Child Passenger Safety Week 2024

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children. Regional Medical Center’s (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) program is helping to shine a light on Child Passenger Safety Week. This is a nationally recognized week held in the third week of September.

Properly securing children in car seats is such an important step in keeping children safe when riding in motorized vehicles. Keep in mind these safety tips:

  • Children should ride in the back seat through at least age 12.
  • Set a good example. Always be consistent and wear your seat belt. Using your seat belt will strongly influence whether your child will buckle up.
  • The life of a car seat typically ranges from 6-10 years. Be sure to identify the expiration date set by the manufacturer on the seat being used (typically found on the bottom of the seat).
  • Recalls for child seat manufacturers for the past 10 years can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website (nhtsa.gov/recalls#car-seats). 
  • Air bags can save lives of older children and adults, but they can also be fatal to young children when not seated correctly (especially in the front seat). Never place a rear-facing seat in a front seat near an air bag. 
  • Always read instructions provided by the vehicle and car seat manufacturers for properly securing children in all seating positions. 

The RMC PAT team is trained and certified in car seat safety. They offer FREE car seat checks for anyone in the community. If interested, schedule an appointment by calling 563-927-7685 or email them at PATParentsasTeachers@regmedctr.org

Regional Medical Center (RMC) and the Good Neighbor Society have partnered together to host their annual “Senior Wellness Fair” on Thursday, October 3rd from 11AM to 1PM. The event will be held at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Manchester and is a free event for senior citizens and caregivers. 

Attendees will learn about healthcare services provided in our community by visiting with local vendors while enjoying music provided by KMCH Radio. There will be giveaways and a to-go lunch consisting of a handheld sandwich, chips, fruit and cookie. This event also provides attendees the opportunity to receive important immunizations including flu shots, RSV vaccine (limited supply) and the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

RMC and the Good Neighbor Society would like to personally invite senior citizens and caregivers to the Senior Wellness Fair to enjoy this free event. No registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact Abbey Dickman at 563-927-7760 or Jessie Tibbott at 563-927-3907.

Community support has helped Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester grow to be the quality healthcare system it is today.

On behalf of the entire healthcare team at RMC, please join us in thanking our Fiscal Year 2025 Sponsors (Supporter level and above) for their support of our mission. With their help, we have grown our Endowment Fund by $24,285, bringing us that much closer to our goal of growing our fund to $500,000. Growing this Endowment Fund will help provide long-term financial stability for generations to come.

  • Platinum sponsor ($5,000): Iowa Anesthesia, L.C.
  • Gold sponsor ($2,500): BankIowa; F&M Bank; Mix 94.7 KMCH; Don A. & Beverly Preussner
  • Silver sponsor ($1,000): INVISION Architecture; Lynch Roofing & Siding, Inc.; Dale & Susan Kartman; Pipe Pro, Inc.; Seedorff Masonry, Inc.
  • Bronze sponsor ($500): Citizens State Bank; Community Insurance of Iowa (Delhi & Edgewood); GNB Bank; Monaghan Financial Services, Ltd.; Smith Insurance LLC (Strawberry Point)
  • Supporter sponsor ($250): Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service; Community Savings Bank; Eide Bailly LLP; Health Enterprises; Riverbend Pub & Grill


What is an Endowment Fund? An Endowment Fund is an investment fund that helps a non-profit focus on growing and saving funds. The principal amount that is donated stays intact while the investment income or growth is available for funding use by the non-profit. RMC’s Endowment Fund is managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

If you would like to help raise money for our Endowment Fund, mail your gift made payable RMC Endowment Fund to Regional Medical Center, ATTN Donations, PO Box 359, Manchester, Iowa 52057 or go online to regmedctr.org/endowment. Please feel free to reach out to Valerie Lindsay, Marketing & Fund Development Manager at 563-927-7534 or donations@regmedctr.org if you have any questions.

