RMC Auxiliary Donates $3,000 for New Wellness Center Equipment

Members of the Regional Medical Center (RMC) Bob Holtz Wellness Center in Manchester are benefitting from a generous $3,000 donation from the RMC Auxiliary. The funds were used to help purchase a new True Apex Elliptical Machine.

The True Apex Elliptical offers a low-impact, full-body workout suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. Its versatile design is effective for both steady-state cardiovascular health and high-intensity interval training, supporting members in their wellness goals.

“Our Wellness Center members are really enjoying the new elliptical machine,” shared Jessi Bahls, Therapy Services Manager. “The design is much more accessible and easier to get on, and it is being used heavily every day. On behalf of all of our members and staff, thank you to the Auxiliary for everything you do for our hospital. It truly is amazing to see their impact.”

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) Charlotte Emerson, Pat Becker, Diane Childs (Back L-R) Joan Wessels, Carol McWilliams, Anita Palmer, Jessi Bahls (RMC Therapy Services Manager), Linda Dolan, Morgan Neuhaus (RMC Wellness Center)

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is pleased to announce the addition of Jessica Hein, PA-C, to its Specialty Clinic team in Manchester. Jessica is a visiting specialist from the Dermatology Clinic of Iowa in Cedar Rapids, specializing in dermatological care

Hein earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Des Moines University in 2012 and has been practicing as a dermatology specialist ever since. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants and is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates. 

“We are committed to bringing high-quality speciality care directly to our community so that our patients don’t have to travel for the services they need,” shared Kendra Downs, RMC Specialty Clinic Manager. “Adding Jessica to our team allows us to expand access to expert skin care right here in Manchester.”

Jessica joined Stacy Kirby, PA-C, also of the Dermatology Clinic of Iowa, who remains a vital member of the RMC Specialty Clinic team. Talk to your healthcare provider about being referred to the RMC Specialty Clinic. If you are interested in Dermatology care in Manchester, please contact the Dermatology Clinic of Iowa at 319-363-0474 or visit regmedctr.org/dermatology.

Pictured: Jessica Hein, Visiting Dermatology Specialist 

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is excited to announce the launch of its new online submission form for the Featured Artwork Program. This initiative invites local photographers, from hobbyists to professionals, to submit their work for a chance to be displayed within their facility and clinics.

The program focuses on capturing the natural beauty and community spirit of Northeast Iowa. By bringing local landscapes, landmarks and nature into the healthcare environment, RMC aims to create a calming and healing atmosphere for patients, visitors and guests. 

“We believe that art is a vital component of the healing process,” says Angie Salow, RMC Marketing Manager. “Our walls are more than just a gallery; they are a window to the community we serve. By transitioning to an online submission form, we hope to make it easier than ever for local talent to share their unique perspectives with us.”

Our community can now upload their photographs directly through the RMC website at regmedctr.org/submitphoto. Submissions are open year-round. 

As our hospital continues to grow and evolve, we will be adding more photographs throughout the facility. For more information about the RMC Featured Artwork Program or to view the current digital gallery of winners, please visit regmedctr.org/featuredart

The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Auxiliary has generously donated $4,000 to the hospital’s Emergency Department towards the purchase of a Hoyer Lift. This specialized equipment is designed to facilitate safer, more efficient transfers for patients moving between beds, chairs and restrooms.

By utilizing the Hoyer Lift, the Emergency Department significantly reduces the risk of strain or injury for both patients and healthcare providers. The equipment provides patients with a greater sense of security during transitions, allowing staff to focus less on the physical mechanics of the move and more on providing compassionate, bedside care.

“We are very thankful to our Auxiliary for all their unwavering support,” shared Dawn Biggs, Emergency Department Manager. “The Hoyer Lift has been a vital addition to our department, ensuring we can safeguard our patients and staff while maintaining the highest standards of care.”

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, Linda Dolan, Pat Becker, Charlotte Emerson, Dawn Biggs (RMC Emergency Department Manager); (Back L-R)Joan Wessels, Carol McWilliams, Anita Palmer

Regional Medical Center (RMC) Senior Life Solutions (SLS) is raising community awareness to help older adults defend against increasingly sophisticated phone scams. Our goal is to provide seniors with the tools to spot fraud before it happens and know what to do if they have been targeted by a scammer.

Common Red Flags:

  • Urgency: Demands for immediate action to avoid “trouble” or legal consequences.
  • Information Requests: Asking for bank details, passwords, or Medicare numbers.
  • Spoofed Numbers: Calls that appear to be from a local business or a known hospital.
  • Unbelievable Offers: Claims of winning prizes for contests you never entered.

What To Do:

  1. Hang Up: Do not engage, answer questions, or press any buttons.
  2. Protect Your Data: Never share personal details with unsolicited callers.
  3. Report Fraud: Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov to alert the Federal Trade Commission.

If you or a loved one has received a suspicious call and are unsure how to handle it, or if you are feeling overwhelmed by a recent interaction with a scammer, please reach out for support. Our mission is to support your mental health and emotional well-being, and that includes helping you feel safe and informed. Contact the RMC Senior Life Solutions team at 563-927-7560 for guidance, information, or emotional support.

Pictured: SLS Phone Scams Graphic

Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) are issuing a warning to families about the rise of counterfeit car seats. Although these low-priced “knock-offs” appear to be a bargain, they pose a life-threatening risk to children in the event of a vehicle collision. 

Counterfeit seats are frequently sold through major online marketplaces that host third-party sellers, including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Temu.

