Author: Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics

On Thursday, June 24 at the annual Edgewood Pro Rodeo Days, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Imaging Department received a $5,000 check from the Edgewood-Colesburg (Ed-Co) Girls Volleyball Team. The team raised funds through silent auctions, t-shirt sales, and 50/50 raffles to benefit those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  These funds are then shared with local area hospitals to provide comfort at a time of need. 

The GMHC Imaging Department uses these funds to assemble beautiful gift bags to all of its newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. 

Items included are:

• $200 Casey’s Gift Card

• $150 Walmart Gift Card

• Note cards with stamps

• Aloe socks and gloves

• Lotion

• Coloring book and colored pencils

• Candy

• Bracelet

• Scarf

• Hot chocolate / coffee

• Water / coffee mug

• Blanket

• Chicken Soup for the Soul book

• Pink Tote Bag

On behalf of the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Imaging Department, thank you to the Ed-Co Girls Volleyball Team and Coach Eileen Bergan for the hard work and dedication to their communities.

By Dr. Michele Dikkers, Physician at Cornerstone Family Practice and GMHC, Chair of Clayton County Board of Health

The vaccine. It is here. It is safe. It is free. And it is available. It is so available, that there is no longer a wait list in Clayton County.

All anyone in the county needs to do is call (563) 245-2064 and they can be directed to a pharmacy or clinic and receive a vaccine. It is easy and it is free.

There can be side effects to the vaccine. Side effects like fatigue, body aches, chills and fevers.

They can last 12-48 hours. The biggest side effect is relief. Relief that we have another layer of protection. Another way to protect those we love and care for.

I have spent the last year going back and forth to work and home. I have avoided large group gatherings.

I have worn masks, washed my hands and socially distanced.

During a normal month, I may sign four death certificates. During the surge in Northeast Iowa, I was signing them daily, sometimes up to four a day.

I have watched patients and friends die from a disease that has no cure. There are treatments to help support the body and help in fighting the disease, but no proven cure. There have been many treatments, new and old, that have been tried and studied, around the world. We keep looking.

According to John Hopkins weekly report there have been 141.5 million cases and 3.0 million deaths worldwide. There have been 564,000 deaths in the United States.

Eighty percent of the time, the COVID virus has a mild effect. Twenty percent of the time, it is not mild. Roughly, ten percent of those with COVID will need hospitalizing and supportive care.

Two percent of the time the virus is deadly. We thought we could predict who would fall into that 20% category, but learned quickly, we could not. Basically, everyone is at risk.

A smoker is somewhere around 200-400 times more likely to develop a blood clot, than is someone that gets a COVID vaccine. Most of us have been getting vaccines our whole lives without issues.

As we have journeyed through the past year, it has come to my attention that if one has not been inside a medical institute during a surge, they may not have the same perspective as someone that has.

I share my experiences of the past year, not to be used as a scare tactic, but to give perspective.

This past year has changed me. It has changed us all.

The quickest way to take our life back, for the economy to recover, for businesses to return, for families and friends to gather is for everyone to get the vaccine. It is our best shot. It is America’s best shot.

Please, get yours NOW.

It is quite simple. If you love, care for and/or respect the people and family members you spend time with, you will get the vaccine to protect them and yourself.

The vaccine. It is here. It is safe. It is available. And it can save lives.

SHIIP Counselor Jim Solomon wrapped up his third year of volunteering to help 218 clients save a total of $127,448.

Even during a pandemic, the important work of volunteer Jim Solomon carried on. Jim is a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Volunteer Counselor, working in an office at the Family Resource Center, providing free-of-charge counseling and information to people with questions about Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, long term care insurance, and other health insurance. 

In his SHIIP Counselor role, Jim logged 305 hours to assist the 218 clients. In addition, client appointments were safely spread out with a thorough cleaning in between each appointment, extending Jim’s volunteer hours. 

COVID-19 didn’t slow down Jim in his efforts to assist others. When asked why he does it, especially during a pandemic, Jim answered, “Volunteering keeps me busy during retirement. I thoroughly enjoy meeting people, educating them on what is available, researching the best possible options, and offering accurate information for them to make their best decision.”

One of Jim’s most notable accomplishments in 2020 was saving one client over $20,000 in out of pocket prescription expenses by researching both the drug plans and the pharmacy plans. “Even though a drug plan is identified as the best plan, pharmacy plans also change from year to year, so both need to be researched,” added Jim. “My training equips me to dig in deep to help people with their questions and problems, and to save them the most money possible.”

His annual SHIIP training consists of three modules, each two to three hours long, plus homework.

“Staying updated is a continual process, but I’m very thankful for this opportunity to help others in my retirement. Saving people money is very fulfilling, but visiting with and getting to know them is an added bonus,” said Jim.

Family Resource Center Coordinator, Kari Harbaugh added, “Jim genuinely cares for his SHIIP clients. He cares deeply about each person’s situation. He enjoys building relationships with them and their families, and they trust him. Challenges don’t slow Jim down. He does the research and work it takes to present the best options to his clients equipping them to make their best decisions.” 

Since his volunteer work as a SHIIP Counselor began in the fall of 2018, Jim has spent over 1,000 hours volunteering to help his clients save $292,698 over three years. 

Adds Kari, “Jim’s dedication shines. He is such a gift to our communty!”

In addition to people from Clayton County, Jim’s clients consisted of seasonal travelers and people in other counties who heard about how great Jim was to work with. This year he also worked with social workers to assist people who were in the hospital and care centers.

