Touching Lives - Fall 2020

NEW PRESIDENT & CEO

Patty Henderson brings a wealth of leadership and more than 35 years of healthcare experience to this role. She has served in several positions at GRH since she first joined the organization in 1991.

Working together for a safe and healthy community.

When you think of Glencoe Regional Health, you probably think about working one-onone with our amazing healthcare providers – focusing on your family’s individual needs. And that makes us proud. But there’s more to us than watching out for your healthy family. We’re all about our healthy community.

Issues like obesity, diabetes, and a pandemic – they strike more than a person or a group. These are community concerns. And responding proactively to the needs of those around us is how we define our role in and around Glencoe.

Glencoe Regional Health is committed to supporting the improvement of community health through collaborating with the people we work and live with every day. Sometimes that means educational opportunities – like our Health Talks. Other times it means sponsoring and supporting community events – like 2B Continued’s Park ‘n’ Watch drive-in movie night to promote mental health and wellness during a time when we’re social distancing. And still other times it means developing and expanding our services to address a growing concern – like drive-thru COVID testing and flu shot clinics.

Our goal is to bring the greatest health benefits to the greatest number of people in need, in the most cost-effective ways possible – right here in Glencoe. These next few pages highlight some of the ways we’ve been doing that.

Sincerely,

Patricia Henderson, MBA, BSN

President & CEO, Glencoe Regional Health

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

We’re always interested in hearing from our patients, friends, and neighbors about how we’re doing. If you have thoughts you’d like to share with Patty, send an email to asktheceo@grhsonline.org. Your message will be sent privately to her office.

Care & Services

MEDICAL SERVICES

Acute Care

Anticoagulation Clinic

Audiology

Birthing Services

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiology

Diabetic Care & Education

Ear, Nose & Throat

Emergency Services

Family Medicine

Hematology

Hospitalists

Imaging Services

Infusion Services

Internal Medicine

Laboratory Services

Midwife Services

Nephrology

Neurology

OB/GYN Services

Occupational Therapy

Oncology

Orthopedics

Pain Clinic

Pediatrics

Physical Therapy

Preventive Health Services

Podiatry

Pulmonology

Respiratory Therapy

Sleep Study Clinic

Speech-Language Therapy

Surgery

Transitional Care

Urgent Care

Urology

Wound Care

Vascular Consultations

SKILLED NURSING CARE

GlenFields Living with CareSM

INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING

Orchard Estates

Health News

LISTEN TO HEALTH UPDATES

Sponsored by Glencoe Regional Health. Airing on KDUZ-AM 1260.

DATE: Second Tuesday of the month

TIME: 2:35 p.m.

Touching Lives

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GET CONNECTED

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Interpretive services are available. Tenemos intérpretes de español.

m Working Through COVID

BY | ANA ALEXANDER

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably set out a series of challenges for each of us, but keeping our connectivity even while social distancing has been important as we navigate these uncharted waters

We witnessed this through the amazing acts of generosity our community provided – from donations of snacks and treats as a pick-me-up, to hand lotion for our staff, whose hands were rapidly drying and cracking due to increased use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer. We received handmade cards and heartfelt messages from people across the nation who wanted to show their support for our healthcare heroes through an initiative organized by Stamp-n-Storage. Area Girl Scouts delivered cookies for each staff person at our organization, and local daycare centers drew encouraging messages on the sidewalks outside of GlenFields Living with Care, our nursing home. We launched a pen pal program between our staff and residents, as a reminder to each of us that we’re experiencing this pandemic together, and no one is alone in the difficult times we’re facing.

Within our walls, physical reminders of our united strength were unrolled. We began by joining the “World of Hearts” celebration, and decking out our clinics, waiting rooms, and offices with vibrant

hearts in fun designs. We created colorful posters and banners reminding staff that we are stronger together, and celebrating the members of our team. While we quickly implemented facility-wide visitor restrictions in our hospital and GlenFields to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, our staff were also quick to get creative in staying connected. Our team set up the ability for our residents at GlenFields to Facetime their loved ones, and many family members scheduled times to visit with their resident through the window – often bringing homemade signs and banners with them as a surprise. We were excited to launch outdoor visiting hours with residents at GlenFields, in which family members masked and social distanced, visiting with their loved one across a six-foot long planter of flowers.

Despite stay-at-home orders, we aimed to stay connected with our patients by implementing a virtual telehealth option for patients who still needed care. Telehealth visits are a convenient and flexible option for our patients to be able to speak with a provider, all within the comfort of their home. This option is secure and HIPAA compliant, and we continue to offer virtual appointments for patients who are hesitant to return to in-person appointments.

Local daycare centers drew encouraging messages on the sidewalks.

In the most difficult times of life, it’s important to remember we are often not as alone as we may feel. There is power in remaining united and remembering that we are stronger together.

We are stronger together, and our communities stay healthier when we look out for the health of those around us. No matter how challenging this pandemic becomes, how volatile the world may appear, or how uncertain times may become, we are stronger when we remain together.

Working Through COVID

Drive-Thru Brings Care to You

For patients feeling the symptoms of respiratory illness, or who had been in contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19, we launched a convenient testing option through our drive-up COVID-19 site. This option allows our sick patients to be tested for COVID-19 without leaving their vehicle, providing a higher level of convenience for our patients and increased social distancing for our staff.

