News - Guttenberg Hospital

It was a simple question that launched a vision: “Hey, if we had a million dollars, what would we do?”

COVID was sweeping across the nation in the spring of 2020. While people were staying home, Kari Harbaugh, Family Resource Center (FRC) Coordinator, and Tracy Kregel, FRC Community Care Coordinator, had time on their hands to dream and brainstorm ideas to answer the question they posed to each other. Kari created a list of dream programs if more space would allow and Tracy grabbed a notepad and began sketching out a floor plan to accommodate each of them. “We ended up with a vision for a four-story building full of services that would be perfect for the communities we serve,” reflected Tracy.

As people adjusted to the new norm of COVID, and clients cautiously returned to the FRC, Kari and Tracy put their vision aside and got back to their regular work of assisting clients with their needs.

The Family Resource Center, a department of Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, has been located at 514 S. River Park Drive in Guttenberg since 2017. Offering a variety of services to meet the needs of individuals and families, its goal is to increase access to health and human services. Focusing on Health and Wellness, Safety, Food Insecurity, Transportation, Housing and Mental Health and Substance Abuse, the center provides space for agencies and groups to collaborate their resources to meet the needs of the communities served.

With a focus on social determinants of health, Tracy began her work at the Family Resource Center in 2019 when she was hired to build a data tracking system. With a degree in math and science, complimented by her upbringing by her parents, Wayne and Nancy Yelden; and Nancy who had a career in helping others at the Clayton County VNA, a position at the FRC was a perfect fit.

As the Community Care Coordinator for the FRC, Tracy is involved in all aspects of the center from assisting clients with applications, answering questions about services, or packing a box of food from the Food Pantry. When the FRC expanded to a full-service Food Pantry, Tracy added grant writing and research to her duties.

“Although we had incredible support from the community, we recognized the need for supplemental Food Pantry funds, especially during COVID when there was additional need to keep our Food Pantry stocked, so I began researching grant opportunities that would support the work that we do,” said Tracy. In fact, Tracy became very successful at grant writing and securing funds, including a new van for the Family Resource Center.

In the summer of 2022, while perusing grant opportunities, Tracy’s gaze landed on a State of Iowa Grant, offered by the Governor. The grant was for a whopping $3 million to support infrastructure for a non-profit. Tracy’s wheels began to spin and she quickly resurrected the vision they had tucked away back in 2020.

“I knew this was a once in a lifetime grant opportunity!” recalled Tracy.

Knowing they owned land next to the Guttenberg Municipal Building, a perfect location for the vision they had created over 2 years prior, Tracy reached out to the Guttenberg Economic and Industrial Development Committee (GEIDC), sharing the details of the grant with the board. They agreed to be the official non-profit and let Tracy apply for the grant under their name and non-profit entity.

“We submitted the grant in July, requesting the full three million. We didn’t have much confidence our small community would get it,” shared Tracy. “It was like playing the lottery, that is a good comparison, we’ll toss our name in the hat and see what happens, knowing our chances were slim.”

September 14, 2022 was a day that Tracy will never forget, “I vividly remember opening the email with the subject: Nonprofit Innovation Fund Awards and taking a deep breath before opening the link to the grant awards website.”

“Kari! We got the grant! We were awarded $2.7 million!” shouted Tracy. “I was ecstatic!!! Kari was ecstatic!!! We called GEIDC and GMHC to tell them we got the grant,” reflected Tracy.

Everyone was super excited and the motivation for the project really kicked in. The rest of 2022 and 2023 was spent sharing the vision and working with GEIDC who would officially own the building, with the FRC being a tenant. Planning and talking to the architect, making adjustments, dotting all of the i’s and crossing the t’s, fundraising, meeting with Conlon Construction, and following the grant guidelines was top priority.

“We are incredibly grateful that GEIDC was willing to take a chance, allowing us to apply for this grant under their entity. It was a massive proposal and when we were awarded the grant, they were all on board to follow through, leading the way, tackling any barriers that came up and there were a few along
the way. Jackie Lee and Austin Coon, from GEIDC have done a lot of the leg work for this project and just having the support from the entire GEIDC board made us confident that we could get it done! They were great to work with,” said Tracy.

The Family Resource Center moved into the first floor of the GEIDC’s three story Community Resource Center this April, doubling its former space. FRC clients will enter into a welcoming lobby where they can wait comfortably for services. The new space showcases a large food pantry, a room for clothing and household goods for self-shopping, completely private offices for SHIIP, Medicare, Northeast Iowa Community Action and visiting agencies such as Iowa Workforce, Family Service Specialists and others. These offices are comfortable, offering confidentiality and added assurance that our clients’ info is private.

