Dr. McGuffey New Urologist at JCH&L Specialty Clinics

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Dr. Logan McGuffey, urologist, has begun visiting Jefferson Community Health & Life Outpatient Services. Dr. Don Henslee, who had been serving patients at JCH&L since 2007, retired in March.

Dr. McGuffey, a Beatrice native, received his Medical Degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and completed his urology residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dr. McGuffey is with Nebraska Urology, the same practice as Dr. Henslee.

He specializes in minimally invasive procedures, which enables patients to access the latest treatments, leading to reduced recovery time and less discomfort. This approach extends to treating complex cancers and larger stones, as minimally invasive techniques have revolutionized the management of conditions that previously required lengthier recovery periods.

Dr. McGuffey said it is very important to him that patients feel heard, and that they are in control of their care. “I always take the time to make sure my patients understand their condition, compassionately guiding them through the treatment options,” he said.

JCH&L is happy to be able to continue providing urology services as part of our outpatient specialty clinics. Dr. McGuffey will do procedures and surgeries at JCH&L.

“Continuing to provide a wide array of visiting specialists helps us better serve our community’s needs,” said Erin Smith, JCH&L Chief Operating Officer. “JCH&L is committed to being our community’s most trusted partner for a lifetime of health.”

Dr. McGuffey is board certified in urology. He joined Nebraska Urology in August 2019.  He’s a member of several society memberships, including the American Urological Association, Nebraska Urological Association, Nebraska Medical Association, American Association of Clinical Urologists, South Central Section of the American Urological Association, and the Lancaster County Medical Society.

JCH&L Named Among Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the Nation

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Jefferson Community Health & Life, Fairbury, was recently named one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) for overall performance in the country.

“JCH&L is proud of the efforts of the physicians and staff who have contributed to our hospital achieving Top 20 status,” said Holly Wolff, JCH&L CEO.  “Our results as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital means our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future.”

The Top 20 CAHs, including JCH&L scored best among CAHs as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health for overall performance. The rankings were recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Mo. The Top 20 CAHs have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight indices of strength: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance. This group was selected from the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2026 top 100 CAH list, which was released earlier this year.

“JCH&L offers a gold standard of care,” Wolff said. “Attaining Top 20 status shows that we really do live that excellence that we want to demonstrate to our patients and to our community members. The recognition really puts a spotlight on the excellence we offer every day.”

JCH&L Therapy Addition Scheduled to Begin in May

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To meet the increasing demand for services, Jefferson Community Health & Life is breaking ground this May on an expansive renovation and expansion project estimated at $4.8 million. The project highlights a state-of-the-art therapy department and renovation of the fitness center pool and locker rooms. The project is expected to take just more than a year.

“At Jefferson Community Health & Life, our mission has always been to grow alongside our community,” said Holly Wolff, JCH&L CEO.

The 6,380-square-foot addition marks a new chapter of clinical excellence and patient convenience with direct front door access.

“This isn’t just a facelift, it’s a transformation,” said Amy Martin, JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Director. “For the first time in our history, we are introducing a dedicated space specifically designed for athletes and sports rehab. We’ve done great work in our current space, but it’s time to grow. This expansion gives us the specialized space for patients at every stage of their recovery.”

The new area will include an entrance for patients to access therapy services directly. It also includes additional private treatment rooms to enhance patient privacy and large adult and pediatric gym areas.

“We’ve dreamed of having a space that grows with our patients, and this new addition makes that a reality. Having a private, direct entrance into the therapy area is a game-changer for patient experience; it makes coming in for treatment easier and more welcoming,” Martin said. “We are thrilled to finally have the room and the specialized resources to help our community across all ages reach their health and fitness goals.”

The department’s 6 physical therapists, 2 occupational therapists, 2 speech therapists, 2 therapy assistants and 4 therapy aides/receptionists care for outpatients, pediatrics, inpatients, skilled nursing and home health patients.

“Our therapists offer a wide range of therapy, and we are excited to build space that will best meet the needs of our patients for the therapy they need,” Wolff said.

Besides the therapy addition, the project includes renovation of the JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center locker rooms and repairs to the pool area. The locker rooms are original to the facility when it was built in 1996, and are in need of updating. Locker rooms will get new non-slip flooring, new lockers and benches, new plumbing and new HVAC systems. The men’s locker room will have 4 private showers, replacing the current communal shower. The women’s locker room will have an additional bathroom stall added. The pool area will also receive renovation, with a new non-slip pool deck, resurfacing of the pool, and a new ceiling. The project will also include removing and replacing the stucco finish from the exterior of the fitness center and replacing it with durable metal siding.

The architectural firm working on this project is Davis Design of Lincoln and general contractor will be Beckenhauer Construction. JCH&L has worked with both firms for past projects. JCH&L staff member Rick Johnson will serve as project manager.

The JCH&L board approved moving forward with the project last fall, and staff have been working with Davis Design to develop an addition that would meet the needs of the therapy department for the best patient care and service. They have also been working to structure the project to minimize service disruptions during construction.

“Thank you in advance to our patients and customers for their understanding and patience during the construction period. We will try to keep inconveniences to a minimum, but know there will be some,” Wolff said. “We will work to keep the community informed about changes that may affect them.”

This project will also pave the way for additional improvements in the future, including more space for JCH&L Behavioral Health and the JCH&L Cafeteria.

