RMC Invites Local Businesses and Families to Join FY27 Sponsorship Drive

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester is calling on local residents, families and businesses to become sponsors and help bring vital, life-saving healthcare technology to our community hospital.

While business partnerships are essential, individual community members and families are just as vital to this effort. Sponsorship levels start at accessible tiers—including Friend ($100), Supporter ($250), and Bronze ($500)—giving every individual the opportunity to step forward as a healthcare champion and make a personal impact.

Contributions through the FY27 Sponsorship Program will directly fund a new $240,000 Chemistry Analyzer for the Laboratory Department. Serving as a critical “medical detective,” this equipment analyzes blood samples to uncover essential clinical data, enabling providers to deliver faster, more accurate diagnoses and life-saving care. 

Every sponsorship dollar makes a direct and long-lasting impact:

  • 80% Immediate Impact: Direct funding toward the purchase of the new Chemistry Analyzer. 
  • 20% Future Security: Strengthening the RMC Endowment Fund to sustain high-quality care for future generations. 

All sponsors–whether an individual, a family or a business–receive year-round recognition, such as social media highlights and website exposure depending on tier level, along with exclusive perks and complimentary tickets for the RMC Fundraising Spring Event in 2027.

“Incredible things happen when our community comes together,” said Valerie Lindsay, Volunteer Services & Fund Development Manager. “Whether you give as a local business or as a neighbor grateful for RMC’s care, every $100 gift makes a difference. It gives our providers the exact tools they need to save lives every single day right here at home.”

The deadline for individual and corporate sponsorship commitments is Monday, September 14, 2026.

To learn more, view tier levels or secure your personal sponsorship online, visit regmedctr.org/sponsor. For questions, please contact Valerie Lindsay at 563-927-7534 or donations@regmedctr.org.

Pictured: Janna Klostermann, RMC Lab

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester, in partnership with LifeServe Blood Center is calling all eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood immediately, after weeks of significant declines in donations have led to concerning shortages. 

LifeServe Blood Center, the primary supplier of blood products at RMC, currently has only a 1 to 2-day supply of Type O-negative, O-positive and A-negative blood, with other blood types hovering at 2 to 3-day supply. In July alone, donations fell roughly 2,500 short of expected levels. 

Because blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life, local healthcare systems rely continuously on generous community members. When you donate with LifeServe, your blood stays local—directly supporting patients receiving care at RMC and neighboring facilities. 

“Our community’s health relies directly on stable blood supply,” shared Venita Minnicozzi, RMC Lab Manager. “When local residents donate through LifeServe they are directly ensuring that RMC has the exact blood products needed when our neighbors, family and friends require life-saving care.” 

Upcoming Blood Drives in Our Area: 


Go to lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800-287-4903 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.  

Pictured (Left to Right): Lyndsey Vorwald & Venita Minnicozzi

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester, Iowa, welcomed community members, patients and valued partners to its Surgery Addition Open House on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The event offered attendees a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the new state-of-the-art clinical space before it officially opens for patient care. 

Guided tours of the 18,400-square-foot facility showcased several key features: larger Pre/Post-Op rooms filled with natural light, a dedicated Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for improved patient privacy and four spacious operating rooms designed for modern equipment and advanced care.

“This expansion is a historic milestone for healthcare in our region and a direct reflection of our commitment to the families we serve,” said Danette Kramer, RMC Chief Executive Officer. “Seeing so many neighbors walk through these doors to celebrate with us was truly inspiring. We are deeply grateful to our community, our board and our valued partners who helped turn this vision into reality.”

Following the open house, the surgery addition is now closed to the public while teams prepare the facility for clinical operations. RMC expects to officially begin performing surgeries in the new unit in late August.

For more information about surgical services at Regional Medical Center, visit regmedctr.org/surgery.

Pictured: RMC Surgery Team at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

(Back Row, Left to Right) Dr. Grace Wang, Dana Ritze, Amy Shipley, Kaleena Bettmeng, Nathan Bishop, Gerene Gibbs, Dr. Garrett McLean, Dr. Randall Messerly, Morgan Scherbring

(Front Row, Left to Right) Abbi Lange, Briana Ries, Tonya Jones, Rebecca Krogmann, Megan Bockenstedt, Allison La Rosa, Saige Hunt, Hannah Hopp, Karli Cole

As families hit the peak of outdoor summer fun, Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) is sharing critical information to ensure proper sun protection. While sunscreen is a powerful tool to prevent sunburn and lower the risk of skin cancer, experts emphasize that it only works when chosen and applied correctly.

To help families navigate sun safety, RMC PAT outlines key practices for selecting and applying sunscreen effectively: 

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

  • Pick “Broad-Spectrum”: This ensures protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Aim for SPF 15 to 50: SPF 15 or 30 is fine for most people; anything higher than 50 isn’t proven to offer extra protection. 
  • Use Zinc or Titanium Dioxide for Sensitive Spots: These ingredients are great for the nose, ears, and shoulders, stay visible on the skin, and often come in fun colors for kids.

