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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention moth. There is so much importance in providing a strong environment in which a child can depend on. 

Unfortunately, in some situations, a negative and toxic environment for children is a reality. This type of environment can have a negative effect on a child’s behavior, health and cognitive development. Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) recognizes the importance of cultivating a positive childhood experience for not only children, but for the good of the entire community. 

“Here at Parents as Teachers we strive to educate and support parent-child interactions through reading, constructive play and so much more,” shares Kristi Hoefer, RMC Parents as Teachers Supervisor. “We all can play a role in promoting a healthy child environment.”

Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Iowa is a nonprofit organization that seeks to ensure parents receive the social support, child care and education they need to support their children. Delaware County’s PCA is a local group that focuses on that same initiative. Their mission is to help children within Delaware County grow up in an environment where they feel safe, nurtured, supported and stable. 

For more information or to speak with a Parents as Teachers educator at RMC, call 563-927-7685.

Pictured: Attendees at the 2024 PAT “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” Event 

The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Auxiliary hosted their annual Spring Luncheon on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. During the luncheon, Pat Blakesley was recognized with the Bright Star Award for her dedication and commitment to Auxiliary. 

This award is presented annually to an Auxiliary member who has shown outstanding generosity and kindness of spirit. Pat has been part of the Executive Board and chairperson of the Auxiliary Scholarship Committee since December of 2014. 

Over the years, Pat expressed that the best thing about being on the Board is having the opportunity to utilize Auxiliary monies to assist the hospital in obtaining beneficial equipment. In addition, she has had a front row seat to see the growth of the annual Auxiliary scholarships that are awarded to three local students seeking an education in human healthcare. 

“On behalf of the RMC Auxiliary, we express our gratitude to Pat for being a Bright Star for the Auxiliary by giving her time and talent for the betterment of Regional Medical Center patients, families, services and facilities,” shared Charlotte Emerson, RMC Auxiliary President. Want to learn more about the Auxiliary and how to get involved? Contact Valerie Lindsay at 563-927-7534 or vlindsay@regmedctr.org.

Pictured: Pat Blakesley, 2024 Bright Star Award Recipient 

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester will be holding a Lab Camp, “Without the Lab, They’re Only Guessing!” for students aged 14-18 who have completed 8th grade.

The program will be offered June 10-13 from 9AM-2PM. Students must be available to meet each day for the entire time. Class size is limited. The cost is $25 per student, payable on the first day of camp. Students should bring sack lunches or they can purchase lunch from our public cafeteria. Applications are due by May 13th. Visit regmedctr.org/labcamp to apply for RMC’s Lab Career Camp.

Lab Camp offers many fun activities such as interacting with a simulation manikin, learning routine laboratory techniques, differentiation of blood cells, staining bacteria and collecting culture samples, learning blood types and how to match that blood type to give blood to a patient, how to perform routine urinalysis procedures and even the lab’s role in determining the culprit in a mock crime scene investigation.

“We are excited to hold Lab Camp for a 2nd year!. Last year’s Lab Camp was a huge success and the students all had a ton of fun,” said Ann Wilson-Grant, Lab Manager. “By providing this opportunity, we hope to show more students that the Lab is important to the hospital and our community while also inspiring them to pursue a laboratory career.”

Measles is NOT just a little rash. Measles can be very dangerous, especially for babies and young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control:

  • About 1 out of 5 people who get measles will be hospitalized
  • 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling due to infection (encephalitis), which may lead to brain damage
  • 1 to 3 out of 1,000 people with measles will die, even with the best care

As of April 4, according to the Iowa Health and Human Services, a total of 133 measles cases have been reported in 18 states. These numbers are very alarming as the current number of cases is more than the entire year of 2023. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.

Measles symptoms typically include a high fever (may spike to 104°F or higher); cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; and a rash which breaks out 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. Symptoms present 7-14 days after a measles infection.

Help protect your child. Call your healthcare provider today to make sure they are up to date with their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. People are still encouraged to get vaccinated if they have not received a measles vaccine. Children are recommended to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first at 12-15 months of age and again between 4-6 years. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. Learn more at cdc.gov/measles.

If you develop measles symptoms and are unvaccinated, do not go to school or work. Call your healthcare provider before going to the clinic or hospital. It is very important to call first so you are not present by others in a waiting room and possibly infecting other patients.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester will be holding a Nurse Career Camp, “Future Nurses: Next Generation of Superheroes” for students ages 14-18 who have completed 8th grade.

The week-long program will be offered July 29-August 2 from 9AM-2PM, with lunch served daily. Students must be available to meet each day for the entire time. Class size is limited. The cost is $25 per student, payable on the first day of camp. Applications are due by June 17th. Visit regmedctr.org/nursecamp to apply. 

This camp offers a unique opportunity to learn about the nursing career through interactive presentations and hands-on learning. Activities include interacting with a simulation manikin, job shadowing on various units, learning first aid and making their own first aid kit, learning how to take vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate), practicing suturing and so much more!

“It is super exciting to be able to offer the Nurse Camp again. It is a great opportunity for students to learn more about nursing,” shared Lynne Majetic, RMC Cardiac Rehab Nurse. “We hope this camp will show the local youth that healthcare careers are important and something they may want to pursue.” Apply at regmedctr.org/nursecamp.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) will be holding their annual “Women’s Night” on Wednesday, May 1st. This is a FREE event for all women in surrounding communities. Ladies are invited to stop by the Delaware County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Manchester starting at 5:30PM. The first hour of the event, attendees can enjoy each other’s company with a cash bar and free appetizers. 

