National Rural Health Day Celebrates the Power of Rural

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FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health & Life celebrates the Power of Rural on National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 16.  The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health sets aside the third Thursday of every November to celebrate National Rural Health Day. Anyone in the JCH&L facility on Nov. 16 is encouraged to thank a healthcare worker for their dedication in keeping exceptional care close to home.

National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural” by honoring the selfless, community-minded, “can do” spirit of that prevails in rural America. But it also provides an opportunity to bring to light the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face – and showcase the efforts of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health and other rural stakeholders to address those challenges.

Jefferson Community Health & Life is one of more than 1,362 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States, and 63 Critical Access Hospitals in the state of Nebraska. The Critical Access Hospital designation is designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities. Critical Access Hospitals receive cost-based Medicare reimbursement. Jefferson Community Health Center became a Critical Access Hospital in 2000.

“Being a Critical Access Hospital does not limit us in the services we can provide for our area residents. It helps us to offer services which might be less affordable because of fewer patients needing the services,” said JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, MHA, DHA, CHFP, FACHE.

Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic is one of 122 Rural Health Clinics in the state and 4,413 in the United States.

The Rural Health Clinic (RHC) program is intended to increase access to primary care services for patients in rural communities. They are required to use a team approach of physicians working with non-physician providers such as nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) to provide services.

Health care organizations are important for rural communities – not only for accessibility and availability of health care, but also for economic development. Jefferson Community Health & Life is one of many health care providers in Jefferson County, and is the largest health care employer, with more than 250 staff members. JCH&L is consistently one of the top three employers in Jefferson County. Each year JCH&L pays its staff more than $14.8 million in salary and provides more than $3.7 million in benefits.

“The jobs at JCH&L require a wide variety of skills, training and education,” Dr. Kline said. “We employ high school students who are just getting started with part-time jobs and on-the-job training, all the way through the spectrum of educational levels to those with advanced medical degrees.”

JCH&L’s primary service area is Jefferson County, with 7,176, residents as of 2021. Some patients also come from surrounding counties in Nebraska and Kansas.

Rural communities also have unique healthcare needs. Rural communities must address accessibility, provider shortages, the needs of an aging population, increasing chronic conditions, and largest percentages of uninsured and underinsured citizens, says the National Rural Health Association.

Jefferson Community Health & Life operates a 17-bed, acute-care Critical Access Hospital in Fairbury, Neb., offering inpatient and outpatient services, including surgery, therapy, screenings, and 24-hour emergency services. Jefferson Community Health & Life offers additional health and life services, including Fairbury Clinic (primary and family care), Burkley Fitness Center, Gardenside (long-term care), Home Health and Occupational Health services. In addition, Jefferson Community Health & Life supports numerous education programs and support groups. JCH&L has offered services to residents of Jefferson County and the surrounding area since 1963, and continues to grow and change as the area’s needs change.

“We strive to fulfil our vision of being a trusted partner for a lifetime of health,” Dr. Kline said. “While JCHL can’t offer every healthcare service needed by our area residents, we are proud to offer a great many services which give area residents the opportunity to receive quality healthcare in a convenient location with professional and compassionate staff. Our area residents have much to celebrate on National Rural Health Day.”

Jefferson Community Health & Life Joins #NC2 the Nebraska Cancer Coalition’s Breathe Easy Get Screened Lung Cancer Campaign

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Jefferson Community Health & Life has joined the annual statewide effort organized by the Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2) to heighten awareness of lifesaving lung cancer screening during November, Lung Cancer Awareness month.

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in Nebraska for both men and women. In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates 1,340 new cases and 630 deaths from lung cancer in Nebraska. The stage of diagnosis strongly affects outcomes. The most recent Nebraska data indicates that the 5-year relative survival rates for lung cancer are 61% for early-stage diagnoses, while rates for later-stage cases fall to 34% for regional diagnoses and 7% for distant diagnoses.