Although Open Enrollment is over, Jim’s work goes on throughout the year. If you have questions regarding Medicare, please call the Family Resource Center, 563-252-3215, for a one-on-one appointment with Jim. He will answer questions and provide impartial information to help you make well informed decisions.

Recovery Connect is an eight week recovery journey where participants will learn how unresolved trauma can negatively impact both over-all mental health and physical health. Participants will be equipped with tools and connections to guide healing from past traumas. Registration is free, and child-care is provided.

The first session begins Wednesday, April 7 and meets 8 consecutive Wednesdays. Click here for details.

Benefits of Participation:

• Live with Less Anxiety
• Learn Coping Skills
• Improve Self Confidence
• Understand the Importance of Social Connections 
• Learn Effective Communication Skills
• Understand Healthy Relationships vs Unhealthy Relationships
• Identify Types of Abuse
• Regain Emotional Balance
• Increase Assertiveness
• Set Boundaries
• Learn Healthy Stress Relief Options
• Understanding Nutrition, Gut and Brain Health

Space is limited. To register for Recovery Connect, call 563-252-3215 or Email: family.resource.center@guttenberghospital.org 

The program will be led by Kate DeWall, LISW with self care taught by Sadie Hefel. Recovery Connect is brought to the community through the Family Resource Center and partnerships with Family’s Helping Hand and SART – Sexual Assault Response Team Clayton Co.

Clayton County COVID-19 Vaccine Update

On Thursday, 3/4/2021, the Iowa Department of Public Health announced that those individuals under age 65 with certain underlying health conditions would be vaccine eligible beginning Monday, 3/8. Qualifying medical conditions for those under 65 include:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Down Syndrome
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
• Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Full listing and information on qualifying medical conditions can be found at the CDC website:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.

Clayton County vaccine providers will continue to prioritize those age 65 and older and those who qualify under Phase 1B tier groups as set forth by the Iowa Department of Public Health. We ask for anyone who is newly eligible due to underlying medical conditions and under age 65 to have patience as we complete these two previously eligible groups. We anticipate increased vaccine doses in the coming weeks and will work with our local partners to make them available as quickly as possible.

As we work through this transition, individuals age 65 or older can continue to call one of the below numbers to place their name on a vaccine list to be contacted as doses are available:

Individuals age 64 and under with qualifying underlying conditions can visit one of the below pharmacy sites to place their name on a vaccine wait list to be contacted as doses become available:

Again, we appreciate your patience as we work through this transition period. Updates on vaccine availability and county wait list options will be provided as it becomes available.

For additional information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the CDC website:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities is pleased to announce the recipients of the Foundation’s 2021 first quarter grant awards totaling $10,500. These projects, in three different communities, will directly impact the everyday health and vitality of residents served by the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics. 

The City of Guttenberg was awarded a grant in the amount of $4,500 to support the construction of two pickleball courts. The Clayton County Conservation Board was awarded a grant in the amount of $3,000 to support the Osborne Park walking path project. And, the Edgewood Board of Economic Development was awarded a grant in the amount of $3,000 to support the Edgewood Viking Loop Trail project.

Commented Denise Schneider, City Manager, “The City of Guttenberg would like to thank the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities for their generous contribution to our pickleball court project. This project will provide a place of recreation and fitness for anyone young or young-at-heart. Playing pickleball allows you to work on your balance, agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strains on your body. It is organizations like the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities and generous individuals, families, and businesses that make many of our wonderful community projects possible through their generous funding.”

“We are so excited to complete the Easy Walking Path project through the Osborne Native Animal Exhibit and Pioneer Village,” said Molly Scherf, Clayton County Conservation. “Creating a hard-surface pathway will enable all of our visitors the opportunity to enjoy these portions of the park that currently are lime-chipped and hard to navigate when wet for those with mobility issues. This project is being fully funded by grants and private donations. Thank you to the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities for helping us reach our goal,”

Added Michelle Brady, “On behalf of the Edgewood Trail Committee, I would like to thank the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities for their support on the Viking Loop Trail project. The grant application process was smooth and we are grateful for the Foundation’s commitment to bettering our community.”

Do you value your local healthcare? Do want to help keep our communities health and strong? Do you have a project that would support our mission? Become a member of the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities and partner with us to provide funding for grants to organizations who may have projects that align with our mission of creating a healthy and vibrant today. 

Learn more from any board member, or by visiting the website or calling 563-252-5516.

When you make an endowed gift to the Foundation for Cornerstone Communities, it will cost you far less thanks to the generous Endow Iowa 25% state tax credit. Gifts of $50 or more to endowed funds qualify for the Endow Iowa tax credit. Various gift types qualify for the tax credit, including charitable IRA rollovers, gifts of grain, gifts of stock and cash gifts.

Due to the overwhelming number of calls for vaccination appointments, we are unable to return all of the calls.  If you have called and left your information, YOU ARE ON THE WAIT LIST.  There is no need to continue calling. We will schedule vaccination appointments from the wait list in the order the calls were received. Appointments will be made based on our weekly allocations from the state. Expect lengthy delays for a call back for your vaccination appointment.

Clayton County is allocated a certain amount of vaccine weekly by the State of Iowa. We have no control over how much we receive and are doing our best to manage the vaccination clinic volumes based on the amount allocated.

If you would like to be placed on the vaccination wait list, please call our scheduling line at 563-252-5571. Again, only one call is necessary. 

GMHC will continue to screen all of our patients and visitors even after you’ve been vaccinated. The vaccine is 95% effective two weeks after the 2nd dose is received. It is still unknown how long the vaccine will provide protection from COVID-19. 

Your best protection from COVID-19 will be a combination of getting vaccinated, and continuing to wear a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often.