JCH&L Women’s Health Day Set for Sept. 8

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

Women’s Health Days allow women from Jefferson County and beyond to complete their annual health checks and receive a well-deserved indulgence at the same time – in just under three hours. 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 Tuesday, Sept. 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 Quality 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.

Visits on Hold at Gardenside and Cedarwood

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All tenants and staff are being tested

Visits are on hold at JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood after a positive COVID-19 case was identified at Cedarwood.

On Monday, all Cedarwood tenants and staff were being tested for COVID-19 to allow the facility to mitigate any potential spread.

Families of all Cedarwood tenants have been contacted, as is required by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. DHHS requires nursing homes and assisted living staff to notify family members about any positive test result associated with the facility.

Family visits at both Cedarwood and Gardenside will be put on hold at this time, said Deb Sutton, RN, BSN, Gardenside and Cedarwood administrator.

“Our first priority is to the safety of our tenants and residents,” Sutton said. “By testing all Cedarwood tenants and staff at this time, our goal is to stop a potential outbreak at Cedarwood before it starts.”

Jefferson Community Health & Life encourages everyone to take proper precautions against the spread of COVID-19: Mask when in public places; maintain 6 feet of social distancing; wash your hands and sanitize surfaces regularly; and if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 call JCH&L at 402-729-3351 to find out whether you should be tested. Testing is available by order of our medical providers if you have any symptoms or a possible exposure.

Testing is also available every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. through Test Nebraska outside the front entrance of JCH&L. Registration is through TestNebraska.com. Register at TestNebraska.com, and you will be notified if you are eligible to be tested in the program and you can make a reservation on line.

The CDC states that people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, which may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Symptoms include (but are not limited to): fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.

New EHR at JCH&L will Benefit Patients

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An update to a new Electronic Health Record at Jefferson Community Health & Life, scheduled to take place on Aug. 17, will benefit patients, said JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, DHA.

JCH&L is working with Cerner Corporation®, a global health care technology company, to implement a new integrated electronic health record (EHR) across its health center and clinics.

“Having one connected system used throughout our hospital and clinics will help doctors and nurses work smarter to improve the overall health of our community, ” said Erin Starr, JCH&L chief nursing officer.

In order to help us make sure all information is accurate and correct, JCH&L staff ask that clinic patients arrive 15 to 20 minutes ahead of their scheduled appointment. This will allow time to make sure all information is in the computer system correctly. Initially, it will take a little longer to verify information, including medications, health history, allergies, and basic information.

Pre-registration events have been offered, and a number of patients have taken advantage of the opportunity to pre-register in the new EHR with JCH&L staff.

Those who have not pre-registered are welcome to pick up a health history form at the JCH&L outpatient services desk or the Fairbury or Plymouth Clinic admissions desk, the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce office, Korbel Drug, Globe Rexall, or go to JCHealthandLife.org and print off the form. Once completed, the form can be dropped off at the clinic or hospital, or brought to an appointment.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience. As we go live with the brand new system, there will be some things that take longer – but this will improve as we get patient information entered into the system and verified,” Starr said. “Ultimately, it will improve the safety, quality and experience of health care for patients and caregivers.”

The new system will include a new patient portal, which will offer patients around-the-clock access to their health records. It will be easier to access information and appointment scheduling resources at any time. Once enrolled, patients can use this online resource to securely exchange messages with health care providers, view health results and records, pay their bill, schedule appointments and more.

JCH&L has offered comprehensive health care services to the residents of Fairbury and surrounding communities for more than 55 years. Collaborating with an industry-leading health care technology provider puts the health system in a better position to serve the communities needs both now and well into the future.

Anyone with questions or concerns should call Starr at 402-729-6889.

JCH&L Women’s Health Day Set for Aug. 25

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

Women’s Health Days have returned to Jefferson Community Health & Life. 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 Tuesday, and Aug. 25.

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 Quality 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 Aug. 31

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FAIRBURY –The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, Aug. 31, from 9 a.m. to 2  p.m. in the conference rooms at Jefferson Community Health & Life. Donors will use the main entrance. The August blood drive will help raise scholarship funds for Fairbury High School students.

