Regional Medical Center Launches Monthly E-Newsletter, “RMC Pulse”

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester is excited to announce its latest community fundraising event, the RMC Gratitude Gala “A Denim & Lace Affair”. The event will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Rustic Creek Event Center in Hopkinton, Iowa.

This evening of “rugged meets refined” invites the community to trade traditional black-tie formalwear for a more comfortable, dressy-casual, denim and lace theme. The Gala aims to celebrate the hospital’s community impact while also raising essential funds for its new $30 million dollar surgery addition.

“This evening is about more than just fundraising; it’s about celebrating the dedication of our staff and the loyalty of our patients,” shares Valerie Lindsay, RMC Volunteer Services and Fund Development Manager. “Every dollar raised goes directly toward our new surgery addition, ensuring that our future includes the best possible care, close to home.”

The night is designed to be as entertaining as it is impactful:

  • 6PMSocial Hour: Kick-off the evening with a cash bar and social time.
  • 7PM │ Dinner & Dessert: A delightful meal catered by Fat Chef’s Catering and The Bread Basket, featuring Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast and Brisket along with White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie and other delicious desserts!
  • 8PM │ Live Music: Featuring Darrell, Karen & Connie.
  • Ongoing (closes at 9PM): Participate in a 50/50 cash raffle and browse a silent auction.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Secure your seats early!

  • Individual Tickets: $50
  • Reserved Table (seats 8): $375 (a savings of $25)
  • Purchase Online: regmedctr.org/gala

The Gratitude Gala is made possible through the generous support of local businesses and partners. RMC extends special recognition to our Platinum Sponsors: INVISION Architecture; Iowa Anesthesia, L.C.; Louis & Diane Koch; Leonard-Muller Funeral Home & Crematory; and Sip & Dream AirBnb, Steve & Abby Buesing, PA-C.

Regional Medical Center looks forward to welcoming friends, neighbors and partners to this one-of-a-kind celebration. Together, we can bring the vision of our new surgery addition to life and ensure high-quality care remains accessible close to home.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is pleased to welcome Emma Bird, RN, as the new Program Director of the Senior Life Solutions (SLS) program. 

Senior Life Solutions is an outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals typically aged 65 and older experiencing depression or anxiety related to life changes or associated with aging. As the program director, Emma is responsible for directing and coordinating activities for the program along with providing community education to create awareness of the program. Over the last four years, Emma has spent working as a primary care nurse within a family practice clinic. 

“When this position opened, I was excited to shift my career focus towards the senior population, specifically the mental health side of things,” shared Emma Bird, RMC SLS Program Director. “I am excited to be part of this program. Following in the footsteps of past director, Eric Lechtenberg, who has transitioned to a new program location, I look forward to meeting the people in this community and continuing mental health advocacy for our local seniors.”  

Referrals to the program can be made by anyone, including a provider, family member, yourself or another healthcare professional. If you would like to make a referral or seek additional information, please visit regmedctr.org/sls or contact the SLS team at 563-927-7560

Pictured: Emma Bird (RMC SLS Program Director) Macie Miller (SLS Patient Care Representative) 

Newborns at Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester now have access to enhanced life-saving technology thanks to a $6,180.48 donation from the RMC Auxiliary. The funds were used to purchase a NeoView+ Video Intubation System for the OB & Family Health Department.

In neonatal resuscitation, ventilation is the most critical step for a struggling infant. The NeoView+ Video Intubation System provides healthcare providers with high-definition, real-time visuals of delicate neonatal airways, allowing for safer, faster and more effective intubations in vulnerable newborns.

“Our OB team must be prepared for any delivery, regardless of gestational age,” shared Angie Strum, OB & Family Health Manager. “This state-of-the-art system ensures our team has the most advanced technology ready to care for our smallest patients. We are incredibly grateful to the Auxiliary for their continued support and dedication to the health of our community’s families.”

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, Pat Becker, Charlotte Emerson, Angie Strum – RMC OB & Family Health Manager (Back L-R) Linda Dolan, Joan Wessels, Carol McWilliams, Anita Palmer

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is proud to announce the addition of Cedar Valley ASCENT to the RMC Specialty Clinic in Manchester, bringing specialized medical and surgical services. With this addition, RMC is pleased to welcome aboard Dr. Kenny Rodriguez and Sydney Fox, ARNP, to the Specialty Clinic team.

Cedar Valley ASCENT (Allergy, Skin Cancer, Ear, Nose and Throat) is a specialty group based in Waterloo. This new collaboration provides the RMC service area access to high-quality specialty treatments close to home. 

Sydney Fox, ARNP, will be providing clinic consultations in Manchester. Fox earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clarke University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. She specializes in providing comprehensive care for patients dealing with chronic allergies, skin concerns and ENT conditions. 

Dr. Kenny Rodriguez will provide expert surgical services at RMC. Dr. Rodriguez earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. In addition to his healthcare career, Dr. Rodriguez serves as a Captain in the Army National Guard. He is passionate about skin cancer care, reconstructive surgery and advanced treatments for sinus and sleep-related breathing disorders.

“We are excited to welcome Cedar Valley ASCENT and these two highly skilled providers to our team,” shared Kendra Downs, RMC Specialty Clinic Manager. “This addition continues our mission to provide our community with specialized healthcare they deserve without having to travel far.” Talk to your healthcare provider about being referred to the RMC Specialty Clinic. If you are interested in the services Cedar Valley ASCENT provides, please contact their clinic at 319-888-8044 or visit regmedctr.org/specialtyclinic.

Pictured: Sydney Fox, ARNP & Dr. Kenny Rodriguez

Regional Medical Center has updated their notice of Privacy Practices to ensure alignment with the most recent final rules effective February 16, 2026.

During the month of February, the American Dental Association celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month. Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) is proud to share essential information to help parents keep their children’s smiles on track and raise awareness about the necessity of pediatric dental care.

Many parents are unsure when to schedule their baby’s first appointment, but the guidance is easy to remember: First Tooth, First Birthday, First Dental Visit. The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends finding a “dental home” early—ideally by the time that first tooth arrives or your child turns one.

To support local families, RMC PAT is highlighting the following pediatric dental recommendations:

  • Start Before Teeth Arrive: Clean your baby’s gums daily with a damp washcloth after feedings to clear away bacteria.
  • The First Tooth Rule: Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth emerges. Use an infant toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
  • The Two-Minute Milestone: For children ages 2–6, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and supervise brushing for two minutes, twice a day, to ensure they don’t swallow the paste.
  • Smart Snacking: Swap sticky candies and sugary fruit juices for calcium-rich snacks like cheese or low-sugar yogurt.
  • Choose Water over Sugary Drinks: Water rinses away cavity-causing particles, and most tap water contains fluoride—a proven tool in preventing tooth decay.
  • Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine check-ups every six months and replace toothbrushes every three to four months.

Parents as Teachers encourages all local families to use this month as an opportunity to schedule a dental check-up and refresh their home brushing routines. For more helpful parental resources, reach out to RMC Parents as Teachers (563-927-7685) or visit regmedctr.org/pat.

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