a deep, personal connection with his care team – particularly nurse Jen Janssen. Known for showing affection through lighthearted teasing, Mike met his match in Janssen, who returned his humor in kind and built an “empathetically direct” partnership grounded in trust.

“In a world of screens and AI, the human component we had here was incredible. It was just very human,” said Mike’s son, Mitch Peyton. “The care wasn’t just for Dad, it was for all of us. He would never have received this level of care anywhere else,” added his daughter, Molly Brouillette.

Over a poignant final weekend, RMC staff accommodated more than 25 family members and friends who stayed around the clock in Mike’s room, with nurses carefully navigating around grandchildren sleeping on the floor to check on him. When discussing where to direct memorial funds, Mike gestured to the nursing staff. “This is a good place to give it,” Mike told his son, Ryan Peyton. “I want it to go to the people that took such good care of my family.” 

“I never would have thought that the end would be so graceful and memorable,” said Mike’s wife, Deb Peyton. “We are all sitting here so grateful that RMC took care of Mike in his final days.”

In honor of his final wishes, the family established The Village Legacy Fund at RMC to support the local healthcare workers who cared for them. To read the full Peyton family story, visit regmedctr.org/stayconnected to view the 2026 RMConnection edition.  

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is honored to welcome Claire Mundell, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C to the RMC Specialty Clinic in Manchester. Mundell will be providing services for infections and disorders of the ear, nose and throat (ENT)

Mundell is a visiting ENT specialist from Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, P.C. (PCI) in Cedar Rapids with special interests in preventative care, patient education, treatment plan development, health promotion and chronic disease management. Mundell will provide compassionate and result-driven patient care right here in Manchester for care closer to home.

“We are thrilled to welcome Claire Mundell to the RMC Specialty Clinic,” shared Kendra Downs, Specialty Clinic Manager, “Her expertise in ENT services and commitment to compassionate care make her a wonderful addition to our team and a valuable resource for our patients.”

Talk to your healthcare provider about being referred to the RMC Specialty Clinic. To learn more, visit regmedctr.org/ent or contact PCI ENT to schedule an appointment at 319-399-2022.

“The RMC team made me feel incredibly supported and comfortable. The nurses truly knew what they were doing, guiding me through labor positions and providing constant encouragement. It felt more like a relaxing hotel stay than a hospital stay.”

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester is recognizing two local families whose financial contributions, totaling over $52,000, highlight how community members can support hometown healthcare through estate giving and department-specific donations

Estate Giving: Joyce Hansel’s Lasting Legacy

Manchester native Joyce Hansel spent years caring for her aging parents, during which she experienced RMC’s exceptional care firsthand. To ensure the hospital’s vital work continues for future generations, Joyce designated a $42,248.42 estate gift to RMC. Planned gifts allow individuals to create a lasting legacy through wills or estate plans, ensuring long-term strength for local healthcare.

Department-Specific Memorial: The Thole Family Honors Exceptional Care

Following the loss of lifelong RMC supporters Ernie and Marge Thole, their family honored their memory and wishes with a $10,000 gift to RMC’s Emergency Department. The family selected the department to recognize both the top-notch medical treatment and the extraordinary compassion shown by staff during their time of grief.

“After our loss, we never felt rushed,” shared the Thole family. “We were cared for as much as our parents had been, receiving big hugs and comfort.”

Targeted memorial gifts allow donors to express gratitude and directly equip specific departments to care for future patients.

“We’re so grateful for the incredible generosity of the Hansel and Thole families,” shared Valerie Lindsay, RMC Volunteer Services & Fund Development Manager. “Gifts like these mean the world to us–they show just how much our community trusts RMC to be here for them when it matters most.”

Community members can support RMC through several flexible giving options. To learn more, visit regmedctr.org/donate or contact Valerie Lindsay at 563-927-7534 or donations@regmedctr.org

Regional Medical Center (RMC) and the Good Neighbor Society invite local senior citizens and their caregivers to their annual “Senior Wellness Fair”. This free event will take place on Thursday, September 24th, from 11AM to 1PM at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Manchester.

Participants can connect with local vendors to discover healthcare services available within the community, enjoy complimentary giveaways, and pick up a light to-go lunch. Attendees also have the opportunity to receive immunizations, such as flu shots and the COVID-19 vaccine, provided by Delaware County Public Health (DCPH) and Brehme Drug. Attendees must bring their Medicare or insurance card if planning to get vaccinated at the event.

Registration is not required for this free event. Both RMC and the Good Neighbor Society look forward to welcoming you. For any inquiries, please get in touch with Abbey Klostermann at 563-927-7782 or Jessie Tibbott at 563-927-3907.

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