Community Gifts Push RMC Closer to $500K Endowment Goal

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is closing in on its $500,000 Endowment Fund goal, with the fund currently sitting at $345,970.07. To celebrate this progress, RMC is highlighting two recent examples of inspiring community generosity.

First, a generous $15,000 gift was made in memory of Kathy Otting, a beloved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who provided compassionate inpatient care at RMC for over 37 years. To honor Kathy, her family chose to divide their gift, creating a dual legacy of support. $7,500 went to the RMC Auxiliary’s Tree of Lights for student healthcare scholarships and $7,500 was dedicated to the RMC Endowment Fund.

Additionally, the Manchester Masonic Lodge contributed $5,000 to the Endowment Fund to help ensure RMC remains a strong healthcare provider for generations to come.

Gifts to the Endowment Fund focus on long-term financial stability. When you donate to the Endowment, the principal amount remains intact (never spent), while the investment income it generates is available to support RMC’s ongoing needs.

Major supporters donating $1,000 or more qualify for recognition on RMC’s Giving Wall inside River Ridge Pavilion or room naming opportunities to further honor or memorialize a loved one.

Looking to make a lasting impact? Join the Manchester Masonic Lodge and the Otting family in saving for RMC’s future and helping reach the $500,000 goal by:

Regional Medical Center, ATTN: Donations, PO Box 359, Manchester, IA 52057

For questions or more information, please contact Valerie Lindsay, Volunteer and Fund Development Manager, at 563-927-7534 or donations@regmedct.org

The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Obstetrics (OB) department in Manchester, Iowa, is pleased to highlight its range of OB-related and parenting courses. Led by a team of skilled OB nurses, these classes are designed to support first-time parents as well as those seeking a refresher in childbirth education.

Aimed at preparing parents for everything from labor and delivery to newborn care, all OB classes at RMC are provided free of charge. While most education is delivered in a group setting, personalized one-on-one sessions are available upon request.

Available courses include:

“It has been a wonderful experience to provide a safe and comfortable space for expecting families to get the education they need for their next chapter,” says Jessi Helmrich, Prepared Childbirth Instructor and OB RN. “Our goal is for everyone  to feel prepared and at ease as they approach the birth of their child.” Registration is currently open for courses through the rest of the year. For more information or to enroll, please visit regmedctr.org/obclasses or call the RMC OB team at 563-927-7318.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is proud to announce that the RMC Wound Clinic has been awarded the prestigious Center of Distinction Award and the Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Clinical Excellence Award by Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. 

The RMC Wound Clinic in Manchester, Iowa is a member of the Healogics network of nearly 600 Wound Care Centers® and offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, and other chronic wounds. They are recognized for their outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent. 

This team also scored in the top 10 percent of eligible Healogics® Wound Care Centers® on the Clinical Excellence measure. “This recognition is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication demonstrated by our entire team,” shared Dana Mormann, RMC Wound Clinic Provider. “We are all thankful for the recognition and will strive to continue to provide excellent wound care for our community.”

The RMC Wound Clinic specializes in treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds.Call 563-927-7511or visit regmedctr.org/wound to learn more.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) is proud to be named the official Delaware County hub for the Dubuque County Visiting Nurse Association’s (VNA) free prenatal vitamin program. This initiative aims to remove barriers to essential prenatal care and support the long-term health of families throughout the community.

The program provides prenatal vitamins to anyone of childbearing age, completely free of charge.

To ensure the program is accessible to everyone who needs it, the screening process is entirely confidential. No personal information, such as name, age, or address, is required. Recipients will only be asked to identify which category they fall into: currently pregnant, within one year of postpartum, or childbearing age.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this vital resource to Delaware County,” said Kristin Drabek, RMC PAT Director. “Proper nutrition before, during, and after pregnancy is foundational to a child’s development and a parent’s well-being. By removing financial barriers, we hope to make it easy for individuals in our community to get the nutritional support they deserve.”

