TOUCHING LIVES FALL 2023
A Walking
Miracle
After moving from immobility to recovery in our Transitional Care Unit, Rachael’s back in the classroom.
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GRHSONLINE.ORG
I hope this message finds you in good health. As I take a moment to reflect on my journey this far as the CEO of Glencoe Regional Health, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the warm welcome and support I have received from this remarkable community.
Dear Glencoe Regional Health Community, From day one, I have witnessed the embodiment of our core values - Compassion, Authenticity, Respect, Excellence, and Safety - in every corner of this organization. These values are not just words on paper; they are the guiding principles that move us forward, reminding us daily of our commitment to provide exceptional care and service. Our core values are the foundation of our mission: to improve every life by offering highquality, safe, and accessible healthcare. We live out our mission each day, through the care provided to all who step onto our campuses, and through the decisions we make to strengthen our future. We’ve been working on a facility improvement plan to revitalize and refresh areas of our campus – watch for more details to come in our Spring issue of Touching Lives. In this issue, we’ll introduce you to the incredible members of our Transitional Care Unit team, who care for your family and neighbors during some of the most difficult times of their lives. You’ll even hear from one of our patients, Rachael, who came to us when she was unable to walk due to her illness, but who walked out of our doors after being cared for by our team. You’ll also learn more about our Medication Assisted Therapy, which helps patients gradually withdraw from opiates and opioids. Hear from a patient who successfully completed therapy with our providers, and how her life has changed. We’re also thrilled to share photo recaps from our recent GlenFields Gala, bringing music and fun to our residents in our skilled nursing facility, as well as photos from our annual Glencoe Days Fun Run and Walk. As the new CEO, I am both honored and excited to be a part of this vibrant and compassionate community. Together, we will continue to grow and evolve, ensuring that Glencoe Regional Health remains a beacon of health, hope, and healing for all who call this community home. Thank you for your support, your trust, and your dedication to making a difference in our community. It is a privilege to lead this exceptional organization, and I look forward to the journey ahead as we touch lives and make a positive impact together.
With gratitude,
Care & Services MEDICAL SERVICES Acute Care Allergy Medicine Anticoagulation Clinic Audiology Birth Center Cardiac Rehabilitation Cardiology Diabetic Care & Education Ear, Nose, & Throat Emergency Department Family Medicine Hematology Hospitalists Infusion Services Internal Medicine Laboratory Medical Imaging Mental Health Midwife Nephrology Neurology OB/GYN Occupational Therapy Oncology Orthopedics Pain Management Pediatrics Physical Therapy Podiatry Preventive Health Pulmonology Respiratory Therapy Sleep Medicine Speech-Language Pathology Surgery Transitional Care Urgent Care Urology Wound and Ostomy Care SKILLED NURSING CARE GlenFields Living with Care SENIOR LIVING Orchard Estates
Ben Davis, MBA, FACHE, RHCEOC President & CEO
CONTENTS
JOIN A CULTURE THAT CARES! Are you seeking a rewarding career where the work you do makes a difference? We want to meet you! Check out our current job openings:
grhsonline.org/careers
Stay Connected
Get to know GRH! Follow us on social media and learn more about our organization.
grhsonline.org/connect
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People suffering from opioid addictions are not alone - and at GRH, we have options to help.
Check out photos from this year’s community wellness event on our walking path, Prairie Trail.
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After seeking care for her opioid addiction, Paula reflects on how Medication Assisted Therapy helped her take a new path forward.
Our residents dressed to the nines during an event that shined! See the photo gallery from our formal event.
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A FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH
OPIOID ADDICTION CARE
PAULA RECLAIMS HER LIFE
CARE CLOSE TO HOME
Our Transitional Care Unit helps patients heal and return home.
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RACHAEL STEPS FORWARD
After a stay in our Transitional Care Unit, Rachael walked for the first time after a 40-day coma.
Your feedback is important to us. Contact the GRH Marketing Team at marketingteam@grhsonline.org with suggestions and comments.