Now, five years later, Kari and Tracy look at their calendar, amazed at the reality that they have been in their new home they visioned for the Family Resource Center for well over a month.

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our Surgery Department, Dr. Christopher Martin, who joined us in March. Dr. Martin brings skill, experience, and a strong commitment to patient care. We’re proud to have him as part of our team, providing high-quality surgical services close to home.

Dr. Martin is excited to share why he chose Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics as his new professional home in the message below.

I am honored to have recently joined the surgical team at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinic and to now call this wonderful community home. Choosing where to practice medicine is one of the most important decisions a surgeon can make, and I am excited to share why I selected GMHC as the next chapter in my professional journey.

First and foremost, I was impressed when I learned that in recent years, GMHC was recognized nationally as one of the top 20 critical access hospitals in patient satisfaction. The hospital’s reputation and commitment to providing high-quality patient care played an important part in my decision to come here. The dedication to patient safety, positive outcomes, and responsible stewardship closely aligns with my personal mission as a physician. The hospital’s emphasis on utilizing advanced technology, especially cutting-edge robotics, offers me the tools to perform the most precise, safe and effective surgeries for our patients.

Equally important to me is the workplace culture. I cannot do what I do as a surgeon without a team. From my very first visit, I was struck by the positive attitude and energy amongst the staff—collaborative, supportive, and truly dedicated to making a difference. This sense of camaraderie extends beyond the hospital walls into the greater community, which has been warm and welcoming.

The beautiful community, with its access to the outdoors, also drew me in. Whether fishing, golfing, visiting a local winery or simply enjoying the scenery, there’s something special about living and working in a place where natural beauty surrounds you.

The administrative support that we have here ensures that we can focus on patient care, thus, creating an environment where we can truly thrive.

I am grateful to be part of this hospital and community, and I look forward to serving you with skill, compassion, and dedication in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Christopher Martin, MD, DABS

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Recognized Two Consecutive Years for Performance Leadership by The Chartis Center for Rural Health

As part of National Rural Health Day, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics has been recognized with two 2024 Performance Leadership Awards for excellence in Quality and Patient Perspective. Compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (i.e., 75^th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and/or Patient Perspective.

“At Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, we’re honored to consistently receive awards recognizing the exceptional care our patients experience. This is a testament to the outstanding professionalism and dedication of our team,” said Tim Ahlers, FACHE, CEO. “We couldn’t be prouder to serve our communities with excellence.”

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing how rural hospitals are performing. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure performance across multiple 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.”

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) has been a committed member of the Guttenberg community since its founding more than 60 years ago. A Critical Access Hospital, licensed to deliver acute, skilled, observation and hospice inpatient care, the 25-bed hospital offers a wide range of services to help the community live healthier. GMHC provides primary medical care for patients of all ages through Cornerstone Family Practice with clinics in Guttenberg, Edgewood and Garnavillo. GMHC operates the community ambulance service and supports area trauma care via a state-certified Level IV Community Trauma Center. The Family Resource Center is an extension of GMHC and offers a variety of services to increase access to health and human services for families in the surrounding areas.

For more details about the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, contact Billy Balfour at wbalfour@chartis.com.

Audie’s Story

Most people who know Audie see him as a quiet person, but behind this demeanor he’s very competitive—especially with himself.

Back in 2019, Audie set an impressive goal for himself: to walk a minimum of 13,000 steps each day, which adds up to just over 5 ¾ miles. This daily challenge was one he committed to wholeheartedly, as he pushed himself to maintain his routine rain or shine. His dedication to his goal was so strong that he didn’t miss a single day until November 27, 2023, when he underwent open-heart surgery—a temporary pause in his journey to better health.

In 2023, during a check-up with Dr. Hoffmann—just one week before the doctor retired—concerning issues came to light. Audie scheduled a follow-up appointment with Cardiologist Dr. Ramabadran (Dr. Ram.) to further investigate his condition, which revealed severe stenosis and a needed aortic valve replacement.

Even though open-heart surgery was the best option for his condition, Dr. Ram believed that Audie’s commitment to daily exercise may have played a significant role in masking the severity of his heart condition. His consistent daily walking routine likely kept his body strong and resilient, making it difficult for him to feel the full impact of the severe stenosis. Audie’s dedication to staying active might have minimized symptoms, underscoring the powerful impact of regular exercise on overall health—even when underlying issues are present.

