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Protecting Children from Counterfeit Car Seat Risks

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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 Olberding &  Dr. 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.

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