Additional Free Radon Test Kits for Delaware County Residents

Delaware County Public Health (DCPH) is pleased to announce they are providing an additional limited inventory of FREE radon test kits to Delaware County residents. After their first initial radon test giveaway back in September of 2025, DCPH saw the desire and need for radon testing in our community. 

“Within three days, 583 test kits were distributed to Delaware County residents,” shared Krystle DeShaw, DCPH Administrator. “We are committed to our community’s health and saw the need to provide another opportunity for Delaware County residents to test their homes for radon.”

Often referred to as the “invisible killer”, radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is detrimental to human health. It is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas, making it impossible to detect without specialized testing. While the threat is serious, the good news is that the process of testing for radon and mitigating any detected problems is swift, straightforward, and potentially life-saving for residents. 

Pick-Up a FREE Radon Test Kit

A limited supply of free radon test kits will be available on a first come, first serve basis for all Delaware County residents.

  • Monday – Friday
    • Beginning Monday, January 5, 2026
  • 8AM – 4PM
  • Delaware County Public Health, East Office Building (613 W Main St., Manchester, IA 52057)
  • Must be a Delaware County resident and  provide a physical home address
  • Limit of 1 test kit per household

A Delaware County resident shared their feedback after getting their test results, “Delaware County residents that have been complacent or not wanting to test for Radon – just test for it. My level was 23.7 and I never thought I needed to test, but I was wrong.” 

Further information regarding radon testing, facts and prevention is available through the American Lung  Association (ALA), visit lung.org/radon or call 1-800-383-5992. If you have questions regarding the free test kits for Delaware County residents, please contact DPCH at 563-927-7551

“We had the best experience. Everybody was so kind from the moment that we walked in the door. Casey was our favorite nurse. We had her several times throughout our stay. She made us feel comfortable, empowered, and educated.”

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is placing a temporary pediatric visitor restriction in place amid rising respiratory local illness and hospitalizations. Effective December 26, 2025 children under the age of 14 will not be allowed to visit patients in the hospital. 

The only exception is in the OB Department. Immediate siblings will be allowed to visit their new sibling as long as they are feeling well. It is very important that these siblings are not experiencing any respiratory symptoms. Any ill siblings should not come to the OB Department. 

To further ensure the safety of patients, staff and the community, RMC also strongly encourages all visitors and guests to wear a mask while inside their facilities.  

By restricting visitors and encouraging masking, the goal is to prevent unnecessary illness from being brought into the hospital. As always, our top priority is creating a safe environment from healing. As the respiratory season continues, it’s important to remember the 3 C’s. You can help reduce the spread of illness by Cleaning your hands often, Covering your coughs and Containing germs by staying home when you are sick. 

RMC will continue to monitor local health data and will provide updates when these temporary restrictions are lifted. To see all visitor guidelines, please visit regmedctr.org/visit

The Starmont Volleyball team presented a $7,568.40 donation to the Regional Medical Center (RMC) Radiology department on December 16, 2025. This contribution marks the single largest donation Starmont has donated since they began their annual fundraising efforts in 2016. Over the last nine years, the team has remained committed to supporting those battling cancer within the community.

The funds are specifically used for Radiology’s “Pink Support Bags” which are given to local patients following a breast cancer diagnosis. These bags are filled with comfort items, gift cards, and also provide a sense of community and care during a difficult transition for patients.

The RMC Radiology department emphasized that this partnership does more than just provide supplies—it provides an emotional boost to patients during one of the most challenging moments of their lives.

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an overwhelming experience, and these bags serve as a reminder to our patients that they have an entire community cheering them on,” said Megan Demmer, RMC Radiology Manager. “The Starmont Volleyball team’s generosity has been incredible, and this record-breaking gift allows us to continue to provide  comfort and care to those fighting their biggest fight.”

On behalf of Regional Medical Center, thank you to those who supported Starmont Volleyball breast cancer fundraising efforts. We are so grateful for your generosity and support.

Pictured: Front to Back, Left to Right

Carly Thein (RMC Radiology), Genevieve White (RMC Radiology), Josi Munger, Olivia Willfong

Kristi Moeller, Payton Henry, Emily Otdoerfer 

Allie Curtis, Benelli Meyers, Allison Klingman 

Tiffany Riechers, Sydney Wickman, Ariah Scott 

Madelyn Bockenstedt, Bella Keppler 

Cheyann Smith, Maleah Schnell, Gracelyn Wilson

Three Rivers FS presented a check of $1,184.40 to Regional Medical Center (RMC) Radiology Department in support of their “Pink Support Bag” fund used to provide items of comfort to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

During the month of October, every gallon purchased at Three Rivers FS owned FAST STOP locations generated a donation. One cent per gallon for regular card purchases, and three cents per gallon for purchases made with a FAST STOP card. 

