Jefferson Community Health & Life has been named by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 100 noteworthy hospitals in its annual “Critical Access Hospitals to Know” list.

JCH&L CEO Holly Wolff said she is pleased to have JCH&L be named as a “Critical Access Hospital to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review.
“It is gratifying to receive recognition for the quality and compassionate care our staff provide every day and for the important service we provide to our community,” said Holly Wolff, JCH&L CEO.

Three other Nebraska Critical Access Hospitals were recognized: Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital (O’Neill, Neb.); Howard County Medical Center (St. Paul, Neb.); and Pender (Neb.) Community Hospital.

As part of the ranking list, Becker’s Hospital Review states: “Critical access hospitals occupy a singular place in the American healthcare system. With a maximum of 25 inpatient beds and a mandate to provide around-the-clock emergency care, these institutions do far more with far less than almost any other type of healthcare organization. The hospitals featured on this list are actively expanding access to specialty care, reducing the burden of patient travel, and driving meaningful improvements in the health of their communities.”

The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations and curated the list to highlight the great work of critical access hospitals across the nation.

The full list features individual profiles of all hospitals on the list and can be read at https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/rural-health/rural-lists/100-critical-access-hospitals-to-know-2026/.

Becker’s Healthcare notes the list was developed based on nominations and editorial research. Organizations do not pay and cannot pay for inclusion on this list. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of the organizations mentioned. Organizations are presented in alphabetical order.

JCH&L was also recently recognized as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for 2026 for overall performance by the National Rural Health Association as ranked by Chartis Center for Rural Health. JCH&L has been among the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation as ranked by Chartis Center for Rural Health for 11 of the last 13 years.

JCH&L Gardenside had its state health department survey April 6-8, and was pleased to receive a report showing zero deficiencies. State surveys are unannounced inspections conducted at least every 15 months to ensure facilities comply with all care standards.

“Surveyors were very complimentary while they were on site and indicated they were impressed with the wonderful things Gardenside has going on. They said they could see it was family caring for family,” said Laura DeBoer, RN, director of nursing at Gardenside. “These compliments and a deficiency-free health survey highlights that all of our hard work from each and every staff member does not go unnoticed. The size of our facility does allow us to feel like family and we all truly feel like each resident is our family.”

Gardenside continues to be rated by Nursing Home Compare as a 5 Star facility by Medicare.gov. The overall rating is based on a nursing home’s performance on 3 sources: health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.

Results from the most recent state survey are always available to view. Results can be found In a folder on east side of the wall by the Activity Room.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits June 8

FAIRBURY –The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the mobile unit in the parking lot of JCH&L’s North Building, 825 22^nd St.

Giving blood is giving a gift of life. Nebraska Community Bloodbank is Jefferson Community Health & Life’s blood supplier, and the two organizations partner for blood drives in Fairbury to save lives. All types are needed.

Appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851, or visit NCBB.org/searchdrives and use sponsor code JCHC.

With iDonate you can save time by completing your health history on line ahead of your bloodmobile visit. To get started, visit mbc.org/iDonate

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.

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.