MANAGING EDITORS Ana Alexander Lynn Beranek Stephanie Beste Denise Lemke Michaela Neyers
FUN RUN AND WALK
GLENFIELDS GALA
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Meet the Board of Directors for the GRH Foundation, who champion efforts to improve the health and wellness of our community.
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HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Your support of the Glencoe Regional Health Foundation makes community wellness projects possible.
PUBLISHER Glencoe Regional Health 1805 Hennepin Avenue North Glencoe, MN 55336 GRHSONLINE.ORG FALL 2023
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From Withdrawal to Recovery: Opioid Addiction Care Options
Jake Traxler, MD, offers opioid addiction care in our clinics.
By: Jake Traxler, MD, and Cody W. Wendlandt, MD, FAAFP
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), like all addictions, is a chronic disease. Just like other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, there are genetic, social, and personal components of OUD. Some people will watch their diet and exercise their whole lives and develop diabetes because of factors outside their control. The same can happen with addiction. Someone may be prescribed an opiate after being in an accident. Due to their genetic makeup, they may become hooked after one dose, while others may never want to try it again. It is important to recognize this so we can perform early interventions.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, there were 978 deaths due to opioid overdose in 2021, which was up 43 percent from the year prior. Fortunately, there are treatments available, including in Glencoe, to help patients, which can decrease the risk of overdose by up to 50 percent.
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Opiate/Opioid Addiction Treatment Services At GRH, we’re here to help patients receive care for their opiate/opioid addictions in an understanding, shamefree environment. For patients who are dependent on opiates/opioids, such as codeine, heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl, withdrawal can be very painful and uncomfortable. GRH has providers who are trained in Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) for gentle and gradual withdrawal from opiates/opioids. Most commonly, patients are started on buprenorphine, a medication that helps prevent withdrawal without causing the euphoria associated with other opioids. This alleviates
withdrawal symptoms and helps prevent relapse. In this way, it allows patients to go back to living their everyday lives without concern for withdrawal. This can be used for people who are using substances from the street, like heroin and fentanyl, but can also help improve the lives of those who feel these withdrawal symptoms from commonly-prescribed medications like oxycodone, dilaudid, and hydrocodone. It is important to note that there is oftentimes a great deal of overlap between OUD and chronic pain. GRH has services to help wean people off opiates/opioids. Please note: GRH is unable to order refills for chronic pain medicines that have been prescribed by other providers.
Cody W. Wendlandt, MD, FAAFP, treats patients suffering from opioid addiction in our Emergency Department.
Jake Traxler, MD Dr. Traxler has a passion for treatment of OUD and sees patients in our clinic, hospital, and emergency department. He is currently the medical director of Integrations Wellness & Recovery Center, a local mental health and substance abuse treatment facility in McLeod County.
Learn more about Integrations Wellness & Recovery Center: integrationsrecovery.org
Our Treating Physicians While GRH has multiple providers who are skilled in the use of MAT, there are two physicians, Jake Traxler, MD, and Cody W. Wendlandt, MD, who have spearheaded our opiate/opioid treatment programs in the clinic and hospital.
How do I get started? If you are interested in discontinuing use of opiates/opioids, the best way to get started is to call us at 320-864-3121 and schedule an appointment in the clinic to see Dr. Traxler for MAT services. Hear from one of our patients who successfully completed MAT on page 4. If you are in active, severe withdrawal and are interested in discontinuing use of opiates/opioids, you may visit the Emergency Department, which is open 24/7, to see Dr. Wendlandt or one of his partners. Following your Emergency Department visit, you will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment in the clinic.
