Jefferson County 1,049 Pounds Lighter

            FAIRBURY – With 74 days elapsed and 26 to go in the Live Healthy Nebraska/Live Healthy Jefferson County 100-day challenge, Jefferson County participants have lost a cumulative 1,049 pounds and logged 7,106 hours and 40 minutes of activity.

            A total of 36 teams and 197 individuals are participating in the program.

            Jefferson County teams currently in the top 50 on the Live Healthy Nebraska leaderboard for weight loss include: DB+BB, ranked 4^th with 10.26 percent weight loss; Just Us, ranked 10th with 7.59 percent weight loss;            Lose to Live, ranked 16^th with 6.61 percent weight loss; The Crazy Eight, ranked 18^th with 6.43 percent weight loss; The Motivators, 20^th with 6.40 percent weight loss; 3 for 45 ranked 43^rd, with 4.86 percent weight loss.

            In a ranking of all teams participating in activity in Live Healthy Nebraska, Jefferson County has a number of teams ranking in the top 50: 4 Us, 27^th, with 80 hours and 40 minutes; JCHC1 28^th with 79 hours 47 minutes; Drug Runners from the Bury, 32^nd with 77 hours and 35 minutes; The Paper Rolls, 34^th with 75 hours and 32 minutes; Beautiful Mammas, with 72 hours and 37 minutes;

            The leaderboards are updated nightly.

            After Friday’s login, 12 Jefferson County teams were eligible for a local drawing for prizes for being teams that were up to date on reporting. Teams earning prizes will be notified.

            “With 26 days remaining in the challenge as of today, we encourage all Jefferson County participants to continue making healthier choices – including eating and exercise. Small sustainable changes is what will help us as a county to truly LIVE HEALTHY,” said Lana Likens, director of public relations at Jefferson Community Health Center. “This challenge is about forming better lifelong habits, to help us all live healthier and feel better. Keep up the good work, Jefferson county teams!”

Jefferson County Starting Off Well in Challenge to Live Healthy

            FAIRBURY – At nearly the half-way mark of the program, Jefferson County’s Live Healthy Nebraska participants continue to do very well.

            As of Monday morning, March 1, Jefferson County’s teams had lost 832 pounds (2.68 percent for all Jefferson County teams), and exercised a combined 4,120 hours. As of March 1, 54 days remain in the challenge.

            In a ranking of all teams participating in Live Healthy Nebraska, Jefferson County has a number of teams ranking in the top 50 in both weight loss and activity.

            In weight loss, Jefferson County teams ranked in the top 50 on the state leaderboard are: 5^th -- DB+BB; 9^th -- Just Us; 14^th --  Lose to Live; 21^st – The Crazy Eight; 26^th -- Blubber Busters; and 37^th The Motivators. There are 537 teams on the statewide weight loss leaderboard.

            In activity, Jefferson County teams ranked in the top 50 on the state leaderboard are: 21^st -- Drug Runners from the Bury; 31^st -- JCHC 1; 35^th -- Beautiful Mommas; 36^th --  The Paper Rolls; 38^th --  The Thin Mints; 46^th -- Blubber Busters; 50^th -- For Us. There are 691 teams on the statewide activity leaderboard.

            The leaderboards are updated nightly.

            Totals for the county are impressive: with 36 teams participating (a total of 198 individuals.)

            “With 54 days remaining in the challenge as of today, we encourage all Jefferson County participants to continue making healthier choices – including eating and exercise. Small sustainable changes is what will help us as a county to truly LIVE HEALTHY,” said Lana Likens, director of public relations at Jefferson Community Health Center. “This challenge is about forming better lifelong habits, to help us all live healthier and feel better. Keep up the good work, Jefferson county teams!”

Cupid Walk Offered on Valentine’s Day

            Anyone interested in fun and fitness is invited to join in the Cupid Walk, planned for Valentine’s Day at Jefferson Community Health Center. The Cupid Walk will meet at 2 p.m. in the lobby of Jefferson Community Health Center, 2200 H St., Fairbury, on Sunday, Feb. 14.

            A 30-minute walk is planned, but will be adapted based on weather conditions.

            There is no charge for the walk. Live Healthy Nebraska participants are encouraged to walk (and bring their spouse or sweetheart!) Participation in Live Healthy Nebraska is not required, and neither is membership at the Burkley Wellness Center.

            Those who attend are encouraged to come dressed comfortably for walking outside, and be prepared for a few surprises along the way.

Heart Healthy Grocery Store Tours

                 In conjunction with Live Healthy Nebraska and Heart month, Lisa Edeal, registered dietitian will be offering Heart Healthy grocery shopping tours in February.

                She will be offering a tour from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ray’s Applemarket, on Thursday, Feb. 18; and a tour from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, at Schroeder’s Family Foods. Class size will be limited to provide for full participation.

                The Heart Healthy grocery store tours are free, but pre-registration is required by calling Lana Likens at 729-6855. Please leave your name, which class you are interested in, and a number where I can call you if the class is already filled when you call.

                Participation in Live Healthy Nebraska is not required.

New Year’s Baby for 2010 at JCHC

            FAIRBURY – Aksel Wade Stewart was the New Year’s Baby at Jefferson Community Health Center for 2010.

            Aksel, born on Jan. 19, is the son of Jennifer Howard and Todd Stewart of Beatrice. The baby weighed 5 pounds, 11 ½  ounces and was 19 inches long.

            Grandparents are Brian and Chris Stewart, Bob and Sherri Howard and Carla Bird. Great-grandparents are Pris Stelling, Norman Stewart, Carol and Howard Bristor, Mary Howard and Bill and Barb Ely.

JCHC Elects New Board Members 

            FAIRBURY – Julie Knigge, branch manager of Union Bank and Trust, and Ryan Parker, chief financial officer of Endicott Clay Products Inc., have been elected to the Jefferson Community Health Center Board of Directors. They were elected at the annual membership meeting held on Jan. 11.

            They take the places of Doris Gill and Don Mahlman. Gill served two four-year terms on the board of directors, and Mahlman served one four-year term.

            Board members are elected from among the membership of the Jefferson Community Health Center corporation. Anyone who has donated a cumulative $100 becomes a member of the corporation, and is eligible to serve on the board, attend annual meetings, and participate in the election of board members.

            At the annual meeting, members of the corporation learned that fiscal 2009 was a good year for Jefferson Community Health Center. Prior to the annual meeting a report was sent to all members of the corporation detailing the many achievements of the past year.

            Chief Financial Officer Chad Jurgens reported the margin for fiscal 2009 (Oct. 1, 2008, through Sept. 30, 2009) was 4.78 percent. This meets the goal set by the board and management for the year.

      Some of the major projects for fiscal 2009 included the completion and opening of the new surgical addition and outpatient and emergency entrance and the addition of digital mammography. JCHC was recognized in October 2009 with the Excellence in Quality Award for Critical Access Hospitals for its barcoding system for hospital medications. This award was presented by the Nebraska Hospital Association. Bar coding helps in the prevention of medical errors by checking the “5 rights” of medication administration: right time, right dose, right patient, right medication, right route. Bar coding will signal the nurse if they are attempting to give a medication that was not ordered or that is an incorrect order for the patient. This was a major project in fiscal 2008, and we are proud of the staff for implementing this new system so successfully and for the quality award we earned because of the project. In addition, Bill Welch was presented the Excellence in Service award by the Nebraska Hospital Association for his contributions to health care.

JCHC, Cedarwood Employees Honored for Years of Service

            FAIRBURY – Employees of Jefferson Community Health Center and Cedarwood assisted living were honored for years of service at the annual Christmas party held on Saturday, Dec. 19, in Fairbury.

            Honored for five years of service to Cedarwood assisted living were:

n      Ellie Hellbusch, housekeeper

n      Becky Griffin, LPN, director of resident services

            JCHC employees were honored for a cumulative 240 years of service. Honored were:

n      35 years – Karen Holtmeier, Health Information Services

n      30 years – Elsie Houser, cardiac rehab; Janice Bell, acute nursing;

n      25 years – Peggy Beerbohm, acute nursing;

n      15 years – Catina Smith, Gardenside; Renice Bales, administration/Jefferson Health Care Fund; Tiffany Eyer, Gardenside; Ermel Heuer, surgery;

n      10 years – Pauline Niederklein, home health/55PLUS; Debra Brown, housekeeping; Derek Meyer, maintenance; Dan Reikofski, directory of ancillary services;

n      5 years – Pamela “Jill” Ehrett, dietary; Jennifer Mau, acute nursing; Dennis Russell, pharmacy; Cynthia Guy, Gardenside.

            All staff members honored for years of service received a pin in honor of their achievement.

            “We are pleased to honor these employees for reaching milestones in their years of service at Jefferson Community Health Center,” said Bill Welch, JCHC chief executive officer. “We thank them for their dedication.”

Jefferson Community Health Center Receives ACR Accreditation 

            FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health Center in Fairbury has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in digital mammography as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

            The ACR, headquartered in Reston, Va., awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer review evaluation of the practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR’s Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report.

            The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic and interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, and nuclear medicine, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation technology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

Live Healthy Nebraska to be Promoted in Jefferson County

            FAIRBURY – Registration is now available on line for the 2010 Live Healthy Nebraska challenge – and Jefferson County is being challenged to participate in our own Live Healthy Jefferson County.

            The Live Healthy Nebraska 100-Day-Challenge is a team-based weight loss and physical activity program that will encourage teams in making positive changes that lead to a healthier lifestyle.  It will encourage team members to form healthy habits through physical activity and improved nutrition. Teams will track weight loss and/or minutes of activity in a competition during the 100-Day Challenge.

            Registration opened on Dec. 15. The program begins on Jan. 14 and runs through April 23.