The success of our drive-up COVID-19 testing site inspired us to adapt our flu shot appointments to provide additional convenience for our community, as well. We know that some are still hesitant to make appointments in an in-person clinic setting, and we want to make sure our community is safe during the flu season to come. Our on-the-spot, drive-thru flu

shots allowed patients to quickly receive their flu shot without leaving their vehicle, and families were able to drive through and receive their flu shots together. This option was not only more convenient for patients, but it allowed for further social distancing during the pandemic.

Creating Well Clinics

To assure our patients that seeking care was safe, we shifted all well patient visits to our Lester Prairie and Stewart clinics. This allowed us to continue to see patients who needed care, and preferred an in-person appointment over our telehealth option. Patients who were ill visited our Glencoe campus, entering through our Hospital entrance. We also continued to see our patients at our Center for Advanced Wound Care, Best Beginnings Birth Center, and specialty clinic, as well as for appointments in our

medical imaging, rehabilitation services, and surgical services departments – these patients were asked to enter through our Clinic entrance. This approach allowed us to keep sick patients away from patients who were not experiencing respiratory illness, but still required care.

While we still ask all patients feeling ill or showing symptoms of respiratory illness to use our Hospital entrance on our Glencoe campus, we have now opened our Glencoe Clinic to see patients for appointments with their primary care provider, as well as specialty visits for orthopedics, podiatry, urology, and ENT. Our satellite clinics in Lester Prairie and Stewart continue to provide care to patients who are well for family medicine, OB-GYN, internal medicine, general surgery, and DOT visits. (Read more about our clinic in Stewart on page 7.)

Separate Entrances for Sick and Well Patients

COVID-19 Testing

We also implemented a screening process for all patients and visitors who enter our facility, to ensure no one is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and they have not had contact or exposure to a person who has tested positive for the virus. Our staff have worked together to staff the screening stations at each entrance of our facility – each department pitching in staff time to make sure our patients, residents, and staff remain in a safe environment on our campus.

Safe to Seek Care

We’re excited to care for our patients in each of our clinics, and our team has worked hard to elevate our high cleaning standards while still providing the same quality, convenient, and personalized health care we’re known for.

Our team has reconfigured our waiting

areas so that our patients can easily and comfortably social-distance while on our campus, and our Environmental Services department works diligently to make sure common spaces and high-touch surfaces are cleaned frequently. Each exam room is thoroughly disinfected between appointments, as well. With masks required for everyone who enters our facility, we’ve ordered Glencoe Regional Health and GlenFields logo’d reusable cloth masks for our patients to wear during their visit. Patients are welcome to keep their mask if they are in need of a mask to wear while in public, and we’ve even ordered some brightly colored kids-sized masks for our littlest patients.

Socially Distant Waiting Rooms

Screening Stations

Telehealth Appointments

Disinfecting Measures

Drive-Thru Flu Shots

Working Through COVID

Protect Your Community

We have been so grateful for the outpouring of support from our community members, and we continue to rely on our community members to help us reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our area.

While some people are more likely than others to become severely ill, everyone is at risk for getting COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus, and everyone is at risk of spreading it if they are infected. This is why prevention measures are so important to implement.

Masking plays an important role in preventing the spread of COVID-19, as the virus is thought to spread from personto-person through respiratory droplets that are produced when someone talks, sneezes, or coughs. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouths or noses of others nearby – however, if the infected individual is masking, it reduces the ability of the respiratory droplets to spread to others. It’s also possible for individuals to be infected and asymptomatic, meaning they are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, but can still spread it to

others. This is why it is so important that individuals mask and social distance, whether or not they are feeling ill.

We are stronger together, and our communities stay healthier when we look out for the health of those around us. No matter how challenging this pandemic becomes, how volatile the world may appear, or how uncertain times may become, we are stronger when we remain together, and when we look out for one another. At Glencoe Regional Health, we are always here for you.

COVID-19 Hotline:

320-864-7168

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Our community members can help us protect our neighbors by masking in public spaces and when around others not living in your household, social distancing, washing your hands frequently, keeping high-touch surfaces disinfected, and staying home if you’re feeling symptoms of respiratory illness.

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please call our COVID-19 Hotline prior to arriving on our campus.

Our staff will screen you over the phone to determine if you need to be seen by one of our providers.

Minnesota Helpline: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Open Monday – Friday

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment at our Stewart Clinic, call 320-864-3121.

Stewart Clinic

Now Open 5 Days A Week – Here to Serve You

Along with other organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us how to look at our services differently. In the spring, when we moved our well patient appointments to our satellite clinics to minimize exposure to the virus, we temporarily changed the days of operation at the Stewart Clinic from four days a week to five to accommodate the additional appointments. In doing so, the Stewart Clinic has become busier with new patients, and we recognized the need to make the change permanent.

Laura Olson, MD, is the main Family Medicine provider at the Stewart Clinic, and has over 20 years of experience there after being recruited by the late Floro Arive, MD, in 2000. Since April, Dr. Olson’s schedule has increased from two to three days a week. Patricia de Loyal, MPAS, PA-C, is a Family Medicine provider at the Stewart Clinic two days a week.