When thinking about this disease, it’s important to distinguish the difference between dependence and addiction. Someone may have a dependence on a substance without an addiction. While many feel like they need caffeine to get through the day, and may have headaches if they don’t have it, they would be considered to have a dependence on it, not an addiction. Because the absence of the substance does not put themselves or their health at risk or prohibit them from performing their daily obligations, it’s not seen as an addiction. Dependence on a substance is defined as a chronic disease of the brain which causes reward, motivation, and memory dysfunction that leads to biological, psychological, social, and spiritual manifestations. Basically, you need a substance in order to feel normal and without it you may go through symptoms of withdrawal. Addiction is a dependence on a substance, but it also involves pathologically pursuing rewards or relief by substance-use and other behaviors. This includes loss of control in using the object (taking larger amounts, trying to quit and not being able to), not being able to fulfill daily activities (using despite it causing trouble at work, school, or at home) or putting yourself in risky situations to use such substances or engage in such behaviors.
Cody W. Wendlandt, MD, FAAFP Dr. Wendlandt enjoys working with individuals who are suffering from OUD. He works in the emergency department and stabilizes patients who are actively going through opiate/opioid withdrawal. He was formerly the medical director of three methadone clinics in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud areas.
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Please note, our patient’s name has been changed to protect their confidentiality and privacy.
A Lifeline for Opioid Addiction: How Suboxone Helped Paula Reclaim Her Life After she began receiving treatment at GRH in June of 2022, Dr. Traxler helped Paula begin taking Suboxone, a brand of buprenorphine which is used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Read more on pages 2 and 3. Suboxone can help patients gently ease out of withdrawal symptoms and reduce the physical dependency on opioids, along with reducing the likelihood of a patient overdosing if they do relapse while using Suboxone. “The Suboxone helped me feel normal again, and like my old self,” said Paula. “I’ve been able to get back to living a productive life because of this medication and support I’ve received.” Jake Traxler, MD, serves as the medical director of Integrations Wellness & Recovery Center in addition to his work as a primary care provider in our clinics.
Paula’s life changed after her car accident. Her injuries in the accident left her with permanent health issues and chronic pain. To help manage her pain, Paula was prescribed a narcotic pain medication. She became dependent on the medication, and over time her dependence on the drugs increased. “Eventually, my doctors stopped prescribing the pain medication. Without it, I was physically sick, extremely anxious, and still in pain. I couldn’t get out of bed or function normally,” said Paula. “I was desperate to not feel the withdrawals, as I still needed to work and take care of my family.”
After receiving treatment, Paula began to slowly rebuild her life.
“When I started treatment, my family was separated, I was jobless, and I was homeless,” said Paula. “I’ve been in recovery for 16 months now, and have not relapsed. My family is back together, I’m working, and I have my own home again. I’ve had a life-changing experience and would definitely recommend that others reach out if they need help.” Individuals seeking help with an opioid addiction may schedule an appointment with Dr. Traxler by calling us at 320-864-3121. Patients in active withdrawal may also visit our Emergency Department for care before seeing us in our clinic setting.
Paula turned to heroin and other drugs to avoid withdrawals and ease the pain she was experiencing. After several years, she sought treatment at Integrations Wellness & Recovery Center in Hutchinson, where GRH provider Jake Traxler, MD, serves as the medical director.
“I’m so grateful to have met Dr. Traxler,” said Paula. “He truly understands addiction and is non-judgmental. This is so important to me, because many people judge you and think you are a bad person because you struggle with addiction. His nurses are also very caring, friendly, and non-judgmental. This means so much to me.”
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Suboxone and other forms of buprenorphine are often prescribed as a dissolvable strip patients take orally.
“I have my life back because of this program,” said Paula. “I can’t say enough good things about this program and the staff. I am so thankful I found Dr. Traxler, his team, and Glencoe Regional Health.”
