JCH&L Now Offering Parkinson Voice Project’s SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program

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Jefferson Community Health & Life is pleased to announce the SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program is now available through its Sports Medicine and Rehab Services speech-language pathology department. Kristen Banahan, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed provider

The SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program, developed by Parkinson voice Project, is a research evidence-based program helping individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s and related neurological disorders regain and retain their speech and swallowing. This comprehensive program combines individual speech therapy with education and ongoing group support.

“Up to 90 percent of people with Parkinson’s are at risk of losing their ability to speak. In addition, swallowing complications account for 70 percent of the mortality rate in this patient population. Our vision at Parkinson Voice Project is to make quality speech therapy accessible to people with Parkinson’s worldwide,” said Samantha Elandary, Parkinson Voice Project’s founder and chief executive officer.

JCH&L Sport Medicine and Rehab Services is committed to serving its Parkinson’s community by offering the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program. Provider referral is required. For more information, contact JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services at 402-729-6840.

JCH&L Home Health Offers Medical Alert Systems

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In partnership with VRI Connect, JCH&L Home Health offers area residents medical alert systems which can enhance their health and well-being.

Medical alert systems allow people to get help with just the touch of a button. VRI Connect (formerly Life Alert) provides friendly care representatives 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. They can assist users with emergency and non-emergency situations.

Units are lightweight and there are both home and mobile options. They are waterproof, so can be worn while showering. All units offer 24/7 monitoring by U.S.-based care representatives. Units offer GPS location and fall detection is available. Each unit is set up to be personalized to the user. Responders can include family, friends, neighbors and EMS.

“JCH&L Home Health offers set up and maintenance for anyone in our area,” said Lori Ohlde, RN, director of JCH&L Home Health. “We are here to answer questions and provide assistance – it’s all part of the reasonable monthly fee.”

Units are leased, so they can be returned when they are no longer needed.

“We would be happy to visit with anyone interested about the options available to them,” Ohlde said. “We have had great experience with this company. Although there is a new name, the same great service continues.”

It is recommended that the units be tested monthly.

“Medical alert systems are a great tool for helping to keep our area residents in their home as long as possible, and provide the opportunity to push the button for help when it is needed,” Ohlde said.

For more information, call JCH&L Home Health at 402-729-6857.

Aesthetics Treatments Return to JCH&L

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Aesthetic treatments have returned to Jefferson Community Health & Life, with services provided by Kirisha Afuh, FNP-C. JCH&L is now accepting appointments – please call 402-729-6851 for available dates.

JCH&L offers 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 offers 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.

NCBB Seeks Donors During Blood Emergency

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The Nebraska Community Blood Bank has declared a blood emergency due to a more than 20 percent decline in donations after Thanksgiving. The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, Dec. 16, 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.

All types are needed. Donations help to ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need at our local hospital, and other area hospitals. 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

JCH&L Christmas Project Raises Funds

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Each year Jefferson Community Health & Life asks the community’s help in completing a special project for patients, residents, and visitors. This year, we’re asking for the community’s help once again for four special projects which will benefit our community: an acute care Hospice room, a new EKG machine for JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, refinishing the JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center basketball court floor, and a new bladder scanner for JCH&L Gardenside. We hope to raise at least $33,700 to accomplish these four worthwhile projects.

When a patient nears the end of life, patients and their families often appreciate Hospice/Respite care. Hospice works closely with JCH&L staff to provide quality comfort care for those who need it. Our vision is to have a comfortable acute care Hospice room for those who are in their journey, to help provide the patient and their family additional comfort and dignity. Renovation of a hospital room to be a short-term Hospice/Respite room is estimated at about $10,000.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic provides ongoing clinical care for many patients who have heart conditions. The EKG machine (which measures the electrical activity of the heart to help diagnose and evaluate heart problems) is used frequently and is in need of replacement. A new unit will cost $10,700.

The JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center provides fitness opportunities for our area residents, and one space that is especially appreciated by youth is the basketball court. The fitness center has more than 400 youth members. Used for basketball, volleyball and even some boxing, the floor is in need of refinishing. The estimated cost is $6,500.

JCH&L Gardenside uses a bladder scanner to help care for residents who have urinary problems. A scanner can help alleviate unnecessary catheterization, and can help those with incontinence issues to be more comfortable. A new bladder scanner will cost about $6,500.