            Jefferson County teams are encouraged to register as a part of the Jefferson County group. Go to www.livehealthynebraska.org. At the top of the page you will see Group Registration ID or Log In. To register a team as part of the Jefferson County Group, enter the group code LHNJCHC. This will take the team captain to the team registration as a part of the Jefferson County group.

            Teams can be any combination of friends or coworkers, and must have 2 to 10 members. The team captain will register all team members on-line, and must have email access. There is a nominal entry fee, which includes many benefits for team members: a t-shirt, a magazine subscription, regular emails, access to the full site of tips and information, and the chance to win prizes for participation. Watch for activities to provide education, increased activity and motivation organized by JCHC during the 100-day challenge.

            For all teams registered as a part of the Jefferson County group, group statistics will be available – total number of teams, total activity logged, and total weight loss logged.

            Jefferson Community Health Center and other local partners will encourage participation in the web-based program, which begins Jan.14 and runs through April 23.

            Live Healthy Nebraska is designed to motivate and teach individuals and organizations how to make positive and lasting changes to achieve a healthy lifestyle through increased physical activity, improved diet, and weight loss over the course of 100 days.

            Live Healthy Nebraska participants will benefit in the form of healthier eating habits, increased physical activity levels, and a positive attitude.

            If you have questions, please call Kathy Helmink RN CDE, director of wellness at Jefferson Community Health Center, at 729-6888 or Lana Likens, director of public relations, at Jefferson Community Health Center, at 729-6855.

JCHC Provides New Option for Payment

            FAIRBURY – A new option is now available at Jefferson Community Health Center in Fairbury for patients to pay the portion of their hospital bill which is not covered by insurance.

            SmartFund Medical is a new patient payment program that works through American National Bank.

            “We have partnered with SmartFund Medical to offer our patients the easiest, most convenient way to pay medical bills not covered by insurance,” said Chad Jurgens, chief financial officer at Jefferson Community Health Center.

            The program offers patients the opportunity to make monthly payments to the bank at an agreed amount, and receive monthly statements. Various terms and plans are available based upon the size of the bill. The program does not require a credit check, and has an interest rate much more favorable than a credit card.

            SmartFund Medical offers on-line payments, automatic debits, check by mail payments and more.

            “We understand that more people in our area have high-deductible medical plans, and some may not have health insurance. This program seems to offer an excellent way to help patients take care of their medical bills not covered by insurance,” Jurgens said.

            With the implementation of this program, JCHC will begin helping patients calculate what portion of their bill insurance will not pay. Lori DeBoer, business office staff member, will be available to visit with patients and help set up their loan and payment plan.

            Anyone with questions on the program should call Chad Jurgens at 729-3351.

Digital Mammography Added at Jefferson Community Health Center

      FAIRBURY, Neb. - Women who undergo routine mammograms at Jefferson Community Health Center now have the latest diagnostic technology available to them: digital mammography. Jefferson Community Health Center is using the state-of-the-art system, Selenia™ digital mammography from Hologic™. Digital mammography was made available as of Oct. 28.

       Jefferson Community Health Center is very excited to be able to offer the newest technology for breast cancer detection. Digital mammography is different from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is acquired and, more importantly, viewed. The radiologist can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values while reading the images. These features allow the radiologist to evaluate microcalcifications and focus on areas of concern.

       Jefferson Community Health Center is a private not-for-profit health care organization with the primary mission of providing appropriate quality health service in a caring environment.

       For further information, or to schedule a mammogram, please call the radiology department at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402) 729-6841.

JCHC Receives Quality Award at NHA Convention

            FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health Center received the Quest for Excellence Award at the Nebraska Hospital Association convention Caring Kind banquet held Friday, Oct. 16, at the Cornhusker in Lincoln.

            JCHC received the award in the Critical Access Hospital Division for its work in implementing medication barcoding technology at JCHC for the best practices in patient safety. The technology was implemented through the IntelliDot system in January 2008, after JCHC spent a number of years researching and selected the system that would be the best fit. The system allows medication barcoding at the patient’s bedside, and provides a number of safeguards to ensure that each patient receives the proper dosage of the appropriate medication.

            “We are proud of the efforts from the many people involved in implementing medication barcoding. Patient safety is very important to us at JCHC,” said Bill Welch, CEO.

            As a part of receiving the award, JCHC participated in a poster display at the Nebraska Hospital Association Annual Convention. The award application will also be posted on the Nebraska Hospital Association website, to allow others to benefit by reviewing the award-winning applications. The NHA website is www.nhanet.org.

            The award was accepted by Erin Starr RN, risk management director; Bill Welch, CEO; Carrie Branson LPN-C; and Penni Mitchell, pharmacy tech.

Welch Receives Excellence in Service Award at NHA Convention

            FAIRBURY – Bill Welch received the Excellence in Service Award at the Nebraska Hospital Association annual convention on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.

            The Excellence in Service award was created by the Nebraska Hospital Association in 2000 to annually recognize one hospital executive who has demonstrated outstanding administrative skills, professional performance, health care organization involvement and leadership.

            Welch has served as chief executive officer at Jefferson Community Health Center since May 1993.

            “Bill’s goal has always been that JCHC would offer our community excellent customer service,” said Lana Likens, director of public relations. “He’s often said that a small rural facility can offer service which is just as excellent as large facilities.”

            Welch has been active in the Nebraska Hospital Association, the Blue River Valley Network, encouraged JCHC to become a charter member of the Heartland Health Alliance and served as HHA chairman, has served on the Regional Policy Board for the American Hospital Association, is a Certified Healthcare Executive in the American College of Healthcare Executives, was appointed by the governor in 2000 to the Nebraska Rural Health Advisory Commission, and serves on the Nebraska Medicare Part A Provider Advisory Group.

            In 2006, Welch was selected as one of nine rural Nebraska hospital executives to participate in the Nebraska Critical Access Hospital Fellowship for Performance Improvement, a nine-month fellowship offered by CIMRO.

            In 2001, he was selected as the Most Valuable PAC player in Nebraska by the American Hospital Association’s Political Action Committee.

            During Welch’s tenure at JCHC, he implemented regular strategic planning sessions with the board, physicians and staff. Some years, community input is also added in the strategic process.

            Welch encouraged JCHC to become the first critical access hospital in Nebraska to apply for and receive and Edgerton Award for Commitment to Quality in 2004. He encouraged JCHC to participate in the first group of Nebraska hospitals to begin the process of a Balanced Scorecard for the facility in 2005.

            He has led JCHC through the remodeling of emergency and outpatient areas; the addition of a community wellness center; the addition of an assisted living facility; and in the past two years led JCHC in adding a new surgical area and expanded outpatient area. Bill has been active in fund-raising for all of these projects.

            He has encouraged regular staff satisfaction surveys, patient satisfaction surveys, and periodic physician satisfaction surveys and community perception surveys.

            “Bill truly believes that in order to provide quality service we need to know what it is our customers want and need,” Likens said.

            Welch is also committed to the JCHC staff. He makes sure JCHC offers market-appropriate salary opportunities; encourages employee input; encourages social opportunities at work; offers scholarship and loan opportunities for employee development; encourages employee health opportunities; and encourages consideration of expanded benefits.

Beerbohm Receives Caring Kind Recognition

            FAIRBURY – Peggy Beerbohm RN was honored as Jefferson Community Health Center’s Caring Kind recipient on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Caring Kind luncheon at the Nebraska Hospital Association luncheon at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.

            The Caring Kind invites all hospitals in Nebraska to select receipients who they feel “exemplify the spirit of those who give that ‘something special’ that makes our facility work.” The Caring Kind program celebrated its 30th year at the Nebraska Hospital Association convention this year. JCHC has participated in the program since 1993.

            At JCHC, individuals and departments are invited to submit nominations, and the Caring Kind committee selects the recipient based on that year’s nominations.

            Mrs. Beerbohm was surprised on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with the announcement that she was the 2009 recipient of JCHC’s Caring Kind recognition.

            Her nominators said the Mrs. Beerbohm “goes that extra step.” One said “not only does she do an excellent job while the patient is here, but often goes to the patient’s home on her own time to help a new mom get more comfortable with breastfeeding.” Nominators described her as “always caring, very pleasant,” and “well-respected by her peers and by physicians.”  Nominators say Mrs. Beerbohm is often mentioned in patient satisfaction surveys because of the excellent care she provides.

Dental Surgeon to Provide Service at JCHC

            FAIRBURY – Christopher Stanosheck DDS will be providing dental surgery services and special needs dental services at Jefferson Community Health Center in Fairbury beginning this month.

            Dr. Stanosheck, who has a dental office in Omaha, is pleased to be able to offer dental care under general anesthesia in under served areas. This service has not been available at JCHC for about a year.

            “When a person has the ability to help someone else, it is a moral obligation to provide assistance,” Dr. Stanosheck said. “I am excited to begin offering service to residents of the Jefferson County area.”

            Dr. Stanosheck specializes in special needs dentistry, and addresses the needs of those with special needs with compassion and kindness.

            Dr. Stanosheck is an Omaha native, and a graduate of Creighton University in 1996 with a bachelor of science in biology and 2000 as a Doctor of Dental Surgery. He completed his general practice residency in 2001 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

            He is a preferred dentist with the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, an instructor at Creighton University’s Department of Prosthodontics, on the UNMC Department of Surgery consulting staff, and a UNMC special needs dentistry provider. He is a provider in the Omaha annual Change A Smile Change a Life Campaign.

            Dr. Stanosheck is a member of the American Dental Association, the Nebraska Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Omaha District Dental Society.

            He is a founding member of the Oral Cancer Initiative, serves on the Dobleman Cancer Institute board of directors, is a health instructor for The Wesley House Leadership Academy and is a member of the International Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics.

            In his free time, Dr. Stanosheck enjoys running, spending time with his dogs, traveling and watching Chicago Cubs baseball. He is involved in many non-profit organizations locally, nationally, and worldwide.

            Jefferson Community Health Center is pleased to have Dr. Stanosheck provide surgical dental services at JCHC for our area.