How to Access the Program:

Vitamins can be picked up through two convenient methods, with no appointments necessary:

  1. Walk-Ins Welcome: Individuals can visit the RMC East Office Building (613 W Main St. Manchester, IA), Monday-Friday between 8AM-4:30PM.
  2. In-Clinic Delivery: If a patient is already at Regional Family Health (RFH) or RMC for an existing appointment, they can simply call the PAT office (563-927-7685), and a staff member will deliver the vitamins directly to them during their visit.

For questions or more information about the free prenatal vitamin program, please contact RMC Parents as Teachers at 563-927-7685 or visit regmedctr.org/services-offered

Throughout June, Delaware County Public Health (DCPH) will observe National Safety Month to increase awareness regarding road safety, workplace hazards, personal health, and the prevention of falls.

This annual initiative focuses on four key areas:

  1. Workplace Safety: Implementing strategies and tools to prevent injuries and deaths, ensuring employee and community protection.
  2. Road Safety: Reducing traffic accidents by adhering to safe driving rules.
  3. Holistic Health: Encouraging the use of local resources to improve physical, emotional, and mental health.
  4. Fall Prevention: Minimizing the risk of slips and trips at home, in public settings or at the workplace.

“National Safety Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of education and preparedness for the safety of ourselves and the community,” states DCPH Administrator, Krysle DeShaw. “We can foster a safer and healthier Delaware County by focusing on key areas like road safety, workplace hazards, personal health, and fall prevention.”

To take part in National Safety Month, DCPH suggests the following actions:

  • Consult with your employer regarding workplace safety protocols to stay informed.
  • Commit to and promote safe driving habits.
  • Address your general well-being by booking an appointment with your primary care provider.
  • Identify potential fall hazards in the locations you go to most often.

Prioritizing safety education is an accessible way to support yourself, your community, and future generations.For more information on National Safety Month, visit nrc.org/resources.

The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Auxiliary is thrilled to announce three area students as recipients of $1,000 scholarships each.

Alexander Kerper, 2026 graduate of Beckman Catholic High School, will be attending the University of Iowa to study Biology with the goal of becoming a medical researcher. Alexander wants to make an impact on people’s lives, helping through clinical work, disease treatment and improving human health.

Kirstyn Kolbet, 2025 graduate of West Delaware High School and Mount Mercy University student since 2025, will continue at Mount Mercy University in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Kirstyn aspires to become an OR or ER Nurse as she understands the profound impact a nurse has on the clinical outcome and emotional well-being of those in their care. In addition to being a student, she currently works in RMC’s Laboratory as a Medical Lab Assistant.

Christopher La Rosa, 2020 graduate of West Delaware High School and current EMT at RMC, is working toward becoming a Paramedic at the University of Iowa and will attend the University of Dubuque Physician Assistant School Program. As a Physician Assistant, Christopher’s personal goal is not only to diagnose and treat illnesses but also to actively discuss lifestyle and treatment plans with his patients.

The Auxiliary awards the annual scholarships to area residents pursuing an education at an Iowa college in a human health-related field. Scholarship funds are made available through memorials and donations to the Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Tree of Lights.

If you would like more information regarding the Tree of Lights or would like to donate towards our scholarship fund, visit regmedctr.org/treeoflights or contact Valerie Lindsay, Volunteer Services and Fund Development Manager, at vlindsay@regmedctr.org or 563-927-7534.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) has opened registration for its newly expanded summer career exploration program, “Scrubs Camp,” scheduled to take place on Monday, July 27th and Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 from 8:30AM-3PM.

Moving away from the nursing-only focus of previous years, this year’s two-day camp offers an all-access pass to the multiple areas of the hospital. Current high school students and those who just finished 8th grade will explore a wide variety of both clinical and non-clinical healthcare careers. 

“Healthcare is a team sport,” shared Amanda Hoisington, RMC Human Resources. “It takes a network of healthcare professionals to save lives every day. Scrubs Camp gives students a hands-on look at multiple career paths so they can find the path that fits them best.” 

