Bentley Certified in Lymphatic Therapy

/by

Occupational Therapist Cassidy Bentley Adds Certification

Cassidy Bentley, MOT, OTR/L, CLT, with Jefferson Community Health & Life Sports Medicine and Rehab Services has been certified by the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy in Atlanta, GA, in the technique of complete decongestive therapy including manual lymph drainage and compression therapy. She is now a certified lymphedema therapist.

Lymphedema is a chronic accumulation of protein-rich fluid under the skin. It can impact quality of life and functional ability. It can be congenital or hereditary, or can be caused by surgery, radiation therapy, trauma, infection or chronic venous insufficiency.

“Treating lymphedema can improve quality of life and functional ability, which is what occupational therapy is all about,” Bentley said.

Bentley is a Bruning native. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a minor in health science from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2017. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Nebraska Methodist College in 2019. Bentley is also trained and certified in women’s health, and is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. She has been with JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services since 2019.

If you have lymphedema,  ask your primary health care provider if treatment is right for you. Those interested in more information can contact JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services at 402-729-6840.

JCH&L Named Among Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals Again

/by

iVantage Research Identifies Top Performing Hospitals

FAIRBURY, Neb. — For the seventh time, Jefferson Community Health & Life has been named a top 100 critical access hospital in the Unit

ed States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

“We are proud to be recognized again for our daily commitment to providing quality, professional health care to residents of Jefferson County and beyond, while maintaining an efficient facility,” said Burke Kline, DHA, CEO of Jefferson Community Health & Life.

 

Jefferson Community Health & Life scored in the top 100 of critical access hospitals (CAHs) on the iVantage Strength INDEX™ in 2021, and previously made the Top 100 list in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. This is the seventh time in eight years JCH&L has made the list of Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals. The annual Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals award is based on the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX ® from iVantage Health Analytics, and is regarded as one of the industry’s most significant designations of performance excellence.

Hospitals recognized as a Top 100 facility scored in the top 100 among all Critical Access Hospitals nationally. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the INDEX leverages 50 rural-relevant indicators across eight pillars of hospital strength (i.e. Inpatient Market Share, Outpatient Market Chare, Cost, Charge, Quality, Outcomes, Patient Perspective and Financial Stability) to determine an overall score for each hospital. Each of the INDEX’s 50 indicators is culled from publicly-available data sources.  Hospitals recognized as a Top 100 facility had one of the 100 highest overall scores among all Critical Access Hospitals nationally.

 “The Top 100 program continues to illuminate strategies and innovation for delivering higher quality care and better outcomes within rural communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to be able to spotlight the efforts of these facilities through the INDEX framework.”

The list of this year’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals, as well as the 2021 INDEX methodology, can be found at www.ivantageindex.com/top-performing-hospitals.

JCH&L is among 15 Nebraska critical access hospitals to make the Top 100 list for 2021. Others are: Boone County Health Center, Albion; Brodstone Memorial Hospital; CHI Health St. Mary’s, Nebraska City; Community Medical Center, Falls City; Fillmore County Hospital, Geneva; Howard County Medical Center, St. Paul; Johnson County Hospital, Tecumseh; Memorial Health Care Systems, Seward; Memorial Hospital, Aurora; Pender Community Hospital, Pender; Phelps Memorial Health Center, Holdrege; St. Francis Memorial Hospital, West Point; Thayer County Health Services, Hebron; and York General Hospital, York.

In May 2020, JCH&L was recognized by the Chartis Center and the National Rural Health Association for being one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation for quality. In 2018, JCH&L received an overall Top 20 Critical Access Hospital Award.

In November 2020, JCH&L was recognized as a Performance Leader for the fifth consecutive year, this time for patient perspective.  In 2017, 2018 and 2019, JCH&L received the Performance Leadership Award for overall excellence in quality, outcomes and patient perspective. In 2016, the award was for finance and patient satisfaction. The Performance Leadership Award is given by the Chartis Center for Rural Health/iVantage Health Analytics and the National Organization of State Office of Rural Health (NOSORH).

“These recognitions reaffirm that our emphasis on quality, performance and satisfaction are making a difference to the people we serve. It is because of the work and care of our staff, physicians and board, and the support of the people of Jefferson County and beyond that we are able to meet and surpass these benchmarks and receive recognition,” Kline said.

JCH&L Encourages Those 65 and Older to Call for Vaccinations

/by

Jefferson Community Health & Life continues holding weekly COVID vaccination clinics.

If you are a resident of Jefferson County or a Fairbury Clinic patient who is 65 and older and would like the COVID vaccination, please call JCH&L at 402-587-5188. Please leave us a message with your name, birthdate and telephone number. JCH&L will call those interested in order of age as vaccine is available.

When calling for scheduling, each patient will be asked questions about their health status and will be given vaccine clinic information. The scheduler will schedule first and second doses of the vaccine, which are 28 days apart. JCH&L receives a limited number of vaccinations each week, and vaccinations will be given by appointment only. When an appointment is made for a first dose, the appointment is also made for the second dose. JCH&L is following the guidelines from Public Health Solutions and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Fairbury Clinic physicians support vaccination of their patients. They have instructed schedulers to ask health questions, and if any concerns arise they will provide further instructions.