Caring For All Ages and all Stages of Life

To solidify our commitment to Stewart and the surrounding communities, we’ve also added providers and services to the Stewart Clinic to care for patients of all ages and stages in their life. Amanda Leino, MD, and Nina Appleby, DO, provide Obstetrics (OB) Care and Family Medicine – and are each there one day a week. Lindsay McCain, MPAS, PA-C, is an internal medicine physician assistant and sees patients over the age of 18 one day a week in Stewart. Anti-coagulation services are offered twice a month.

Comfortable, Convenient & Comprehensive

Patients who enter the Stewart Clinic immediately notice its cozy, welcoming environment. Check-in is quick. Exam rooms are just steps away. A laboratory is just down the hall for quick blood draws. Patients can get care for a wide variety of medical issues. The Stewart Clinic is located just one block from Highway 212, making it convenient to get in and out.

LAURA OLSON MD – Family Medicine

AMANDA LEINO MD – Family Medicine & OB

NINA APPLEBY DO – Family Medicine & OB

PATRICIA de LOYAL MPAS, PA-C – Family Medicine

LINDSAY McCAIN MPAS, PA-C – Internal Medicine

1300 Bowman Street • Stewart, MN 55336

KEEPING SURGERY CLOSE TO HOME

BY | NANCY ELLEFSON

Left to Right: Lucian Panait, MD, FACS; Logan Becker, DNP, APRN, CRNA; Adam Myers, CST; Jodie Anderson, RN; Courtney Vanoverbeke, CST.

General Surgeon Chad Robbins, DO, FACOS, has spoken confidently about Glencoe Regional Health’s capabilities since 2004, but he is excited to watch the continued growth of general surgery with a new colleague by his side.

Lucian Panait, MD, FACS, completed medical school in Romania before pursuing his residency in Connecticut. He participated in research at a NASAsponsored laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University for three years, assessing laparoscopic surgery capabilities for space flight. He has earned a fellowship from Yale University School of Medicine and is a fellow with the American College of Surgeons. Today he’s excited to be part of the team here in Glencoe.

“I enjoy working in a smaller community and hospital where I can get to know my patients and their families,” he says. “I enjoyed GRH from my first visit. The hospital has a very progressive leadership team, with an advanced vision and they are very approachable and supportive of new staff.”

Dr. Panait has been busy already. Since his arrival at GRH he has performed three anti-reflux operations, with more in the future. He also performs other general surgical procedures, as well as laparoscopic hiatal hernia and abdominal wall hernia repairs, and treating gallbladder conditions and gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach cannot empty in a normal way.

He is currently working with the Rehabilitation Services department on a physical therapy program to treat diastasis recti, the partial separation of the right and left “six-pack” muscles which meet at the midline of the abdomen. “Many people think this is a hernia, but it’s not,” Dr. Panait explains. “It can be treated with exercise or may require surgery.”

What is his vision for the surgery department at GRH? “I would like to offer more minimally invasive procedures, possibly robotics, maybe weight loss surgery,” he says. “I want to serve the community by treating and keeping patients with complex issues close to home.”

He’s not alone in that. He and Dr. Robbins provide emergency and non-emergency surgical treatment for traumatic injuries

and for cancer and other diseases that affect the abdominal organs, thyroid gland, skin, breasts, and other soft tissues. In addition, John Mark Johnson, DO, FACOOG, obstetrics and gynecology specialist (OB/GYN) performs surgeries for many gynecologic concerns.

Podiatrist Amie Scantlin, DPM, performs surgeries on feet and ankles.

GRH also has visiting specialists in orthopedics and otolaryngology (ENT). Orthopedic procedures include hip and knee replacement, knee arthroscopy surgery, carpal tunnel releases, shoulder arthroscopy surgery, trigger fingers, and fracture care. ENT procedures include inserting ear tubes, removing tonsils and adenoids, sinus surgeries, and treating nasal fractures. Find more information on these services on page 16.

“We want to continue to offer high quality care for our patients, keeping them in the community as much as we can. We can provide 90 percent of surgeries that most people need, understanding that they may need to be transferred to facilities with more resources.”

Dr. Chad Robbins, DO, FACOS

“I enjoy working in a smaller community and hospital where I can get to know my patients and their families.”

Dr. Lucian Panait, MD, FACS

BALANCING ACTIONS

PROACTIVE STEPS LEAD TO BEAUTIFUL OUTCOMES

BY | ANA ALEXANDER

Taylor had learned that, as a woman with diabetes, her condition presents challenges for both her and her baby. And this time she was going to take every step she could.

During her first pregnancy, Taylor had a difficult time managing her medication levels – making it tough for her to keep her blood sugar levels under control. In the end, her son Steven was born with one kidney, a defect in one of his heart valves, and a tethered spinal cord. Taylor says, “We don’t know what’s genetic or what’s from the diabetes.” But one thing she did know was that when she and her husband were ready to have their second child – their daughter Olivia – she wanted to make sure her blood sugars were regulated in advance, “so

we knew we weren’t going to have similar complications. And if we did, we would know it’s not related to the diabetes.”

She wanted thoughtful, carefully coordinated care. She needed peace of mind. She found Glencoe Regional Health (GRH).

That started with meeting Kristen Budahn, MD. “When possible, women with diabetes should talk to their provider before pregnancy to make sure their diabetes is optimally controlled before trying to get pregnant,” says Dr. Budahn. “We can avoid a lot of complications if it’s well-controlled pre-pregnancy.”

Taylor met with Dr. Budahn regularly to monitor her blood sugars and adjust her insulin as needed. She also continued her three-month A1C checks to make sure

her blood sugar levels were where they should be.