After his surgery last November, Audie requested to complete his rehab at GMHC. Dr. Ram, who also serves as a cardiology specialist at GMHC, agreed to Audie’s request, making it possible for him to complete his rehab and receive follow-up care right here at home with familiar faces.

“They started me slowly and were incredibly careful, while always encouraging me in my recovery,” reflected Audie. “It was such a blessing to be able to stay local for my rehab. I can’t say enough about the incredible team that we have here. They’re caring, compassionate, encouraging, and they work together so well. Whoever I work with always has a smile on their face and is always helpful.”

As part of his rehab, Audie completed 36 sessions, 2 to 3 sessions per week, spread out over 15 weeks. Upon completion of the program, Audie was granted free access to the GMHC Rehab Gym. Audie took full advantage of this perk and began his next walking streak to maintain his health, continue to improve his cardiovascular fitness, and lose a little bit of weight to enjoy and extend his life.

“Through 11/24/24, I have now met my new revised goal of walking a minimum of 11,300 steps (5 miles) each day for 282 consecutive days. Not only do I enjoy being at GMHC to work out and see the staff who took such great care of me, but I also enjoy opportunities to encourage other rehab patients on their journey back to health.”

Audie’s determination and resilience are truly inspiring as he makes every step count towards his personal goals.

“We choose GMHC for our healthcare needs because they truly put us at the center of everything they do, and I believe that vote of confidence drives them to provide the best care possible,” shared Becky Shaffer.

Originally from Cedar Rapids, Becky and Mike Shaffer have been coming up to Guttenberg since they purchased their Esmann Island get-away in 2005. They spent many long weekends enjoying all of the amenities Guttenberg has to offer.

In 2009, when she slipped on water in her bathroom and hit her head on the wall, Becky had her first experience at GMHC in the Emergency Department. “I was incredibly impressed with the care I received,” recalled Becky. She has also brought friends throughout the years who had experienced mis-haps and as an observer, she was struck by how professional and efficient the hospital was with their care as well.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mike and Becky took advantage of their part-time residence on the island and used it as their full-time home. The couple enjoyed their new lifestyle so much, they decided to make Guttenberg their permanent residence. “The confidence in the care we’d received at GMHC was one of the big reasons we chose to live full-time in Guttenberg,” said Becky, “especially since we’re not getting any younger!”

On the first day of fall in 2022, Becky tripped on her flip-flops and tumbled down the steps of her screened-in-porch, and was unable to move. “Thankfully, our neighbor’s son happened to stop next door and heard me calling out for help. The ambulance arrived and the team was simply awesome. They told me exactly what they were going to do, they were incredibly gentle and paid close attention to every word I said,” Becky reflected.

When she arrived at the Emergency Department, imaging revealed Becky had shattered her humerus and tore her rotator cuff. “I was in so much pain, but everyone, the EMT, the ER staff and the imaging technician was incredibly cautious and concerned about my comfort. I was so thankful for the professional care I could get right here in Guttenberg!”

After surgery in Cedar Rapids that included a plate and screws to repair her injuries, Becky came back to GMHC for Physical Therapy. “I can’t say enough about the rehab team! They were tough, they pushed me, and they gave me the use of my arm back. And the receptionist, Trish! What a way to begin my rehab appointment… walking in and being greeted by her.”

Mike and Becky have transitioned most of their healthcare to GMHC. “I love GMHC! I think the biggest difference for me is the way that I am treated here. I feel like a person, not a name on a chart, and I’ve felt this way consistently with the care that I have received here. I feel authentically cared for when I’m here. I’m listened to and not rushed, and yes, it is pretty convenient to park right outside the door, walk right in and rarely wait!”

In fact, Becky appreciated her experiences at GMHC so much, she wanted to be a part of the team as a Volunteer Greeter. Becky’s cheerful, upbeat attitude helps lessen anxiety in the patient waiting area, but she is also very aware that some people would rather be alone. “I have been blessed with conversation skills. I can talk to just about anyone,” she laughed. “I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the hospital for all of the excellent, professional care Mike and I have received here since relocating to Guttenberg. Volunteering gives me a reason to stay active in the community and help others,” Becky commented.