“I enjoyed actually being able to help a patient with her labor. It was so beautiful. Textbooks don’t teach you how to interact with people. Thank you to all the MedSurg and OB staff. Everyone was EXTREMELY welcoming and made an effort to include me, talk to me and help me learn.”

Every year, everyone 6 months or older is recommended to get a flu shot. If you are someone who is at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu, getting your annual influenza vaccine is even more important.

How can a flu shot help you? A flu shot can help by reducing flu illnesses, visits to your doctor and missed time at school or work. It can also make symptoms of influenza less severe if you do get sick. Getting the flu vaccine can help you protect those around you who may be more vulnerable to serious flu illness such as babies, young children, older people and those with chronic health conditions.

When should you get the flu vaccine? Vaccine protection decreases over time. Due to this, influenza or flu vaccines are generally recommended in the fall as influenza illnesses tend to increase over the holiday season and into the new year.

Where can you get the flu vaccine? Flu vaccine is readily available in our communities. Contact your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment or you can find local clinics being held in Delaware County by Delaware County Public Health and Regional Family Health at regmedctr.org/flushots.

If you have any questions about the annual flu vaccine, contact your trusted primary healthcare provider or call Delaware County Public Health at 563-927-7551. Additional helpful resources are available at cdc.gov/flu.

“I didn’t realize how handy it [Home Care] would be. It couldn’t get any better.”

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize self-care to maintain both our physical and mental health. Self-care is not just about indulging in occasional luxuries. Self-care is about consistently engaging in activities that nurture our overall well-being. For older adults, self-care can play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life, fostering independence and improving mental health. 

Life transitions, such as retirement, loss of loved ones or changes in physical abilities, can bring out stress and anxiety. Practicing self-care can help manage these feelings by providing a sense of control and stability. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises or gentle yoga, can significantly reduce stress levels.

Self-care activities, like engaging in hobbies, socializing with friends and family and learning new skills, can boost mental health by providing purpose and enjoyment. These activities stimulate the brain, help prevent cognitive decline and contribute to a positive outlook on life. Social connections, in particular, are vital for emotional support and can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. 

Practicing self-care helps build emotional resilience, allowing older adults to cope better with life’s challenges. This includes setting boundaries, expressing emotions healthily and seeking help when needed. Emotional resilience enables individuals to navigate difficult situations more effectively and maintain a sense of well-being.

Regional Medical Center’s Senior Life Solutions is a hospital-based outpatient program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging or a chronic diagnosis. Anyone can make a referral to the program, including self-referrals, provider referrals or community consultations. Learn more at regmedctr.org/seniorlifesolutions or call 563-927-7560

Bev Preussner has been a valued member of the RMC Governing Board of Trustees since 2008. After over 15 years of dedicated service, Bev has stepped down from serving as a member of the RMC Governing Board. 

Bev’s contributions have left an indelible mark on our organization. Her tireless efforts and steadfast passion have played a pivotal role in shaping RMC’s success and propelling it to new heights. “We are eternally grateful for her unwavering dedication and the countless hours she has poured into our endeavors,” shared Danette Kramer, RMC CEO. “Bev’s commitment has been a beacon of inspiration for all of us at RMC, and her legacy will continue to positively impact our organization for generations to come.”

RMC is pleased to introduce John Zietlow as the newest member to the Governing Board of Trustees. Mr. Zietlow was sworn in on Monday, August 19 with his term starting immediately. 

John obtained his bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College and his Masters in Education from Northern Illinois University. He began teaching at West Delaware in the fall of 1975 where he taught 7th grade science for over 33 years and served as a middle school activities director for 20 years. In 2005, John began serving on the Maquoketa Valley Community School Board of Education where he still serves today. 

Join us in recognizing Bev Preussner for her commitment and welcoming John Zietlow to the Governing Board of Trustees at Regional Medical Center.

The start of the school year can mean going back to structured programs or school after a long break or going for the very first time. The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) want to help ease that transition by sharing a few actions parents can take to support this transition.

