News

Read more about the article Community and Home Care Travels Allamakee County and Beyond
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 Allamakee County and surrounding area offering nursing care and in-home assistance to people of all ages. They offer a variety of services including nursing visits, medication set-up and administration, dressing cares, IV’s, catheter and colostomy cares, oversee rehabilitation in-home programs and personal cares. RN staff is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pictured from left to right is Peggy Woodbeck, Home Care Aide, Mary Lou Garin, Heather Whalen, Home Care RN; and Cheryl Garin.

Community and Home Care Travels Allamakee County and Beyond

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care offers adults the assistance they need to remain living in their homes, as long as possible. That is exactly what Community and Home…

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Read more about the article Continuous Glucose Monitoring Becoming More Accessible for People Living with Diabetes
If you think Continuous Glucose Monitoring may be an option for you, please contact Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Educator Angie Mettille, pictured here, at 563-568-3411.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Becoming More Accessible for People Living with Diabetes

It is likely that you’ve heard the term CGM, but may not be sure what it means. Maybe you have noticed some people in the community with a white circular…

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Read more about the article More EMT’S Greatly Needed – Monona Family Very Committed to Providing Emergency Care
This particular family in Monona is very involved in providing essential EMS services in their community and explains why they are so committed in the article below. Pictured left to right: Doug Heilmann-Driver; Vicki Heilmann, EMT; Preston Landt EMT; and Trent Landt EMT.

More EMT’S Greatly Needed – Monona Family Very Committed to Providing Emergency Care

One particular family in Monona is very involved in providing these essential services in their community and explains why they are so committed to providing these life-saving services. “I first…

Continue ReadingMore EMT’S Greatly Needed – Monona Family Very Committed to Providing Emergency Care
Read more about the article “Wishing You a Merry Grinchmas” at the Successful 32nd Annual Christmas Fantasy!
The Veterans Memorial Hospital Health Care Foundation’s 32nd Annual Christmas Fantasy drew many Grinch fans, hosting nearly 50 decorated full-size Christmas trees at the event held November 10-13. 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.

“Wishing You a Merry Grinchmas” at the Successful 32nd Annual Christmas Fantasy!

The 2023 Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy drew many Grinch fans to the events and viewing of the large numbers of Christmas trees and silent auction items on…

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Read more about the article Enthusiastic Volunteers Needed to Fill EMT Class Starting in January
Seven area ambulance services regularly bring patients to the ER at Veterans Memorial Hospital including Harpers Ferry, Lansing, Monona, New Albin, Postville, Waterville and Waukon. More EMT’s are greatly needed in all area communities. NICC will be offering a face-to-face EMT Class in Waukon beginning in January. Registration for the class must be completed prior to the orientation night on January 8. Jamie Melcher of Harpers Ferry and Elliott Evanson of Waterville (both pictured here) have recently became EMT’s to truly help others, and are now encouraging others to take this class as well.

Enthusiastic Volunteers Needed to Fill EMT Class Starting in January

The number of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) in this area has dwindled over the years as licensed EMT’s have retired.   Allamakee and northern Clayton Counties are fortunate to have many…

Continue ReadingEnthusiastic Volunteers Needed to Fill EMT Class Starting in January
Read more about the article Remember to Ask for Your Local Home Health Service!
The Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Community and Home Care RN’s and trained home care aides travel the entire Allamakee County area and beyond helping their patients to remain living independently in their own homes. Referrals for their services can be made by family members, physicians, neighbors, friends, and other health care facilities. Patients can also request Community & Home Care themselves when being discharged from another health care facility. Pictured at left is Lee Koehring of Waukon with Home Care RN, Juli Viet, who cares for him.

Remember to Ask for Your Local Home Health Service!

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care (Allamakee County Public Health) travels the entire Allamakee County area and beyond offering adults the assistance they need to remain living in their…

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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 a small portion of Clayton and Winneshiek counties. Registered nurses and certified home care aides travel to offer assistance to individuals who wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Kathy Wagner of Monona, pictured here, with Home Care Nurses Katie Rathbun, at left, and Rachel Berns, at right. She states, “I utilized them through my insurance as long as I could. I couldn’t ask for a better group to work with. They truly helped me get better. I would keep them all if I could!”