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

To make an appointment, call Jean Smith at JCH&L 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 Donates to Jefferson County K9 Project

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Jefferson Community Health & Life has made a donation of $1,000 to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Offices’ K9 Project fundraiser.

The goal of the project is to raise $30,000 to bring two new dogs trained in criminal patrol and narcotic detection to the department, along with equipment for two vehicles and maintenance, said Chief Deputy Matt Schultz. About $12,000 has been raised to date. The department is hoping to raise the funds in the next several months.

The department’s current dog, Rico, is near retirement. Rico has been a narcotic detection dog. Handlers for the new dogs will be Deputies Rachel Bender and Aaron Christ.

“JCH&L is proud to be a supporter of law enforcement,” said Burke Kline, DHA, JCH&L CEO. “Law enforcement and health care are partners in ensuring the safety and health of our area residents.”

For more information on the K9 project, please contact Matt Schultz at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department at 402-729-2284.

2020 JCH&L Charity Golf Tournament Cancelled

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Jefferson Community Health & Life has cancelled the 2020 charity golf tournament, which had been scheduled for Aug. 7, 2020.

“While there is sadness in cancelling the 24th annual tournament, we feel it is prudent and in the best interest of health and well being of all concerned,” said Lana Likens, JCH&L director of Public Relations.

When JCH&L decided to move ahead with the tournament in late June, new COVID-19 diagnoses in Nebraska were declining, numbers for our immediate area remained very low, Directed Health Measures for the five-county health area were loosening, and JCH&L felt it could plan a COVID-19 friendly and responsible tournament.

By mid- to late-July, outbreaks in the counties surrounding Jefferson County – some linked to golf tournaments – forced JCH&L to reevaluate. News also came out that an outbreak elsewhere in the state had also been linked to a golf tournament. Currently, due to a shortage of reagents, test results are taking longer than normal to be returned.

“Even with the many precautions planned for our tournament, at this time we feel it is in the best interest of the health and well being of tournament participants and community to cancel,” Likens said. “As a community health care provider, we have a tremendous responsibility to keep your community members safe.”

Refunds are available to those who have donated. Those who wish to have refunds should contact Likens at lana.likens@jchealthandlife.org, or calling 402-729-6855.

Electronic Health Record Preregistration Events Planned at JCH&L

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As JCH&L transitions to a new Electronic Health Record with Cerner in August, we are seeking to make things flow smoother for patients by offering preregistration events. Patients who participate will help us make sure their basic information, health history, medications, allergies and more are in the Electronic Health Record correctly. This will make their first family medicine appointment, hospital admission or ER admission a much quicker process.

At the preregistration events JCH&L will have treats and give aways, and everyone who participates will receive a coupon for a free small dish of ice cream at Classic Cones. Events are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 3, Aug. 10 and Aug. 14. To help these events go smoothly, please make an appointment by calling Erin Starr at 402-729-6889. We anticipate it will take no more than an hour—and it will be an hour that is well worth it. Please bring medication bottles, health history, insurance card, allergy information and immunization records.

JCH&L will go live with Cerner on Aug. 17. It will allow JCH&L to have one health record across the campus for all patients, and will enhance our patients’ safety. It will also allow some nice additions such as appointment reminders. A new patient portal will also be a helpful addition, allowing patients to see more of their health record, and provider easier communication with providers.

Call 402-729-6889 to make your appointment today!

JCH&L Gardenside, Cedarwood Delay Visitation

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Visits by family members to JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood have been delayed from starting by at least one week.

“An increase in cases of COVID-19 in the surrounding counties in our public health district since late last week make us feel we must postpone visits,” said Deb Sutton RN, BS, NHA.  “We know everyone is excited to be able to see family again, but safety must be our first priority.”

JCH&L and Cedarwood work closely with Public Health Solutions district health department, and comply with state and federal guidelines. Moving forward the long-term care and assisted living facilities will review area stats and make decisions on a week-by-week basis, working with the local medical director and the public health department.