Initially, Taylor’s pre-pregnancy was at a high 13. But “I was motivated,” she says. “I really wanted that baby.” So within three months she had brought that level down to just 6.

One key GRH ally in that fight was diabetes educator Melissa Trebesch, RD, LD, CDE. “My approach with Taylor was really to appreciate what she already knew,” says Melissa. “I listened to the issues she was having with her blood sugars and problem-solved with her to find the best solutions. She was very determined to have a baby, and she worked hard for months to control her blood sugar before getting pregnant. Then she did amazing during her pregnancy and always had a positive attitude.”

Taylor Morris was determined that her second pregnancy would be different from her first.

Part of the process for Taylor and Melissa was identifying foods that could be contributing to higher blood sugar levels. “When you have diabetes, you should not have to give up all the foods you love,” says Melissa. “Instead of cutting them out entirely, Taylor watched portions and took additional insulin to better cover those foods.”

Because Taylor worked in varying shifts at her job, it was difficult to determine the timing of meals and insulin, as she was sleeping and eating at different times from day to day and week to week. “Taylor ended up with a lot of different insulin prescriptions throughout her pregnancy that many people would not have been able to follow,” says Melissa. “But she did an amazing job with her insulin management. She was willing to do anything she needed to do for the health of her baby.”

Having the opportunity to welcome babies like Olivia into the world and helping moms like Taylor along their pregnancy journey is Dr. Budahn’s favorite part of her practice. “Delivering a baby is one of the most rewarding parts of medicine,” she says, “because you help welcome new life into the world. I love that families trust me to partner with them during this amazing time in their lives.”

After her delivery, Taylor and Dr. Budahn have continued to make adjustments to her diabetes medications, and both Taylor and Olivia are happy and healthy.

“Taylor is an awesome mom to her beautiful children!” confirms Dr. Budahn. “She is attentive to their needs and is focused on caring for her own health, too.”

For her part, Taylor couldn’t be happier. “Throughout my experience [at GRH], Dr. Budahn just helped me to remember that it was all going to be okay – I was going to have a healthy baby and everything was going to be good. I started to worry toward the very end, but she reassured me. I’m so glad I chose to come to Glencoe.”

PRENATAL CARE & DELIVERY

NINA APPLEBY DO Family Medicine

KRISTEN BUDAHN MD Family Medicine

AMANDA LEINO MD Family Medicine

KARI KNODEL VETTEL MPAS, PA-C Family Medicine

MICHELLE QUALE CNM, FNP-BC Family Medicine and Midwifery

Because her pregnancy was high-risk due to her diabetes, Taylor was induced in May 2019 to avoid pushing past her due date. “My experience [at GRH] was really relaxed,” Taylor says. “It wasn’t chaotic, it wasn’t stressful. It was so different than my first delivery. Here, it was just a really calm, good experience.”

You can learn more about Dr. Budahn, diabetes education, and pregnancy care on our website: grhsonline.org

OB-GYN

JOHN MARK JOHNSON DO, FACOOG

PEDIATRICS

ALEXANDRIA KALINA MD, FAAP

“I’m so glad I chose to come to Glencoe Regional Health.”

From prenatal to pediatrics, know your little ones will get the best care.

Pediatric Health

BY | ALEXANDRIA KALINA

They have too many games to play, too many books to read, too much work to do in school. So how can parents keep their kids physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy? Bring them to the clinic for regular checkups!

These visits, called well-child exams, are important for many reasons. Of course, we are always checking their bodies for signs of illness or conditions that can create a problem down the road, from heart murmurs to skin rashes to scoliosis. But our visits encompass more than the physical exam.

For our littlest patients, we are always checking their development to be sure they meet all their milestones on time. Identification and intervention are the best way to help kids reach their potential if they are falling behind in any area of development. Long before they step into school for their first day of kindergarten, we can help them become the best possible learners.

can be improved, such as nutrition (sometimes improper nutrition can cause things like anemia or vitamin D deficiency), weight, exercise, and school performance. Obesity in childhood leads to many problems such as high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes. Exercise is important for both mental and physical health, and doing one’s best in school will set a student up for a lifetime of success in higher education and in a career.

The mental health of our young patients is another of our greatest concerns. Society and social media put pressure on young people today to present the most perfect version of themselves. They face peer groups who compare and judge their actions and then provide instant feedback, sometimes in the form of bullying. This creates a level of stress that many young people cannot handle. As a result, depression and anxiety afflict lots of adolescents.

HOLLY IS HAPPY AND HEALTHY!

Well-child exams are a great tool for helping her stay that way.

If children can’t see or hear well, they will miss out on lots of fun (and learning too!). That’s why we screen all children’s vision and hearing, starting at age three. We also pay attention to things that

During our well-child exams, we have adolescent patients fill out our depression and teen screens privately, then provide time alone for them to discuss their responses and their concerns. Sometimes just having someone to vent to is very helpful. Other times we identify

serious concerns that lead us to refer them for professional counseling.

The bottom line is, we want to take the best care possible of our young patients. They are our future!

Learn more about Dr. Kalina and our wellchild exams at grhsonline.org.

I provide high-quality pediatric care and, in the process, develop great relationships with families. I love caring for children, but I also encourage parents to talk with me about their own feelings and well-being. I love so many aspects of pediatrics, but the most exciting part is watching my patients and their families grow and develop.