NEW PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT
GRH Welcomes a Familiar Face to Our Team of Providers JESS LARSON, MSN, FNP-BC Jess Larson, MSN, FNP-BC, is no stranger to Glencoe Regional Health. Jess first joined our team at age 16, when she began working in our long term care as a nursing assistant. Since then, she’s worked in emergency and acute care settings across South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and served as a nurse in the Army National Guard for 8 years. Jess returned to GRH in 2018, and is now joining our team of providers as a nurse practitioner. Jess will primarily provide coverage in our urgent care and emergency room settings, with occasional coverage in our Glencoe clinic to help manage any surges in community care needs. “After working in hospitals both big and small, in Minnesota and across the Midwest, it’s clear that Glencoe Regional Health is a special place for both patients and employees,” said Jess. “I appreciate the personalized care provided here, and the teamwork that takes place to ensure patients have good experiences and great outcomes. GRH is personable, patientcentered, and willing to go the extra step.” Jess grew up in Glencoe, and is excited to continue her career in healthcare in the community that raised her. “I love being part of the Glencoe community, and I’m honored to care for people in my hometown,” said Jess.
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It’s important to me that my patients feel heard, safe, free of judgment, and comfortable talking with me about what is concerning them, so we can work together as a team to come up with desireable goals and solutions,” said Jess. After hours Jess lives in rural Glencoe with her husband, Andrew, and their two sons, Christian and Camden. “Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and working outdoors or on projects around the house,” said Jess. “Our family also enjoys a good movie night with ice cream, or spending time on the lake.”
Jess finds her purpose in taking care of people, helping them navigate the healthcare system, and achieving their optimal health.
Learn more about Jess by visiting grhsonline.org/larson.
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At GRH, our staff care for you like family. Transitional Care Unit Lead Lexi Kowalski, RN, BSN, PHN, works with Caitlin Schmidt, RN, and Macy Muehlberg, RN.
Transitional Care Unit at GRH helps patients heal and return home. Our Transitional Care Unit (TCU) is dedicated to your safe recovery and seamless return home, all within a setting close to home. Transitional care, also known as swing bed, is for individuals who need complex medical care, skilled nursing care, and/or rehabilitation in order to be well enough to return home safely after hospitalization for a major surgery, serious illness, or severe injury. Our TCU offers care to patients with complex needs – if you’re wondering if our TCU is a fit for your family’s or your specific needs, we’d love to talk with you. Call 320-864-7719 to speak to our admissions team, who can answer any of your questions.
Lexi Kowalski RN, BSN, PHN Transitional Care Unit Lead
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Cathie Hueser RN, BSN, PHN Care Coordinator Lead
DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT – HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES! don’t think my mom would have “ Isurvived if she didn’t come into the
transitional care, and had the option of getting IV fluids and the care she needed. I am so happy with the care she received.”
am so impressed with how the “ Istaff is always aware of patients’
GlenFields Rehab Services Physical Therapist Talia Kiel, PT, DPT, works with a GlenFields resident.
healing and needs, safety, and help with pain control.”
meant a lot for me to recover “ It’s close to home. Knowing you have
the support of family and friends makes a huge difference in the attitude of a person who is healing.”
Daily provider visits.
In comparison to other facilities, which offer weekly provider visits, our patients can expect a visit from a provider each day.
Access to complex wound care.
GLENFIELDS SHORT STAY Looking for more options for care? Our skilled nursing facility also offers short-stay rehabilitation for individuals needing daily physical and/or occupational therapy before returning home after an illness or major surgery. Learn more: grhsonline.org/short-stay-rehabilitation/
With our Center for Advanced Wound Care in the same building as our TCU, patients are able to receive complex wound care during their stay, as well as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, a specialized treatment we’re proud to offer to our community.
Rehabilitation services on-site.
Occupational, physical, and speech therapy are available on-site on weekdays, with additional physical therapy available on Saturdays. Patients may receive up to three hours of therapy per day if part of their care plan!
Admissions: 320-864-7719 GRHSONLINE.ORG FALL 2023
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After 40 days in a medically-induced coma, Rachael began her recovery in our Transitional Care Unit, where she walked again for the first time.