Members of the RMC Radiology team were excited to accept this donation on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 and shared that this donation will help purchase comfort items and gift cards for their “Pink Support Bags” given to local breast cancer patients. 

“We were honored to be a recipient of Three Rivers FS fundraising efforts in the month of October. We not only are grateful for their support, but thank them for bringing awareness to breast cancer,” shared Megan Demmer, RMC Radiology Manager. “On behalf of the RMC team and the patients we serve, thank you.”

Pictured: (Left to Right) Rebecca Gaul, Jill Peyton, Kayla Hood, Caitlyn Sellner, Kayla Demmer and Lauren Mattice (Three Rivers FS), Tifany Meyer, Annette Boelk, Megan Demmer

The Regional Medical Center (RMC) Auxiliary is now accepting applications for its annual $1,000 Healthcare Scholarships for area students pursuing careers in human healthcare.

The Auxiliary has a long history of investing in our hospital and community, having awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to date. Many recipients have gone on to build successful careers right here at RMC in Manchester.

All students pursuing an education in the human healthcare field are encouraged to apply. This includes high school seniors, college students and those in the workforce who plan to enroll in a human medical field of study at an Iowa college for the 2026-2027 academic year.

To apply, visit regmedctr.org/scholarship. Completed applications and references must be postmarked by February 27, 2026.

“These scholarships are made possible by the generous donations given through the Auxiliary’s Tree of Lights,” said Luanne Becker, RMC Auxiliary Scholarship Chairperson. “We invite everyone pursuing a healthcare career to apply and encourage the community to support this valuable Scholarship Fund to help our area students.”

The beautiful Tree of Lights can be seen in the main lobby of RMC River Ridge Pavilion through the holiday season. Community members wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund and honor loved ones this holiday season can do so in two ways:

  • By Mail: Send your gift, made payable to RMC Auxiliary to: Regional Medical Center, ATTN Donations, PO Box 359, Manchester, Iowa 52057.
  • Online: Visit regmedctr.org/treeoflights.

For any questions, please contact Valerie Lindsay at 563-927-7534 or vlindsay@regmedctr.org

Pictured: Charlotte Emerson, RMC Auxiliary President and Luanne Becker, RMC Auxiliary Scholarship Committee Chair

While this time of year is often associated with joy and togetherness, it can also amplify feelings of stress and loneliness, impacting the physical and mental health of seniors. Regional Medical Center (RMC) Senior Life Solutions (SLS) is here to remind you that the holiday season presents a vital opportunity to focus on what truly matters: well-being and genuine connection.

SLS generated a list of key strategies for seniors to focus on self-care and connection during the holiday season:

  • Managing Expectations: Setting realistic expectations for holiday activities and interactions is essential. Individuals are encouraged to prioritize meaningful activities and feel empowered to say no to events that cause unnecessary stress.
  • Maintaining Healthy Routines: Amid the holiday bustle, it is vital to maintain healthy habits. Regular exercise—even short daily walks or simple stretching—balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep help keep stress levels in check.
  • Finding Joy and Connection: Actively seeking out activities that bring joy, such as practicing a hobby or volunteering, can be highly beneficial. Crucially, dealing with loneliness involves intentional connection. Reaching out to friends and family, participating in community events, or using technology to stay in touch can alleviate feelings of isolation.
  • Practicing Self-Care: Self-care involves intentional steps to maintain personal health and happiness. This includes recognizing personal limits and giving permission to step back from stressful activities.
  • Seeking Professional Help: If feelings of being overwhelmed, loneliness, or sadness persist, individuals are strongly encouraged to seek out professional support.

If you or a loved one are experiencing heightening feelings of stress and loneliness, contact Senior Life Solutions (SLS) for help. SLS is an outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults (65+). To make a referral or learn more about SLS, visit regmedctr.org/sls or call 563-927-7560.

By prioritizing self-care and staying connected, older adults can navigate the holidays with greater resilience, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling experience.

Pictured: Senior Life Solutions Mock Patients

Karl and Courtney Klocke, of Arlington welcomed twins on December 1, 2025, at Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester. The newborns, Clyde and Valerie, received a “My First Christmas” stocking from the RMC Auxiliary. 

The RMC Auxiliary donates these festive stockings to the OB Department each year. This tradition helps bring extra joy to new parents during a special time of year.

“We are honored to provide families with such thoughtful gifts as they welcome a new addition during the holiday season,” said Angie Strum, RMC Obstetrics & Family Health Manager. “The support we receive from the RMC Auxiliary is deeply appreciated.”