Alexandria Kalina, MD

“Identification and intervention are the best way to help kids reach their potential.”

KIDS DON’T HAVE TIME TO SIT ON THE SIDELINES

Holly, 11 months, Waverly, MN

Mask Donations

To eliminate hardship and serve our community, GRH has donated cloth masks to area businesses and organizations, as well as to McLeod County Public Health, to distribute to area residents who may not have a mask. Free cloth masks are also available to patients. Masking is a simple way to protect your community from the spread of respiratory illness, such as COVID-19. Wearing a

Glencoe Community Blood Drives

mask reduces the amount of respiratory droplets in the air, which in turn reduces the spread of COVID-19, keeping communities healthier.

If your business or organization is interested in a donation of cloth masks, please contact Ana Alexander by calling 320-864-7146 or emailing Ana.Alexander@grhsonline.org.

Glencoe Regional Health is proud to partner with the American Red Cross and with local community volunteers to sponsor the Glencoe Community Blood Drive.

Every unit of blood donated can help save up to three lives. Blood donor recipients could be an accident victim, cancer patient, mother giving birth, premature baby, transplant recipient, or surgical candidate. The impact of donating blood goes beyond that patient – their loved ones are forever thankful

for the blood donation, too. Roll up your sleeve and become part of this lifesaving mission.

The next Glencoe Community Blood Drive will be Nov. 18, 2020 at the Glencoe City Center Ballroom - 1107 11th Street, Glencoe from 1 - 7 p.m. The spring blood drive will be April 21, 2021. Sign up online at redcross.org or call Stephanie Beste, Blood Drive Coordinator, at 651-497-8147. During the COVID-19

Needle Disposal Event

GRH has been excited to continue partnering with MEADA of McLeod County, United Way of McLeod County, and Hutchinson Health to offer a free needle disposal event. On Sept. 24, the group hosted their third event on GRH’s campus, collecting and safely disposing of 168.5 pounds of needles, sharps, and EpiPens.

Safe needle and sharp disposal is important – used needles are dangerous to people and pets, as they can cause injuries and spread infections that may lead to serious health conditions. It is currently legal to put used sharps in a laundry detergent bottle with a lid sealed with tape into the garbage in Minnesota; however, this can still cause injury and health risks to the garbage hauler and processing facility workers. The event hosted at GRH in collaboration with community partners allows McLeod County a safe, free way to reduce the number of needles ending up in landfills.

Follow us on Facebook or check out our e-newsletter to stay tuned for future needle disposal events! You can subscribe to our e-newsletter by visiting: grhsonline.privatehealthnews.com/Account/Register

pandemic, walk-ins are not allowed. We welcome volunteers for registration, scheduling, and managing the refreshments. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Stephanie Beste at 651-497-8147.

Family Night

On Oct. 9, GRH was happy to host 2B Continued’s evening of outdoor cinema! Families joined us for a showing of “Inside Out,” parking their cars in our East parking lot and enjoying free pop and popcorn. The event was a great way for families to spend time together in a pandemic-friendly way. 100 vehicles were able to park in our lot, with all attendees observing social distancing measures. Vehicles were parked six feet away from one another, and all attendees masked any time they exited their vehicle. We were happy to host the location for a family-friendly event!

In 2019 we continued to improve in order to better serve you, our patients and community. Here are a few highlights from the year.

One new provider joined our staff: Dr. Catherine McGinnis, MD to the emergency department.

Capital investments of $53k in emergency power backup equipment. Additional investments in the backup power equipment keep patient services running during inclement weather and emergencies.

In March 2019, added two new positions to the organization and the senior leadership team, Vice President of Clinical Services and Director of Marketing & Community Outreach.

WE COMPLETED A $25 MILLION NURSING HOME PROJECT ON OUR GLENCOE CAMPUS

The new facility, GlenFields Living with Care, supports us in meeting the broad range of needs that people have today from traditional long-term care to memory care and transitional care. The newly renovated facility provides residents with individualized care in a home-like environment. The renovation also features a large “town center” space shared by all residents with an activities room, salon, gift shop, bistro, chapel, spiritual room, outdoor courtyard, and bedroom suite for guests of residents. In November 2019, we invited the community to an open house to tour the new facility.

In October 2019, we added Walk-In Flu Shots at all of our locations. No appointments were required, and the increased flexibility of access provided the community quick, easy options for receiving their flu immunizations.

Started offering onsite PET CT scans in Feb 2019. With access to PET/CT capabilities on site, our providers are able to request imaging that aids in early disease diagnosis and monitoring responses to treatment without requiring patients to travel to another facility.

Joslin Thiemann, Director of Anesthesia Services, started her CRNA fellowship for Pain Management with the vision of opening up an advanced pain management clinic in 2020. Capital investments of $31k of new security cameras. Additional security cameras were added to the parking lots, clinic hallways, and GlenFields to increase coverage across the campus.

In May 2019, the board approved the new branding strategy. The new strategy included updating the logo, color palette, and look for the organization, along with updating the name to Glencoe Regional Health.

In September 2019 we started recruiting for a new President and CEO following the departure of Jeffrey Mason.

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 or toll free 1-888-526-4242, ext. 7101.

PATRICIA HENDERSON CHIEF NURSING OFFICER NAMED INTERIM PRESIDENT AND CEO.