IN NOVEMBER OF 2021, RACHAEL BRIDELL WOKE UP ONE MORNING, UNABLE TO BREATHE. Rachael was sick with COVID-19 and bronchitis, and as she grew more and more ill, breathing became more difficult, until one morning it felt impossible. Her husband, Jon, called an ambulance, which took her from their home in Cokato to a nearby hospital. “That’s all I remember,” said Rachael. “They checked my oxygen, and it was at 52 percent – I should have been dead. It was the first of many miracles.” Rachael spent over 40 days in a medicallyinduced coma, during which time she had a stroke, three seizures, her kidneys failed, she was on dialysis, and she had an allergic reaction to medications that left her covered head-to-toe in a rash. 8 GRHSONLINE.ORG FALL 2023
“I shouldn’t have survived. The doctors told my husband they didn’t know if I would ever wake up, and if I did, they said I would be a vegetable,” said Rachael. But in mid-January of 2022, Rachael woke up. Due to her extended immobility, Rachael woke up with severe muscle atrophy and was unable to move. When it was time for Rachael to choose a location to recover, she selected the Transitional Care Unit at Glencoe Regional Health. “When I arrived at Glencoe, there were people at the front door greeting me by name, telling me they were so glad I was there,” said Rachael. “Everyone was so amazing. In the midst of the hardest thing I ever experienced in my life, they were wonderful.”
The next day, Rachael began physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-therapy for a stutter that developed after she woke up from her coma. Lexi Schons, PT, DPT, and Alyssa Weber, PT, DPT, worked with Rachael for her physical therapy. At the time, Alyssa was a student shadowing Lexi. “One thing I really appreciated was that Glencoe is a teaching facility. So many students were able to come in and get trained,” said Rachael. “It was really cool they had the chance to do real life applications of what they were learning.”
This detail was particularly impactful to Rachael, who has been a teacher for 22 years.
“TEACHING IS MY CALLING. IT PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN MY RECOVERY, BECAUSE IT MOTIVATED ME TO GET BETTER, AND TO BE MORE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE SO I COULD BE ON MY FEET,” SAID RACHAEL. Lexi and Alyssa worked with Rachael to understand the specific functions she would routinely do during a normal school day with her classroom full of third-graders. “One thing was walking backwards, so I can lead kids down the hall. Another was just getting up and down off the floor,” said Rachael. “Lexi and Alyssa were so warm and friendly. Their encouragement was huge.” Lexi recalls being impressed by Rachael’s tenacity. “She was extremely motivated and always willing to try anything. She had a positive attitude throughout her entire stay, and she was very personable. Many tears were shed and laughs were shared during our time together!” Alyssa agreed, saying, “The first thing I noticed about Rachael was her extensive grit, faith, and determination. There were many challenges, but as a rehab team we reminded Rachael that it’s not only physical progress we were aiming for, but we were there to support her mentally and emotionally, as well.” The encouragement was especially helpful during some of the more difficult days Rachael experienced.
Transitional Care Unit Lead Lexi Kowalski, RN, BSN, PHN, helps Rachael get comfortable with the custom-built cushion made by Michele Schuberg, CNP, and her husband.
“It was really hard. There were a lot of tears, wondering why did this happen to me? Was I going to be like that forever?” said Rachael. “There were a few times that I was crying, and nurses would come in and comfort me, which was so great. They would rub my back and listen to me talk, and just knowing they cared and took time out of their busy days was absolutely huge.” Not just a number Rachael noted that she really appreciated the weekly meetings she had with her entire care team. “My husband, Jon, would be there, and each of my care providers would come in my room and give an update on my progress and changes,” said Rachael. “It was so cool how all the staff really worked as a team, and how they included myself and Jon in that team. It was a great time to ask questions and get feedback.” Rachael felt that genuine feeling of care played a big role in her recovery. “Knowing that people cared about me and I wasn’t just a room number was so helpful. I was never just another person on their list that they had to see, I was Rachael,” she said.