            The new surgical addition at Jefferson Community Health Center, which opened in March, will offer excellent facilities for the dental surgery Dr. Stanosheck offers, said Ermel Heuer RN, surgical director.

Medicare D Open Enrollment Opportunity at JCHC

            An open enrollment for Medicare D (drug coverage) will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, by the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at Jefferson Community Health Center, 2200 H St., Fairbury.

            SHIIP Volunteer Debbie Hellbusch RN, director of Jefferson Family Home Care, said enrollment appointments will be made available to anyone who needs assistance in changing or reconsidering their Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.

            Those coming for an appointment should bring their Medicare card, a list of the medications they take, including doses and times medication is taken.

            Advance appointments will be required, and can be made by calling Jefferson Family Home Care at 729-6857. The number of appointments is limited, so please call early to get an appointment.

Free Computer Classes Offered

             FAIRBURY – Free computer classes will be offered at Jefferson Community Health Center in Fairbury, thanks to a grant from the state of Nebraska Workforce Development. Classes are taught by Easel Solutions.

            The classes to be offered for this session will be Microsoft Excel Level 1, version 2007, to be offered on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with a one-hour break for lunch); Microsoft Excel Level 2, to be offered on Monday, Sept. 28,  from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with a one-hour break for lunch), prerequisite is Excel Level 1; Intro to Computers, to be offered on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to noon; and Adobe Reader and PDF basics, to be offered from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30. All classes will be offered in the Southwing Education Room at Jefferson Community Health Center.

            There is no charge for any of the classes, and computers are available for all participants to use. Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited to 12 participants. To register, call Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402) 729-6855.

Safety Day Set for July 30 

            FAIRBURY – The Progressive Agriculture Safety Day will be held on Thursday, July 30, from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Fairbury. This year’s Safety Day is the 12^th annual event for the local chapter of Jefferson County Farm Safety 4 Just Kids.

            Progressive Agriculture Safety Day is open to area children who will be entering Kindergarten through seventh grades in the fall. The registration deadline is July 20. Registration fee is $5 per child or $10 per family, and includes lunch, snacks, speakers, t-shirt and a goody bag. After the July 20 deadline, the registration will increase to $7 per child with no family discount.

            Safety Day is not just for “farm kids,” organizers said. Safety Day is designed to provide safety information that is agriculturally oriented as well as general safety information.

            Through hands-on activities, participants learn to prevent incidents and reduce the extent of injuries if incidents do occur. Safety Day stresses the importance of children taking responsibility for their own safety, respecting parents’ safety rules, and sharing safety tips with their family and friends. This year, participants will rotate through eight safety sessions and demos. Camp will include a lunch-time program and a special closing program featuring a mock accident.

            Progressive Agriculture Safety Day is organized by Jefferson County Farm Safety 4 Just Kids. It is made possible by Progressive Agriculture, and Farm Safety 4 Just Kids. National sponsors for Safety Day include. Bunge, Tractor Supply Co., Agrium, The Farm Credit System Foundation Inc., John Deere, Case IH, Monsanto, Pioneer, Shell Lubricants and State Farm. Local members of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids and area business sponsors are key to making Safety Day successful.

            Registration forms are available at UNL Extension-Jefferson County, 517 F St., Fairbury, and should be returned to the extension office by July 20 with the registration fee. Registration forms will also be available at the Jefferson County Fair July 16 through 19.

            Anyone who needs more information on Safety Day should call the UNL Extension office in Jefferson County at (402) 729-3487, or Coordinator Lana Likens at 729-5792 or 729-6855.

Fairbury Cycling Tour Set for Saturday, July 11

            FAIRBURY – Ready to roll? The Fairbury Cycling Tour is your chance to ride your bicycle through Jefferson County – with lots of great company! This is a new event for the county, organized by the Bob and Wauneta Burkley Wellness Center.

            The Fairbury Cycling Tour will be held on Saturday, July 11, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Bob and Wauneta Burkley Wellness Center in Fairbury. There are four routes available:

n      20 miles – Fairbury, Alexandria turnoff, Fairbury

n      37 miles – Fairbury, Alexandria, Fairbury

n      48 miles – Fairbury, Alexandria, Daykin, Fairbury

n      60 miles – Fairbury, Alexandria, Daykin, Western, Fairbury

            All routes will be on Nebraska highways, and start and stop in Fairbury. The ride is open to all ages; riders under age 18 must ride with a parent or guardian. All riders must wear helmets. SAG support will be available from two roving vehicles equipped with bicycle supplies, water and food.

            Registration is $20 if received by June 24, and $25 if received after June $24. Children 12 and under ride free, and must be accompanied by an adult. T-shirts are available for $15 each.

            Registration forms are available at the Bob and Wauneta Burkley Wellness Center in Fairbury. For more information, contact the wellness center at (402) 729-6139; Jackie Gregory at (402) 300-0647; or Addisin McCown at (402) 239-5149.

Christmas Project Successful

      FAIRBURY – The annual Christmas project at Jefferson Community Health Center was very successful this year, raising more than $18,400 and exceeding its goal.

      “We are so pleased with the support of our community for projects that are so much appreciated by our patients and residents,” said Lana Likens, director of public relations, marketing and development at JCHC.

      This year’s project purchased hearing screening equipment, which arrived recently and is in use for newborns. The special project purchased a blanket warmer, which is keeping warm blankets ready for whoever needs them in the new trauma room in the new surgical addition. It also purchased a new big-screen television, which is being enjoyed by Gardenside long-term care residents.

      All babies born at Jefferson Community Health Center are screened to make sure they are hearing normally. It is important to detect hearing loss as soon as possible. If hearing loss is found early, it is easier for babies to learn. The screening itself is safe, painless, and many babies sleep through the screen. JCHC has been conducting hearing screens since 2000, and the equipment was in need of replacement. The new equipment is faster, more reliable, and makes it less likely that an infant would need to be brought back for a second screening.

      A warmed blanket is a very useful tool in health care. A warmed blanket is not only useful when a person’s body temperature is low or they feel cold, a warmed blanket can be useful in the treatment of certain illnesses and injuries, and can have a very calming effect. Last year, a $500 grant was received from Norris Public Power’s Operation Round-Up program toward a blanket warmer for the new ER/trauma area. The Christmas project funded the remainder of this very useful piece of equipment. The blanket warmer is easily accessible for many types of uses, and is designed to warm 20 to 30 blankets at a time.

      Gardenside residents thoroughly enjoyed the previous big-screen television. Like all electronics, televisions wear out, and it was time for a new big-screen with a clearer picture and more reliable operation. Residents say thank you to all of those who helped make the new big-screen television possible.

      “Thank you to our community!” Likens said.

Jefferson Community Health Center Demonstrates Commitment to Employee

Safety Through Observance of National Safety Month

             FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health Center (JCHC), a member of the National Safety Council, is a partner in the Council’s June observance of National Safety Month.

            Throughout the month, JCHC will offer educational activities and information to build awareness of everyday safety and simple steps that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury at work, home and on the roads in between.

            Sharon Vandegrift RN, JCHC safety officer, said unintentional injuries, are the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States, claiming 120,000 lives in 2007. They also cost our nation $684.4 billion in lost productivity, health care and related expenses.

            2009’s National Safety Month observance will focus on four of the primary causes of unintentional death and injuries that matter to JCHC and the nation:

            “Recognizing National Safety Month is just one way for companies that put employee safety first, like JCHC, to demonstrate that they care about their people, and their families, both on and off the job,” said Laurie Klosterboer Executive Director of Nebraska Safety Council. “Employees are any company’s most important asset. We appreciate JCHC’s efforts to promote safe behaviors in June and throughout the year, and its support of the National Safety Council.”

            JCHC has been an active member of the National Safety Council since 1982 To recognize 2009 National Safety Month, JCHC will have activities for each week in June addressing teen driving, falls prevention, overexertion, and distracted driving

            More information about National Safety Month and the National Safety Council can be found at www.nsc.org.

            The National Safety Council saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

            Jefferson Community Health Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital serving Jefferson County and the surrounding counties.

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JCHC Encourages Fitness With Mother’s Day Packets

            FAIRBURY – Third grade girls at Jefferson Intermediate School in Fairbury, Tri County at DeWitt, Diller-Odell Schools and Meridian Schools at Daykin are partnering with JCHC in getting the healthy message out to their mothers.

            Mother’s Day packets were obtained by JCHC and contain education on women’s health as well as information on the FREE National Women’s Health Week challenge.  The packets also include a FREE pedometer provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska to give to their mother for Mother’s Day.

            “At JCHC we are excited to partner with area schools and the third grade girls to encourage women’s health and walking for better health,” said Kathy Helmink, director of wellness at Jefferson Community Health Center.

            The 10^th annual National Women’s Health Week kicked off on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10. This is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health.  This year’s theme is “It’s Your Time,” encouraging women to make health a top priority and strive to take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life.

            “As leaders in healthcare we want to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and lower risk of certain diseases,” Helmink said.

            To celebrate the annual Women’s health observance, women have the opportunity to participate in a FREE online eight week physical activity challenge.  This challenge will begin on May 10 and run thru July 4, 2009. Participants may register at www.womenshealth.gov/whw take the challenge pledge and commit to 8 weeks of setting and meeting activity goals. 

 Important Steps to a healthy lifestyle include:

·        Getting at least 2 ½ hours of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity or a combination of both each week.

·        Eating a nutritious diet.

·        Visiting a health care professional for regular checkups and preventive screenings.

·        Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.

·        Paying attention to metal health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.

JCHC Recognized for Quality and Excellence

            FAIRBURY – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska has recognized Jefferson Community Health Center for its commitment to delivering the best health care possible to people living in Nebraska. Because of this achievement, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska honors JCHC with its Recognition of Quality award.