At 6:40PM our speakers will take the stage. Cara Recker, Regional Family Health Dietitian, will give her presentation “Wellness Without Weight” before introducing our keynote speaker, Kathy Bresnahan. Kathy, also known as “Coach Brez” is the author of the book “The Miracle Season.” Coach Brez was the head volleyball coach at Iowa City West High School when their star player tragically died in a moped accident. Kathy will share the story of how that 2011 team persevered through a tremendous loss and beat all odds at securing a state championship. 

It’s a full circle moment as this event is only made possible because of the fundraising efforts of three local volleyball teams; Edgewood-Colesburg, Starmont and West Delaware. This event is open to all women but we personally invite survivors and fighters of breast cancer to promote women’s health and well-being. Come enjoy a free night out. No registration required. If you have any questions, please reach out to Angie Salow at 563-927-7592 or angie.salow@regmedctr.org.

The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Therapy Services department is expanding by now offering Pediatric Occupational Therapy services. 

Using a collaborative approach, our Occupational Therapist works closely with the family and healthcare providers to maximize each child’s access, independence and participation within their daily occupations. A child’s “occupations” include playing, taking care of self, learning and interacting with others. By focusing on fine motor, self-help and sensory organization skills, we hope to improve each child’s independence and quality of life.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy is available by provider referral. During the initial evaluation, our therapist will use a combination of standardized assessments, observations and interview to determine if a child could benefit from occupational therapy services. For more information please contact the Therapy Services department at 563-927-7322 or visit regmedctr.org/ot.

Pictured: Krista Briggs, OTD, OTR/L – RMC Pediatric Occupational Therapist

As we enter a new season, it’s a great time to refocus on things we can do to create healthy habits for a happy/healthier life. Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) are sharing the eight strategies for a healthy spring brought to you by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Move More, Sit Less. Keeping active on a regular basis helps to improve everyone’s overall health, fitness and quality of life. Eat Healthy Foods. Introduce healthy food choices into your meals. Try adding an array of colors to your plate and think of it as “eating the rainbow.” Rethink Your Drink. Water is always the healthiest choice when it comes to selecting your beverage. Remember to stay hydrated as those temperatures begin to increase. Get Enough Sleep. Establish a routine by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Getting enough sleep has so many positive health benefits. Be Sun Safe. As it becomes more enjoyable to spend time outdoors, don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun. Don’t forget to lather that sunscreen on and find shade. Brush Your Teeth. Oral health is important for overall health. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Quit Smoking. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free support to quit smoking. Learn Your Health History. Talk to your primary care provider about your family health history. 

As a parent or legal guardian, it’s important to focus on making these eight strategies a habit in your life. By creating personal healthy habits, you are directly affecting the health and wellness of your child(ren). Start the spring season with healthy habits in mind. 

To learn more about the RMC Parents as Teachers program, visit regmedctr.org/pat or call our team at 563-927-7685.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) Governing Board member Bev Preussner was again recognized for achieving the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) Hospital Board Certification. Bev has maintained this certification since 2012.

This certification was designed to help hospitals use governance best practices, promote the coordination of care and make the best use of resources. Bev’s commitment to maintaining this certification exhibits her dedication to RMC’s governing performance. Bev, along with additional members of the class of certified trustees, were honored at the Iowa Hospital Association Governance Forum on Tuesday, March 5th. 

Bev Preussner’s dedication to RMC is long standing. She started her career in healthcare at RMC in 1957 and continued in the nursing profession for 32 years. Since 2008, Bev has been a valued member of the RMC Governing Board of Trustees.

“We consider ourselves fortunate for the many years Bev has dedicated to RMC and our community,” shared Danette Kramer, Chief Executive Officer. “We thank Bev for her continuous commitment to learning and congratulate her on achieving this certification.”

On February 29, a Leap Year baby was born at Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa. Jamie Ingle and Eric Willenbring of New Vienna welcomed their baby boy, Drew Joseph. 

Drew was born at 1:49 am on February 29th making him a Leap Year baby, also called a “leapling.” He weighed 7 pounds, 12 oz and was 20 inches long. Along with his parents, Drew was welcomed home by his big brother, Sealey. 


“It’s very rare that we have babies on a Leap Day, so it was really exciting to be part of such a special and unique birth,” shares Michelle Radloff, Midwife. 

On behalf of Regional Medical Center, we want to thank Jamie and Eric for choosing and trusting us to deliver their new bundle of joy.

Pictured: (Left to Right) Jamie Ingle, Eric Willenbring (with baby Drew), Sealey (big brother)

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester is celebrating their medical staff throughout the entire month of March. March 30, 2024, is Medical Staff Appreciation Day, but RMC will recognize their medical staff for the entire month.

The RMC medical staff is a combination of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and CRNAs. The dedication and care that these individuals bring to RMC and our community is something to be thankful for. You are invited to take the time to thank and recognize your favorite provider(s) at RMC for all that they do. Visit regmedctr.org/thankyou and send them a personalized message and card.

Pictured: Kellie Goos, Regional Family Health Provider

The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) program has been recognized by the national Parents as Teachers office as an exemplary Blue Ribbon Affiliate.

To ensure children and families are receiving the highest quality services possible, the Parents as Teachers program developed the Quality Endorsement and Improvement Processes. To earn this endorsement, affiliates must complete a comprehensive self-study and review process that demonstrates they are meeting or exceeding the Parents as Teachers essential requirements, along with at least 80 percent of the quality standards.

The RMC PAT program has earned the Quality Endorsement and is now nationally recognized for delivering high-quality services to children and their families. Our parent educators are excited to connect with more families to help improve the overall wellness and development of their children. If you’d like to learn more about this program, reach out to the team at 563-927-7685 or patparentsasteachers@regmedctr.org.