“Lung cancer screening is critical, as symptoms often only become prevalent in later stages of the disease when it’s much more difficult to Breathe Easy and battle the disease. It’s important for Nebraskans with a history of smoking to talk to their health care provider about screening as soon as possible, especially those who have postponed appointments because of the pandemic,” said NC2 President Dr. Alan Thorson.

“Speaking with your primary care provider about cancer screening is something we encourage all Nebraskans to do. Take ownership of your heath and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself,” stated Dr. Mike Romano, MD. “Physicians and healthcare providers appreciate patients who do so.”

Screening for lung cancer with a yearly low-dose CT scan for those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20% by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable according to the American Lung Association (ALA). Lung cancer screening is recommended by the CDC for people ages 50-80 years with a 20+ pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. In 2022, the ALA reported only 6% of Nebraskans at high risk for lung cancer were screened.  It is critical that we spread the word that in order to Breathe Easy, Nebraskans should get screened for lung cancer.

Lung cancer screening is available at Jefferson Community Health & Life with a referral from your medical provider.

Leta Mau Named 2023 Caring Kind

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Leta Mau, Nutrition Services dining room attendant, was honored as the JCH&L Caring Kind recipient for 2023 on Friday, Oct. 27, during the Nebraska Hospital Association convention held in LaVista.

Mau was recognized by her nominators as making every resident feel special. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to help anyone who needs it. She is recognized as being dedicated and helping things to run smoothly.

As a nutrition services staff member for 13 years, she knows the residents’ preferences and make sure they get what they most enjoy while in the dining room.  She makes a special effort to make sure each resident feels special on his or her birthday.

Leta will be honored at the Nebraska Hospital Association’s Caring Kind luncheon on Friday, Oct. 27, in LaVista, with the other Caring Kind honorees from across the state.

For 44 years, the Nebraska Hospital Association has bestowed awards to Nebraska health care employees who have risen to the top by providing service excellence and dedication to their profession. These award recipients commit themselves to the betterment of their hospitals and health systems, their customers, their co-workers, and their communities. In that time NHA has honored more than 2,800 of Nebraska’s most caring and dedicated hospital and health system employees.

Photo by Roger Humphries

Caregivers Support Group to Meet Nov. 9

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The Caregivers Support Group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association will meet on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program for both sessions will be a video “Tips for the Holidays” from Dementia Careblazers..

For November we are going to continue our trial of having two meeting times to determine which is the meeting time that best meets the needs of potential participants. If you are interested in attending but neither time works for you, please contact Lana Likens at 402-729-6855 to discuss other possibilities.

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.

JCH&L Receives OnConferences Team Awards

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Jefferson Community Health & Life received the 2023 OnCon Icon awards for the Top 100 Executive Teams and the top 50 Operational Teams at the awards  ceremony of OnConferences on Tuesday, Oct. 24. Burke Kline, DHA, MBA, MHA, CHFP, FACHE, JHC&L CEO, represented JCH&L during the on-line awards ceremony.

The Operations Teams and Executive Teams award winners were selected by votes based on teams voters felt demonstrated a good mix of success and positive impact on their organization, made strong contributions through thought leadership, was innovative in their projects, and has a team leader who exhibited exceptional leadership.

2023 was the inaugural year for the team categories. Once applications and nominations are submitted, the OnConferences team determines the finalists based on the applications, nominations and their own research. Voting on finalists is open to the public.

A full list of the Top 100 Executive Teams OnCon Icon winners for 2023 can be found at: https://www.onconferences.com/2023executiveteamwinners

A full list of the Top 50 Operations Teams OnCon Icon winners for 2023 can be found at: https://www.onconferences.com/2023operationsteamwinners

 

Caregivers Support Group to Meet Oct. 12

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The Caregivers Support Group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association will meet on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program for both sessions will be a video “Learning Not to Argue” from John Hopkins Medicine.

For October we are going to trial having two meeting times to determine which is the meeting time that best meets the needs of potential participants. If you are interesting in attending but neither time works for you, please contact Lana Likens at 402-729-6855 to discuss other possibilities.