During her stay, Rachael experienced foot drop, difficulty lifting the front part of her feet due to her muscle atrophy. She spoke with Michele Schuberg, CNP, about her experience, and Michele returned with a custom-built cushion to help prop Rachael’s feet up. “When she came in with it, I just thought, ‘Are you kidding me? You went home after work and you and your husband built that for me?’ It was just astounding,” said Rachael. “They went above and beyond for me.” Stepping forward After three weeks at GRH, Rachael took her first steps again.
“I couldn’t believe it at the time, when I was first able to stand. I just thought it was happening so fast,” said Rachael. “I vividly remember her first steps,” said Alyssa. “Rachael, Lexi, and I all looked at each other with tears in our eyes. It was definitely a day to remember – as a student at the time, it made me even more excited to begin an occupation that helps make a difference in people’s lives.” Story continues on the following page.
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A WALKING MIRACLE
From left to right: Lexi Schons, PT, DPT; Rachael Bridell; Alyssa Weber, PT, DPT.
After Rachael’s first steps again, a nurse brought up the exciting news during a nurses’ meeting. “We were all tearful,” recalled Transitional Care Unit Lead Lexi Kowalski, RN, BSN, PHN. “It was pretty amazing to watch her progress. Rachael was one of those patients that you really looked forward to seeing every day. She was a ray of sunshine and we tried to bring that same energy to her. We were so proud of her progress.”
physical therapy sessions, she’d see staff in the hallways who recognized her. “They would take time to stop and say hello, and to check in on how I was doing,” said Rachael. “There was just this feeling
The nurses then congratulated Rachael and shared in her joy. “They told me about their meeting – they weren’t even in the room with me, but they were cheering for me. It was just so touching that they cared about me as a person,” said Rachael. “They were my greatest cheerleaders – they all cheered me on the whole way through.” Rachael experienced the same sense of comradery even after she returned home. When she would visit our campus for her
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Rachael worked with our Physical Therapy team each day to rebuild her strength and retrain her muscles.
that the staff was this big family who cared about you. Overall it was just such a fantastic experience.” Rachael is back to her usual self, back to her classroom, and back with her family – something she doesn’t take for granted after her months of illness and recovery.
“I should have died multiple times. We really believe it’s a miracle that I’m alive. Not only that, but that I’m back at life with hardly any side effects or residual issues at all,” said Rachael. “I’m thankful that in the midst of such a hard experience, so many wonderful and caring people were there to support and encourage me.”
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Thank you to all of our 2023 Fun Run and Walk participants! With over 425 runners and walkers, we were excited to celebrate with our community once again through a health and wellness-focused event. From costumed runners to our cardiac rehab reunion, and bachelorette parties to cheerful barks from our four-legged friends, this year’s Fun Run and Walk was one for the books. We already can’t wait for next year’s event! But you don’t have to – if you’re looking for ways to get active outdoors, visit Prairie Trail for a jog
RD
CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the Fun Run race! First Place: Connor Hallaway | 12:50 Second Place: Charles Matzke | 14:14 Third Place: Connor Meyer | 14:47
or stroll! Learn more about Prairie Trail: grhsonline.org/prairie-trail
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A GALA
AT GLENFIELDS We recently hosted an enchanting gala for our residents at GlenFields Living with Care. The theme, “Under the Stars,” set the stage for a magical evening. Dressed up in elegant suits and gowns, the residents were escorted through the grand march by family, friends, and GlenFields staff. After strutting their stuff at the grand march, we gathered together for music, dancing, and delicious snacks, making it an event to remember. View more photos in our online gallery: grhsonline.org/glenfields-gala The memories we made shone just as brightly as the stars above!
IMPACTING THE HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITIES With a mission deeply rooted in the health and wellness of the region it serves, the Glencoe Regional Health Foundation’s commitment shines through its support of health initiatives and education. At the heart of the Foundation is its dedicated Board. Made up of individuals deeply ingrained in our community, the Board drives initiatives that impact the health and wellness of our region. Whether it’s funding for state-of-the-art medical equipment, supporting educational endeavors, or bolstering outreach programs, the Foundation channels its resources into programs and projects that ensure our region receives the best care possible.
