JCH&L Fairbury Clinic Administrator Ashley Norden, LPN, has been selected for the Nebraska Action Coalition’s 40 under 40 emerging nurse leader award.
Last year, Norden became a Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional.
Norden, who has been clinic administrator since 2020, has been with JCH&L since 2009. She is committed to helping our rural family medicine clinic continue to grow and improve and provide excellent customer service.
The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the mobile unit in the parking lot of JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, 825 22nd St.
Everyone who gives blood has a chance to a $25 gas card from Casey’s.
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.
To make an appointment, call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851, or visit NCBB.org 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 NCBB.org/iDonate
JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services therapist Callie Engler, PT, DPT, CMPT, has been certified in manual physical therapy. She received her certification through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. A NAIOMT trained CMPT excels at obtaining an accurate functional diagnosis while employing an eclectic approach to management, through all types of manual therapy and exercise.
A Certified Manual Physical Therapist focuses on hands-on techniques used to mobilize muscles, joints, connective tissue and nerves to facilitate healing and restore function. Certification in manual therapy is a distinction for physical therapists who complete post-graduate education and specializing in a safe, effective, quadrant-integrated, hands-on treatment approach. It allows Engler to treat more complex patients with an integrative approach.
“It’s another tool allowing me to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based and patient-centered care,” Engler said.
In response to a recent uptick in cases in Jefferson County, JCH&L will be offering free rapid testing for Jefferson County residents at the Fairbury Presbyterian Church on Monday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This will be a drive-through service, on a first-come, first-served basis (no appointment times.)
Anyone who has any symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to be tested, regardless of their vaccination status.
Those who are tested will receive their results later Monday afternoon via phone call or text message.
Individuals under 19 years of age will need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form in order to be tested.
The test offered will use a nasal swab sample. To collect the sample, trained staff will carefully insert the entire absorbent tip of the swab (usually ½ to ¾ of an inch) into each nostril. Staff will firmly sample the nasal wall by rotating the swab in a circular path against the nasal wall 5 times. This procedure takes approximately 15 seconds and is not painful, however it may be uncomfortable for some.
Results from this free testing will be counted as a part of Jefferson County’s positivity rate.
Megan Knutson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, joined the Jefferson Community Health & Life team on June 7.
Knutson is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice, and passed her boards in May. Knutson is board certified in family practice through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
“My medical care will focus on prevention, getting to know people, and treating patients and families as a whole,” Knutson said.
Knutson graduated from Kearney Catholic High School, and received her bachelor of science in nursing from Nebraska Methodist College. She said she had started toward a degree in physical therapy, but decided nursing was where she was meant to be. After working as a nurse, she was ready for growth and additional challenges in her field, and chose to pursue the nurse practitioner degree.
JCH&L’s CEO Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE, said JCH&L is excited to add a new mid-level practitioner, and is also pleased to be adding its first Nurse Practitioner.
“Our current goal to best serve our community is to have 4 physicians and 6 mid-level practitioners, which may be certified physician assistants or board certified nurse practitioners. We are pleased to add Megan to our excellent team of providers,” Kline said.
Once she completes her orientation to JCH&L, Knutson will offer both clinic appointments and ER coverage.
JCH&L recently lost Tyler and Kelsey Maguire, both certified physician assistants, who took positions in their hometown area of Columbus, Ne. Doug Ruzicka, PA-C, retired early in 2021 after 35 years of service to JCH&L, and 40 years of service in Fairbury.
“We were sorry to lose Tyler and Kelsey, but understand their desire to be closer to family. We were also sorry to lose Doug, but know how much he deserves his retirement,” Kline said. “We are currently working to bring our mid-level staffing up to our goal.”
Knutson and her husband, Travis, have two daughters: Emerson, 4, and Quinn, 2. Travis works for FivServe as an implementations analyst, and works from home.
Outside of work, Knutson said the family enjoys parks and swimming.
“I look forward to getting to know people and getting to know the community,” Knutson said.
With the addition of Knutson, JCH&L’s medical providers will include three board-certified family medicine physicians and three certified mid-level practitioners (PAs and Nurse Practitioner) with one shared goal: supporting you and your family’s health for life. Our team includes: Dr. Craig Shumard, Dr. Rebecca Stroklund, Dr. Brett Wergin (all board-certified family medicine providers); certified physician assistants Jessica Borrenpohl PA-C, and Kensly Williams PA-C; and Nurse Practitioner Megan Knutson APRN.