            The Recognition for Quality awards stem from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s desire to recognize and reward network providers for their participation and achievement in an established range of health care quality improvement initiatives. These standards have been set by the federal government, health insurers, national health care and medical professional organizations. They are used to measure, report, improve and monitor the care given to their patients, members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield

            Jefferson Community Health Center has earned this award by active participation in the 5 Million Lives Campaign. JCHC began participation in the program in 2008.

JCHC Encourages Community to Be Alert, Not Alarmed, About Swine Flu

            FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health Center encourages area residents to be aware of the swine flu, and alert to possible symptoms – but not to be alarmed. Jefferson Community Health Center, local physicians with the Fairbury Clinic, and Public Health Solutions are staying informed on the current increased reported cases of swine flu.

            What are the signs and symptoms in people? The symptoms are similar to the regular influenza virus: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting in association with the swine flu, as well.

            What can people do to protect themselves from the flu?

            “First and most important: wash your hands,” said Mary Heidemann, infection preventionist at JCHC. “Hand washing is our first and best defense against all types of infection. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.”

            She said it’s also important to get plenty of sleep,be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a balanced diet.

            What should a person with symptoms do? Anyone with symptoms of a flu or flu-like illness is encouraged to:

n      Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

n      Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective.

n      Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

n      Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

n      If you get sick with influenza, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that you stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

n      If you have symptoms of influenza or influenza-like illness, please postpone any elective medical procedures (such as clinic followup visits or surgeries.)

n      Please don’t visit nursing homes or hospitals.

n      If you have contact with people who have traveled in areas where swine flu cases have been identified, see your health care provider.

Beware of Diet Medications

Guest opinion by Gary Mitchell, PharmD

Pharmacy Director at Jefferson Community Health Center

Summer is approaching, and many people are trying to lose extra pounds.  There are many non-prescriptions products marketed as weight loss products and dietary supplements that may be considered for assistance in this area. Those interested in using these types of products should beware.

In an effort to produce weight loss products, some manufacturers may put potentially harmful ingredients in these products or may leave contaminants in the products in the production process.  A number of products have been identified containing these agents.  Many people think that all of the products that are sold in the United States have been tested and have been shown to be safe and effective.  That is simply not the case.  

Unfortunately, FDA cannot test and identify all weight loss products on the market that have potentially harmful contaminants in order to assure their safety.  Enforcement actions and consumer advisories for unapproved products only cover a small fraction of the potentially hazardous weight loss products marketed to consumers on the internet and at some retail establishments.

FDA is taking action to help ensure that these products and other products containing undeclared prescription ingredients are removed from the marketplace.  FDA has inspected a number of firms associated with the sale of these products and is currently seeking recalls of these products.  FDA may take additional enforcement steps to include warning letters, seizure, injunction, or criminal charges.

Some of the ingredients that have been found in products marketed for the weight loss market guised as dietary supplements include: Butetanide and Furosemide; Cetilistat; Fenproporex; Fluoxetine; Phenolphthalein; Phenytoin; Rimonabant; and Sibutramine. Each has it’s own possible side effects, but these ingredients may cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, loss of important minerals; cancer risk; DNA damage or mutations; neurological or psychiatric side effects such as seizures, depression, anxiety, insomnia, aggressiveness, and suicidal thoughts; Some may show up in a urinalysis as positive for amphetamine.

Many of these products do not list the manufacturer on the label or in the advertisements.  However, most of the products appear to have been manufactured in other countries.

Although some of the identified products are marketed as “dietary supplements,” they are not dietary supplements if they contain FDA-approved drugs or ingredients that do not supplement the diet.

Regulatory requirements for dietary supplements differ from those covering "conventional" foods and drug products (prescription and Over-the-Counter).  Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that its products are safe before they are marketed. Generally, manufacturers do not need to register their products with FDA nor get FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements. It is up to the manufacturers to make sure that product label information is truthful and not misleading.

More and more products tainted with prescription drugs, including drugs for erectile dysfunction, diabetes, and obesity, are finding their way into the U.S. marketplace.  Many are labeled as dietary supplements or supplements.  FDA takes this escalating issue very seriously, and is committed to doing all that it can to identify and remove these dangerous products from the market.  However, unfortunately, it is not possible for FDA to test and identify all tainted products. 

Consult with your health care professional before taking dietary supplements to treat obesity or other diseases. All consumers should be familiar with the following signs of health fraud:

·         Promises of an "easy" fix for problems like excess weight, hair loss, or impotency.

·         Claims such as "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "secret ingredient," and "ancient remedy."

·         Impressive-sounding terms, such as "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis" for a weight loss product.

·         Claims that the product is safe because it is "natural."

·         Undocumented case histories or personal testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results.

·         Promises of no-risk, money-back guarantees.

Jefferson Community Health Center Provides Significant Community Benefits

            FAIRBURY  — Nebraska’s hospitals provided nearly $741 million in community benefits in fiscal year (FY) 2007, according to a recent report by the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA). Of the 85 NHA member hospitals, 76 participated in the 2008 Nebraska Hospitals Community Benefits Report.

Locally, Jefferson Community Health Center provided more than $217,900 in community benefits to area residents in FY 2007 (the most current year for which data is available).

“In addition to being a major employer in Jefferson County and providing essential health care services, Jefferson Community Health Center annually provides community benefits, such as health screenings, immunizations, free and reduced-cost services, educational programs and vital health care services to patients who were unable to pay,” said Bill Welch, JCHC CEO.  “This new report quantifies the enormous positive impact Nebraska’s hospitals have on improving health and quality of life, within and beyond hospital walls.”

            During FY 2007, Jefferson Community Health Center:

·        Provided more than $217,900 in total community benefits to local residents;

·        Provided more than $55,000 in uncompensated care to patients who were unable to pay for health care services (this does not include write offs for bad debt);

·        Subsidized the Bob and Wauneta Burkley Wellness Center by $100,000 to allow memberships to remain reasonable for area residents;

·        Offered community educational programs, job shadowing, and scholarships;

·        Offered screenings and child safety seat checkups;

·        Assisted area residents in understanding and signing up for Medicare D;

·        Assisted in sponsoring community programs such as Safety Day, and many other community based programs;

“The report demonstrates how Nebraska’s hospitals—including Jefferson Community Health Center —go above and beyond the mission to deliver essential health care services,” Welch said. “We are devoted to keeping area residents healthy and to meeting our community’s needs.”

            For a complete copy of the 2008 Nebraska Hospitals Community Benefits Report visit www.nhanet.org.

 ###

Diversity and End-of-Life Care

Jefferson Community Health Center TO HOST

HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA’S

16^th ANNUAL Living With Grief^® TELECONFERENCE

            Each year the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) presents a nationally recognized distance learning program, live via satellite and webcast, to more than 125,000 people in 2,000 communities. For more than a decade, this annual educational program has been instrumental in educating health care professionals and families on issues affecting end-of-life care. The program provides an opportunity for a wide variety of professionals – including doctors, nurses, funeral directors, psychologists, educators, social workers and bereavement counselors – to share and exchange ideas and obtain continuing education credits.

This year HFA’s 16th Annual National Bereavement Teleconference focuses on “Diversity and End-of-Life Care.” The teleconference will examine how diversity influences end-of-life decision making and the impact that culture has at the time of death and during bereavement. One of the goals of the teleconference is to increase sensitivity by helping professionals acknowledge how their own cultural values and assumptions influence the delivery of care. The program will also discuss the challenges that may occur when culture considerations may cause ethical concerns or moral distress. Moderated by Frank Sesno, Professor of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University and Special Correspondent with CNN, the program will be broadcast Wednesday, April 29, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. In Fairbury, it will be available at the Jefferson County Extension office, 517 F St. Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure adequate seating.

            Mr. Sesno will lead the panel of noted authorities that includes: Samira K. Beckwith, President and CEO of Hope HealthCare Services; Sandy Chen Stokes, Executive Director, Chinese American Coalition for Compassionate Care; Kenneth J. Doka, Professor of Gerontology, Graduate School of the College of New Rochelle; Wanda H. Jenkins, Manager of Bereavement Services at VITAS Innovative Hospice Care; Richard Payne, Director, Institute on Care at the End of Life, Duke University; Paul Rosenblatt, Professor, College of Education & Human Development, University of Minnesota; and Carlos Sandoval-Cros, Rev., St. Simon's Episcopal Church, and psychiatrist, private practice.

  This distinguished panel of ethicists, educators and hospice experts will examine how diversity influences end-of-life decision making and the impact that culture may have at the time of death and during bereavement.

Each year this award-winning, televised broadcast is seen in more than 2,000 communities across North America, reaching an estimated live audience of 150,000 people. The teleconference is produced by Hospice Foundation of America, a not-for-profit organization, which acts as an advocate for the hospice concept of care through ongoing programs of professional education, public information and research on issues relating to illness, loss, grief and bereavement.

            For more information, call Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402) 729-3351.

New JCHC Entrance Open

            FAIRBURY – The new south Outpatient and Emergency Entrance opened on Friday, Feb. 27. The new entrance is designed for those who are visiting specialists, using outpatient services, and bringing someone to JCHC by private vehicle in an emergency.

            The new entrance and outpatient clinic reception and waiting area includes two new chemotherapy rooms, and is part of a $4.4 million addition to JCHC. In addition to the new outpatient area, the addition includes two new operating rooms, a new minor procedure room, a new four-bay recovery area, a new trauma room, and needed office, storage and staff spaces. The surgery area will be in use soon.

            The project also includes renovation of outpatient clinic rooms, which will begin soon after the new entrance is opened.

            “We would like to thank everyone for their patience throughout this construction project. The new addition will help us to continue to provide quality health care service to our community, and will give us the opportunity to expand those services in certain areas in the future,” Likens said.

            The community has been a tremendous support for the project, Likens said. More than $368,000 has been raised in a capital campaign held to help fund the project, exceeding the goal of $300,000.

