JCH&L Holds Annual Meeting

2019 was a busy and successful year

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2019 on Monday, Jan. 13.

Two board members were elected to serve on the board: Ross Boeckner and Dr. Jeff Johnson. Boeckner is a Fairbury native who farms and is a credit analyst at Heartland Bank. Johnson is an optometrist who has owned and operated Johnson Family Vision Care in Fairbury since 1997, and worked with Dr. Bruce Ackerman for a year prior to his retirement. Boeckner and Johnson take the seats of Loren Duerkson, who served one four-year term, and Mary Glenn, who served two four-year terms. Board members are elected from among members of the corporation and may serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.

Brian Scheele, board chairman, thanked the administration, medical staff, board members and staff for their efforts and excellent care. He thanked Dr. Richard Blatny Sr., who has served our community for more than 46 years, for his service. He said that the board is working with Bryan Health for a search for a new full-time CEO. Victor Lee is serving as interim CEO, after former CEO Chad Jurgens left for a position elsewhere.

“We are in a good position financially and operationally for new leadership, and look forward to continuing to grow, add services and be a trusted partner in health,’” Scheele said.

Lee sent a report to all members of the corporation highlighting major achievements of 2019. Highlights included JCH&L being named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for the fifth time in six years; being recognized for a Performance Leadership award; having Sports Medicine and Rehab Services named a Site of Clinical Excellence by Creighton University; earning a Spirit Award for safety accomplishments; and having Gardenside recognized as a 5-Star facility. New services included the addition of 3D Mammography, a wound clinic, and Sports Medicine and Rehab staff becoming certified in women’s health.

Chance Klasek, CFO, reported that both revenues and expenses were up in fiscal 2019, with the year ending on an operating margin of 3.9 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: Linda Bauer, chairman; Brian Blobaum, vice chairman; and Sheri Schultis, secretary-treasurer. Past-chairman Brian Scheele will also serve on the executive committee.