JCH&L Fairbury Clinic is accepting new patients.
For appointments with Knutson or the other JCH&L Fairbury Clinical family medicine providers, call 402-729-3361, option 1.
Dr. Rick Blatny Jr. is no longer employed at Jefferson Community Health & Life.
Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE, said that because this is a personnel issue, no details will be released.
The Fairbury Clinic will be contacting patients about previously scheduled appointments and giving patients the opportunity to re-schedule. Appointments will be available with Craig Shumard, MD; Rebecca Stroklund, DO; Brett Wergin MD; Jessica Borrenpohl, PA-C; Megan Knutson, APRN; or Kensly Williams, PA-C.
Anyone with questions about scheduling should contact the Fairbury Clinic at 402-729-3361 (option 1.) For special medical needs contact Fairbury Clinic patient services at 402-587-5182.
JCH&L continues its ongoing physician recruitment efforts.
Swallowing disorders – formally known as dysphagia – are estimated to affect nearly 510 million people worldwide. Swallowing problems may be the result of many medical conditions, and may affect people of any age.
Some common symptoms could include:
In order to diagnose dysphagia, a patient may have a modified barium swallow study – the patient eats or drinks food or liquid with barium in it and the swallowing process is viewed on an x-ray; or an endoscopy assessment – using a lighted scope inserted through the nose, the swallow can be viewed on a screen.
Amanda Carlson, M.S. CCC-SLP, does modified barium swallow studies at JCH&L with a radiologist.
If dysphagia is diagnosed, treatment may include exercises, generally with a speech therapist; education about strategies to reduce the risk of aspiration (including postural or positioning techniques, behavioral interventions or special equipment or utensils); and diet modifications.
“Swallowing is such an important part of our health and our life,” Carlson said. “If you have any concerns about your swallowing, contact your primary care physician.”
Homer Ward has retired after 20 years serving as chairman of the Cedarwood Assisted Living board. Ward was elected chairman of the first board in 2001, when Cedarwood was still in the planning stages. He retired from the board after the May 2021 meeting.
“We thank Homer for his 20 years of service to Cedarwood Assisted Living as a board member and board chairman,” said JCH&L CEO and Cedarwood President Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE. A plaque was presented to Ward in recognition of his years of service.
Cedarwood assisted living is a private not-for-profit organization, and is jointly owned by Bryan Health of Lincoln and Jefferson Community Health & Life. It is operated by the Cedarwood assisted living board of directors, which includes an equal number of members from Bryan Health and JCH&L. Ward has served as a JCH&L representative on the board. Kline serves as president of the corporation.
Assisted living is a specially licensed area of senior housing, which is designed to fill a niche for those who can’t be in their own homes any longer, but do not yet need nursing home care. Cedarwood is Fairbury’s first and only licensed assisted living facility. The $4.3 million facility was completed in December 2003 and opened for tenants in early January 2004.
In Nebraska, an assisted living is licensed to provide residential and support services and is approved as a Medicaid provider for those eligible for Medicaid Waiver. Assisted living is designed to provide supervision or assistance with activities of daily living and monitoring of resident activities to help to ensure health, safety and well-being.
“Assisted living can help promote independence and dignity when independent living is no longer possible or safe, but the 24-hour medical care a nursing home would provide is not needed,” said Deb Sutton RN, administrator of Cedarwood assisted living.
Cedarwood provides its tenants three nutritious meals a day, assistance with a weekly whirlpool bath if desired, weekly housekeeping service and flat linen laundry service, free use of laundry facilities for personal laundry or assistance with laundry for a nominal extra charge, social and exercise activities, 24-hour staff to assist with medication and personal care, use of common areas, scheduled van transportation, and an emergency call system.
The mission statement of Cedarwood is “to provide the highest quality of hospitality, services, activities, security, companionship and freedom to tenants in a caring and loving environment they are proud to call home.”
Each apartment features a kitchenette including personal refrigerator, microwave, cabinets, sink and dining area; bathroom equipped with walk-in, sit-down shower; thermostat-controlled air conditioning and heating; personal emergency alert system; fire detectors and sprinkler system; pre-wired cable and telephone outlets (cable is included with unit rental, telephone service is individual through the telephone company); abundant closet space; and a porch light, door bell and display shelf.