            The new entrance will be used for outpatient services (such as lab, x-ray, chemotherapy and mobile services), visits to specialists, and emergencies brought in by private vehicle. A separate ambulance entrance will also open on Friday.

            During hours that the outpatient clinic desk is not staffed, the inside vestibule door on the new entrance will be locked. A telephone is located in the vestibule, and is programmed to ring the nurses’ station when it is picked up, to alert the staff that someone needs assistance. This phone should be used for emergencies or other after-hours needs.

            JCHC asks the public to continue to use the main entrance (the covered walkway accessible from the H Street parking) for wellness center visits, inquires about your bill, physical therapy visits, and hospital admissions.

            Anyone who needs more information should call JCHC at (402) 729-3351.

Blood Profiles to be Offered         

            FAIRBURY – Complete blood profiles will be offered by Jefferson Community Health Center on Wednesday, April 1.

            Blood profiles will be offered on Wednesday, April 1, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Southwing Education Room at Jefferson Community Health Center, 2200 H St. The complete blood profile will cost $40. The screening will be offered by appointment only. Fasting is required prior to the blood screening. Confidential reports will be available at the Jefferson County Home and Garden Show at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 4.

            The complete blood profile includes:

n      Comprehensive Metabolic Profile and Lipid Profile – This group of tests tells about heart, liver, kidney and sugar levels in the blood. The cholesterol is fractionated into low- and high-density levels, and gives the person’s coronary heart disease risk.

n      T4 -- Basic screen for thyroid function.

n      Hemagram – This is a blood count telling the number of white blood cells and red blood cells. It also tells the hemoglobin level.

            The PSA screening is not available with this screening. The profile report includes explanations of each factor which may be considered higher or lower than normal. Anyone with concerns about their screening is encouraged to schedule an appointment with their personal family physician to discuss the results. Since this is not a physician-ordered exam, it is not covered by Medicare or other insurance.

            The $40 rate is a considerable savings to patients compared to the regular costs of this type of complete blood profile, said Ancillary Services Director Dan Reikofski.

            To make an appointment for the blood profile, call outpatient services at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402) 729-6851.

Open House Huge Success           

      The open house for the new surgical addition at Jefferson Community Health Center held on Sunday, Feb. 1, was a huge success, with more than 400 people touring the new area.

      JCHC CEO Bill Welch said he was very pleased at the great turnout and community support.

      “We were overwhelmed at the tremendous turnout to see the new addition. We truly appreciate the support our area residents provide for quality health care at Jefferson Community Health Center,” he said.

      The new addition is expected to open in mid-February. Until it opens, the public is asked to continue to use the main entrance for all hospital services, including emergencies, outpatient clinics, and therapies. The new south entrance will not be open until the addition is open.

      The 11,000 square foot addition and expansion project will benefit all ages.

      The project includes the addition of a new surgical area and emergency room and expansion of the outpatient clinic area. The addition includes a surgical area, a trauma/emergency room, outpatient clinic reception area, chemotherapy rooms, and a family room.

      The project also includes renovation of about 700 square feet of current outpatient clinic spaces. The renovation and expansion of outpatient space will mean an increase to nine treatment rooms from the current four, and will allow more flexibility and growth for outpatient services.

      The project includes the addition of more parking, as well, to better serve patients, visitors and staff members.

      The $4.4 million expansion will be funded by a combination of donations, loans, and operating revenue. The Jefferson Health Care Foundation raised more than $368,000 in pledges and donations to support this important project for local health care, surpassing it’s $300,00 goal.

      JCHC’s surgical department has shown sustained growth in the last 10 years.          Jefferson Community Health Center's surgical facility is not well-suited to continue to support growth in local surgical services. The current 325-square-foot offered no room for expansion of additional services, and with the increasing use of computerized technology for all surgical procedures, JCHC will soon outgrow the space even for some current procedures.

      Outpatient services have seen similar growth. Outpatient visits have grown to 2,787 in 2006, up from 1,933 in 1996 – a 44 percent increase. Emergency room visits have grown to 2,082 in 2006, up from 1,785 in 1996 – an increase of nearly 17 percent.

       “We have outgrown outpatient clinic space, and in order to plan for additional potential growth we need to add clinic rooms,” said Bill Welch, CEO of Jefferson Community Health Center.

      The addition and expansion will increase space and efficiency for the surgical area, outpatient clinic area, chemotherapy services, and emergency room. The project also includes additional parking.

      The surgical portion of the addition includes two operating rooms -- one 600 square feet and one 400 square feet; a minor procedure room; a large recovery room; staff areas; and storage.

      “Additional space provides multiple advantages,” said Ermel Heuer RN, surgical director. Advantages include: space for additional technological equipment; two operating rooms to facilitate multiple procedures and faster turnover and more efficient scheduling of surgical procedures; with two operating rooms, a room will be available for emergencies at all times, even on a busy surgery day; a private area for admissions for surgical procedures; additional equipment and supply storage; more efficient use of staff

improved ergonomics of the operating rooms.

      “The new area will help us to facilitate surgical procedures earlier in the day, which should be a real plus for patients,” Heuer said.

      The new surgical area will allow JCHC to look at possible addition of new services to the community in the future.

Jefferson Family Home Care Celebrates 25 Years

       In February, Jefferson Family Home Care celebrates 25 years of serving residents of Jefferson County and the surrounding counties with home health services.

      Home Health invites everyone to join them for a silver anniversary celebration in the lobby of Cedarwood assisted living, 828 22^nd St., on Friday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m.

      Home Health services began at Jefferson Community Health Center (then Jefferson County Memorial Hospital) in February 1984. Prior to becoming its own agency, Fairbury’s home health services were offered as a “satellite” of the Beatrice agency.

      “The intent was to use our OR staff when they weren’t busy in the OR,” said Debbie Hellbusch RN, who has been director of Jefferson Family Home Care for nearly 25 years.

      For a short time, Betty Malovoz RN, Patty Moran LPN and Violet Kellie fulfilled that role. But the state said a home health agency had to have a director whose sole responsibility was home health.

      Rachel Niemeier RN was hired as the first director. Mary Hoppe RN worked in home health part time.

      Hellbusch became director in August 1984.

      Jefferson Family Home Care saw a growth in services offered in 1989 when they signed a contract with Blue Rivers Agency on Aging to provide service for the CARE program. This program provides personal cares to area residents who are over the age of 60 on a sliding fee scale based on income.

      “This program has been an important program for our community, and Jefferson Family Home Care is pleased to be the CARE provider,” Hellbusch said.

      During the past 25 years, Jefferson Family Home Care has seen 1,257 different patients. Those patients have utilized a total of 20,157 skilled nursing visits; 10,287 home health aide visits; 1,051 physical therapy visits; 253 speech therapy visits; 138 occupational therapy visits.

JCHC recognized for Diabetes program

      Jefferson Community Health Center has been recognized from the American Diabetes Association to provide state-of-the-art diabetes self-management education. This achievement assures physicians and professional health care providers that JCHC’s ability to provide high quality education is the primary goal of the Education Recognition program.

      ADA recognition gives  professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality of the services provided, and it helps consumers and physicians to identify quality programs.

      The program is designed to help reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and some of the acute and chronic complaints of diabetes.

      JCHC is a part of the Heartland Health Alliance Diabetes Initiative, which includes 20 sites throughout Nebraska and Kansas. The new recognition is through Dec. 22, 2011.

      Kathy Helmink RN CDE is Jefferson Community Health Center’s Certified Diabetes Educator.

Gardenside Receives Overall 5-Star Rating from CMS

            FAIRBURY – Gardenside long-term care, located at Jefferson Community Health Center, has received a 5-Star overall rating from a new rating system implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

            Facilities are assigned star ratings from a low of one start o a high of five stars based on health inspection surveys, staffing information and quality of care measures. The ratings are publicly available on the agency’s Nursing Home Compare website at www.medicare.gov..

CMS Issues Historic Star Quality Rating System for Nursing Homes

Next Step in Evolution of Nursing Home Compare Web Site

            For the first time in history, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today released quality ratings for each of the nation’s 15,800 nursing homes that participate in Medicare or Medicaid. 

Facilities are assigned star ratings from a low of one star to a high of five stars based on health inspection surveys, staffing information, and quality of care measures. The ratings are publicly available on the agency’s Nursing Home Compare Web site at www.medicare.gov.

            “Our goal in developing this unprecedented quality rating system is to provide families a straightforward assessment of nursing home quality, with meaningful distinctions between high and low performing homes,” said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems.  “The new information will also help consumers and families identify important questions to ask nursing homes and challenge nursing homes to improve their quality of care.”

            The new rating system also received high marks from Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging.  “With this new rating system, CMS is improving the ability of consumers to readily obtain critical information which should be used in conjunction with in-person visits to a facility.

            “Transparency is key when it comes to nursing home quality,” said Sen. Kohl. “I commend Acting Administrator Weems today and, as always, appreciate the opportunity to work together to improve our nation’s nursing homes.”

 

            Consulting with a panel of experts from academia, patient advocacy and nursing home provider groups, CMS developed the rating system based on each nursing home’s performance in three critical areas:

            The Web site provides the public with a quality rating for each of the three areas listed, as well as a composite or total score.  A five star designation means the facility ranks “much above average,” four star indicates “above average,” three means “about average,” two is a “below average” ranking with a one indicating that a facility ranks “much below average.”  Rankings are dynamic and will be updated monthly. 

            “Because quality and conditions within a nursing home can change at any time, this system is not intended to be the only tool families use in selecting the right nursing facility for a loved one,” Weems noted.  “Nursing homes can make dramatic improvements between rating periods, just as a previously highly-rated home could see its quality of care deteriorate.  And nothing can substitute for visiting a nursing home.”

            In this first round of quality ratings about 12 percent of the nation’s nursing homes received a full five star rating while 22 percent scored at the low end with one star.  The remaining 66 percent of facilities were distributed fairly evenly among the two, three and four star rankings.