Some vaccine information:
*This will be the Moderna vaccine. It requires 2 doses 28 days apart.

*The most commonly reported side effects are pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever. More people experience these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose.

*A full fact sheet on the vaccine is available at https://www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/recipients/

 *You should not get this vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine, or to a previous dose of this vaccine

*You may not have had any other vaccination of any type for the 14 days prior to receiving this vaccine.

Public Health Solutions will offer community clinics at a later date.

Blood Profiles to be Offered at JCH&L

/by

Know Your Numbers by Getting a Complete Blood Profile for a Discounted Rate

Complete blood profiles will be offered by Jefferson Community Health & Life at a discounted rate weekday mornings March 29-April 9.

Blood profiles appointments will be offered weekdays at the outpatient clinic area at Jefferson Community Health Center, 2200 H St; and Thursday, April 8,  at JCH&L Plymouth Clinic, 316 N. Madison Ave., Suite 200, Plymouth.

The screening will be available by appointment only. A limited number of appointments will be available. Please make your appointment early! Fasting is required prior to the blood screening. All participants will be provided their confidential screening results.

The complete blood profile will cost $45 and includes:

  • Comprehensive Metabolic Profile and Lipid Profile – This group of tests tells about heart, liver, kidney and sugar levels in the blood. The cholesterol is fractionated into low- and high-density levels, and gives the person’s coronary heart disease risk.
  • T4 — Basic screen for thyroid function.
  • Hemagram – This is a blood count telling the number of white blood cells and red blood cells. It also tells the hemoglobin level.

This year there are also two optional additions to the test: a PSA (prostate-specific antigen test) for men for $10; and Hemoglobin A1C, which measures average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months, for $10.

The profile report includes explanations of each factor which may be considered higher or lower than normal. Anyone with concerns about their screening results is encouraged to schedule an appointment with their personal family physician to discuss the results.

Since this is not a physician-ordered exam, it is not covered by Medicare or other insurance, and results are not sent to a physician. Payment will be collected at time of service. Cash and checks will be accepted for payment.

This screening is private pay only. If you want a complete blood profile which would be covered under an insurance preventative care option, you must have a physician-ordered screening, separate from this event.

The $45 rate is a considerable savings to patients compared to the regular costs of this type of complete blood profile, said Lab Manager Dan Reikofski.

To make an appointment for the blood profile, call Jefferson Community Health & Life Outpatient Services at (402) 729-6851.

JCH&L COVID Vaccination Clinics Continue Weekly

/by

Jefferson Community Health & Life is holding weekly COVID vaccination clinics, and is currently scheduling area residents who are age 80 and older for vaccinations.

If you are a resident of Jefferson County who is 75 and older and would like the COVID vaccination and have not yet been called to schedule OR if you are a Fairbury clinic patient who is 75 or older who did not receive a flyer or who hasn’t been called yet, please call JCH&L at 402-587-5188. Please leave us a message with your name, birthdate and telephone number. JCH&L will call those interested in order of age as vaccine is available.

When calling for scheduling, each patient will be asked questions about their health status and will be given vaccine clinic information. The scheduler will schedule first and second doses of the vaccine, which are 28 days apart. JCH&L is limited to 100 vaccinations per week, and vaccinations will be given by appointment only. JCH&L is following the guidelines from Public Health Solutions and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

“We are grateful for the partnership of the Fairbury Presbyterian Church which is allowing us to use their location for our weekly vaccine clinics,” said Amber Brunow, infection preventionist. “The church gives us excellent accessibility, and a place for those receiving vaccinations to be dropped off and picked up.”

Fairbury Clinic physicians support vaccination of their patients. They have instructed schedulers to ask health questions, and if any concerns arise they will provide further instructions.

Some vaccine information:
*This will be the Moderna vaccine. It requires 2 doses 28 days apart.

*The most commonly reported side effects are pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever. More people experience these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose.

*A full fact sheet on the vaccine is available at https://www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/recipients/

 *You should not get this vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine, or to a previous dose of this vaccine

*You may not have had any other vaccination of any type for the 14 days prior to receiving this vaccine.

Vaccine clinics will be scheduled in the future for those who are 65 -74 and for those who have underlying health conditions.

 Public Health Solutions will offer community clinics at a later date.

JCH&L Holds Annual Meeting

/by

2020 was an unusual year, but successful in spite of COVID-19

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2020 on Thursday, Jan. 21.

Two board members were elected to serve on the board: Trevor Steinmeyer, for his second term; and Glenda Austin, for her first term, taking the spot left by Brian Scheele. Steinmeyer is employed by Flood Communications at Ol’ Red 99.5 radio in Fairbury. Glenda is an owner and agent of Shelter Insurance in Fairbury. Board members are elected from among members of the corporation and may serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.

