Read more about the article The Role of the Healthcare Social Worker
Laura Sorenson, Veterans Memorial Hospital Social Worker provides the assistance families need for taking the next steps following a hospital discharge and helping with a referral to Swing Bed Care, even from another healthcare facility.

The Role of the Healthcare Social Worker

by Laura Sorenson, VMH Social Worker Social workers perform a variety of roles, but their primary job is to connect members of the community with resources that may be beneficial…

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Read more about the article Local Band Members Reunite After 45 Years to Benefit the Health Care Foundation
Forty-five years later, original members of three local bands, Rising Sun, Horizon and Jackson Junction, will be reuniting Mother’s Day Weekend, on Friday evening, May 12, for one night in downtown Waukon. Eleven of the 12 original band members will be returning and forming the group, “Bandmates, Brothers and Friends,” or “BBF.” Members pictured here in this original 1990s-era poster of Jackson Junction include, front to back, Jim Withers, Bill Withers, Keel Clemmens, the late Pat Dougherty, and Gary Hesla.

Local Band Members Reunite After 45 Years to Benefit the Health Care Foundation

Original members of three local bands will be reuniting on Friday evening of Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12, for one night in downtown Waukon.  This benefit event features a reunion…

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Read more about the article New Pulsara Communication System Used for Emergencies-The Reason Your First Responder May be On their Phone During An Emergency
Pulsara is the new communication system being used by the Veterans Memorial Hospital Ambulance staff, for fast, quality patient condition updates. Pulsara allows the EMS staff to alert the hospital staff as to the cares needed by the emergency patient so they can best prepare for their arrival at the hospital. Pulsara is a free, HIPAA-compliant communication platform that bypasses the user’s internal phone memory to ensure the security of all data transferred through the app-based program. As the first responder enters more information, such as the patient’s medical history and vital signs, every member on the team is instantly updated. For this reason, hospital first responders are using their cell phone and tablets to transfer this information while on emergent calls.

New Pulsara Communication System Used for Emergencies-The Reason Your First Responder May be On their Phone During An Emergency

Pulsara is the new communication system being used by the Veterans Memorial Hospital Ambulance staff, for fast, quality patient condition updates.   Pulsara allows the EMS staff to alert the hospital…

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Read more about the article Preventing Colon Cancer with Colonoscopies
Colon cancer can be easily prevented, yet it remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Colonoscopies, a very thorough colon cancer test, are performed routinely in the Veterans Memorial Hospital surgical suite. Pictured is the hospital surgery nursing staff who help patients prepare and recover from this common, life-saving procedure.

Preventing Colon Cancer with Colonoscopies

Colon cancer can be easily prevented, yet it remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Colon cancer screening tests identify suspicious or pre-cancerous polyps, which…

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Read more about the article New Stroke Support Group
Steven Mazzafield is the Speech Language Pathologist and can help treat brain disorders such as stroke, dementia, and traumatic brain injury.

New Stroke Support Group

Veterans Memorial Hospital, in conjunction with Steven Mazzafield, Speech-Language Pathologist, is pleased to offer a Stroke Support Group for individuals who have experienced a stroke, as well as caregivers and…

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Read more about the article Athletic Training Month-3 Trainers in VMH Rehab Department
Pictured are the three Athletic Trainers at Veterans Memorial Hospital including, from left to right, Shelly Valley, who is also a Physical Therapy Assistant; Brad Krambeer, ATC, LAT; and Austin Troendle, who is also a physical therapist. If a student has an injury that needs to be assessed, the student should contact their coach or school office for an assessment with these professionals at either the school or hospital.

Athletic Training Month-3 Trainers in VMH Rehab Department

March is National Athletic Training Month.  Veterans Memorial Hospital has three athletic trainers on staff including Brad Krambeer, ATC, LAT; Austin Troendle, D-PT, ATC, who is also a physical therapist;…

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Read more about the article More SHIIP Volunteers Needed at VMH!
Nancy Schoh of rural Dorchester is a trained volunteer and available by appointment to meet with any person or family with Medicare questions and concerns. Schoh stated, “This volunteer job is rewarding. It feels so good to help people. Many of them are older and don’t even have a computer at home so they really need to help. SHIIP is just what they need and the community needs more SHIIP volunteers.”

More SHIIP Volunteers Needed at VMH!