            “Choosing a nursing home or community-based care is one of the most difficult and sometimes confusing decisions families have to make,” noted Thomas Hamilton, director of the CMS Survey and Certification Group who helped develop the new system.  “The new Web site improvements also include links to information for community-based alternatives to nursing homes that may be of great interest to families.

“Regardless of the type of support a family chooses,” he said, “It is vital that families and caregivers use the Web site as just one of many important sources of information they should consult. Families should also consult with their physician, talk to the state’s nursing home ombudsman or the state’s survey and certification office and, most importantly, visit the nursing home or community-based program for themselves.”

Today’s addition of the five-star quality rating system is just the latest in a series of improvements to the Nursing Home Compare Web site.  In November 2007, CMS took another historic step in publishing a list of the nation’s nursing homes with consistently poor performance records.  Nursing homes selected as such “Special Focus Facilities (SFF)” are provided with increased oversight, including onsite inspections that occur twice as often as better performing homes.  Homes with the SFF designation are clearly marked on the Compare Web site.

“Around three million Americans depend on nursing homes at some point during each year to provide life-saving care,” Weems said.  “Most of those individuals are enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare and we all bear a special responsibility to protect their health and welfare. Adding this new quality rating system to our Web site is a huge step toward giving our beneficiaries and their loved ones meaningful information to compare nursing homes more easily.”

CMS has also today published an updated version of its Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home which can help families through the process.  The Guide can be also be accessed at www.medicare.gov.

The five star ratings on Nursing Home Compare are the most recent information to be added to the consumer information available at www.medicare.gov.  Users can find up-to-date information about hospitals at Hospital Compare (www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov) and dialysis clinics at Dialysis Facility Compare (www.medicare.gov/Dialysis), as well as information about Medicare health and prescription drug plans (www.medicare.gov/mppf and www.medicare.gov/mpdpf). 

Barb Schwisow Named JCHC Caring Kind

            FAIRBURY –      Barb Schwisow, activities director at Gardenside long-term care since 1995, was named JCHC’s Caring Kind recipient for 2008.

     Schwisow was recognized by the Nebraska Hospital Association at its annual convention Lincoln on Oct. 31 at the Caring Kind lunch.

     She was surprised by her co-workers on Sept. 10 during a zucchini baking activity with residents.

     Schwisow was nominated by her peers because she is “on fire for going above and beyond the call of duty” and “her heart is in the right place.” She spends many hours planning and carrying out fun activities for the Gardenside nursing home residents. She really cares about the residents and give them her time, a hug or a smile – and only wants their happiness in return. Barb Schwisow is truly the Caring Kind.

JCHC, Cedarwood Honor Employees for Years of Service

            FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health Center honored employees for more than 345 years of combined service to the health care facility at its annual Christmas party. Cedarwood assisted living honored two staff members who have been with the facility since it opened in late 2003 with awards for five years of service.

            JCHC and Cedarwood had a combined Christmas party Friday, Dec. 19, at the Fairbury Elks Club.

            Honored for service to JCHC were: 35 years -- Gloria Trimm, physical therapy; 30 years -- Mary Hoppe, acute nursing; Shirley Carmichael, health information services; Caryn Bales, radiology; 25 years -- Karen Spilker, Gardenside; Sandy Scheele, surgery; 20 years -- Arlene Luebbe, acute nursing; 15 years -- Stephanie Pfingsten, purchasing; Diane Wellsandt, business office; Bill Welch, CEO; Lana Likens, public relations; Jeanette Hennerberg, home health; Suzanne Bartels-Munn, surgery; 10 years -- Lorene Staley, business office; Rick Johnson, maintenance; Sandy Bauer, human resources; Shirley Frager, acute nursing; Marci Gillham, radiology; Rene’ Scheer, acute nursing; 5 years -- Erin Starr, patient safety; Becky Korthals, housekeeping; Carolyn Niehouse, acute nursing; and Jean Smith, outpatient coordinator.

            “We have a very dedicated, caring and hard working staff,” said Bill Welch, CEO. “It is because of our excellent staff and their loyalty that we are able to provide excellent health care to our community.”

            Honored for service to Cedarwood were: five years – Julie Neuerberg, activities; and Idella Schueller. Cedarwood assisted living hired its first employees in November 2003, and opened for business in January 2004. Cedarwood will be celebrating its five-year anniversary this year.

            “We are fortunate to have wonderful employees at Cedarwood. We are pleased to honor these two employees who have been with us since the beginning,” said Deb Sutton, administrator for Cedarwood assisted living.

Free Computer Classes Offered

            FAIRBURY – Free computer classes will be offered at Jefferson Community Health Center in Fairbury, thanks to a grant from the state of Nebraska Workforce Development. Classes are taught by Easel Solutions.

            Classes to be offered for this session are Microsoft Excel Level 1, and Microsoft Excel Level 2. Excel Level 1 will be offered on Friday, Jan. 16. Excel Level 2 will be offered on Thursday, Feb. 5. In order to take Excel Level 2, the participant must have taken Excel Level 1, or have extensive Excel experience. Both classes will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Southwing Education Room at Jefferson Community Health Center.

            Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited to 12 participants per class. To register, call Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402) 729-3351.

JCHC Gains Major Medical Equipment through USDA Low-Interest Loan

 FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health Center, Diller Telephone and the USDA Rural Development staff signed paperwork Friday, Oct. 10, to complete a federal low-interest loan.  The funds will assist Jefferson Community Health Center with the purchase of major medical equipment for their new surgical suite.

 The USDA Rural Development department announced in April that JCHC via the Diller Telephone was selected to receive one of 64 loans and grants totaling more than $30 million to assist rural communities and businesses in 19 states.

“These funds help create jobs, economic opportunity and essential services in rural areas, underscoring the Bush administration’s commitment to strengthening our nation’s economy,” said USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Thomas C. Dorr when making the announcement.

The funds are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program.  Under the program, Rural Development provides loans and grants to Rural Utilities program borrowers, usually rural telephone or electrical cooperatives, which in turn provide loans to rural businesses and communities in their service areas.  Rural Development will provide $23,180,200 in loans and $6,826,960 in grants to the successful applicants. Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the loan or grant agreement.

Projects funded include a $632,000 loan to Diller Telephone Company to assist Jefferson Community Health Center in Fairbury, Neb. to purchase major medical equipment for their new surgical suite.  The surgical improvements will allow for multiple procedures, total hip replacement surgery, more efficient scheduling, and the ability for residents to receive types of surgical services locally that before they had to travel to larger cities for.  Jefferson Community Health Center serves residents of Jefferson County and surrounding counties in Southeast Nebraska and Northeast Kansas.  The Center staffs 175 full and part time employees, with a medical staff of 4 physicians, 3 physician assistants and visiting specialists from a variety of clinics. 

 Bill Welch, CEO of Jefferson Community Health Center, said the low-interest loan is a big help to JCHC on a $4.4 million addition. The remainder of the project is being funded by JCHC, including more than $350,000 in local donations. 

 “It is wonderful to see the federal government, state and local community partnering to provide continued expansion in medical services available to our community residents,” Welch said. “We especially appreciate Diller Telephone’s willingness to be a part of this project.”

            The surgical addition is expected to be completed in the next few months, with renovation to the outpatient expected to be completed in early 2009.

            JCHC Recognized for Quality and Excellence 

            FAIRBURY -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is pleased to recognize Jefferson Community Health Center for its commitment to delivering the best health care possible to people living in the Fairbury area. Because of this achievement, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska honors Jefferson Community Health Center with its first Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska Recognition for Quality award.

            The Recognition for Quality awards stem from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s desire to recognize and reward providers for their participation and achievement in an established range of health care quality improvement initiatives. These standards have been set by the federal government, health insurers, national health care and medical professional organizations. They are used to measure, report, improve and monitor the care given to their patients.

      Jefferson Community Health Center has earned this award by active participation in the health care quality initiative known as the “5 Million Lives Campaign.” JCHC has been fully committed to the 5 Million Lives Campaign since 2007.

      Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, insures or provides benefit administration to more than 717,000 people. All of the non-governmental, acute care hospitals in Nebraska are part of the BCBSNE network, as are 93 percent of providers. The company is dedicated to delivering the health and wellness solutions people value most.

Parking Changes Part of New Addition at JCHC 

            FAIRBURY – All public parking at JCHC will be on the west side of the building beginning on Monday, Aug. 25. Because of continuing progress on the new addition at JCHC, there will be no outpatient, emergency or other public parking on the east side of the facility from Aug. 25 until further notice.

            Those coming to JCHC for outpatient services or emergency services are asked to please park in the west parking lots (accessed from H Street) and use the main entrance (the entrance with the covered walkway.) Once inside, please watch for signage to help direct you to your destination.

            JCHC thanks the public for their patience throughout the construction process, and apologizes for any inconvenience.

            Anyone with questions or concerns should contact Lana Likens, director of public relations, at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402) 729-3351.

Duathlon Challenge Offered at JCHC, Burkley Wellness Center 

            FAIRBURY – Area residents are being challenged to complete a Duathlon during September. Jefferson Community Health Center and the Bob and Wauneta Burkley Wellness Center are offering a September corporate and community challenge based on a duathlon format.

            A Duathlon combines the sports of bicycling and running or walking. Duathlon’s may vary in length, but are in the format of run (or walk), bike, run (or walk.) The distances for the September challenge are based on three typical Duathlon formats:

Category I (short course): 10K (6.2 miles) run/ 40 K (24.8 miles) bike/ 5 K (3.1 mile) run

Category II (long course): 10K (6.2 miles) run/ 60 K (37.2 miles) bike/ 5K (3.1 miles) run

Category III (Powerman course): 8.5 K (5.2 miles) run/ 150 K (93.1 miles) bike)/ 30 K (18.6 miles) run

            Participants may register any time during the month, and may complete their mileage in any order. Miles do not have to be logged at one time or in one day, but may if the participant wishes. The Duathlon is not an event, but a goal of total mileage to accumulate during the month. Participants may work toward any of the three categories, and will be allowed to finish mileage on one course and continue working toward another.