Three sizes of units are available. The studio unit is a one-room apartment with bathroom. The one-bed unit has a living area and a separate bedroom with bathroom and the one-bedroom deluxe also offers a living area and separate bedroom with bathroom, with additional square footage.
Eight units were added to Cedarwood on the west end of the building in 2013, bringing Cedarwood to a total of 50 units.
Besides serving as chairman of the Cedarwood board for 20 years, Ward has also served many other roles at JCH&L, including health center president and board member, foundation president and board member, and capital campaign chairman.
Presenting the award to Homer (center) are Dr. Burke Kline, JCH&L CEO, left, and Chance Klasek, JCH&L CFO, right.
As of June 7, JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center is open to full capacity, after operating with distancing, reduced class sizes, and other COVID precautions since late last year.
The fitness center is open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Zumba Class will begin again on Monday, July 5. Zumba will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Fitness Center participants must still pass a screening when entering, including temperature and questions about any COVID symptoms or exposure to COVID. Masking is optional for fitness center participants. Fitness Center participants MUST mask and have a screened sticker if leaving from the fitness center to other parts of Jefferson Community Health & Life.
Participants are still asked to wipe down equipment after use, and are encouraged to use hand sanitizer before and after using equipment.
Staff members continue to clean machines regularly.
“Throughout the pandemic we have been working hard to keep our members and staff safe,” said Craig Bontrager, fitness center director. “We are happy that our county is in the green risk dial and that we are able to loosen restrictions for our participants.”
Jefferson Community Health & Life will continue to monitor the county numbers and risk dial.
With an estimated 10 to 30% of COVID-19 survivors experiencing “long-haul” symptoms including brain fog and swallowing difficulties, JCHL speech-language pathologist Amanda Carlson is encouraging the public to seek care from qualified experts who can help them regain their functioning and quality of life. Carlson is sharing this message in recognition of May being national Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM).
“The pandemic has posed so many challenges to us all as a society, but one of the persisting and most vexing ones right now is the daunting set of difficulties many people are having for months after contracting COVID-19,” said Carlson. “From brain fog, to difficulty eating and drinking, to speech and language problems, these can affect return to work, the ability to take care of one’s family, and overall recovery. Many people don’t know about the services of speech-language pathologists—professionals trained in these areas who can make a huge difference for these people. This is an important time for us to spread the word: Help is available.”
How They Help
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help people with, or recovering from, COVID-19 who are having short- and longer-term difficulties in the following areas:
Many COVID-19 “long-haulers” are reporting persistent brain fog as a debilitating symptom after their bout with the virus. This can prevent a return to work and impact their ability to tend to family responsibilities. SLPs can work with individuals to improve their memory, attention, organization and planning, problem solving, learning, and social communication—such as re-learning conversational rules or understanding the intent behind a message or behind nonverbal cues. The focus is on the person’s specific challenges as well as regaining the skills that are most important to their daily life and priorities.
People diagnosed with COVID-19 may experience swallowing problems that can put them at risk for choking or aspirating, which is when food goes into the lungs instead of the stomach. This may be the result of time spent on a ventilator, or it may be another side effect of the virus. SLPs use different types of tests to determine what happens when a person swallows and how the related muscles are working—helping a patient’s medical team, including the SLP, decide on the best course of action with the patient and their family. SLPs may recommend modified textures of food and drink for patients; therapy exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips, and muscles in the mouth and throat; and strategies to make eating and drinking safer, such as modifying the pace of chewing/eating, size of food, and more.
People diagnosed with COVID-19 are also experiencing speech and language difficulties. Some, such as those who spent a significant amount of time on a ventilator or experienced low oxygen to the brain, may have muscle weakness or reduced coordination in the muscles of the face, lips, tongue, and throat—making it difficult to talk. Others, particularly those who experienced a COVID-related stroke, may experience a language disorder called aphasia—which makes it hard for someone to understand, speak, read, or write. SLPs work with patients through targeted therapy to improve their communication and understanding.
People who have severe speech and/or language difficulties may need to find other ways to answer questions or tell people what they want, such as through gesturing with their hands, pointing to letters or pictures on a paper or board, or using a computer. These are all forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). SLPs help find the appropriate AAC method to meet an individual’s needs.
Where to Find Care
Jefferson Community Health & Life Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Services speech therapist works in settings that include the hospital, long-term care facility, and patients’ homes. If you or a loved one are experiencing communication challenges, Carlson recommends letting your doctor know.
2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE