Cass Health proudly announces that Sara Beth Jones, RN, BSN was selected to receive the Hospital Hero award from the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA). Jones is one of 11 recipients this year and will be formally recognized in October at the IHA Annual Meeting in Des Moines.
Jones was nominated by her coworkers primarily due to her role as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and work with a particular patient. Jones was helping provide care to a patient in the Emergency Department when she recognized warning signs that the patient was a victim of sexual assault and trafficking. Jones helped the patient connect with resources to secure her safety, even going so far as to provide a meal and new clothing and personally escort the patient to another city where she was connected with a human trafficking advocate. The patient has since said, “She turned my life around. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here.”
Beyond this one act, Jones has been a model of compassionate care and nursing leadership. In her primary role, Jones serves as the Director of Nursing Supervision. She also took on the role of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator, ensuring that Cass Health staff are trained and ready to provide 24/7 coverage for sexual violence victims in our community. She is known around the state as a leader in developing and sustaining one of the most robust SANE programs in Iowa.
Additionally, Jones is a Clinical Instructor, working with nursing students of all levels. She also volunteers her time to help parents impacted by miscarriage and infant loss, and she recently began a chapter of the Nurses Honor Guard, a volunteer group that pays tribute to a nurse’s legacy at their funeral or celebration of life with a simple ceremony.
“I became a nurse simply because I find joy in helping others. Being recognized as a Hospital Hero means so much to me that someone felt I deserved it. There is no magic here in what I do, I just love making others feel safe and cared for,” said Jones.
Jones became an RN in 2013. She earned her BSN in 2020, and she is currently working on her Masters in Nursing Education from Chamberlain University.
Since 2007, the Hospital Heroes program has celebrated employees who have acted courageously in a moment’s crisis or who have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers. Hospital Heroes are nominated by their peers and award recipients are selected by other state hospital associations.
The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government, and consumer audiences.
Atlantic, IA—Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions team is hosting a free community walk in support of National Suicide Prevention Month on Thursday, September 19, 2024 beginning at 6:30 pm at City Park in Atlantic. The event will begin after Produce in the Park has concluded for the evening.
The event will kick-off with local speakers. After the program, the walk will take place around the City Park, and the Christmas lights will be on.
“We are so thankful that the city has agreed to turn on the Christmas lights in the park for this event. We hope that it helps catch people’s attention, and that it helps shed light on suicide prevention. Our goal is to raise awareness about signs that can indicate someone is having suicidal thoughts or is possibly in danger of attempting suicide, so that friends, family, and loved ones can intervene and ultimately help prevent suicide from happening,” said Karmen Roland, RN, Program Director of Senior Life Solutions.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately. If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call, text, or chat the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
The walk is co-hosted by Healthy Cass County and Cass County Iowa State University Extension. For more information about the walk, call 712-250-8100.
Atlantic, IA – Cass Health is excited to welcome Dr. Jill Pollpeter and Dr. Jeals Brines to the Family Medicine team.
Dr. Pollpeter, an Omaha native, is a board-certified family medicine physician who received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Creighton University, and her Doctorate of Medicine from the Creighton University in May of 2021. She completed her Family Medicine Residency at Unity Point Health Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines in June. Dr. Pollpeter provides the full scope of family medicine care, and her special interests include women’s health, procedures, and preventative medicine, with her main goal being to treat each patient as an individual and provide the care that will help them reach their health-related goals.
Dr. Brines is a board-certified family medicine physician who grew up in Leon, Iowa and received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Northwest Missouri State University, and her Doctorate of Medicine from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in May of 2021. She completed her Family Medicine Residency at Unity Point Health Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines in June. Dr. Brines provides the full scope of family medicine care, and her special interests include women’s health, rural health, and nursing home & geriatric care.
Both Dr. Pollpeter and Dr. Brines will begin seeing patients in mid-September in Atlantic. To make an appointment, please call 712-243-2850.
Atlantic, IA – Cass Health is hosting “Glow & Grow: A Women’s Health Retreat” during the first week of September at Bluebird Hill Event Venue in Atlantic.
The goal of this retreat is to empower women to prioritize their well-being, embrace self-care, and create healthy futures by connecting them to local professionals from Cass Health. Held over three days, each evening’s focus will be geared to a different age group.
On Tuesday, September 3, the content will be specific to women in their 20s and 30s. The keynote will be given by Dr. Autumn Keiser, who will focus on understanding cycles and hormones.
On Wednesday, September 4, Dr. Marcela Pineda, OB/GYN will talk about perimenopause. This evening’s content will be focused on women in their late 30s and 40s.
On the final evening, Thursday, September 5, a recorded presentation by Dr. Emily Chang, OB/GYN will be focused on Lifestyle Medicine. This evening is for women 50 and over.
Each evening is scheduled from 5 pm to approximately 9 pm, and the agenda includes keynote speakers, dinner and dessert, vendor booths, information on skincare, nutrition, pelvic floor health, and postural strength training.
Vendors include Homebody, Meadow & Charm, Revel Salon & Boutique, Nishna Valley YMCA, and Cass Health Med Spa.
Free childcare is available for Tuesday and Wednesday evening thanks to a partnership with the YMCA and the Ann W. Wickman Childcare Center. Attendees needing childcare must register by August 28th.
Tickets for each evening are only $15 and available online at casshealth.org/glowandgrow. Tickets can also be purchased at the Cass Health Gift Shop. A limited number of discounted tickets are available through Cass County Public Health; call 712-243-7546 for details. Questions about the event can be directed to the Marketing & Communications Department at 712-243-7405.
Cass Health is excited to announce that General and Weight Loss Surgeon Dr. William Rizk will be providing care to patients starting in July.
Dr. Rizk is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon who specializes in weight loss surgery, and he has been performing laparoscopic weight loss surgeries since 2002. Dr. Rizk is a graduate of the University of South Dakota, and he completed his surgery residency at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS) and a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
“People with obesity, particularly severe obesity, face a number of medical concerns that can be improved with weight loss surgery. It’s not an easy decision to make, and it takes commitment and lifestyle change to see long-term success. Weight loss surgery is a great tool, and I’m very excited to offer this surgery to patients in southwest Iowa,” said Dr. Rizk.
Iowa ranks 12th in states impacted by obesity, with more than 37% of the state’s adult population being impacted by obesity. According to Iowa Health and Human Services, 42.5% of adults in Cass County have an unhealthy body weight, which is classified as a BMI of 30 or higher.
Dr. Rizk will perform sleeve gastrectomies, also known as gastric sleeve surgeries, at Cass Health beginning this fall.
“Our program will utilize a multidisciplinary approach,” said Dr. Rizk. “This will include several clinic appointments, nutritional counseling and behavior modification classes. This education will help ensure the most successful outcome for patients.”
Patients interested in learning more are invited to come to a free educational class on the surgery on Tuesday, July 9th at 6:00 at Cass Health. Reservations are required; sign up online at casshealth.org/weightloss. Questions can be directed to our Program Coordinator at 712-243-7535; patients are also encouraged to talk with their primary care provider about the surgery and referrals.
Atlantic, IA— Becker’s Hospital Review released their 2024 editions of the “100 Great Community Hospitals” and “27 Critical Access Hospitals to Know” lists – both of which featured Cass Health in Atlantic, Iowa. Cass Health was the only Iowa hospital named to both lists.
The announcement from Becker’s states: “These hospitals are known for providing expert care, positively impacting local economies, making innovative changes with limited resources, and more. Many of these community hospitals have been recognized by rankings and ratings organizations for their excellent clinical care, outstanding patient outcomes, and high performance in specialty services. The hospitals named on this list are committed to uplifting their communities, as well as providing affordable, convenient care access to patients.”
Becker’s Healthcare developed this list based on nominations and editorial research; organizations do not pay and cannot pay for inclusion on this list. Becker’s Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry.
Atlantic, IA—Cass Health is proud to announce that Michele Williams, RN is the newest recipient of the Cass Health Spirit of Volunteerism Award. Williams began working at Cass Health in July 1997, and many patients know her for her work in obstetrics and the emergency department.
Williams was nominated specifically for her volunteer work for the Massena ambulance. Her nominator wrote: “Michele Williams volunteers for her hometown emergency ambulance services in Massena and even though she is a registered nurse, she is also a registered advanced emergency medical technician. She has been doing this for about 7 years. She took over managing the ambulance, making sure the ambulance service adheres to regulations for the emergency services which includes having the medications they need when responding to emergencies and complying with those rules. EMS volunteers have to be ready to go at any time and are often called on at nights, weekends, during family get-togethers, and holidays. We don’t appreciate them enough and only think about them if and when we need them. I feel privileged to know that if I need to call 911 for help, that Michele may be in that ambulance that comes to help me or my family.”