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.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits Oct. 9

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FAIRBURY –The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the mobile unit in the parking lot of JCH&L’s North Building, 825 22nd St.

With only 2-3 days of blood on hand, Nebraska Community Blood Bank has declared a blood emergency. We desperately need eligible donors to step up and help keep our local hospitals stocked.

Following the Labor Day holiday, donations of red blood cells and platelets dropped significantly. In addition to the start of cold and flu season, NCBB sees 50% fewer young blood donors and first-time donors than before the COVID-19 pandemic started—factors which contribute to the ongoing nationwide blood shortage.

All types are needed. 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.

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

Aesthetics Available Soon at JCH&L

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Aesthetic treatments will be available soon at Jefferson Community Health & Life, with services provided by Kirisha Afuh, FNP-C. JCH&L is now accepting appointments for free consultations, which begin Sept. 29. To make an appointment for a consultation or treatment, please call 402-729-6851.

JCH&L will offer both cosmetic and therapeutic injections.

Cosmetic neurotoxin injections (such as Botox® and Xeomin®) can relax the muscles on areas of the face and neck which cause wrinkles associated with facial expressions or facial pain. Treatment with neurotoxins can cause facial expression lines or wrinkles to be less noticeable. Areas most frequently treated are around the eyes, forehead and lips.

Cosmetic injections (removing or reducing wrinkles) are typically not covered by insurance. For cosmetic injections, payment is required the day of treatment. JCH&L will offer a Cosmetic Neurotoxin Loyalty card program.  Free consultations are offered for cosmetic services. At your consultation, you can discuss your needs, procedure recommendations and costs.

Therapeutic neurotoxin injections may be covered by some insurances for 1) TMJ dysfunction; 2) Bruxism (teeth grinding); 3) types of orofacial pain including headaches and migraines; or 4) Excessive sweating.  Therapeutic neurotoxin injections for medical purposes will typically be referred by a health care provider.

Therapeutic neurotoxins are diluted to a very controlled solution. When the solution is injected into the muscles with a very thin needle it is almost painless. Patients may feel a slight burning sensation during the injection. The procedure takes about 15- 20 minutes. Results are not permanent, but may last up to three months.

Treatment with dermal fillers can smooth out facial folds and wrinkles, add volume to the lips, and contour facial features that have lost their volume and fullness due to aging, sun exposure, illness, etc. Facial rejuvenation can be carried out with minimal complications. These dermal fillers are injected under the skin with a very fine needle. This lifts and smooths wrinkles and folds. Results may be seen immediately. Dermal filler treatments are not covered by insurance, and payment is required on the day of the treatment.

If you have questions for a medical professional trained in Aesthetics, Afuh can help. Afuh received certificates through Aesthetics Medical Educators Training and the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics. Her training included hands-on work with patients.

To make an appointment, call 402-729-3361, option 1.

JCH&L Continues Apprenticeship Program

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A new program introduced by Jefferson Community Health & Life in the spring continues – giving area residents a chance to receive a degree in a new career with financial assistance, and commit to working at JCH&L.

The JCH&L Apprenticeship Program seeks apprentices for careers in nursing, radiology, laboratory, speech therapy and possibly other health care careers. For those accepted into the program and completing courses toward a degree, JCH&L will cover up to 100 percent of school tuition, books, and fees after other scholarships are applied.

“We feel it is very important for us to ‘grow our own’ future workers in much-needed areas in healthcare,” said Sandy Bauer, director human resources at JCH&L.

To be eligible, a person must have graduated from high school, be working toward graduating from high school  or have their GED. They must have an interest in a health care career. And they must have interest in helping others, being a team player and working at JCH&L in Fairbury after completion of their studies – and maybe while they are in school. The length of commitment to work at JCH&L would depend on the amount of educational costs that are covered by JCH&L.

“We hope, of course, that those who go through the program would want to work at JCH&L for the long term and become a part of our team,” Bauer said.

For those accepted into the program, a mentor will be provided. The mentor will be a current JCH&L employee in the apprentice’s field of study. If an apprentice is in need of additional help, a tutor will be arranged with the school.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to help our apprentices be successful,” Bauer said.

In some cases, apprentices may also have the opportunity for working hours at JCH&L during their education.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. JCH&L encourages those who feel they might be interested to contact Sandy Bauer for more information.

For an application or more information, please contact Sandy Bauer at 402-729-6851, or email sandy.bauer@jchealthandlife.org.

JCH&L Charity Golf Tournament Raises More Than $13,000

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FAIRBURY — The 27th annual golf tournament to benefit Jefferson Community Health & Life was successful, raising more than $13,000.

“We are very pleased with the success of this annual event. It’s a great way for JCH&L supporters to have a good time and help provide quality health care for our community,” said Lana Likens, director of public relations, marketing and development.

The golf tournament, held Friday, Aug. 11, at the Fairbury Country Club, was a fund-raiser for Jefferson Community Health & Life, a 17-bed critical access hospital located in Fairbury.

Winning teams were:

Champions of the championship flight were Edward Jones – Trevor Steinmeyer, Shae Austin and Ross Boeckner; second place: Rural Sleep Solutions — Stacy Shumard, Brooke Schwab and Jerry Miller; third place: Chappell Roofing— Derek Deger, Staci Deger and Devin Meyers.

In the First Flight, winners were High Plains Anesthesia — Marci Gillham, Penni Mitchell, and Nate Prellwitz; second place: Beckenhauer Construction—Joe Beckenhauer, Bill Barrett, and Patrick Hoins; third place: American National Bank—Don Osborne, Mike Beachler, and Derek Diller.

In the second Flight, winners were Nebraska Hospital Association —David Slattery, Jed Hanson and Taylor Craig; second place: Control Services—Clay Wiseman, Cindy Hill and Daen Lempke; third place: Barber Furniture—Kevin Barber, Tim McAllister, and Rod Edson.

This year’s sponsors include:

Hole sponsors: Beckenhauer Construction, Inc., Behrends Welding Inc., Bryan Health, Chappell Roofing,  Control Services,  Crescent Growth Capital LLC,  Eide Bailly LLP, GrandView Eye Care, Hauge Associates – MedPlan, Heartland Bank, High Plains Anesthesia, Loveland Products, NextEra Energy, Pathology Medical Services, Plymouth Electric, See the Trainer, The Olson Group, Westin Packaged Meats

Breakfast sponsor– Cancer Partners of Nebraska

Lunch sponsors—Baird Holm, Gill Insurance, Nebraska Hematology Oncology, ruralMED Management Resources

Contributing sponsors—Prairie Health Ventures, Quality First Insurance,,Rutt’s Mechanical Service, Rutt’s Heating and Air, Starr Buckow Insurance, Thrivent, UNICO

Flag prize sponsors—Casey’s General Store,,Directions EAP, JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center, Main Street Market, Nebraska Community Bloodbank, Nebraska Health Care Association, Nebraska Hospital Association, Quality First Insurance, Regional Care Inc., The Fairbury Journal-News, Union Bank,

Drawing prize sponsors— Scherbarth Ace Hardware, Don Sutton Club Repair, Barber Furniture,  Pepsi, Eagle Distributing, Quality First Insurance, Ol’ Red 99.5.

Other Sponsors  – Fairbury Country Club, Grandview Eye Care, Heartland Bank, Precision Signs & Graphics LLC, Ray’s Applemarket

“We especially want to thank our sponsors, donors, golf teams and volunteers.  It wouldn’t have been a successful event if we didn’t have such great support from our community, our peers, and companies we work with regularly,” Likens said.

Edward Jones – championship flight, first place

High Plains Anesthesia – first flight, first place

Nebraska Hospital Association – second flight, first place

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