What to Expect:

  • Hand-on-Activites: Practice clinical skills and the use of actual tools RMC teams use every day.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Step past the “staff only” signs to explore areas of the hospital you’ve never seen.
  • (Optional) Real World Shadowing: Camp participants will gain the opportunity to schedule a real-world, individual job shadow in their specific area of interest after camp concludes. 

Registration Details:

The camp fee is $25, due on the first day of camp (financial assistance is available). Because space is limited, students are encouraged to apply before summer break begins.

  • Application Deadline: Friday, June 26, 2026
  • Application Notifications: Sent out prior to July 3, 2026

To learn more about this program or to complete a student application, please visit regmedctr.org/scrubscamp or contact the Human Resources team directly at 563-927-7578.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) is encouraging local families to head outside, highlighting evidence that nature is essential for a child’s health and development. Whether it’s a backyard, a local park, or a neighborhood sidewalk, playing outdoors offers benefits that indoor play cannot match.

Research shows that children who spend time in nature are:

  • Physically Healthier: They move more, have stronger motor skills, and get essential Vitamin D from the sun. Outdoor play also lowers the risk of nearsightedness and obesity. 
  • Better Learners: Nature sparks curiosity and creativity. Kids who explore the outdoors often show better focus and improved learning results in school.
  • Happier & Calmer: Spending time in green spaces reduces stress, anger, and aggression. It also helps children improve impulse control and reduces symptoms of ADHD.
  • Future Protectors: Kids who love nature grow up to be adults who take care of the planet.

You don’t need a national park experience to gain the benefits of playing outdoors. RMC PAT suggest these simple ideas for daily outdoor time:

  • Nature Scavenger Hunt: Look for three different types of leaves, a smooth stone, or a specific bird.
  • Neighborhood Walks: Turn a simple stroll into an adventure by talking about the colors or sounds you notice.
  • Picnic Anywhere: Take a regular meal or snack outside to the porch or a patch of grass.
  • Outdoor Storytime: Bring your child’s favorite books to read under a tree.
  • Sidewalk Art: Use chalk to draw, practice letters, or create an obstacle course to jump through.

Parents as Teachers wish all families a safe, healthy, and wonderful summer filled with outdoor adventure! For more information about RMC PAT, visit regmedctr.org/pat

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is hosting a community blood drive with LifeServe Blood Center on Thursday, June 4th from 12-5PM in RMC Veterans Education Center during LifeServe’s “Blood Donor Day.”

The summer months often bring an increased demand for blood due to higher travel rates and outdoor activities. “We see a decrease in donations during the summer when schools are out, yet the need often increases around holidays like Memorial Day,” explained Venita Minicozzi, RMC Lab Manager. 

To honor those who give, every donor at the RMC June 4th blood drive will receive a free shirt and be automatically entered into a weekly prize giveaway.

“It’s going to be a fun day of giving back,” shared Keirra McFadden, LifeServe Representative. “We encourage everyone to come out and bring a friend to help save lives in your community.”

RMC Blood Drive (LifeServe):

  • Thursday, June 4, 2026
  • 12-5PM
  • RMC Veterans Education 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: Sarah Kleis (RMC Lab) Donating Blood

Delaware County Public Health (DCPH) is reminding residents to take precautions after an increase in reported animal bites throughout the county. While not all bites result in rabies exposure, every bite should be taken seriously and evaluated promptly. 

Rabies is a fatal viral infection transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals via scratches or bites. While the virus is deadly if untreated, it is preventable through prompt medical intervention following exposure. To mitigate the risk of transmission, residents are urged to:

  • Ensure pets are fully vaccinated to protect the animals against rabies, their owners, and the broader community.
  • Report the bite to local law enforcement. 
  • Avoid any contact with stray animals.
  • Wash animal bites or scratches immediately with soap and water.
  • Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you need exposure treatment. 