We work every day to improve the health of our region. Here’s a summary of the gifts and services we provided to the community in 2019:

UNCOMPENSATED CARE – $2,385,000

The total cost of healthcare services that GRH provides to patients without being paid, including charity care and underpayment of services.

FINANCIAL AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS – $68,000

Staff at area school and community events, administrative support for the Glencoe Regional Health Foundation, mental health support group, Glencoe Days, and in-kind donations kind donations and sponsorships to area community groups.

COMMUNITY-BUILDING ACTIVITIES – $90,000

Disaster and emergency preparedness; McLeod County Food Drive Challenge; and community disease surveillance, reporting, and preparedness.

STUDENT SHADOWING & INTERNSHIPS

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES – $224,000

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.

Our staff also dedicated nearly 14,100 hours to provide on-the-job training to 212 students from seven high schools and 33 different regional medical and technical schools.

We’re proud to make these contributions of time, talent, and treasure for the health of our community.

Community Health Needs Assessment

Glencoe Regional Health is required* to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and adopt an implementation strategy to meet the community health needs identified through the CHNA at least once every three years. This was a collaborative process involving our local hospitals, county public health staff, Ridgewater College students, and feedback from the community.

In 2019, information was shared among the organizations as it related to individual efforts occurring by each group.

Through this work and the review of available data, priority areas emerged.

Priority Areas

Mental

Similar to our past CHNAs, the highestpriority health needs for the community

served by Glencoe Regional Health were identified as access to needed services (specifically mental health) and obesity trends (especially in our female population). Responding to those obesity trends will call for us to positively impact individual behavioral choices related to healthy eating and being active. An additional emerging area of concern was related to vaping lung disease. Because vaping is an emerging issue and data is still forthcoming, it is not a focus or official priority area for this CHNA.

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).

NEW PROVIDER - EAR, NOSE & THROAT

JOHN MECCIA, MD

We’re excited to welcome John Meccia, MD, to Glencoe Regional Health. Dr. Meccia is an otolaryngologist (ENT) who specializes in conditions that affect the ears, nose, and throat in both children and adults. Dr. Meccia sees patients at our Glencoe campus. Conditions commonly treated by otolaryngologists include ear infections, balance disorders, cranial nerve disorders, facial trauma and deformities, head and neck tumors, hearing loss, nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, nasal polyps, sinusitis, and various diseases that affect the throat, larynx, and esophagus. Dr. Meccia’s interest in healthcare was first sparked by his father, who was a general surgeon. While growing up, Dr. Meccia had the opportunity to work some summer jobs at the hospital.

“Taking care of people and making a difference in their lives is what drew me to healthcare,” says Dr. Meccia. “Applying the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired in training and practice for the benefit of my patients continues to motivate me.”

To learn more about Dr. Meccia visit grhsonline.org/john-meccia, or call 952-925-5626 to schedule an appointment.

NEW PROVIDER - ORTHOPEDICS

TILOK GHOSE, MD

After growing up in a family of general surgeons, Tilok Ghose, MD, knew he wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. While working on an orthopedic rotation in medical school, Dr. Ghose knew he was hooked.

“I enjoyed that rotation immensely, and had great, enthusiastic teachers,” Dr. Ghose recalls. “It steered me toward orthopedics as my career path.”

Dr. Ghose is joining Glencoe Regional Health as an orthopedic surgeon, where he’ll treat injuries or conditions affecting bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments. Dr. Ghose enjoys general orthopedics, but also has special training in hip and knee arthroplasties, procedures that restore function to joints.

Staying sharp

Dr. Ghose enjoys talking with patients about their medical concerns and history to help determine the best possible route of care for their unique needs.“I like to partner with my patients to provide knowledgeable, effective, and compassionate care that leads to excellent outcomes and lifelong musculoskeletal health,” says Dr. Ghose. Throughout his 29-year career in orthopedics, Dr. Ghose has seen a tremendous evolution in the treatment of hip and knee arthroplasty.

“New technology has made care, recovery, and pain management so much better for patients,” says Dr. Ghose. “I stay well-versed in new techniques so I can provide cutting-edge care and knowledge for my patients.”

After hours

Dr. Ghose lives in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities with his wife and their two dogs, Copper and Daisy. When he’s not in the operating room or spending time with his family, he also enjoys traveling, photography, getting outdoors, and cooking.

To learn more about Dr. Ghose, visit grhsonline.org/tilok-ghose, or call 320-864-7080 to schedule an appointment.

FAMILY MEDICINE

TYLER HELLAND, MD

Dr. Helland provides care in the clinic, hospital, and emergency room. His special interests include sports medicine, colonoscopy, and chronic disease management.

What’s your ideal day at work?

Variety really is the spice of life. Seeing different types of patients with different conditions keeps things interesting. I like being challenged, because that keeps me growing as a person and as a doctor.

Who has had the biggest impact on your medical practice?

Dr. Peterson, was my Rural Physician Associate Program preceptor at GRH when I was a thirdyear medical student in 2009. He taught me

PATRICIA DE LOYAL, MPAS, PA-C

Patricia sees patients from school-age to seniors for a wide range of medical issues. Her special interests include orthopedics and preventive medicine.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

While I was growing up in Germany, my English teacher pulled me out of my advanced course and said, “Patricia, you will never learn English to the point where you will have an intelligent conversation, so get out of my class!” So, I did! I repeated the class and took English as a minor. After I moved to the U.S. for college, I became Student of the Month out of 50,000 students, and I’m now practicing medicine . . . in English!

invaluable lessons about professionalism, work ethic, and how a primary care provider should serve their patients. Luckily I was able to join the practice in 2014, and have continued to work with him and he has continued to mentor me.