The mission of the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities is to keep the communities served by GMHC healthy and strong to ensure the future of healthcare in Guttenberg. Embracing the mission, Mike and Becky joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in the fall of 2023. “We have experienced first-hand the value of GMHC for our healthcare, as well as all that GMHC does for our community. We want to be a part of helping others appreciate our excellent, local healthcare, and assist in keeping it strong.” shared Becky. “Yes, it is convenient, but more than that, we appreciate the quality care right here in Guttenberg!”

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics is pleased to announce the addition of Megan Eisel, dermatology physician assistant.

Megan is now available to see patients at Cornerstone Family Practice in Guttenberg. Megan brings her advanced expertise in dermatology, including comprehensive skin care services like skin cancer screenings, acne treatment, and aesthetic dermatology.

Megan Eisel, PA-C, CAQ-Derm is the founder and owner of Driftless Skin Center, P.C. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree with honors in Biology. She then went on to Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center graduating in 2003 with a degree in Physician Assistant Studies. While at DMU, she was inducted into the Alpha Eta Honor Society. Following graduation she moved to the Chicagoland area where she worked in general private dermatology practice for 8 years, before moving to Dubuque, IA in 2011 to continue her career as a dermatology physician assistant at Grand River Medical Group. In 2024 she founded Driftless Skin Center, P.C. in Dubuque.

Megan will provide a wide range of services and treatment options for:

• Skin Cancer

• Moles

• Acne

• Hair Loss

• Skin Rashes

• and More

To schedule an appointment with Megan at Cornerstone Family Practice in Guttenberg call 563-252-2141.

GMHC Advanced Wound Care opens on Friday, November 8 and is a specialized outpatient wound care treatment center dedicated to the care of patients with wounds.

Wounds that are hard-to-heal or non-healing may be a result of pressure, trauma or infection. Sometimes, the simplest of wounds can turn into a significant problem due to underlying conditions, including diabetes, circulation problems or previous radiation treatment. These wounds can have serious health consequences and may adversely affect your quality of life.

Healing wounds is our specialty! Even the most difficult wounds that have not responded to other treatments may see significant improvement at our center. Jamie Hammerand, NP, and Taylor Grinstead, NP, have undergone specialized wound care training. Their commitment to enhancing their skills ensures our patients receive the highest quality care. At our wound center, our team of experienced wound care nurses and providers will assess your symptoms, determine the underlying cause of your non-healing wound and customize the most effective treatment plan to stimulate healing.

We specialize in treating wounds of all types, including:

• Diabetic foot ulcers

• Venous ulcers

• Pressure injuries/ulcers

• Non-healing, post-surgical wounds

• Traumatic wounds

• Arterial/ischemic ulcers

• Acute or delayed radiation wounds or injuries (external)

• Compromised skin flaps and grafts

• Crush injuries

• Any wound that is not healing or is of concern

If you or a loved one has a wound that is of concern or is not healing properly, contact our Advanced Wound Care Center at 563-252-5605 to schedule an appointment.

Kim Davis, a retired accounting professional with over 40 years of experience in finance and HR management, has joined the team of SHIIP counselors at the Family Resource Center.

“Now that I am retired, I want to stay engaged by volunteering my time to support causes closest to my heart,” said Kim.

This is Jim Solomon’s seventh year volunteering as a SHIIP counselor, while Deb Hogan is beginning her third year. Last year, they met with 351 clients, helping them save a total of $179,688 in savings. Our two SHIIP counselors volunteered for 448 hours meeting with clients, not including their volunteer training time.

“We are very grateful for the dedication of our SHIIP counselors and appreciate the time they donate to assist our clients,” said Kari Harbaugh, Family Resource Center Coordinator.

Medicare Open Enrollment season begins October 15 and ends December 7. Starting in September, the Family Resource Center is scheduling appointments for seniors to meet with SHIIP representatives who offer free advice in choosing the best fitting prescription plan and to answer questions. Because drug plans are ever changing, having a guide to help you navigate these changes can be very helpful.

There is no charge for consultation with Jim, Deb or Kim. If they don’t have the answer, SHIIP counselors have a direct connection to the state to get the answer. All three counselors offer flexible schedules, and welcome clients from other communities, too.

SHIIP counselors will assist you with these three important things during Medicare Open Enrollmnent:

Review your plan notice. Read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year—especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Review your plan’s information to make sure the prescriptions you use are still covered and your medical providers and pharmacy are still in network.
What matters most to you? Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Does your current plan best meet your needs? (over)
Shop for the plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. Compare plans even if you’ve been satisfied with your current plan. The coverage and costs for plans can change from year to year.