Animals Most Commonly Associated with Rabies

In the United States, rabies is most often found in wild animals such as:

  • Bats
  • Raccoons
  • Skunks
  • Foxes

Domestic animals, including dogs and cats, can also become infected if they are not properly vaccinated. “There is a misconception that rabies does not affect Delaware County,” shared DeShaw. “That is simply not true. Rabies is a very serious threat, and it is vital that everyone takes steps to protect themselves and others.”

For additional guidance or information, please contact Delaware County Public Health at 563-927-7551.

Giving on Great Give Day is a powerful way to support local nonprofits in our community. Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester is taking part in this 24-hour, online giving day on Wednesday, May 20th. All funds raised will go directly to RMC’s Endowment Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

The RMC Endowment Fund is vital to the long-term financial stability of our local healthcare system. A gift to this fund grows for years, providing resources for generations to come. Unlike traditional donations, the benefits of an Endowment Fund never decline; the principal amount donated remains intact, creating a lasting legacy for donors, their families, and all community members.

“Our community has helped us grow our Endowment Fund to just under $325,000 to date,” shared Valerie Lindsay, Volunteer Services and Fund Development Manager. “Donors make such an impact on our local, non-profit hospital. By supporting RMC on Great Give Day, you are supporting our mission of keeping excellent healthcare close to home. We genuinely appreciate everyone’s support.”

Great Give Day is hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. In addition to supporting the mission of RMC, gifts made on this specific day have an even greater impact thanks to the “Bonus Prize Pool.” This pool is made possible by local business sponsors providing thousands of dollars in funds and hourly prizes. These incentives allow RMC to win extra cash for having the most donors or dollars raised in a specific window, maximizing the value of every dollar contributed.

Beginning Monday, May 18th, donations can be made online at regmedctr.org/greatgiveday. To maximize the impact of your contribution, visit www.greatgiveday.org/p/prizes to see the prize schedule. If you donate online during specific times on Wednesday, May 20, RMC will be eligible for hourly and grand prizes. 

Thank you for your support of Regional Medical Center. If you have any questions, please contact Valerie Lindsay, Volunteer Services and Fund Development Manager at 563-927-7534 or vlindsay@regmedctr.org.

On Thursday, May 7th, the halls of Regional Medical Center (RMC) were filled with shades of green as staff participated in “Wear Green Day.” This visual display of support was held in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, serving as a reminder that mental health is an essential part of overall well-being. 

The color green is the international symbol for mental health awareness, representing hope and new beginnings. This year, RMC is aligning with the national theme, “More Good Days, Together,” which encourages the community to reflect on what a “good day” looks like and how we can support one another in achieving them.

“Seeing our staff come together in green is a powerful reminder that no one has to navigate their mental health journey alone,” shared Bruce Gregory, Regional Family Health Behavioral Services Therapist. “By wearing green, we are breaking the silence and letting our community know that support is available.” 

RMC continues to offer specialized programs to ensure community members have “more good days”:

  • Senior Life Solutions: An intensive outpatient group therapy program tailored for adults typically 65 and older. This program helps seniors manage life transitions, grief, or symptoms of depression and anxiety in a supportive, group-based environment. 
  • Regional Family Health Behavioral Services: Providing comprehensive counseling for children, adolescents, adults and families. Their team of professionals treat a wide range of concerns including ADHD, trauma, life stressors and so much more. 

While “Wear Green Day” has concluded, the commitment to mental health continues through the year. Find mental health support and resources at regmedctr.org/mentalhealth. For further information regarding RMC Senior Life Solutions, please go to regmedctr.org/sls or contact 563-927-7560. To reach RFH Behavioral Services, call 563-927-7994 or visit regmedctr.org/behavioralservices.

Pictured Left to Right: Justin Cooke, Vicki Lindauer, Michaela Saunders, Bridget Baker, Bruce Gregory, Emma Bird, Carol Ryan