A new start often means lots of changes, new routines and meeting new people. Especially with young children, this transition can be scary and children will often need an ample amount of time to adjust. The first thing parents can do is to talk with their child on what they can expect. If your school allows, take them to visit their new classroom before the first day. Staying calm and reassuring will allow your child to feel safe and protected during this transition. 

Not only does this time affect the emotions of a child, but it surely can affect parents as well. It’s important to take care of yourself, as this time may cause extra stress in your life. Establishing a routine for sleep, travel, pick-up and after school activities will help both the child and parents thrive. 

Looking for more guidance on this topic? The RMC Parents as Teachers program is here for you. Contact us at 563-927-7685 or regmedctr.org/pat.

If this transition causes severe or persistent anxiety or behavioral problems, please reach out to your primary care provider

Dr. Colleen Lowe has joined the Regional Medical Center (RMC) Specialty Clinic, offering podiatry services. Dr. Lowe is a visiting podiatrist that comes to Manchester from her home office at Northeast Iowa Podiatry, PC in Waterloo. 

As humans, we are constantly using our feet. The wear and tear of daily life can cause pain, swelling and other challenges in your feet. Dr. Lowe will not only provide care within the Specialty Clinic but will also perform foot and ankle surgical services right here in Manchester. 

Colleen Lowe, DPM, played four years of collegiate softball at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree. She obtained her doctorate at Des Moines University and completed her residency at Mercy One Medical Center in Waterloo, Iowa. She is board certified in forefoot and rearfoot from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Iowa Podiatric Medical Society. 

Outside of practicing medicine, Dr. Lowe enjoys going on walks/hikes, strength training, reading and trying new places to eat. To learn more about the podiatry services Dr. Lowe offers at the RMC Specialty Clinic visit regmedctr.org/specialtyclinic or call us at 563-927-7301.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester has received a five-star patient survey rating from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey for the fifth consecutive quarter. With a five-star rating, RMC is listed as one of the best hospitals in Iowa for patient experience.

This star rating is based on 10 HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) measures which include doctor communication, nurse communication, responsiveness of hospital staff, cleanliness of the hospital, quietness of the hospital, medication communication, discharge information, care transition, overall hospital rating and willingness to recommend hospital. 

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients,” said Danette Kramer, CEO of Regional Medical Center. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the best hospitals in Iowa for patient experience, and we will continue to strive to provide our patients with the best possible care.”

Regional Medical Center is proud to maintain its commitment to excellence in patient care and looks forward to continuing to serve the community for many years to come.

Pictured: Regional Medical Center staff with their celebratory Starburst (“We are BURSTING with appreciation!”)

LEFT TO RIGHT: Morgan Jones, Jessica Helmrich, Dr. Molly Olson, Pam Winch, Sarah Hatcher

LEFT TO RIGHT: Katie Vaske Gabriella Kluesner, Alissa Holtz, McKayla Schuhmacher, Marie Mulligan

The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Specialty Clinic in Manchester, Iowa welcomes new Ophthalmology specialist, Thomas Petrie, DO. Dr. Petrie is a visiting specialist from Cedar Valley Eye Care in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. 

Thomas Petrie, DO is a board certified physician who specializes in Ophthalmology and Surgery. Dr. Petrie’s professional interests include cataract surgery, diabetic eye disease, function and cosmetic surgery of the eyelids.

Outside of practicing medicine, Dr. Petrie enjoys spending time with his family, supporting the University of Northern Iowa athletics, football, hiking, fishing and running.

The RMC Specialty Clinic is honored to have visiting eye specialists providing care here in Manchester. If you are interested in the care that Dr. Petrie provides, please contact Cedar Valley Eye Care at 319-233-2020 or visit regmedctr.org/specialtyclinic

Pictured: Dr. Thomas Petrie, Visiting Ophthalmology Specialist