To set up an appointment during the Open Enrollment period from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, call the Family Resource Center at 563-252-3215. SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa. SHIIP counselors review all plans offered and do not promote any particular plan or company. Please bring your Medicare card and your present list of prescription drugs to your appointment.

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics is pleased to announce a new way to support the Community Resource Center project while honoring or memorializing a loved one and bringing beauty inside our hospital and clinics through Project Beautify!

From serene sunsets on the Mighty Mississippi to breathtaking autumn displays along the rolling countryside, Project Beautify showcases images of the Clayton County area, taken by local professional photographers. Choose your favorite image from our selection to adorn the walls of GMHC in memory of, or honor of, your loved one.

Project Beautify sponsorship level is $1,300 per image, with $1,000 of the sponsorship fee going to the Community Resource Center Campaign, where our new Family Resource Center will be located.

Images measure 30″ x 20″ and will include a 4″ x 4″ plaque placed below the image noting the donor and loved one.

To sponsor an image, contact Amy Speed at amy.speed@guttenberghospital.org or by calling 563-252-5558.

In celebration of National Donate Life Month this April, GMHC had a flag-raising ceremony on April 10^th. The act symbolizes our collective appreciation for the miracles of organ, eye and tissue donation and recognizes those who have chosen to give the invaluable gift of life. During the event, two donor stories were shared. One from a living donor, Jody Wille, and one from a recipient, Donna Simon.

In 2023, Iowa stood as a beacon of hope and generosity. 123 organ donors provided 350 organs for transplantation, offering a second chance at life for many. Additionally, 1,027 tissue donors from our state brought healing and relief to countless individuals, three of which came from GMHC, each tissue donor impacting 50 to 350 people’s lives. Despite these life-changing acts, over 106,000 people in the U.S. are still waiting for a crucial organ transplant, including more than 600 Iowans.

The Donate Life flag raising ceremony not only highlights the ongoing need for life-saving transplants but also salutes the donors and families for their profound act of giving. Every donor has a story, and each story is a testament to human kindness and resilience.

Jody Wille

Jody Wille’s uncle, Owen Harbaugh, had kidney damage due to hypertension. When his kidneys stopped functioning, he had to go on dialysis for a short period of time. That is, until his niece, Jody Wille, who was a perfect match, stepped up to donate one of her kidneys.

Owen was a veteran and in August, 2002, surgeons from UIHC came to the VA in Iowa City to perform the 3 to 4 hour surgery. Surgery was on a Thursday. Jody was out of the hospital by Saturday while her Uncle Owen stayed a few more days to ensure his body was adjusting to Jody’s kidney. And, it did!

“The surgeons told them that most kidneys sleep a while before working in the new recipient, but mine started working right away in Uncle Owen,” said Jody.

“My uncle was very close to our family and I felt this was the least I could do for him. Uncle Owen was never married or had children, so my siblings and I were like his kids,” said Jody.

“I tell people that being a living donor is giving a gift that keeps giving, not only to the recipient, but to their family and friends who get to spend more time together. Uncle Owen lived with my donated kidney for 18 more years, attending family celebrations like weddings and graduations of his numerous nieces and nephews, and birthday parties of his beloved great nieces and nephews.”

Although Jody was told that the surgery is harder on the person who donates than the person who receives, that was not true for her. She exercised daily prior to surgery by walking 3-5 miles per day and drank plenty of water. Jody was off work for about four weeks for her recovery, and declared, “It was well worth it for our family to have those extra 18 years with Uncle Owen.”

Donna Simon

Donna Simon, a double lung recipient, was present to read a heartfelt letter that was written and sent to her by the mother of Donna’s 21-year-old donor. The letter described how he was a musician, enjoyed football and wrestling, left behind a son, and how he had a big heart. “He was a hero and signed up just in case something ever happened to him,” the letter read. The letter also included photos of the young man and his son. Donna shared the change that this gift has made in her life, allowing her to be more active with her children and grandchildren, and at the ceremony without her oxygen port.

The trend of hope continues to rise in Iowa, with increasing numbers embracing organ and tissue donation. You too can be a part of this journey of hope and healing. Register at IowaDonorNetwork.org to be a registered donor and join GMHC on Friday, April 12^th by wearing blue or green to build awareness for donating life.

Category: News