By championing educational initiatives, including their SankenHatz scholarship program, the Foundation is able to help build healthier tomorrows. Students pursuing careers in healthcare are eligible to apply for the annual scholarship, established in memory of Carl Sanken, a farmer from Biscay, and Don Hatz, a farmer and postal clerk from the Glencoe area. In 2023, the Foundation awarded scholarships to 60 students studying for careers in healthcare. These scholarships help relieve the financial burden for students desiring to help and heal through their careers – and your support of the Foundation makes this possible. In partnership with our community, the Glencoe Regional Health Foundation continues to create a lasting legacy of care, resilience, and vitality. To learn more about the Foundation’s initiatives and how you can get involved, visit our website at grhsonline.org/foundation.
MEET OUR FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
Larry Anderson President
Cindy Klaustermeier Vice President
Tina Rosckes Secretary/Treasurer
Mary Ott
Karen Wendlandt
Orville Trettin
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WITH THE HOLIDAYS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, KEEP THE GRH FOUNDATION IN MIND!
You make an impact each time you donate to the Glencoe Regional Health Foundation. Your gift funds scholarships and supports community health projects that benefit the entire region. During this season of giving, please keep the Foundation in mind. Supporting the Foundation with a gift is easy and can be done in four ways: 1. Scan the QR code to the left to be taken to our online giving portal. 2. Visit grhsonline.org/hopeforholidays to make a gift. 3. Text to give by sending “HOPEHOLIDAYS2023” to 44-321. 4. Mail your gift to the address below – checks may be made out to the Glencoe Regional Health Foundation. Glencoe Regional Health Foundation 1805 Hennepin Ave. N. | Glencoe, MN 55336
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE GLENCOE REGIONAL HEALTH FOUNDATION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, AND DURING THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY SEASON!
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF OUR FOUNDATION We’re thrilled to welcome Liz Cheney to our team in our new Glencoe Regional Health Foundation Director role. With twenty years of philanthropic experience under her belt, Liz is no stranger to making an impact! Having grown up in Stewart, Liz is rooted in our community and positioned to make a more profound connection with our region.
Liz Cheney Foundation Director
Liz.Cheney@grhsonline.org
We’re also excited to congratulate Lynn Beranek on her new role as Vice President Marketing and Philanthropy. Lynn’s extensive background in building a strategy for philanthropy and corporate responsibility will help us enhance our culture of generosity and engagement, propelling us toward an even greater impact on the health and wellness of those we serve. If you’re interested in getting involved with our Foundation, connect with Liz and Lynn to learn how you can make a difference.
Lynn Beranek Vice President Marketing and Philanthropy
Lynn.Beranek@grhsonline.org
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ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE
COMMUNITY 2022 | OPERATIONS REPORT In 2022, we continued to improve in order to better serve you, our patients, and community. Here are a few highlights from the year.
Back by popular demand! We offered drive-up flu shot clinics, to provide an easier, more convenient way for our community members to get their flu vaccine. We continued to provide COVID-19 testing sites, COVID-19 vaccine clinics, and monoclonal antibody infusion services for our COVID-19 patients. We offered Telehealth Services in our Clinics, Rehab Services, and Diabetic Education departments to provide our patients with convenient, safe options for care that helped them feel at ease throughout the pandemic. Mackenzie Lobitz, MD, joined us as a family medicine provider in March 2022. Kelly Taylor, CNP, began providing coverage in our clinic, Urgent Care, and hospital settings in December 2022.
Mackenzie Lobitz, MD
$220,000 in Anesthesia and Surgical Equipment to improve surgical services. $62,000 in Ultrasound Equipment to enhance emergency department services. $179,000 in Information Technology Infrastructure and Equipment to enhance safety, security, and communication.
