Wellness Experience Offers Women a Convenient Way to Take Control of Their Health

Three hours – that’s all it takes for women from Jefferson County and beyond to complete their annual health checks and receive a well-deserved indulgence at the same time. Women’s Health Day is a complete wellness experience designed to make women’s health easy. Jefferson Community Health & Life is now scheduling women for the experience on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

The program is available at the Jefferson Community Health & Life Health Center and Fairbury Clinic on select days every month, and includes:

* Personalized guidance from an on-site Women’s Health Day navigator

* Important health screenings, including fasting lab tests, a screening mammogram and a routine annual exam to assess overall and gynecological health (lab test and mammogram results will be available before participants leave for the day, while Pap test results will be provided later by mail)

* Complimentary breakfast and a relaxing indulgence—such as an express manicure or express pedicure, for example. Offerings may vary.

* Reserved parking

“It’s so important for women to make time for their own health, but we know life sometimes gets in the way,” said Erin Starr, Chief Quality Officer. “That’s why we created Women’s Health Day—to provide a convenient way for women to get their essential health screenings all at once, while also taking time to unwind.”

All major insurance plans are accepted for screening and exams (coverage is subject to individual policy terms). JCH&L Fairbury Clinic accepts new patients.

Appointments for the Women’s Health Day experience start as early as 6:30 a.m. To schedule, call 402.729.6841.

2019 was a busy and successful year

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2019 on Monday, Jan. 13.

Two board members were elected to serve on the board: Ross Boeckner and Dr. Jeff Johnson. Boeckner is a Fairbury native who farms and is a credit analyst at Heartland Bank. Johnson is an optometrist who has owned and operated Johnson Family Vision Care in Fairbury since 1997, and worked with Dr. Bruce Ackerman for a year prior to his retirement. Boeckner and Johnson take the seats of Loren Duerkson, who served one four-year term, and Mary Glenn, who served two four-year terms. Board members are elected from among members of the corporation and may serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.

Brian Scheele, board chairman, thanked the administration, medical staff, board members and staff for their efforts and excellent care. He thanked Dr. Richard Blatny Sr., who has served our community for more than 46 years, for his service. He said that the board is working with Bryan Health for a search for a new full-time CEO. Victor Lee is serving as interim CEO, after former CEO Chad Jurgens left for a position elsewhere.

“We are in a good position financially and operationally for new leadership, and look forward to continuing to grow, add services and be a trusted partner in health,’” Scheele said.

Lee sent a report to all members of the corporation highlighting major achievements of 2019. Highlights included JCH&L being named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for the fifth time in six years; being recognized for a Performance Leadership award; having Sports Medicine and Rehab Services named a Site of Clinical Excellence by Creighton University; earning a Spirit Award for safety accomplishments; and having Gardenside recognized as a 5-Star facility. New services included the addition of 3D Mammography, a wound clinic, and Sports Medicine and Rehab staff becoming certified in women’s health.

Chance Klasek, CFO, reported that both revenues and expenses were up in fiscal 2019, with the year ending on an operating margin of 3.9 percent. It was one of JCH&L’s best years financially.

Anyone who has donated $100 or more to Jefferson Community Health & Life is a member of the private not-for-profit corporation.

At the regular monthly board meeting which followed the annual meeting, officers were elected for 2020. Officers are: Linda Bauer, chairman; Brian Blobaum, vice chairman; and Sheri Schultis, secretary-treasurer. Past-chairman Brian Scheele will also serve on the executive committee.