Are mammograms covered by Medicare Part B?  What coverage can I get with Medicare supplement insurance?  Do long-term care policies cover people with Alzheimer’s disease?  Does every Medicare beneficiary have…

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Read more about the article Pulmonary Rehab Helps for Better Function Day to Day
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week will be March 12-18. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program offered locally at Veterans Memorial Hospital that teaches a person to live and breathe better with chronic lung disease. Pictured is pulmonary rehabilitation patient Monica Monserud of Waterville with Amy Rolfs, RN, during a pulmonary rehabilitation session at Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Pulmonary Rehab Helps for Better Function Day to Day

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week:  March 12-18 Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program offered at Veterans Memorial Hospital that teaches a person to live and breathe better with chronic lung disease.  Conditions such…

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Read more about the article New Cardiac Calcium Scoring at VMH Shows Risk of Heart Attack
The Veterans Memorial Hospital Radiology Department now offers a CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring test for a quick, convenient and noninvasive way of evaluating the amount of calcified (hard) plaque and buildup of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries in the heart. This calcium score may help predict the risk of a heart attack and determine ways to reduce these risk factors. Not only does a Cardiologist look at the arteries in the heart, but a Radiologist also looks at the lower half of the lungs to evaluate for cancer, lung nodules, and other lung diseases. Pictured is X-ray Technologists Renee Stokman, at left, and Keisha Coon with the CT Machine which is used for this exam. Patients should ask their provider to send an order to the Veterans Memorial Hospital Radiology Department for them to have this exam.

New Cardiac Calcium Scoring at VMH Shows Risk of Heart Attack

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Radiology Department now offers a CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring test for a quick, convenient and noninvasive way of evaluating the amount of calcified (hard) plaque and…

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Read more about the article Cardiac Rehabilitation at VMH—A Highly Utilized Local Service
February 13-19 is National Cardiac Rehab Week. Veterans Memorial Hospital began its own Cardiac Rehabilitation program over three decades ago to help fulfill a need in the community—a need that has been and continues to be well utilized. Pictured from left to left is Cardiac Rehab Nurse, Amy Rolfs, RN, with Gary Moritz of Monona using the weights in the Cardiac Rehab Department. A Cardiac Rehabilitation program is essential for the fullest recovery of a victim of a heart disorder and is available locally at Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Cardiac Rehabilitation at VMH—A Highly Utilized Local Service

February 13-19 is National Cardiac Rehab Week Veterans Memorial Hospital began its own Cardiac Rehabilitation unit over three decades ago to help fulfill a need in the community—a need that…

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Read more about the article February is Heart Month:  The Facts on Heart Health
February is Heart Month. Pictured is Callie Thorson, Emergency Department Manager at Veterans Memorial Hospital in ER Room 1 of the hospital who shares the following facts and tips on heart health.

February is Heart Month:  The Facts on Heart Health

Over 950,000 Americans die each year from cardiovascular disease. Since February is National Heart Month, Veterans Memorial Hospital provides the following facts and tips on heart health: 250,000 people die…

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Read more about the article February Heart Month: The Seriousness of Chest Pain
February is Heart Month. Anyone experiencing any signs or symptoms of a heart attack should immediately go to the Emergency Entrance or call 911 for medical transport. Time is muscle, so the quickest specialized medicine can be administered, the less heart muscle is damaged. Pictured is some of the ER staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Emergency Room I, including, from left to right, Teresa Schaefers, RN; Dylan Farning, ER Tech; Jacob Dougherty, Paramedic/EMS Manager; Seth Bulman, Paramedic and Cheryl Livingston, Paramedic.

February Heart Month: The Seriousness of Chest Pain

Chest pain is a common presenting complaint in any emergency room, including the emergency room at Veterans Memorial Hospital. There is always the possibility of heart disease in every complaint…

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Read more about the article February is Heart Month—Learn Hands Only CPR to Save the Life of a Loved One
February is National Heart Month. The American Heart Association estimates that 89% of people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest die because they don’t receive immediate CPR from someone on the scene. Veterans Memorial Hospital continues to encourage the public to learn “Hands Only CPR.” This simple way of performing CPR is very easy to do and effective for the victim and is outlined here.