            The registration fee is $15 per participant for wellness center members, or $30 per participant for non-members.  The participation fee allows full use of the Burkley Wellness Center during the challenge. This will allow those who don’t have a bike to use the wellness center stationary bikes, or to use treadmills or the indoor walking track. There is no requirement to use the wellness center for the Duathlon mileage, but it is available to all participants during regular hours.

            Each participant will receive a Fairbury Duathlon t-shirt and be eligible for $100 prize money in the highest category they complete. Only one t-shirt and one prize chance per participant.

            Participants may compete as individuals or as two-person teams. Teams will log mileage cumulatively (each participant does part of the mileage to add up to the full amount.) Each participant will receive a t-shirt, but prize money (if won) will be split.

            Log sheets must be turned in by Oct. 1 to be eligible for prizes. Prize drawings will be held Oct. 2.

            Registration forms and log sheets are available at the Burkley Wellness Center.

CPR, First Aid Classes Offered for Day Care Providers

            FAIRBURY – Day care providers and the public have the opportunity to update their skills in a two-night CPR/First Aid course to be offered by Jefferson Community Health Center.           The class will include First Aid on Wednesday, Sept. 17, and CPR  on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Each class will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Southwing Education Room at Jefferson Community Health Center, 2200 H St., Fairbury. The cost of the CPR/First Aid course will be $40, and includes a book and card.

            Elsie Houser RN will be the instructor for both classes.

            Space is limited, so reservations are encouraged as soon as possible. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 10. For reservations or more information, call Jefferson Community Health Center at (402)-729-3351.

Jefferson Community Health Center Complies with Safe Haven Act

            FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health Center has complied with the new Safe Haven Act, which took effect in Nebraska State Law on Friday, July 18. JCHC has a new policy in place and is in the process of informing and training all JCHC employees about the new state law.

            The law states: “No person shall be prosecuted for any crime based soley upon the act of leaving a child in the custody of an employee on duty at a hospital licensed by the State of Nebraska. The hospital shall promptly contact appropriate authorities to take custody of the child.”

            JCHC’s policy states that any employee who becomes aware that a person is turning over custody of a child will ask the identity of the person surrendering custody. The JCHC employee will then notify the acute care charge nurse, who will notify law enforcement. If medical attention is necessary it will be given to the child, said Judy McGee, chief nurse executive at Jefferson Community Health Center.

            “Law enforcement will be contacted immediately if custody of a child is turned over to a JCHC employee,” McGee said.

            It would then be the decision of law enforcement how to proceed with placement of the child.

            Anyone with questions about Jefferson Community Health Center’s part in the Safe Haven law is encouraged to contact Judy McGee at 729-3351.

JCHC Shows Excellent Ratings on Health Grades

            FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health Center in Fairbury is one of three southeast Nebraska hospitals with a “best” five-star rating for total knee replacement as rated by HealthGrades for 2008. JCHC also had a “best” rating in this area in 2007.

            JCHC was rated “as expected,” a three-star rating in pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure.

            HealthGrades quality ratings, designed to help individuals research and compare healthcare providers, are available at www.healthgrades.com. Ratings are developed by HealthGrades by using statistics from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Ratings by HealthGrades are “best” – five stars, “as expected” – three stars, and “poor” – one star. Ratings are given based on high-volume or low-volume hospitals. (JCHC’s total knee replacement and pneumonia were rated as high-volume services, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure were rated as low-volume services.)

            Anyone with questions about JCHC’s ratings on HealthGrades should contact Bill Welch, CEO, at 729-3351.

Home Health Deficiency Free!

            FAIRBURY – Congratulations to Jefferson Family Home Care for a deficiency-free survey. State surveyors were at Jefferson Community Health Center June 3-6 to survey Jefferson Family Home Care, which provides home health services to residents of Jefferson County and the surrounding area. Staff members include Director Deb Hellbusch, RNs Jeanette Hennerberg and Sherrill Wegele, LPN Pauline Niederklein and aide Penny Carbaugh.

Child Safety Seat Check Up Event Scheduled for Fairbury

            FAIRBURY – Area residents will have a chance to find out whether their children are as safe as possible in their child safety seats during a FREE check up event scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Safety Seat Check will be held at Wal-Mart parking lot, north Highway 15, Fairbury.

            Those interested in having their car seats checked for safety should call Sharon Vandegrift at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402) 729-3351 to make an appointment.

            “It is very important that all children under the age of 10 be checked to make sure they are riding as safe as possible in their vehicle,” said Sharon Vandegrift, certified safety seat technician and JCHC employee. “We especially want to encourage those with children who are ages 8 to 10 to come and learn whether their children would be safer with a booster seat.”

            Booster seats will be available FREE of charge for those who need them, thanks to grant money provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

            Statistics show that up to 95 percent of child safety seats are used incorrectly. This free check up event will help parents and others determine that the children who ride with them are riding as safely as possible.

            Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of unintentional deaths for children ages 14 and under. In Nebraska, motor vehicle crashes claimed 18 lives in 2005, according to the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety. In 2006, more than 7,300 child safety seats were checked across the state and 88 percent of those were being used incorrectly – including 5-year-old children using just a seat belt.

            Nebraska State Law requires that all children up to age 6 be restrained in a child safety seat or belt positioning booster. But safety goes beyond age 6, Vandegrift said. Typically, children up to age eight and weighing up to 80 pounds need a booster seat to fit properly in a lap and shoulder belt.

            Tips from the Nebraska SAFE KIDS Coalition include:

· Restrain all children in their appropriate car seat, booster seat or seat belt on every trip – and all adults buckle up, as well;

· Kids between about 40 and 80 pounds should be in a belt positioning booster;

· Never put shoulder belts under kids’ arms or behind their backs. This could result in serious injuries in the event of a crash;

· Never boost kids with pillows, books or towels. These won’t keep kids safe in a crash;

· If your car’s seat is lower than the child’s ears, use a high-back booster seat. If your car’s seat is higher than the child’s ears, use a no-back booster.

· Put kids in the back seat. Children are 36 percent less likely to die in a crash when restrained in the back.

            The child safety seat check up event is a FREE opportunity to have trained technicians determine if a child is riding as safely as possible, or if changes in positioning or seat use could help them to be safer. Those who are scheduling appointments are asked to allow about 30 minutes per child safety seat in their vehicle for the check itself. They are asked to bring their instruction book for the child safety seat and their vehicle owner’s manual, if available. They are asked to arrive at the check up event with their children in their car seats. Seats will first be checked with the children strapped in. Supervision will be provided when the children are not required to be in the vehicle.

            Drive-up checks without advance appointments will be available during the day of the event, on a first-come, first-served basis, until 12:30 p.m.

            For more information on the child safety seat check up event, please call Sharon Vandegrift at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402) 729-3351.

Alzheimer’s Memory Walk Set for Sept. 14 

            FAIRBURY – Area residents will have a chance to support the Alzheimer’s Association with a Memory Walk on Sunday, Sept. 14. The walk will be held at the Fairbury City Park, with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m. The walk will begin at 2 p.m.

            An estimated 386 residents of Jefferson County and 44,000 residents of the state of Nebraska suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is available to provide respite care funding, education and support groups, in addition to working toward new treatments through research.

Each participant who raises $50 dollars or more will receive a Memory Walk t-shirt. Those who raise $300 or more will be able to select a prize.

            The money raised by the Memory Walk will go to national research, education materials, Respite care, Operation Safe Return, and other programs of the Alzheimer’s Association.

            To get brochures for the Memory Walk call Marilyn Essman at (402) 239-2051 or Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health Center at (402) 729-3351.

Run, Row, Rock and Roll Adventure Race Successful

            FAIRBURY – The fourth annual Run, Row, Rock and Roll Adventure Race held June 14 in Fairbury was a huge success, organizers say.

            A total of 21 teams participated in the short course (approximately 38 miles) and 27 teams participated in the long course (50 + miles.) This was the second year for the Run, Row, Rock and Roll race to be a national qualifying event for the National Sports Council adventure racing series.

            The winners of the Run, Row, Rock and Roll Adventure race were:

Long course – overall: first place, Proformance Physical Therapy, Lincoln; Male: first place, Blue Valley Adventure, Seward; Female: Unnamed, (Melissa Cromer, Jackie Wesch, Rebecca Nelson), Fairbury; Coed: First place, Proformance Physical Therapy, Lincoln;

Short course – overall: first place, Cartoon Network, Lincoln; Male: first place, Cartoon Network, Lincoln; Female: first place, PrincessTHIS, Omaha; Coed: first place, Team Mojo, Lincoln; Masters: first place, We Roc, Omaha.

            Jim Craig, Director of NSC Racing, said the adventure race was very successful.

            “I thought it was a very well laid-out course that challenged racers from beginning to end. The volunteers and everyone in the (Bob and Wauneta Burkley) Wellness Center were awesome,” Craig said.

            He said it was a great race for its second year as a national qualifier, and he feels the reputation is really beginning to get out there, because of the increasing number of teams from out of state and throughout Nebraska. He said there were racers from Cortland, Beatrice, Panama, Hickman, Fairbury, Bladen, Lincoln, Omaha, Cambridge, Minden, Gering, Kearney, Louisville, Seward, Papillion, all in Nebraska; Pittsford, N.Y.; Kansas City, Mo.; Pella and Battle Creek, Iowa; and Abilene, Kan.

            Craig Bontrager, director of the Bob and Wauneta Burkley Wellness Center, said he enjoys seeing the racers have a good time, and says the event couldn’t happen without great volunteer support.