What’s your favorite family tradition? Football. My dad had success playing in high school and college, and was part of a championship team for Concordia, Moorhead. He’s spent his entire adult life as a teacher and head football coach. My brother and I both played football in high school and college, and I think of it as a bit of a family legacy that I get to carry on the tradition as I help coach football at Lester Prairie High School.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I absolutely love to take pictures of nature and interesting buildings. Minnesota is one of the most beautiful and ever-changing states! I also love to build things. I built a scalloped fence around my house last year, built a new front entrance railing for a friend, and have built furniture. Menards is my favorite “toy store.”

What is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you?

Besides having my two beautiful children and adopting my three “stooges,” it would be becoming a physician assistant. I have my dream job!

JOHN MARK JOHNSON, DO, FACOOG

Dr. Johnson provides complete obstetrics care from conception to delivery.

What’s your favorite thing about your practice?

I really enjoy the variety. I care for obstetrical patients through labor and delivery, perform surgeries in the operating room, and see patients in the clinic. It’s a job where you never know what will happen on any given day.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten? Don’t ever let anyone set limits on your goals or aspirations. Set your goals and go after them. Work hard before you play!

What is something everyone should do at least once in their lives?

I think everyone should try scuba diving - it is an awesome experience. Take a few lessons and learn how to dive. It will open up a new world of experiences. OB/GYN

FAMILY MEDICINE

GLENCOE LESTER PRAIRIE

GLENCOE LESTER PRAIRIE

GLENCOE STEWART

While GlenFields Living with Care, our skilled-nursing facility, went into visitor restrictions in mid-March, loved ones of our residents and our staff have been working diligently to bring sunshine to each resident – even on days when it was raining.

1. Kiddos from Kohout’s Daycare in Glencoe made dream catchers and “Spreading the Love” paintings for our residents!

2. Rain or shine, families and loved ones of residents visited through the windows, sometimes bringing signs and balloons!

3. Visitors were able to call residents –seeing their faces through the window and hearing their voices over the phone never failed to bring a smile to our residents’ faces. Thank you to our residents’ family and friends who showed up and made these moments possible!

4. We launched a pen pal program for our staff and residents at GlenFields. Staff and residents began exchanging letters to help us stay socially connected while socially distancing!

5. We’re chalking this one up to our fantastic community! A local daycare stopped by our courtyard to decorate the sidewalks with fun chalk drawings – residents loved watching the drawings come to life, and the kids even sang happy birthday to one of our residents through the window!

6. Residents wrote messages to their loved ones on chalk boards, which we shared with their families and friends.

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7. Our Activities staff have been hard at work coordinating special activities for our residents, including painting and crafts, and the fan favorite, Bingo!

8. We delivered prayer shawls and cards to our residents to let them know they are deeply cared for. Our amazing volunteers made each prayer shawl for our residents – it was a special gift to remind them they are not alone!

9. Not a “daisy” goes by without showing our residents they’re cared for. Our staff brought flowers and encouraging cards to each of our residents to remind them they are loved.

10. 2B Continued brought Chuck Thiel to perform music outdoors for our residents. Whether outside enjoying the sun, or calling out song requests from the window of their room, our residents had smiles on their faces while enjoying Chuck’s music.

11. We began outdoor visits with loved ones in June! These visits were scheduled, and masking and socialdistancing measure have been and continue to be observed!

12. Outdoor church services have brought a breath of fresh air to social-distanced gatherings at GlenFields.

SUPPORTING THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1988

A Foundation of Giving

The Glencoe Regional Health Foundation was created in 1988 to encourage and facilitate community-based support of Glencoe Regional Health, its mission, and the regions served. Today, the Foundation raises money to support community initiatives in an effort to improve the quality of life in Glencoe and surrounding communities. Notably, the Foundation purchases safety equipment and funds scholarships for local students pursuing careers in a variety of healthcare fields.

Community Grants

The Foundation awards grants for health and safety projects that not only benefit our patients, but also support the health needs of our communities and schools. Grant requests are reviewed four times per year and awarded based on the impact and benefits of the project, as well as available funds.

Sanken-Hatz Scholarships

The Sanken-Hatz scholarship is awarded annually to encourage and support students pursuing healthcare careers. The Foundation awarded scholarships to 63 deserving applicants who are studying for careers in healthcare.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Donate to the Foundation

There are so many ways to give hope, health, and healing. Find the opportunity that’s right for you and start making a difference!