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 Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute To Check-Out 2024 Medicare Drug Plans
Medicare open enrollment is going on now. For questions on Medicare drug coverage, call the local SHIIP counselors at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 568-3411. Veterans Memorial Hospital has a new SHIIP volunteer, Jim Johnson, who has joined Nancy Schoh in providing this valuable free service to anyone needing assistance with their Medicare plan.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute To Check-Out 2024 Medicare Drug Plans

You have until December 7, 2023 to enroll in or change Medicare drug plans for 2024.  Don’t wait until the last minute.  Remember, if you’re on Medicare and don’t have…

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Read more about the article Enthusiastic Volunteers Needed to Fill EMT Class Starting in January
The number of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) in this area has dwindled over the years as licensed EMT’s have retired. NICC will be offering a face-to-face EMT Class in Waukon beginning in January. Registration for the class must be completed prior to the orientation night on January 8. Sherry Jensen is a new EMT working in both Waukon and McGregor, and states, “I chose to take the EMT course after taking early retirement from teaching, primarily due to the shortage in my small town. This means our citizens are waiting longer for the immediate help they need. I had no idea how rewarding it would be in a multitude of ways. It is truly a gift to help someone on possibly their worst day—to be the smile and caring hands that helps them through that day. Secondly, all the EMS personnel I’ve met are truly friendly humans. This has been a life changing experience and such a blessing.”

Enthusiastic Volunteers Needed to Fill EMT Class Starting in January

The number of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) in this area has dwindled over the years as licensed EMT’s have retired.   Allamakee and northern Clayton Counties are fortunate to have many…

Continue ReadingEnthusiastic Volunteers Needed to Fill EMT Class Starting in January
Read more about the article National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Questions and Answers About Mammography From the American Cancer Society and Veterans Memorial Hospital
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pictured is Laurie Moody, at left, showing her appreciation to Mammography Technician Renee Stokman, next to the 3D mammography machine at Veterans Memorial Hospital. Over a year ago, Laurie Moody had a routine mammogram at the hospital that found she had breast cancer. Laurie went on to the Gundersen Center for Breast Care in La Crosse for further testing and surgery. A year later, Laurie is healthy, happy and thankful for the skilled technicians locally in the VMH Radiology Department. “I give major kudos to VMH for finding my cancer early with their state-of-the art mammogram machine and skilled technicians. The person who reads the exam is always the one who gets the credit, but it’s the person with the skills to take the good pictures who is really most important,” states Laurie. “I encourage all women to not be afraid and get your mammogram and do it annually!”

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Questions and Answers About Mammography From the American Cancer Society and Veterans Memorial Hospital

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in women in America. This year, more than 250,000 women will learn for the first time that they have this disease and more…

Continue ReadingNational Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Questions and Answers About Mammography From the American Cancer Society and Veterans Memorial Hospital
Read more about the article Christmas Fantasy 2023—Make Your Reservations Now!
Reservations are now being taken at 568-6262 for the popular Saturday and Monday Christmas Fantasy Luncheons sponsored by the Allamakee County Cattlemen’s Association. The luncheons, pictured here, include a delicious meal served among the trees, plus entertainment and ample time to view all of the breathtaking decorations.

Christmas Fantasy 2023—Make Your Reservations Now!

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation Christmas Fantasy returns this year in its entirety.  Reservations are being taken now for the Foundation’s 32nd annual Christmas Fantasy which will be held…

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Read more about the article October is National Physical Therapy Month
Pictured is the Rehabilitation Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital. This staff works with people of all ages, helping them to reduce pain and regain strength, independence and health, assisting patients within the hospital, patients in the hospital on a skilled level of care, as well as outpatients and in the patient homes. Pictured, front row, left to right, Sara White, PTA; Amy Robinson, PT, Rehab Director; Amy Ghelf, PTA; Abbie Daniels, PT; Shelly Valley, PTA and Athletic Trainer; Alana Gavin, PT; and Steven Mazzafield, Speech Therapist. Back row, left to right includes Brad Krambeer, Athletic Trainer; Austin Troendle, PT and Athletic Trainer; Melissa Clarke, OT; Tami Gebel, OT; Dacia Johnson, Office Manager and Laurel Hagensick, PT.

October is National Physical Therapy Month

The Rehabilitation staff at Veterans Memorial Hospital work with people of all ages, helping them to reduce pain and regain strength, independence and health.  The Healthy Lifestyles Rehabilitation Center at…

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Read more about the article October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Be Diligent for Early Detection
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Just seven years ago, Veterans Memorial Hospital introduced the first 3D digital mammography machine in northeast Iowa. Then one year ago, upgraded to a brand new 3D digital machine, continuing to offer state-of-the art technology for early detection.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Be Diligent for Early Detection

An estimated 252,710 new invasive cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States during 2022 and about 2,470 new cases of breast cancer are…

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Read more about the article Becky Drees Memorial Foundation Makes Donation to Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinics
Family members of Becky Drees on behalf of the Becky Drees Memorial Foundation recently donated ‘Tummy Time Mirrors’ to the Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinics in Postville and Waukon. These mirrors are designed for babies to lay on their tummies and hold their heads up to look at themselves in the mirror, which in turn encourages gross motor (large muscle) development and will be given out to all newborns at their first well-baby check at either the Waukon or Postville clinic. Pictured, left to right, is Ann Hagensick who is the local coordinator of this project, along with Nancy Drees, mother of Becky Drees, and Katy Maker, Nurse Midwife.

Becky Drees Memorial Foundation Makes Donation to Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinics

Family members of Becky Drees on behalf of the Becky Drees Memorial Foundation recently donated  ‘Tummy Time Mirrors’ to the Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinics in Postville and Waukon.  These mirrors…

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Read more about the article The Advantages of 3D Mammograms
Veterans Memorial Hospital is beginning their 7th year of offering 3D mammography. Pictured is Renee Stokman, Mammographer, with a patient at the 3D mammography machine at the hospital.

The Advantages of 3D Mammograms

I’ve heard about 3D Mammograms…why are they better? Veterans Memorial Hospital is proud to be offering, starting our 7th year, this wonderful new equipment to the members of our community.…

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Read more about the article More EMT’s Greatly Needed in County! Local EMT Class Starting in January—In Person and In Waukon!
Seven area ambulance services regularly bring patients to the ER at Veterans Memorial Hospital including Harpers Ferry, Lansing, Monona, New Albin, Postville, Waterville and Waukon. More EMT’s are greatly needed in all area communities. NICC will be offering a face-to-face EMT Class in Waukon beginning in January. Registration for the class must be completed prior to the orientation night on January 8. Jamie Melcher of Harpers Ferry and Elliott Evanson of Waterville (both pictured here) have recently became EMT’s to truly help others, and are now encouraging others to take this class as well.

More EMT’s Greatly Needed in County! Local EMT Class Starting in January—In Person and In Waukon!

Northeast Iowa Community College Business and Community Solutions will be offering an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course in Waukon beginning January 8th, 2024.  This 138-hour course, which will conclude in…

Continue ReadingMore EMT’s Greatly Needed in County! Local EMT Class Starting in January—In Person and In Waukon!
Read more about the article Flu Shots Every Wednesday at VMH Community and Home Care-Allamakee Public Health
Flu Shots have begun at Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care/Allamakee Public Health. Flu shot clinics will be held all Wednesdays in October at Veterans Memorial Hospital. Walk-in clinics will be held from 9-11:30 am and appointments can be made for immunizations Wednesday afternoons by calling 563-568-5660.

Flu Shots Every Wednesday at VMH Community and Home Care-Allamakee Public Health

Flu Shots have begun at Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care/Allamakee Public Health.  Flu shots are recommended for all those who have not yet received the vaccine and will…

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Read more about the article Auxiliary of VMH to hold Pillow Perk October 16
The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital Pillow Perk will be held Monday, Octoer 16 from 8:30 to 3 pm at the hospital. Kraft Pillow Service will be on-site to make old pillows look like new.

Auxiliary of VMH to hold Pillow Perk October 16

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital will be holding a Pillow Perk on Monday, October 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Lower Level of Veterans Memorial Hospital. …

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Read more about the article October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: “Four Key Steps for Early Detection of Breast Cancer” From the American Institute of Cancer Research and Veterans Memorial Hospital
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection can prove to be lifesaving when it comes to detecting and fighting breast cancer. There are four important ways to play a crucial part in finding breast cancer early on, which could significantly increase one’s chances of recovery; including 1) perform a monthly breast self-exam (BSE), 2) have regular exams of the breast by a physician, 3) have a screening mammogram regularly and 4) be alert for possible symptoms. Pictured are the Mammographers at Veterans Memorial Hospital who perform mammograms using the 3D Mammography Machine, including, back row left to right, Kelly Baxter, Heidi Ryan, Danielle Ferring and Amanda Leiran, with Keisha Coon, in front, center.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: “Four Key Steps for Early Detection of Breast Cancer” From the American Institute of Cancer Research and Veterans Memorial Hospital

Early detection can prove to be lifesaving when it comes to detecting and fighting breast cancer. There are four important ways to play a crucial part in finding breast cancer…

Continue ReadingOctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: “Four Key Steps for Early Detection of Breast Cancer” From the American Institute of Cancer Research and Veterans Memorial Hospital
Read more about the article Decorators and Donors Needed for 32nd Annual Christmas Fantasy: This Year’s Theme “Wishing You a Merry Grinchmas!”
Pictured is a scene from the 2022 Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation Christmas Fantasy. This year, the theme will be “Wishing you a Merry Grinchmas.” Decorators are needed to decorate the numerous trees for display as well as donors needed for the silent auction items. This is the 32nd annual Christmas Fantasy hosted by the Foundation and will be held November 10, 11, 12 and 13 at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion.

Decorators and Donors Needed for 32nd Annual Christmas Fantasy: This Year’s Theme “Wishing You a Merry Grinchmas!”

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation has announced the 2023 Christmas Fantasy held at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion.  This will be the 32nd  annual Fantasy event the Foundation has hosted.…

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Read more about the article September is Newborn Screening Awareness and Baby Safety Month
September is Newborn Screening Awareness and Baby Safety Month. Being sure to schedule newborn well-child visits following the baby’s birth is very important, according to Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner, Katy Maker, at Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinics, pictured here.

September is Newborn Screening Awareness and Baby Safety Month

September is Newborn Screening Awareness and Baby Safety Month.   Being sure to schedule  newborn well-child visits following the baby’s birth is very important, according to Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner,…

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Read more about the article September is National Cholesterol Awareness Month: Know Your Numbers with VMH Lab Walk-In Wellness Testing!
Know your numbers! The Veterans Memorial Hospital Lab offers community wellness testing, including cholesterol lipid panels, at a low upfront cost, to help accommodate individuals that may forgo these important tests due to the cost of high health insurance premiums and deductibles. For more information, please call the Laboratory at 563-568-3411.

September is National Cholesterol Awareness Month: Know Your Numbers with VMH Lab Walk-In Wellness Testing!

September is National Cholesterol Awareness Month.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explains cholesterol as a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver. Blood cholesterol is essential for good health. Your…

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Read more about the article September is National Suicide Prevention Month-What to Say and Not Say
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Help is available locally for those suffering from a mental health issue. This year, the 988 Crisis Lifeline shares the message that everyone can help prevent suicide and encourages everyone to ‘Be The 1 To’….. Ask, Be There, Keep Them Safe, Help Them Stay Connected, Follow Up and Learn More. Tara Fink, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Veterans Memorial Hospital Clinics is available to see patients at both the Veterans Memorial Hospital Postville and Waukon clinics. Please read on to know what to say and not to say in the case of anyone contemplating suicide.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month-What to Say and Not Say

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.  988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7 for anyone contemplating suicide.  This year, the 988 Crisis Lifeline shares the message that everyone…

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Read more about the article Area Hospice Providers to Attend VMH Auxiliary and Elliott Jewelers 18th Annual Women’s Health Day September 26
The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital together with Elliott Jewelers of Waukon are excited to announce they will be hosting their 18th annual Women’s Health Day wellness event on Tuesday, September 26, at the Waukon Banquet Center. the theme, “Embracing Life at All Stages” will cover all areas of Hospice care, behavioral health care and learning to connect with kindness. Pictured is a view from last year’s event. All vendors will return to this year’s event, including the three local Hospice providers, plus a new menu of sandwiches, salad bar buffet, dessert and beverage will be served. Everyone purchasing a ticket will be entered into a drawing for a Ladies’ 14kt yellow gold diamond & genuine green garnet pendant on an 18” yellow gold rope chain (retail value $1,000) compliments of Elliott Jewelers of Waukon. Tickets are on sale now at Elliott Jewelers and Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Area Hospice Providers to Attend VMH Auxiliary and Elliott Jewelers 18th Annual Women’s Health Day September 26

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital together with Elliott Jewelers of Waukon are excited to announce they will be hosting their 18th annual Women’s Health Day wellness event on Tuesday,…

Continue ReadingArea Hospice Providers to Attend VMH Auxiliary and Elliott Jewelers 18th Annual Women’s Health Day September 26
Read more about the article Heath Unit Coordinator – An Important Role
Veterans Memorial Hospital has three full-time health unit coordinators who help maintain the flow of patient care, providing support and communication to all staff and families on the patient floor. Pictured at the Nurse’s Station is Becki Estebo and at the ER station is Erin Troendle, standing, with Celeste Gavin.

Heath Unit Coordinator – An Important Role

    The role of the Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) is vital to the operations of the patient floor in any health care facility.  Veterans Memorial Hospital has three full-time…

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