Linda Bauer, board chairman, thanked the administration, medical staff, board members and staff for their efforts and excellent care. She gave a number of highlights of the year, as listed for the membership in a report from Dr. Burke Kline, DHA, chief executive officer. Dr. Kline has been CEO since June.

Highlights included JCH&L being named a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital for Quality; being named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for the sixth time in six years; being recognized for a Performance Leadership award; and having Gardenside recognized as a 5-Star facility. In staff news, Kensly Williams PA-C joined the staff in February 2020. Rebecca Stroklund, D.O., joined the staff in January 2021. Ashley Norden was named clinic administrator in May and earned her Rural Health Clinic professional certification in November. Doug Ruzicka, PA-C, retired in January after 40 years in Fairbury. New services included the addition of nephrologist Jeffrey T. Marple, MD, by telehealth; Casey Bowen, MD, dermatologist; Wendy Reeves, OB-GYN; Aaron Ward, MD, diabetes specialist by telehealth; and Lauren Cox, ODT, OTR/L, with JCH&L Sport Medicine and Rehab Services adding pediatric occupational therapy services.  Rebecca Bowen, MD, otolaryngology, head and neck surgery specialist, replaced Dr. H. Russell Semm, who retired; and Joni Tilford, MD, medical oncologist, replaced Dr. Alan Berg, who retired.

Chance Klasek, CFO, reported that both revenues and expenses were up in fiscal 2020, with the year ending on a total margin of 14.1 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: Trevor Steinmeyer, chairman; Brian Blobaum, vice chairman; and Sheri Schultis, secretary-treasurer.

JCH&L Vaccination Clinics Begin on Friday, Feb. 5

/by

Jefferson Community Health & Life has begun calling patients to schedule COVID vaccinations, starting with Fairbury Clinic patients who are over 90. JCH&L is limited to 100 vaccinations per week, and vaccinations will be given by appointment only. JCH&L is following the guidelines from Public Health Solutions and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

“We will receive a limited number of vaccinations each week, and will need to make sure we have the right number of patients scheduled each week to utilize all vaccine available to us,” said Amber Brunow, infection preventionist.

Fairbury Clinic patients who are 75 and older have been mailed flyers with information about the clinics and the vaccine. Patients will be called in order of age. Each patient will be asked questions about their health status and will be given vaccine clinic information. The scheduler will schedule first and second doses of the vaccine, which are 28 days apart.

Fairbury Clinic patients who did not receive a flyer or other Jefferson County residents who are 90 or older and are interested in receiving the vaccine may call 402-587-5188. This special vaccination line will be answered by a voice mail. Please leave your name, phone number and birth date if you are interested in receiving the vaccine. You will receive a return call to determine eligibility and schedule.

Fairbury Clinic physicians support vaccination of their patients. They have instructed schedulers to ask health questions, and if any concerns arise they will provide further instructions.

Some vaccine information:
*This will be the Moderna vaccine. It requires 2 doses 28 days apart.

*The most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever. More people experience these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose.

*A full fact sheet on the vaccine is available at https://www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/recipients/

 *You should not get this vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine, or to a previous dose of this vaccine

*You may not have had any other vaccination of any type for the 14 days prior to receiving this vaccine.

Vaccine clinics will be scheduled in the future for those who are 65 -74 and for those who have underlying health conditions.

 Public Health Solutions will offer community clinics at a later date.

JCH&L Women’s Health Days Set for Feb. 23 and March 8

/by

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

In just about three hours women from Jefferson County and beyond can 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 Mondays, Feb. 23 and March 8.

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 hand massage, 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 Nursing 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.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits Feb. 15

/by

FAIRBURY –The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to 2  p.m. in the mobile unit in the parking lot of JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, 825 22nd St.

All  donations at this blood drive will be tested for COVID antibodies.

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 Vaccination Plan Begins with Oldest Patients

/by

Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic will begin calling patients soon to schedule vaccinations, and will be making calls starting from the oldest patients. JCH&L is following the guidelines from Public Health Solutions and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

“We will receive a limited number of vaccinations each week, and will need to make sure we have the right number of patients scheduled each week to utilize all vaccine available to us,” said Amber Brunow, infection preventionist.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic will be mailing flyers with information about the clinics and the vaccine to all patients who are 75 and older. Patients will be called in order of age. Each patient will be asked questions about their health status and will be given vaccine clinic information. We ask that patients not call us asking to set up appointments.

*Fairbury Clinic physicians support vaccination of their patients. They have instructed schedulers to ask health questions, and if any concerns arise they will provide further instructions.

Online registration is not required for those who are 75 and older. We are working on additional plans for those who are 65 and older or those who have underlying health conditions.

Some vaccine information:
*This will be the Moderna vaccine. It requires 2 doses 28 days apart.

*The most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever. More people experience these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose.

*A full fact sheet on the vaccine is available at https://www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/recipients/

 

*You should not get this vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine, or to a previous dose of this vaccine

*You may not have had any other vaccination of any type for the 14 days prior to receiving this vaccine.

 

Public Health Solutions will offer community clinics at a later date.

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