Kelly Taylor, CNP
FINANCIALS
2021
2022
Operating Revenue Operating Expense
$73,222,412 $67,475,416
$73,288,880 $73,669,321
Net Income from Operations Total Other Income
$5,746,996 $4,501,468
($380,441) ($4,740,402)
Excess of Revenues Over Expenses Capital Grants and Contributions
$10,248,464 $222,704
($5,120,843) 0
Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets Net Operating Margin Gross Margin
$10,471,168 7.8% 13.2%
($5,120,843) -0.5% -7.5%
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$140,000 in EKG Equipment to enhance cardiology services.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE Glencoe Regional Health provides medically-necessary hospital and emergency room care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. We provide this care at a reduced rate to patients who have exhausted all forms of insurance coverage and meet defined eligibility requirements. For details and a downloadable application, look for the Financial Assistance link at grhsonline.org/patients-visitors. You may also contact our billing department at 320-864-7101.
We hosted three community-wide blood drives and two employee blood drives, in partnership with the American Red Cross, collecting 412 units of blood from 404 donors. GRH employees volunteered their time to organize, coordinate, and staff the Glencoe Days Fun Run and Walk, resulting in a cumulative 85 hours of volunteer time.
| COMMUNITY BENEFIT REPORT We work every day to improve the health of our region. Here’s a summary of the gifts and services we provided to our community in 2022. UNCOMPENSATED CARE – $3,820,700 The total cost of healthcare services that GRH provides to patients without being paid, including charity care and underpayment of services. COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES – $188,600 Health Talks and other community health presentations, flu clinics, interpreter services, MNsure certified application counselors, prenatal classes, online health education, and case management of uninsured and underinsured patients. FINANCIAL AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS – $67,000 Staff present at area school and community events, administrative support provided to the GRH Foundation, and in-kind donations and sponsorships to area community groups. COMMUNITY-BUILDING ACTIVITIES – $104,000 Disaster and emergency preparedness, in addition to community disease surveillance, reporting, and preparedness. STUDENT SHADOWING & INTERNSHIPS Our staff dedicated nearly 3,300 hours to provide on-the-job training to 121 students from 21 different schools.
Kari Knodel Vettel, MPAS, PA-C, and Kristine Knudten, MD, participated in 2B CONTINUED’s Dancing Like the Stars event, resulting in a cumulative 110 volunteer hours.
We’re proud to make these contributions of time, talent, and treasure for the health of our community.
Community Health Needs Assessment PRIORITY AREAS
Every three years, GRH conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and adopts an implementation strategy to meet the community health needs as identified. The most recent CHNA was completed in 2022.
MENTAL HEALTH AND OBESITY
Through this work and the review of available data, priority areas emerged. Similar to our past CHNAs, the highestpriority health needs for our community were identified as mental health and obesity. Responding effectively to the community’s mental health needs will
require a more open dialogue about mental health, as well as expanding resources to assist individuals with short-term and long-term mental health needs. Responding to obesity trends will call for us to positively impact individual behavioral choices related to healthy eating and active living. In response to the identified community health needs, we have developed an Implementation Strategy that identifies the actions we plan to take over the next three years to better address each need, as well as the anticipated impacts of those actions.
You can review our current and past CHNA reports on our website at grhsonline.org/community-health-needs-assessment. These requirements are part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).
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Glencoe Regional Health 1805 Hennepin Ave. N. Glencoe, MN 55336-1416
We’re proud to offer Touching Lives as a Spanish e-version! We’re bringing your favorite stories and the latest news online, in a user-friendly flipbook with a 3D page-turning effect. Our platform also allows you to share your favorite articles with friends and family. Check out the full issue online, in Spanish or in English, by scanning the QR code below.
¡Estamos orgullosos de ofrecer Tocando Vidas en su versión electrónica en español! Le traemos sus historias favoritas y las últimas noticias en línea en un libro animado, fácil de usar, con un efecto de paso de página en 3D. Nuestra plataforma también le permite compartir sus artículos favoritos con amigos y familiares. Consulte la edición completa en línea, en español, al escanear el código QR a continuación.