Thank you to the RMC Auxiliary for their generous support and donations. We also express gratitude to the Klocke family for choosing RMC for the delivery of their twins.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) has reached a significant milestone, utilizing the investment income generated by its Endowment Fund for the very first time. A total of $3,240 was allocated to purchase accessory items for the pediatric play set in the hospital’s Therapy Services department

This purchase represents a crucial step in RMC’s commitment to long-term, self-sustaining growth and community investment. It serves as a great demonstration on how contributions made to the RMC Endowment Fund translate directly into enhanced services for patients. 

The RMC Endowment Fund is designed to grow permanently, with only the investment income being used to support RMC’s mission. This new equipment is the first investment derived solely from the fund’s earnings. “This is a proud moment for RMC,” shared Valerie Lindsay, Volunteer and Fund Development Manager. “The goal of establishing our Endowment Fund was to create a never-ending source of funding that will help keep RMC thriving for generations. Seeing the first return on investment translate into equipment that directly helps our pediatric patients is validation of this model.”

The new accessories – including sensory swing, mirrors, sensory toys, flexible seating, padded floor mats, landing mat, white boards, and shelving are already making a difference in the lives of children undergoing physical, occupational and speech therapy. 

Becca Brooks, whose son, Beau, utilizes the Therapy Services play set, shared how impactful the equipment has been on his treatment: “Beau is building skills and coordination faster than ever because he genuinely loves coming here. It’s great to see him gain confidence and master developmental skills while also having fun. We are grateful to the RMC Endowment Fund – this play set has given him the gift of progress disguised as pure joy.” 

Contributions to the RMC Endowment Fund are not spent, but permanently invested to generate a reliable source of income. If you would like to invest in RMC’s future, mail your gift made payable to RMC Endowment Fund to Regional Medical Center, ATTN Donations, PO Box 359, Manchester, Iowa 52057 or go online to regmedctr.org/endowment. For questions or information, please contact Valerie Lindsay, Volunteer and Fund Development Manager, at 563-927-7534 or donations@regmedct.org

Pictured: Beau Brooks

Thanks to our strong community support, Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester has grown into the quality healthcare system it is today.

On behalf of the entire healthcare team at RMC, we extend our sincere gratitude to our Fiscal Year 2026 Sponsors at the Supporter level and above. Your invaluable commitment to our mission has enabled us to successfully raise $53,750 for the new Surgery Addition and Endowment Fund

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

Don’t let a trip to the emergency room be part of your holiday festivities! As holiday shopping kicks off, Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) urges parents and gift-givers to prioritize safety. Before that perfect present is wrapped, ensure it meets crucial safety standards. Use our simple guide to guarantee a joyful, hazard-free playtime for every child this holiday season.

  • Check safety labels: Look for the ASTM approval seal and “nontoxic” labels. 
  • Avoid specific hazards: Steer clear of toys with sharp edges, points, or small parts that can be a choking hazard. 
  • Ensure sturdy construction: Choose toys that are well-built and won’t break into dangerous pieces. 
  • Consider age-appropriateness: Select toys suitable for the child’s age, skills and abilities. 
  • Discard packaging: Immediately get rid of plastic wrapping and other packaging after opening toys to prevent accidental ingestion or entanglement. 
  • Be cautious with electronics: Supervise battery charging, as chargers and adapters can pose burn hazards. 
  • Watch for recalls and counterfeits: Stay updated on toy recalls and be wary of buying counterfeit toys, especially from online sources.

RMC Parents as Teachers wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season filled with safe and happy memories. For more guidance on child development and safety, or to learn about the support services offered, please reach out to RMC Parents as Teachers at 563-927-7685 or visit our website at regmedctr.org/pat

After over 24 years of service, healthcare provider Janny Budzine is retiring. Budzine has served both the Winthrop and Manchester communities as a family practice provider at Regional Family Health (RFH), a service of Regional Medical Center (RMC). 

“I have truly enjoyed my time serving the patients and families in the Winthrop and Manchester areas,” said Budzine. “It has been an honor to work alongside such a wonderful team at Regional Family Health and I am so grateful for the trust my patients have placed in me over the years.”

As RFH plans to say farewell to Janny at the end of the year, two familiar faces plan to continue family practice care in Winthrop. Allison Berns, MHA, PA-C and Kristen Jensen, MSN, FNP-BC are expanding their family practice services in Winthrop. Dr. Timothy Gerst and Dr. Molly Olson will also remain part of the Winthrop provider team. 

“Janny has been a tremendous asset to Regional Family Health and the communities she has served,” shared Michelle Paris, RFH Clinic Director. “Her dedication to her patients and her colleagues will be greatly missed. We wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.” 

The RFH team looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality care to the Winthrop and Manchester communities. To schedule an appointment, please call or text the RFH Contact Center at 563-927-7777.

Pictured: Janny Budzine, RFH Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Visitor RestrictionsCLICK HERE for details