            A few minutes after finishing the race, participant Steve Johnson told Bontrager: “Craig, I don’t know whether to kill you or pat you on the back. I don’t have any energy left to do either one. That was an awesome course. It took everything we had. Thank you.”

Wild West Fun Run Results

            FAIRBURY –. A total of 45 participated in the Kid’s Race for the Wild West Weekend Fun Run, and 20 participated in the 2 mile run/walk and 4 mile run.

            Winners of the 2 mile run were:

            Overall male – Brad Gronenthal, 14.11
            Overall female – Theo Joe, 16.34

            14 and under male – Cayman DeBoer; 14 and under female – Michaela Buchli.

            20 -29 female – Gail Tompkins

            30-39 female – Kris Huss

            40 -49 female – Karie Buchli

            60 and over male – Rich DeBoer

            Winners for the 4 mile run/walk were:

            Overall male winner – Brian Harrifield, 26.54

            Overall female – Tina DeBoer, 37.13

            30-39 male – Justin Steele

            40-49 male – Phil Greenwood

            50-59 male – Jim Cutts

            The Bob and Wauneta Burkley Wellness Center sponsored the 2 and 4-mile run/walk, and the Kid’s Run was sponsored by Kiwanis, Rotary, Diode Communications, the Bob and Wauneta Burkley Wellness Center and Union Bank and Trust.

Care Compare Website Available

            FAIRBURY – The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) and its member hospitals are voluntarily offering consumers information to help them make important decisions about health care. Reliable information allows consumers to make informed decisions about where they choose to seek care. It also helps policymakers, other health providers and the public measure the cost and quality of hospital care.

      The new web site, “Care Compare,” can be found at www.nhacarecompare.com, or maybe accessed through Jefferson Community Health Center’s website at www.jchc.us, by going to the Care Compare link. The website allows users to easily access charge information for several types of inpatient hospitalizations at any Nebraska Hospital. Consumers can select a hospital by county or city, then select the reason for hospitalization and can compare charges by severity level with those of other hospitals in the region, to other hospitals with similar patient volume, and to other hospitals across the state. In addition to charges, the number of discharges, average length of stay and the average age of patients are displayed.

      “Care Compare is just one of the many ways that Nebraska hospitals are demonstrating their commitment to providing information that can help consumers, employers and insurers with health care decisions,” said NHA President Laura J. Redoutey, FACHE. “The consumer’s role in managing his or her own health care is changing. People need reliable information so they can make educated choices. For that reason, Nebraska hospitals are committed to making hospital charges more transparent and accessible.

      The charges included on the Care Compare site do not include physician charges.

      Glenn Fosdick, NHA Board Chairman and President/CEO of the Nebraska Medical Center, said that as consumer-driven health plans become increasingly popular and necessary, and as the health insurance market evolves, health care cost-transparency has become a critical component in empowering consumers to make educated decisions.

      “Care Compare is an excellent source of information,” Fosdick said. “While the website is useful, consumers should not base their health care treatment decisions exclusively on the information it presents. We encourage each individual to contact his or her local hospital, personal physician and insurance company for additional information about health care treatment options.”

      The Care Compare website also offers links to several preferred sites that measure hospitals on quality of care including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Hospital Compare.

      Jefferson Community Health Center compares very favorably in both charges and quality to hospitals statewide, said Lana Likens, director of public relations at Jefferson Community Health Center.

            “We encourage anyone with questions about hospital charges or quality of care at Jefferson Community Health Center to call us at (402) 729-3351,” Likens said.

Safety Day Set for July 29

 Safety Day Set for July 29

            FAIRBURY – The Progressive Agriculture Safety Day will be held on Tuesday, July 29, from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Fairbury. This year’s Safety Day is the 11^th annual event for the local chapter of Jefferson County Farm Safety 4 Just Kids.

            Progressive Agriculture Safety Day is open to area children who will be entering Kindergarten through seventh grades in the fall. The registration deadline is July 21. Registration fee is $5 per child or $10 per family, and includes lunch, snacks, speakers, t-shirt and a goody bag. After the July 21 deadline, the registration will increase to $7 per child with no family discount.

            Safety Day is not just for “farm kids,” organizers said. Safety Day is designed to provide safety information that is agriculturally oriented as well as general safety information.

            Through hands-on activities, participants learn to prevent incidents and reduce the extent of injuries if incidents do occur. Safety Day stresses the importance of children taking responsibility for their own safety, respecting parents’ safety rules, and sharing safety tips with their family and friends. This year, participants will rotate through eight safety sessions and demos, tentative plans include sessions on: The sessions include: Disability Awareness, Firearms Safety, ATV Safety, Fire Safety, Grain Safety, Chemical Safety, Insect Safety, and Water Safety.

Camp will include a lunch-time program and a special closing program featuring a mock accident.

            Progressive Agriculture Safety Day is organized by Jefferson County Farm Safety 4 Just Kids. It is made possible by Progressive Agriculture, and Farm Safety 4 Just Kids. National sponsors for Safety Day include Bunge, Tractor Supply Co., Toyota, The Farm Credit System Foundation Inc., State Farm, John Deere, Case IH, Kawasaki, Monsanto Company, Pioneer, and Shell Lubricants. Local members of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids and area business sponsors are key to making Safety Day successful.

            Registration forms are available at UNL Extension-Jefferson County, 517 F St., Fairbury, and should be returned to the extension office by July 21 with the registration fee. A form is required for each participant. Registration forms will also be available at the Jefferson County Fair July 10-13.

            Anyone who needs more information on Safety Day should call the UNL Extension office in Jefferson County at (402) 729-3487, or Coordinator Gary Shinn at 729-2735.

Welch Earns Top Healthcare Management Credential

            FAIRBURY – Bill Welch, FACHE, CEO of Jefferson Community Health Center in Fairbury, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders.

            Fellow status represents the achievement of the highest standard of professional development. Welch becomes one of only 7,500 healthcare executives to hold this distinction. To obtain fellow status, candidates must fulfill multiple requirements, including passing a comprehensive examination, meeting academic and experiential criteria, earning continuing education credits, and demonstrating professional and community involvement. Fellows are also committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years.

            The FACHE credential signifies board certification in healthcare management and ACHE Fellow status.

            The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 30,000 healthcare executives who lead our nation’s hospitals, health care systems and other healthcare organizations.

Annual Salad Festival Successful 

            FAIRBURY – About $1,000  was raised during the annual salad festival of the Jefferson Community Health Center Auxiliary on May 1 in Fairbury.

            Nearly 250 people were served at the festival, according to Lana Likens, director of public relations, marketing and development at Jefferson Community Health Center.

            “It was a very successful year,” Likens said.

            The salad festival is the biggest fund-raiser for the auxiliary each year, and has a long tradition in Fairbury, she said. The auxiliary provides scholarships to students entering medical fields, provides decorative birth certificates and baby spoons for newborns at JCHC, and provides Christmas gifts for JCHC’s nursing home residents, in addition to providing volunteer support for JCHC in a variety of ways.

            The salad festival itself takes much volunteer time and effort, Likens said. More than 30 individuals volunteer their time to help during the day and more than 100 items of food are donated.

            “It takes a group effort to make this annual event successful,” Likens said.

JCHC Partners with Area Schools to Promote Walking

            FAIRBURY – Third grade girls at Jefferson Intermediate School in Fairbury, Tri County at DeWitt, Meridian Schools at Daykin and Diller-Odell Schools in Diller have received a gift of health to share with their mothers: a pedometer and a chance to sign up for a statewide walking program.

            Kathy Helmink, wellness coordinator at Jefferson Community Health Center, said Mother’s Day packets were obtained for all Fairbury, Tri County, Meridian and Diller third grade girls through a special promotion of the Nebraska Office of Women’s Health and Department of Health and Human Services. The packets include a pedometer, a Mother’s Day card, a health journal, and more.

            This free eight-week program challenges women and girls to walk 10,000 steps or get 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. The Women and Girls Across the Nation program begins on Mother’s Day, May 11, and ends on July 5. Participants can register on-line at www.womenshealth.gov/whw/woman to receive motivational e-mails and health tips to help them reach their health goals. Women and girls can also choose to travel one of the six virtual courses across America. National Women’s Health Week is May 11-17.

            “We at JCHC were excited to partner with Jefferson County schools and the third grade girls to encourage walking among both the girls and their mothers,” said Helmink.

            For more information about the program go to www.womenshealth.gov/whw/woman or call 800- 994-9662.

USDA ANNOUNCES RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT RECIPIENTS

            WASHINGTON, April 4, 2008 – USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Thomas C. Dorr today announced the award of 64 loans and grants totaling more than $30 million to assist rural communities and businesses in 19 states.

             “These funds help create jobs, economic opportunity and essential services in rural areas, underscoring the Bush administration’s commitment to strengthening our nation’s economy.” Dorr said.

 The funds are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program.  Under the program, Rural Development provides loans and grants to Rural Utilities program borrowers, usually rural telephone or electrical cooperatives, which in turn provide loans to rural businesses and communities in their service areas.  Rural Development will provide $23,180,200 in loans and $6,826,960 in grants to the successful applicants. Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the loan or grant agreement.

 Projects funded include a $632,000 loan to Diller Telephone Company to assist the Jefferson Community Health Center in Fairbury, Neb. with the purchase of major medical equipment for their new surgical suite.  The surgical improvements will provide for multiple procedures, total hip replacement surgery, more efficient scheduling, and the ability for residents to receive types of surgical services locally that before they had to travel to larger cities for.  Jefferson Community Health Center serves residents of Jefferson County and surrounding counties in Southeast Nebraska and Northeast Kansas.  The Center staffs 175 full and part time employees, with a medical staff of 4 physicians, 3 physician assistants and visiting specialists from a variety of clinics. 

 The projects funded today are expected to create or save an estimated 4,050 jobs in 19 states.  The states are: Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

 A complete list of loan and grant recipients is available on the USDA Rural Development web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.