Best Practices for Application

  • Apply Early and Everywhere: Rub a generous amount onto all exposed skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.
  • Don’t Depend on Clouds: Clouds only block 20% of UV rays, and sunlight can reflect off water, sand, concrete and snow.
  • Reapply Every 2 Hours: Put more on at least every two hours, and always after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
  • Infant Application: For infants under 6 months, sunscreen should only be used on small areas like the face, and only when shade and protective clothing aren’t available. For babies over 6 months, apply sunscreen all over the body while being careful to avoid the eyes.

As your child’s first and most important teacher, remember to always put on your protection, head outside and safely enjoy the sun! For more helpful parenting tips or to learn more about the PAT program, please visit regmedctr.org/pat.

For the second year in a row, Regional Medical Center (RMC) and the Delaware County Fair are proud to continue a wonderful family tradition!

Every baby born at RMC in Manchester during fair week is officially welcomed as a member of the “Delaware County Fair Family.” To celebrate, each newborn receives a special gift basket, a personal visit from the Delaware County Fair Royalty, and a free annual admission ticket to the fair on their birthday.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with RMC,” shared Jeannie Domeyer, Delaware County Fair Board Manager. “This provides such an amazing opportunity for families to grow up enjoying the magic, laughter, and tradition of our fair.”

This year, the tradition continues with three new babies joining the Delaware County Fair family! A huge congratulations to:

  • Sammie Bantz & Zach Ruckdashel of Oelwein, who welcomed baby girl Arianna Lee on July 16th.
  • Tracy & Justin Cummer of Lamont, who welcomed baby boy Elliot John on July 16th.
  • Alex Eide & Justen Martinez of Lamont, who welcomed baby girl Nylani Jay on July 17th.

Angel Martin, RMC Interim Obstetric & Family Health Manager, expressed pride in being involved with such a positive tradition, adding that they are excited to watch it expand over the coming years.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) has officially completed a major renovation for their Radiology Department. The upgraded department opened its doors last month, introducing a streamlined layout designed to maximize patient comfort and operational efficiency. 

The renovated space significantly increases RMC’s diagnostic capacity with several key improvements:

  • Advanced Clinical Suites: A state-of-the-art mammography suite, a dedicated bone density suite, and two larger ultrasound exam rooms.
  • Enhanced Patient Comfort: A large, redesigned waiting area and updated public restroom.
  • Staff-Focused Upgrades: A specialized radiologist reading room, new office hub, refreshed break room and modernized utility spaces.

“Every detail of this remodel was designed to streamline our operations while ensuring a welcoming environment,” said Megan Demmer, Radiology Department Manager. “This investment allows us to provide coordinated care for our patients while giving our clinical team the tools they need to succeed.”

Community members are invited to take a virtual tour of the new space by visiting regmedctr.org/radiology

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is proud to announce a new community health initiative at the Delaware County Fair. In a special partnership with A1 Storage, RMC is debuting “The Nook” – a private, dedicated comfort station for parents and their little ones designed to support families.

For many years, fairgoers looked forward to visiting RMC’s high-energy booth filled with activities and giveaways inside the fair Quonset building. This year, RMC is shifting its impact to meet the needs of family fairgoers. 

The Nook is an air-conditioned, private space equipped with comfortable benches and rocking chairs, a sink with running water and a dedicated diaper changing table. It also features a “take what you need” emergency basket fully stocked with complimentary diapers, wipes, creams and anything else families might need in a pinch. Recognizing that parents often attend the fair with multiple children, the space also includes a “sibling corner” equipped with books and toys to keep siblings entertained. 

“We loved bringing fun and games to the Quonset building for so many years, but we are excited to fill a gap that aligns well with who we are,” shared Angie Salow, RMC Marketing Manager. “Through this amazing partnership with A1 Storage, we are thrilled to offer this space that keeps families healthy, comfortable and able to enjoy their fair to the fullest.” 

The Nook is located just outside the Quonset building, on the northeast corner of the Pavilion. The unit will be open daily from 9AM-7PM for the entire duration of fair week. 

While RMC’s presence at the fairgrounds looks different this year, the core mission of this partnership remains rooted in community care.

Are you going to be eligible for Medicare in the near future? Have you been on Medicare for a while and want to better understand what it offers? Do you have a family member you help with Medicare issues?

Welcome to Medicare” is for you! This free seminar offered by Regional Medical Center (RMC) SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) counselors, will be held on Tuesday, August 25th from 6-8PM in the RMC Bob Holtz Conference Room. Please register by calling 563-927-7767. Spots are limited. Registration closes on Tuesday, August 11th. 

“We’re excited to offer this free seminar to our community,” shared Brenda Saunders, RMC SHIIP Counselor. “Medicare is such an important program and understanding what it offers helps assure that anyone eligible gets the health benefits they deserve.”

This seminar will cover Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, the prescription drug benefit (Part D), Medicare Advantage plans and the Medicare supplement insurance. For more information or questions call 563-927-7767

Pictured: Brenda Saunders, RMC SHIIP Counselor

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is highlighting its Senior Life Solutions (SLS) program as a vital resource for area older adults, typically age 65 and older, navigating emotional and mental challenges that can accompany aging.