• Make a one-time or monthly donation to the Foundation

• Donate to the River of Life and add your name to the commemorative sculpture

• Remember the Foundation in your will

2020-2021 SANKEN-HATZ SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart High School

Marissa Ebbers

Sara Kottke

Arrainnah Krienke

Melissa VanZee

Calissa Weispfennig

Central High School in Norwood Young America

Allison Hoen

Abigail Kunkel

Kennedy Pexa

Erin Schultz

Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop High School

Hannah Ranitzke

Glencoe-Silver Lake High School

Alexis Fronk

Kaitlyn Popp

Brittney Richter

Howard Lake-WaverlyWinsted High School

Cody Dickhausen

Emma Fury

Alexis Johnson

Gracie Mallak

Hutchinson High School

Grace Daak

Connor Sturges

Watertown-Mayer High School

William McBee

POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS

Thomas Bock

Miah Busse

Abigail Butler

Kasidy Cacka

Molli Cacka

Jamie DeBruyckere

Jaret Glander

Brooke Good

Alexandra Hansch

Abbie Hatlestad

Rhyan Herrman

Libby Klima

Hannah Kunkel

Paul Lemke

Paige Litzau

Anna Mackenthun

Kendall Markovic

Jessica Meierhofer

Alyssa Petersen

Rachel Popp

Madalyn Prokosch

Miranda Rannow

Kaitlyn Reiner

Kenady Rosckes

Lillian Schneider

Audrey Steinhagen

Samuel Stresemann

Addyson Struck

Emily Thalmann

Jaci Tourtellott

Renee Vasko

Ellen Weikle

Brooke Willmsen

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Cassidy Berg

Alyssa Boesche

Beret Fitzgerald

Kali Grimm

Ellyssa Hoversten

Kelli Lueders

Abbie Nistler

Ellie Schmidt

Victoria Sweely

Alyssa Weber

Tree of Lights

OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE

You make an impact each time you support the Glencoe Regional Health Foundation. Your gift funds scholarships and supports community health projects that benefit the entire region. In 2020, 63 students pursuing healthcare careers received a scholarship (see page 20) from the Foundation, and over the past ten years, more than $500,000 has been awarded in scholarships to help students with their education. Your support makes this possible.

THANKS TO OUR 2019 TREE OF LIGHTS DONORS

In 2019 we raised more than $5,600 through your generosity!

Charles and Marian Anderson

Marsha Anderson

Kelly and LuAnn Baggenstoss

Elroy Bargmann

Beverly Baumetz

Harriett Bergs

Dr. John and Pat Bergseng

Stephanie Beste

Mary Ellen Bullert

Jake and Kim Busse

Carol and Raymond Campbell

Louise Carlson

Matt and Liz Cheney

Keith Dahlen

Carol DeVries

Shirley Dibb

Diane Dittmer

Leona Donnay

Kenneth Eastman

Glendora Ehrke

Harold Fasching

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Forcier

Myron and Betty Franke

Bernetta Glander

Norman and Arlyce Grack

John Grunloh

Stephanie Halverson

Dr. John Heller

Curt and Patricia Henderson

Rhonda Henderson

Duane and Darlene Heuer

Sandy Hormann

Steve and Paula Johnson

Bob and Marlene Jopp

Klark and Paula Katzenmeyer

Dale and Cindy Klaustermeier

Gary and Shirley Kloempken

Bob and Paige Kosek

Lenny and Becky Krulikosky

Matt and Nancy Krull

Scott and Carla Kuehn

Dave Kulberg

Laura and Mike Kuvaas

Ryan and Mindy Lemke

Chelsea Lindberg

Marilyn Mackenthun

Larry and Carol Maiers

Sylvia Markgraf

Marge Mayer

Jan Meske

Debra Moorhead and Alexandra Parlato

Ramona Nagel

Lauriel Novotny

Lawrence and Patti Olson

Lona Oltmann

Jim and Dawn Peterson

Marlys Pinske

Dale, Carmen and Emily Popelka

Dave and Brenda Popp

Andrew and Danielle Ratike

Revier Welding and Fabrication, LLC

Lynette Rosenau

Leonard and Roxanne Cochran

Dr. Donald and Ann Rudy

Steve and Cindy Scharpe

Dan and Kathleen Scheer

Julie Schmidt

Katarina Schmidt

Mark and Cheryl Schmidt

Gail Schuch

Kristin Schultz

Phyllis Schwanke

Alice Schwarzrock

Chuck Shamla

John Shamla

Paul and Gina Sievert

Corinne Skoog

SLS

Gavin, Janssen and Stabenow

Kathy Statema

Kristin Stream

Mandy Sturges

Judy Tessmer

Jennifer Thiry

Russ Trnka

Germaine Troska

Della Van Stender

Dan and Dorine Vanderlinde

VFW

Gladys Wangerin

Scott and Lisa Weber

Dennis and Karen Wendlandt

Clara Witthus

Rev. Ronald and Rosalind Ziemer

Nate and Marie Zimmerman

Glencoe Regional Health 1805 Hennepin Ave. N. Glencoe, MN 55336-1416

We’ve Got Your Back(side)

HAVE YOU POSTPONED YOUR COLONOSCOPY

DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? IT’S SAFE TO COME BACK TO GLENCOE REGIONAL HEALTH FOR YOUR ROUTINE TESTS AND SCREENINGS.

(See Working Through COVID on pages 2-6 to see what has been done to ensure our patients stay safe.)

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening between the ages of 45-50. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it can be prevented or detected early with screening.

A colonoscopy is the most accurate screening test for colon cancer. For people at average risk, there are two alternative stool-based options. Both options are better than not doing a colon cancer screening.

For people at high risk, a colonoscopy is considered the gold standard. People at high

risk include individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or personal history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat prior cancer.

What’s next? Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Then, call 320-864-7724 to schedule your colonoscopy. Finally, sit back and relax, knowing you’ve made a commitment to maintain your health!