JCH&L Offers Free Medicare Educational Session April 22

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An educational session to help those who are considering Medicare in the next year is being offered by Jefferson Community Health & Life on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The educational session will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the JCH&L Clinic Conference Room and a light supper will be provided. There is no cost to attend.

Medicare can be a complicated topic. Learn about the basics of Medicare and what you need to consider when you are approaching Medicare eligibility or are new to Medicare. The “Welcome to Medicare” program will provide comprehensive information about Medicare including: What does Medicare cost? What does Medicare cover? When should I enroll in Medicare? What rules do I need to know? What is the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage? When are the important deadlines?

Presenters will be Deb Sutton, RN, and Lori Ohlde, RN. Both are certified counselors in the Nebraska SHIP program.

To register, please call 402-729-6855. If you have questions about the program, please call 402-587-5226.

Sports, School Physicals Important for Students’ Health

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The Nebraska School Activities Association requires that a physical evaluation be completed each year before an athlete can participate in sports. The state of Nebraska requires students entering kindergarten and seventh grade have school physicals.

“A sports physical is completed to evaluate the overall health of an athlete to ensure they can safely do the sport they are enrolled in,” said Ashley Norden, clinic administrator at Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic.

By having your primary care provider such as a family medical doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner complete a physical exam once per year they will be able to check the appearance of the athlete including musculoskeletal, check for conditions that would be exacerbated by exertion including asthma, cardiac conditions including the presence of a heart murmur.  During the sports physical the medical provider will do an exam, listen to heart and lungs, and evaluate ears, nose and throat. The provider will also ask about family history which would put the athlete at risk for serious cardiac conditions or sudden death.

It is important that your athlete sees someone they are comfortable speaking with because important preventative and safety measures will be discussed including smoking, vaping and a youth risk behavior survey. They will also be asked some depression screening questions.

For school physicals, students entering kindergarten and seventh grade are required to have physicals. A urine screening is not required.

The forms for school and sports physicals required by Fairbury Public Schools and the NSAA are on the JCH&L website on the JCH&L Fairbury Clinic page. Forms can also generally be picked up at your school. Forms should be filled out before a student arrives for a school or sports physical.

Typically, kindergarten and seventh grade physicals are required to be complete before school starts, and immunizations must be up to date. Immunizations in Jefferson County are offered by Blue Valley Community Action at Jefferson Community Health & Life North Building, 825 22nd St. Sports physicals are generally required before the first sports conditioning or practice of the new school year.

At JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, school and sports physicals may be billed to insurance, and may be combined with a well child check if the child has not had a well child check in the last 12 months. Most insurances do not require well child checks to go toward the deductible. This year all school and sports physicals will be offered during regular clinic hours, and all children having exams will receive a fidget toy.

To make an appointment with one of our family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners or physician assistants, please call 402-729-3361.

Grief Support Series Planned by Cottonwood Hospice

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Cottonwood Hospice will hold a Grief Support Group Series April 28 through July 7, at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic Conference room, 2200 H St.

Sessions will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. every other Tuesday starting April 28. Sessions are set for April 28, May 12, May 26, June 9, June 23, and July 7.

There is no cost, and the sessions are open to anyone who has lost a loved one in the past year.

Pre-registration is requested for planning purposes. Please call Cottonwood Hospice at 402-228-8501.

Progressive Ag Safety Day Set for July 28

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The Progressive Agriculture Safety Day will be held on Tuesday, July 28, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Fairbury. This year’s Safety Day is the 27th event for the local chapter of Jefferson County Farm Safety 4 Just Kids.

Safety Day is not just for “farm kids,” organizers said. Safety Day is designed to provide safety information that is agriculturally oriented as well as general safety information.

Through hands-on activities, participants learn to prevent incidents and reduce the extent of injuries if incidents do occur. Safety Day stresses the importance of children taking responsibility for their own safety, respecting parents’ safety rules, and sharing safety tips with their family and friends.

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day is organized by Jefferson County Farm Safety 4 Just Kids. It is made possible by The Progressive Agriculture Foundation. Area business sponsors are key to making Safety Day successful.

Please watch for details to come!

Anyone who needs more information on Safety Day should call the Nebraska Extension office in Jefferson County at (402) 729-3487, or Coordinator Lana Likens at JCH&L at (402) 729-6855.

Caregivers Support Group to Meet April 9

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The Caregivers Support Group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association will meet on Thursday, March 12, at 4:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program will be a video on “Dementia: Mobility and Movement Changes” by Teepa Snow.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the signage to “Caregiver’s Support.”

The Caregiver’s Support Group is a program of the Alzheimer’s Association. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month in the JCH&L Clinic Conference Room.

The support group is designed for those who are caregivers and family members of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.  The group provide an opportunity anyone interested to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s Disease and learn from other’s experiences. There is no cost, and no pre-registration required.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402-729-6855.

Parkinson’s Support Group to Meet April 15

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The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Wednesday, April 15, at 2 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program will be on Medications by Brandon Bleich, JCH&L Pharmacy Director.

For easiest access, park in the H Street parking and enter through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the signage to the Clinic Conference Room.

The Parkinson’s Support Group is an opportunity for area residents to share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. Those who have Parkinson’s Disease, caregivers of those with Parkinson’s Disease, and those who have family and friends with Parkinson’s Disease and want to learn and share are welcome.

There is no cost or obligation. For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at (402)-729-6855.

2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE