Calendar

Stroke Support Group

Veterans Memorial Hospital Speech-Language Pathologist Steven Mazzafield holds a Stroke Support Group on the first Thursday of every month.

The Stroke Support Group provides opportunities to share tips, tricks, or trials among participants; offer support for caregivers; and for socialization. While strokes can happen at any age, the risk of stroke is greatest as we get older, with the majority of strokes occurring after the age of 70. 

If you, or someone you know, is currently experiencing hardship due to a new or ongoing stroke and feel speech therapy would be beneficial, please contact Steven Mazzafield, Speech Language Pathologist, at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
 

LifeServe Blood Drive

The LifeServe Blood Center blood drive is held on the first Monday of the month. The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital with their blood and blood products. 

Regular blood donors may donate blood as often as every 56 days. First-time donors will find that donating blood is a safe and easy way to save lives and make a difference in the community. One single blood donation can save the lives of up to three sick or injured hospital patients. 

The donation process is simple:

1. Eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids at least four hours prior to donating.
2. Bring proper identification, such as your donor card or driver’s license.
3. Complete a health history questionnaire and screening interview.
4. Receive a brief health check by trained staff. This includes a check of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and blood iron levels.
5. Sit back while a unit of blood, approximately one pint, is collected. This process takes around 10 minutes.
6. Enjoy refreshments while relaxing for 10-15 minutes before leaving the facility.

The blood that is collected is tested carefully. In fact, all blood that is collected by any blood collection center is all tested the same, according to the federal regulations.

To help maintain Iowa’s blood supply, donate at the Waukon Community Blood Drive or schedule an appointment by calling the LifeServe Blood Center at 800-287-4903.

Immunization Clinics

By appointment only, Immunization Clinics are held weekly on Wednesdays. Please call 563-568-5660 for an appointment. 

Bandmates, Brothers & Friends and JayR Brink Band Event

For a third year, Bandmates, Brothers and Friends (BBF) will reunite in Waukon for another night of musical entertainment to benefit the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation! This year they welcome the regionally known JayR Brink Band who will close out the musical line-up that night, all held on Friday evening May 9, from 6-11 pm at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion.

BBF Band began this benefit three years ago to raise funds for the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in honor of their Dad, Dr. Bill Withers, who worked many years as a local physician in this community. Dr. Withers himself truly enjoyed these events these last two years. Sadly, he passed away this past September, but his sons and the other band members are wanting to return this year for an outstanding event in his memory.

This year will mark the 47th year that many of BBF’s original band members had first played together in one of four past local bands including Rising Sun, Horizon, Jackson Junction and Deep River. Many of the returning musicians are from Waukon including brothers Bill Withers, Jim Withers, and John Withers, along with Gary Hesla, Bob Bechtel, Dave Dougherty (playing in memory of his brother and original band member Pat Dougherty), Brad Prestemon, Todd Pickett and Joel Anderson. They will be joined by Keel Clemmens and Jamey Lideen, longtime band members over the years.

“All 11 guys from BBF said 'yes' again this year, so there's a ton of excitement about being back,” states Bill Withers, Event Coordinator. “If you think about the bands these guys were in across the tri-state, some dating back over 40 years, and each musician being available for a single night each of the last three years… it's truly special and almost a miracle."

Last year’s event was even more successful than the first, so yet this third event has been planned, adding the JayR Brink Band for a new, local band option. All will enjoy a huge mix of music to sing with and dance to….oldies, country, rock and all from the last few decades.

“We are very excited to be a part of this show with Bandmates, Brothers, and Friends. Looking forward to meeting and hearing stories from all of the members. So much history!” states JayR Brink. “All 4 members of the JayR Brink Band are ready for a night of great music for a great cause!”

Free-will donations will be accepted at the door that night, as well as on-line, to benefit the Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation in the purchase of equipment for expanding the Infusion Outpatient Services and local Chemotherapy.

"There's a love and commitment to doing this benefit due to our friendships, the memories around the music and venues we’ve played over the years, and yes, an incredible cause,” adds Withers. “How could you not support local healthcare in your hometown?" 

VMH Women’s Auxiliary

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary holds a meeting on the second Monday of the month.

Grief Support Group

The local Grief Support Group holds a monthly meeting at Veterans Memorial Hospital on the second Tuesday of each month in the Meditation Healing Center, located just inside the main entrance of the hospital.

This informal meeting is open to anyone suffering from any type of loss, whether it be death, divorce, illness, or some other grief. Please feel free to attend and bring a friend.

Immunization Clinics

By appointment only, Immunization Clinics are held weekly on Wednesdays. Please call 563-568-5660 for an appointment. 

Family Wellness Fair

The Veterans Memorial Hospital’s “Family Wellness Fair” will be held Wednesday, May 14, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.  Free health testing, exhibits, education and interactive activities will all be providing a complete evening of entertainment and education for families of all ages.

Again this year, all those attending are welcome to enter the fair through either the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic or the Gundersen Medical Clinic, or the main entrance to the hospital.  Parking will be readily available at any of those entrances allowing for greater accessibility to the fair.

The route will again proceed through the various booths and displays throughout the hospital, the VMH Clinic and the Gundersen Clinic, then exiting through the same exit as they entered where door prizes will be available.

Everyone in the area communities is welcome to attend this free event.

Many new vendors are joining the fair this year!  The Balloon Man and Face Painting will also be offered again this year as well.

More details on the upcoming Family Wellness Fair will follow next week.  For any additional information, please contact Erin Berns, Public Relations Director at Veterans Memorial Hospital at (563) 568-3411.

For More Information
Contact: Erin Berns, Public Relations Director
(563) 568-3411

Diabetes Support Group

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group holds a monthly meeting on the third Thursday. The meeting will be held in the hospital's Large Conference Room, located on the lower level of the hospital.

This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or has a friend or loved one with diabetes.

For More Information
Contact: Angie Mettille, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator
(563) 568-3411

Immunization Clinics

By appointment only, Immunization Clinics are held weekly on Wednesdays. Please call 563-568-5660 for an appointment. 

Immunization Clinics

By appointment only, Immunization Clinics are held weekly on Wednesdays. Please call 563-568-5660 for an appointment.