February is Heart Month—Learn Hands Only CPR to Save the Life of a Loved One

February is Heart Month.  Veterans Memorial Hospital continues to encourage the public to learn the American Heart Association’s “Hands Only CPR.”  This simple way of performing CPR is very easy…

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Read more about the article The Ness Family Makes A Sizable Contribution to Hospital’s New 3D Mammography Machine Thanks to 6th Annual Successful Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
Ness Pumping and Porta Potty Rentals hosted their sixth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 29th in the Waukon City Park to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and detection. The family business recently awarded $2750 in proceeds raised from this sixth annual walk to Veterans Memorial Hospital to be used towards the new 3D mammography machine installed this fall. Pictured, from left to right in the back row is Carter & Rachel Ness, Chad & Diana Ness, Barb & Sig Ness, Evan Ness, Kayla (with Waylon) & Colin Ness, Pat Ryan. Front Row is Leslie Ness with Liam & Clayton Ness.

The Ness Family Makes A Sizable Contribution to Hospital’s New 3D Mammography Machine Thanks to 6th Annual Successful Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

Ness Pumping and Porta Potty Rentals hosted their sixth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 29th in the Waukon City Park to raise funds for breast cancer awareness…

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Read more about the article Senior Health Insurance Information Volunteer, Russ Hagen, Retires after 12 Years of Service to Community
For the last twelve years, Russ Hagen of rural Waterville (pictured at left) has provided assistance to hundreds of individuals in the tri-state area as a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteer at Veterans Memorial Hospital and has recently retired. Nancy Schoh of rural Dorchester still provides this one-on-one assistance with Medicare coverage, supplement insurance, long-term care and other related issues, at the hospital. One more volunteer is needed to continue to meet the needs of the area communities. Anyone interested in volunteering should call the hospital.

Senior Health Insurance Information Volunteer, Russ Hagen, Retires after 12 Years of Service to Community

For the last twelve years, Russ Hagen of rural Waterville has provided assistance to hundreds of individuals in the tri-state area as a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteer…

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Read more about the article First Baby of the Year Born at Veterans Memorial Hospital
Pictured is Liz and Dustin Baumler of Ossian, holding their newborn son, Zachary John, who won the First Baby of the Year contest at Veterans Memorial Hospital. He and his family will all enjoy many gifts thanks to the local merchants who helped celebrate the First Baby of the Year born at Veterans Memorial Hospital in 2023.

First Baby of the Year Born at Veterans Memorial Hospital

Veterans Memorial Hospital physicians and staff are pleased to announce that the first established patient to deliver a child at the hospital in 2023 has been born.  The First Baby…

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Read more about the article Choose Massage for Stress Relief in the New Year
Self-care through managing stress is often a common New Year’s resolution. Stress relief is one of the first of many benefits associated with massage. Veterans Memorial Hospital licensed massage therapists, Vicki Klepper and Shannon Bernatz (pictured left to right) make sure massage therapy is available to the area communities five days a week. Appointments can be made on-line at www.veteransmemorialhospital.com or by calling the hospital at 563-568-3411.

Choose Massage for Stress Relief in the New Year

Self-care through managing stress is often a common New Year’s resolution.  Stress relief is one of the first of many benefits associated with massage.  Stress is a part of everyday…

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Read more about the article First Baby of the Year Contest at Veterans Memorial Hospital
Veterans Memorial Hospital physicians and staff will be awaiting the arrival of the first baby born at the hospital in the New Year 2023. This fortunate child and his or her family will receive a large number of generous gifts compliments of area merchants. Pictured is Katy Maker, Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner, who now delivers babies at Veterans Memorial Hospital, and sees patients in both the Waukon and Postville Clinics.

First Baby of the Year Contest at Veterans Memorial Hospital

Veterans Memorial Hospital physicians and staff will be awaiting the arrival of the first baby born at the hospital in the New Year 2023. This fortunate child and his or…

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Read more about the article Urgent Care Returns on the Weekends at Veterans Memorial Hospital Beginning Jan. 7
Veterans Memorial Hospital has announced Urgent Care clinics will be returning on the weekends, beginning Saturday, January 7, and will be offered every Saturday and Sunday from, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Urgent Care is designed for treating injuries or illnesses requiring immediate care, but not serious enough to require an emergency department visit. The chart below explains when to seek Urgent Care, ER or the Clinic.