Donations of all amounts are welcome and will make our project successful. Contributions may be made in honor of someone living or in memory of someone who has passed away.  Memorial gifts are recognized each year in a newspaper ad prior to Memorial Day. All donations of any amount are counted toward cumulative recognition on the Wall of Honor. When donations total $1,000, a plaque is added to the wall.

Those who would like more information should contact Lana Likens at 402-729-6855, or by emailing lana.likens@jchealthandlife.org.

Caregivers Support Group to Meet Dec. 12

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The Caregivers Support Group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association will meet on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 4:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program will be a video on “Making Visits Valuable – Part 4” by Teepa Snow.

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 Award from Chartis Center for Rural Health

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Performance Leadership Award Recognizes Quality

As part of the National Rural Health Day celebration, Jefferson Community Health & Life announced it has been recognized with a 2024 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Quality. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (e.g., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and Patient Perspective.

“Quality has been a top priority for JCH&L for many years,” said Bill Welch, JCH&L interim CEO.  “This recognition affirms the commitment of JCH&L’s staff, physicians and board to providing excellent quality care.”

JCH&L was among 28 Nebraska hospitals recognized for quality.

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. INDEX data is trusted and relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across several areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“The Performance Leadership Awards capture the commitment, diligence, and innovation with which America’s rural hospitals approach the delivery of care within their communities,” said Troy Brown, Network Consultant, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “It’s a tremendous honor to be able to recognize the efforts of this year’s award winners and celebrate their achievement as part of National Rural Health Day.”

Performance Leadership Award recipients are rural hospitals ranking in the 75th percentile or above in the INDEX performance pillars for Quality, Outcomes, and/or Patient Perspective.

Jefferson Community Health & Life has previously been recognized with the NOSORH/iVantage Performance Leadership award for quality and patient perspective in 2023, 2022, 2021; quality in 2020; for quality, outcomes and patient perspective in 2019, 2018, and 2017; the Performance Leadership award for financial strength and patient satisfaction in 2016; named as a Top 100 critical access hospital for 2024, 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, and 2014; named as a Top 20 critical access hospital for quality in 2020 and Top 20 overall in 2018; and named a HEALTHSTRONG hospital in 2015.

“JCH&L’s mission is to inspire healthy living by providing exceptional health and life services for every person, every time. This recognition recognizes our commitment to our patients and to our community,” Welch said.

National Rural Health Day Celebrates the Power of Rural

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Jefferson Community Health & Life celebrates the Power of Rural on National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 21.  The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health sets aside the third Thursday of every November to celebrate National Rural Health Day. Please thank a health care 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 1,368 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States, and 62 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.

“Critical Access Hospital status helps us to offer services which might otherwise be less affordable because of fewer patients needing the services,” said Bill Welch, JCH&L interim CEO.

Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic is one of 126 Rural Health Clinics in the state and 5,356 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 $20 million in salary and benefits.

“The jobs at JCH&L require a wide variety of skills, training and education,” Welch said. said.

JCH&L’s primary service area is Jefferson County, with 7,054, residents as of 2023. 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), and Home 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,” Welch said. “We are proud to 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.”

Grief Support Series Planned by Cottonwood Hospice

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Cottonwood Hospice will hold a Grief Support Group Series Nov. 19-Jan. 28, 2025, at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic Conference room, 2200 H St.

Sessions will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. every other Tuesday starting Nov. 19. Sessions are set for Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 17, Dec. 31, Jan. 14 and Jan. 28.

There is no cost, and the sessions are open to anyone who has lost a loved one in the past year.

Pre-registration is requested for planning purposes. Please call Cottonwood Hospice at 402-228-8501.

Reindeer Fun Walk to be Held Dec. 6

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A Reindeer Fun Walk will be held Dec. 6 by Jefferson Community Health & Life Burkley Fitness Center during the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce Miracle on the Square.

The Reindeer Fun Walk is for all ages, and gives individuals and families a chance to get into the holiday spirit with a walk around the courthouse square.

Registration free is $5 per person. Each participant received a set of blinking reindeer antlers.

Pre-registration is encouraged at the Burkley Fitness Center. Walk-ins are welcome, but there is no guarantee of antlers.

Check in begins at the corner of Fifth and E streets at 5 p.m. The walk begins at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the Burkley Fitness Center at 402-729-6139.

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