Visits had been announced to begin on July 15 after the facilities have been closed to visitors since March 14 because of state and federal guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Health & Human Services and CDC have provided guidelines that nursing homes and assisted living facilities must follow to reopen to visitors, including strict standards for social distancing and the use of face masks for all visits. Community incidence of the virus must also be taken into consideration.

Anyone with questions about the requirements should contact Sutton at 402-729-6843.

JCH&L Gardenside, Cedarwood Prepare for Visits

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JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood are preparing for visits from family members beginning July 15. The facilities have been closed to visitors since March 14 because of state and federal guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are excited to be able to welcome family members back to visit their loved ones. We appreciate their patience and understanding, as we have very strict guidelines we are required to follow in order to keep our residents and tenants safe,” said Deb Sutton RN, BS, NHA, administrator of JCH&L Gardenside and Cedarwood.

The Department of Health & Human Services and CDC have provided guidelines that nursing homes must follow, including strict standards for social distancing and the use of face masks for all visits.

Gardenside and Cedarwood were able to move to Phase 2 on June 24. Phase 2 allows group activities in groups of 10 or fewer, with facemasks required for all residents attending. Group dining is allowed with two per table, with a plexiglass divider between them.

Gardenside and Cedarwood were granted permission to move to Phase 3 as of July 3rd. In order to move to Phase 3, both facilities had to test all staff for COVID-19, with all negative results; have enough personal protective equipment on hand in the event of a case being diagnosed; our hospital must have the capacity to admit any residents who contract COVID-19; we must have adequate staffing and a supervised visitation plan in place; and the public health district we are located in must be in Phase 3 and there cannot be a high number of COVID-19 cases in our county or community. Gardenside and Cedarwood staff were all tested for COVID-19 on June 30, and all test results were negative. Both facilities meet all other requirements.

If at any time a nursing home or assisted living has a positive case of COVID-19 identified with a staff member or a resident/tenant, the facility could be required to move back to Phase 1 immediately, with no visitation.

As the facilities open to visitors:

  1. They are required to have staff available to monitor and supervise all visits, to ensure the guidelines are properly followed at all times
  2. Nursing homes and assisted livings must designate a specific location for visits where staff can monitor that guidelines are followed
  3. All visitors must wear a cloth face mask that fits over their nose and under their chin during the entire visit
  4. All visitors must always maintain social distancing of 6 feet during the visit
  5. All visitors must be screened, including a temperature, before entering the nursing home or assisted living. Anyone with any respiratory symptoms will not be allowed to enter
  6. All visitors must clean their hands with hand sanitizer before entering the nursing home or assisted living
  7. Visiting areas must be disinfected between visits

To meet these requirements, Gardenside and Cedarwood have developed a visitation plan which includes:

  • Family members will be given priority for visits to residents/tenants.
  • All visits must be scheduled in advance with Gardenside or Cedarwood.
  • Visitation times will be limited and will be offered on Wednesday evenings beginning July 15; Saturday afternoons beginning July 18; and Sunday evenings beginning July 19
  • Visitors must check in at the door between Gardenside & Cedarwood (signs will be placed to mark location) 5-10 minutes before their scheduled visit. Park in the West parking lot to access this door. This door is locked, so staff must open the door from inside.
  • Visitors must bring a properly fitting cloth face mask with them
  • No more than 2 visitors for a resident per visit with only 3 residents allowed visitors at a time
  • No children under the age of 14 will be allowed to visit at this time
  • Visitors will have their temperature checked and will be asked screening questions
  • Visitors will sign in before each visit
  • Staff will take the visitor to the designated location and will remind you when we need to end the visit so we can prepare for the next scheduled visitors
  • Visitors are required to keep their mask on at all times and must stay at least 6 feet away from their loved one.

Any visitors who cannot wear a mask will not be allowed entry into Gardenside for the safety of our residents. Any visitors who do not follow these guidelines will be required to leave immediately.

“Please bear with us as we begin this new process for visitation. We will continually reassess our visitation times and locations to try to best meet the needs of our residents and families. We understand that it has been extremely difficult for our residents and their loved ones these past several months. We want to bring everyone back together again, but we must keep the safety of residents our first priority,” Sutton said.

Anyone with questions about the requirements should contact Sutton at 402-729-6843.

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