Urgent Care Returns on the Weekends at Veterans Memorial Hospital Beginning Jan. 7

Veterans Memorial Hospital has announced Urgent Care clinics will be returning on the weekends, beginning Saturday, January 7.  Urgent Care will be offered from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every…

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Read more about the article Veterans Memorial Hospital Moves Along with Transition to a County Facility
The new Board of Trustees for Veterans Memorial Hospital was sworn in at their first meeting as a county-owned hospital on Thursday, December 8. Pictured are many members of the new board being sworn in and signing their oath. The hospital retained four of the five original members including Dennis Lyons, Patty Nordheim, Kevin Hanson and Jim Sewick, with three new members added from around Allamakee County, to make a total of seven board members. Those new members consist of Dave Weymiller of rural New Albin, Greg Lage of rural Postville and Dan Byrnes of rural Waukon.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Moves Along with Transition to a County Facility

With the nearly 72% county vote on November 8 in favor of converting Veterans Memorial Hospital from a city-owned to a county-owned hospital, hospital staff began the transition process immediately. …

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Read more about the article New Nurse Midwife Makes a Splash with Waterbirths at Veterans Memorial Hospital
Katy Maker, Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner, joined the Veterans Memorial Hospital Birthing Center team delivering babies last summer.   Maker has over 30 years of experience as a nurse midwife and has assisted in nearly 2,000 deliveries. She is also proficient in and encourages water births.   Maker offers care for maternity and family practice patients at both the Waukon and Postville clinic locations.

New Nurse Midwife Makes a Splash with Waterbirths at Veterans Memorial Hospital

Katy Maker, Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner, joined the Veterans Memorial Hospital Birthing Center team delivering babies, including waterbirths, last summer.   She also cares for maternity and family practice patients…

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Read more about the article “Making the Future Bright” at the 31st Anniversary Christmas Fantasy 2022
The Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation’s 31st Annual Christmas Fantasy made a huge return back to a full event after three years, hosting nearly 50 decorated full-size Christmas trees at the event held November 11-14. These trees, pictured above, were all decorated by local individuals, businesses, organizations and classes and each had a local person or business sponsoring them as well.

“Making the Future Bright” at the 31st Anniversary Christmas Fantasy 2022

The 2022 Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy made a big return last weekend after three years with large numbers of Christmas trees and silent auction items on display. …

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Read more about the article November is National Home Care Month
November is Home Care Month. Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care is a locally-based, home health care agency serving Allamakee and the surrounding counties. Registered nurses and certified home care aides travel the Allamakee County area and beyond to offer assistance to individuals who wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible or need some assistance while they are recovering from an illness or recent surgery, often times after being hospitalized. Cheri White of Waukon, pictured at right with Katie Rathbun, Home Care RN, has been receiving home health services since 2013 following a significant health event. “Home health services make it possible for me to safely remain in my own home. I receive both skilled nursing and home health aide services each week and this assistance helps me remain independent at home,” states Cheri. “The care I received during my recent hospitalization at Veterans Memorial Hospital was exceptional.” Cheri declared, “It takes a village!” when describing her home healthcare team.

November is National Home Care Month

As the elderly population continues to grow and individuals desire to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible, home health care will continue to be a…

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Read more about the article Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Travels throughout Allamakee County
November is National Home Care Month. Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care offers adults the assistance they need to remain living in their homes, as long as possible. Registered nurses and trained home care aides travel the entire Allamakee County area. RN staff is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and Home Care Aide services are available seven days a week as need determines. Pictured at right is Linda Sanders of New Albin with Home Care Aide Peggy Woodbeck, who cared for her once she returned home from Veterans Memorial Hospital skilled care.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Travels throughout Allamakee County

The month of November is National Home Care Month.  Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care (formerly called Allamakee County Public Health) travels the entire Allamakee County area offering adults…

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Read more about the article New Upgraded State-of-the-Art 3D Mammography Machine at Veterans Memorial Hospital
Veterans Memorial Hospital recently upgraded its current 3D mammography machine with a new cutting-edge machine, making it the most updated machine available in the tri-state region. It features an all-new, comfort focused paddle that is curved to conform to the shape of the patient’s breast and has rounded corners for the most comfortable compression possible. Pictured with this new 3D mammography machine is Veterans Memorial Hospital Radiological Technicians Amanda Leiran, Supervisor; Keisha Coon and Danielle Ferring. Appointments are now being taken for this new system.

New Upgraded State-of-the-Art 3D Mammography Machine at Veterans Memorial Hospital

 Veterans Memorial Hospital recently upgraded its current 3D mammography machine with a new cutting-edge machine, making it the most updated machine available in the tri-state region. It features an all-new,…

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