Before you secure your child in a new seat, use these tips to ensure it is compliant and safe:

  1. Examine the Labels: Legitimate seats will contain a manufacturing label with the name, model number, date of manufacture and/or expiration dates, and a warning label.
  2. Check for Missing Parts: Current U.S. car seats have a 5-point harness with straps that go over the hips and shoulders, and a chest clip.
  3. Verify Documentation: Every new car seat must include a printed instruction manual and a registration card.
  4. Register Your Seat: If you are able to successfully register your seat, it helps verify the legitimacy of the seat.
  5. Know the Risks of Third-Party Sellers: When purchasing a second-hand car seat, it makes it difficult to verify the history of the car seat or the authenticity.
  6. Buy from Reputable Sources: When possible, purchase directly from established retailers or the manufacturer’s official website.

RMC Parents as Teachers (PAT) offer professional car seat installations and safety checkups through community events or private appointments. Our technicians can help you verify if your seat is authentic and ensure it is installed correctly.

For more information on car seat best practices or to schedule a checkup, please visit regmedctr.org/car-seat or call 563-927-7685.

Pictured: Alexis Mescher, PAT educator.

Regional Family Health (RFH), a service of Regional Medical Center (RMC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Andrew Pepper, a dual-specialist in Obstetrics (OB) and Family Practice, has open availability to serve expecting mothers and families at their clinic in Edgewood

As the demand for local, high-quality prenatal care grows, Dr. Pepper’s presence in Edgewood aims to provide a more convenient option for those seeking personalized obstetric care, close to home. 

“We know how important it is for growing families to build strong relationships with their provider,” shared Michelle Paris, RFH Clinic Director.  “Dr. Pepper is deeply committed to his patients and we are thrilled to continue welcoming growing families to our clinic here in Edgewood.” 

Dr. Pepper is currently accepting new OB and family practice patients at the Edgewood clinic, located at 702 West Union Street, Edgewood, Iowa. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about the services offered, please call or text Regional Family Health at 563-927-7777 or visit regmedctr.org/edgewood

“With the financial help from the RMC Auxiliary Scholarship, I can pursue my passion for nursing through my BSN program.”

In celebration of National Blood Donor Month this January, Regional Medical Center (RMC) is hosting a community blood drive along with LifeServe Blood Center on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The need for blood is urgent and constant. Every two seconds, someone in our country requires blood, and on any given day, an average of 42,000 blood components are used by patients. That amounts to more than 15 million red blood cells, platelets, and plasma transfused last year alone. Despite this high demand, only three percent of all Americans choose to donate blood. 

“Starting the year with a blood donation is one of the most impactful ways to give back to our community,” said Venita Minnicozzi, RMC Lab Manager. “As we celebrate National Blood Donor Month, we are calling on everyone to make a blood donation part of their New Year’s resolutions. One single donation can save up to three lives.” 

RMC Blood Drive (LifeServe): 

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

The new year has brought a very special delivery to Regional Medical Center (RMC). On January 5, 2026, at 7:17 AM, the RMC OB & Family Health department celebrated the arrival of the first baby of the year.

Dipen and Ekta Patel of Dyersville are the proud parents of a baby boy, Prem Dipen. Weighing 5 lbs 15 oz and measuring 19 inches long.

Dr. Amanda OlberdingDr. Grace Wang, along with the RMC OB team, delivered the first 2026 RMC baby. 

In keeping with RMC tradition, the family was presented with a case of diapers and an embroidered blanket that read “First Baby 2026”. 

On behalf of everyone at Regional Medical Center, we congratulate Dipen and Ekta on their newest addition and thank them for choosing RMC to care for their growing family.

Pictured: Dipen and Ekta Patel with their baby boy, Prem Dipen.

A group of volunteer nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN), both active and inactive, have banded together to create the Manchester Area Nursing Honor Guard. The Nursing Honor Guard, similar to those for police officers and firefighters, offers a tribute at the final services for a deceased nurse recognizing their dedication to the service of others. 

The Nursing Honor Guard provides a tribute upon the family’s wishes. This recognition  includes the reading of the Nightingale Prayer, named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Tributes generally include a final call of the deceased nurse’s name followed by the ringing of a bell that signifies the end of the nurse’s duties. 

Retired Regional Medical Center (RMC) nurses, Joan Wessels and Becky Sullivan, have joined the Nursing Honor Guard to express their support and heartfelt respect for the passing of fellow RNs and LPNs.

“This is a beautiful way to pay respect to nurses, licensed practical nurses, and former colleagues who spent their lives caring for others,” said Joan Wessels, former Quality Manager and nurse at RMC. “It’s an honor to be a part of this tribute.” To request the presence of the Manchester Area Nursing Honor Guard, please notify your local funeral home. To learn more about the Manchester Area Nursing Honor Guard, visit regmedctr.org/nursinghonorguard.

Pictured: 2025 Nursing Honor Guard Committee

Front Row (Left to Right): Mary Ann Lov, Becky Sullivan, Paula Woods, Pat Doyle, Joyce Foster

Back Row (left to Right): Marilyn Cunningham, Nancy Oehler, Deb McClimon, Joan Wessels

Regional Family Health (RFH), a service of Regional Medical Center (RMC), announced a name change for its walk-in service from Urgent Care to Same Day Clinic, effective Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The name change is a strategic move to better communicate the clinic’s core mission of providing same-day care for immediate medical needs that do not require an Emergency Room visit.  

“We are excited to launch our new identity as the Same Day Clinic,” shared Michelle Paris, RFH Clinic Director. “This is the same trusted RFH team, the same location and the same high standard of care, now under a name that truly reflects our dedication to prompt healthcare access.” 

What Patients Need to Know:

The Same Day Clinic (formerly Urgent Care) remains dedicated to providing convenient, high-quality and accessible healthcare to the surrounding community. To learn more please visit regmedctr.org/sameday or contact our RFH team at 563-927-7777.

Pediatric Visitor RestrictionsCLICK HERE for details