The program is actively welcoming new participants. While growing older brings many positive life transitions, it can also bring difficult changes, such as the loss of loved ones, health complications, retirement stress, or feelings of isolation. SLS is an intensive outpatient group therapy program dedicated to helping local seniors manage symptoms of depression, anxiety and grief. Our mission is giving them the tools they need to improve their quality of life. 

“Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where older adults can connect with peers who understand what they are going through,” said Emma Bird, RMC SLS Program Director. “We help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms and rediscover a sense of purpose and joy in their daily lives.” 

Joining the SLS program begins with a referral. Making a referral is a simple process that anyone can initiate, including:

  • The Individual: Seniors can self-refer to explore the program for themselves.
  • Loved Ones: Family members, friends, or neighbors who notice a senior in need of support.
  • Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, or community advocates looking out for their patients.

To start the referral process, complete our online referral form at regmedctr.org/sls or contact the RMC Senior Life Solutions team at 563-927-7560.

Once a referral is made, our team gently guides the individual through a confidential assessment to welcome them into the program.

Delaware County Public Health (DCPH) invites the community to “hang up and hang out” as a way to “unplug” throughout the month of July. Minimizing screen time offers advantages for individuals of all ages, though it is especially crucial for young children. As digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and gaming console usage becomes more prevalent among children, disconnecting can be a challenge. Reducing early childhood screen exposure is linked to improved school performance, healthier eating habits, and increased physical activity as they grow.

“While a summer entirely without technology may be unrealistic, advocating for unplugged time is essential,” says Krystle DeShaw, Delaware County Public Health Administrator. “Reducing screen dependency supports everyone’s wellness and paves the way for a more energetic, engaging and enjoyable summer.”

Follow these three guidelines for an unplugged experience:

  1. Restrict total daily screen time to a maximum of 2 hours.
  2. Ensure mealtimes remain video-free.
  3. Refrain from viewing digital content before bedtime.

Trade screen time for long-lasting summer experiences. Instead of digital engagement, people can foster wellness by exploring regional trails, utilizing local parks and community centers, gardening, or planning outdoor picnics.

A graduate, Brooklin Ante, of West Delaware High School received a $2,000 scholarship from the Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation (IHERF), a nonprofit subsidiary of the Iowa Hospital Association. Brooklin Ante is among 65 Iowa high school seniors who were awarded scholarships from IHERF.

The Iowa Hospital Association awards $2,000 scholarships through IHERF to high school students whose academic performances indicate college success and those who are interested in entering a healthcare area of study.

The high school scholarship program is part of the IHERF Health Care Careers Scholarship Program. The program was established in 2005 to help address the shortage of healthcare professionals and encourage high school students to pursue careers with Iowa hospitals.

“We are very proud of Brooklin for earning this scholarship. It is programs like the IHERF that really help us grow our future healthcare team right here at home,” stated Amy Mensen, Regional Medical Center (RMC) Chief Operating Officer.

Since its inception, the program has supported nearly 1,100 Iowa students in pursuing higher education in healthcare fields, contributing to a growing pipeline of skilled professionals dedicated to serving patients across the state. To date, the foundation has awarded approximately $3.3 million in scholarships.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is proud to announce the grand opening of its highly anticipated surgery addition. To celebrate this historic milestone, RMC is opening its doors to the public for a special Open House on Tuesday, July 28th from 3-6PM

The event offers community members a rare, exclusive opportunity to step behind the double doors of the new 18,400-square-foot facility before it officially opens for patient care. Attendees will be guided on a tour led by RMC’s own surgical staff, exploring the clinical areas that are typically restricted to patients and medical personnel. 

The $28 million project was designed to expand and dramatically improve the surgical experience in Manchester. By adding a new operating room, RMC has expanded its capacity to four state-of-the-art operating rooms and one specialized procedure room. 

“This expansion represents a massive leap forward for healthcare in our community,” shared Danette Kramer, RMC CEO. “This project stands as a testament to our commitment to the families we serve. We are incredibly grateful to our community and valued partners who helped turn this vision into reality, and we can’t wait to welcome our community in to see what we have built together.” 

The event is free and open to all members of the public and light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are asked to enter through RMC River Ridge Pavilion (Parking Lot 1, Entrance A). Greeters and directional signage will be stationed throughout the hospital to welcome visitors and guide them directly to the new surgery addition. 

For more information about the Surgery Addition Open House, please visit regmedctr.org or contact Angie Salow, RMC Marketing Manager at 563-927-7592.

Pictured: RMC Surgery Team Members Outside of New Surgery Addition

(Back Row, Left to Right) Janelle Gates, Paige Weber, Heather Erickson, Megan Bockenstedt, Madison Rahe, Nathan Bishop, Abbi Lange, Donna Millenkamp, Gerene Gibbs 

(Middle Row, Left to Right) Briana Ries, Sherri Wright, Dana Ritz, Hannah Hopp, Saige Hunt, Cindy Bockenstedt, Tonya Jones

(Front Row, Left to Right) Kaleena Bettmeng, Becca Krogmann, Katie Naber, Allison LaRosa

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