With her own family in attendance, Williams was surprised at work with this award. “My husband kept a huge secret! I was very surprised when I won this award! I was also honored. It is nice to be recognized. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes things that people don’t see, and it makes me feel good to know that it matters,” said Williams.
Williams commented that she does it because she likes to help people. “I know the people in Massena and Cumberland and want to make sure if they are sick or hurt someone will be there to help them,” she said.
As part of the Spirit of Volunteerism Award, the winner receives a $250 check to donate to the non-profit organization of their choosing.
“I chose the Cass County Fair because there are a lot of young people in the surrounding communities that participate. I know things are getting expensive and we need to help keep our fair free so everyone can come out and enjoy it,” she said.
Atlantic, IA – Cass Health is excited to announce that Megan Roberts is now serving as the new Director of Cass County Public Health.
“The past ten years allowed me to help a lot of families, and it was a beautiful chapter in my life. The experience I gained managing a larger team and working within a larger organization really prepared me for my new role at Cass County Public Health. I look forward to contributing to the Cass Health team and continuing to make an impact in the region,” she said.
Roberts is well known in the community from her previous work at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and State Farm; both career experiences that helped her develop talents that will enhance the mission of public health.
“I have felt called to make a shift back to a role that supports rural Iowa. We are good people, and we take care of each other. I feel that this position will allow me to partner with others who believe that as well. The values at Cass Health, and the people who work here, align with mine,” said Roberts.
“We are thrilled to have Megan leading the public health efforts for Cass County. Her community connections, civic-minded vision, and enthusiasm for Cass County all make her well suited to partner with our community partners and lead the important work that our public health team carries out each day,” stated Cass Health Chief Financial and HR Officer Kolton Hewlett.
Cass County Public Health manages a number of initiatives including programs for adults like A Matter of Balance, Care for Yourself, CPR and First Aid classes, and Stop the Bleed training. For children and families, they provide car seat installations and checks, Parents as Teachers, and more. Cass County Public Health also provides leadership and guidance on the Community Health Assessment, Community Health Improvement Planning, emergency preparedness, and other community-wide health projects. For more information, visit casshealth.org/publichealth.
The Cass Health Emergency & Rapid Care Entrance will be temporarily closed on Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17. All Emergency and Rapid Care patients should use the Rehab Services entrance instead. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Cass Health is happy to announce Linda Edelman, RN, BSN is the newest recipient of The DAISY Award, which celebrates excellence in nursing.
Edelman has been a nurse for 37 years, and she has worked primarily in public health, with several years of home health experience also.
“While I was working on my BSN, I was doing my community health rotation in Council Bluffs and that’s when I first found my interest in public health. I loved being able to go into the community and being able to take care of people of all ages from young, pregnant women to my patients who were well into their 90s,” said Edelman.
Nominated by Cass County Public Health Director Beth Olsen, her nomination letter states, “My nomination is based specifically on the care she provides to our Pacific Island community members. Linda has taken the time to learn about their culture and wants to deeply understand the issues that this community faces each day. She meets them where they are and understands the deep and complex layers of working with an entire community whose culture and approach to healthcare is quite different than what an American nurse is trained for. Linda adjusts her works hours to accommodate their long and varying shift work, going above and beyond to meet their needs. It is not uncommon for Linda to work an evening, weekend or on her day off- if that is when the patient has time to meet with her. This community trusts Linda deeply with their healthcare needs. She is known as a resource for the entire community, helping with many things beyond her original intentions of connecting with these individuals. It’s not uncommon to see them greet her in the grocery store or for children to run up and give her a hug when they recognize her on the street. Linda listens attentively to each concern she is presented with and seamlessly connects each individual and family to the care and services they need to have a better life and experience in Atlantic.”
Edelman said, “I love what I do, and I am passionate about helping this community. There’s so much work to be done, and I really want these new residents to feel like this is their home, and we care about them. I really care about them, and I get back so much gratification from helping them.”
As for the DAISY Award, Edelman said it was a huge surprise and shock. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen. It is a complete honor, and I want to make sure to say that I am so blessed to work with such wonderful people. I’ve worked with a lot of terrific people, a lot of departments, a lot of people in the community – and I’m just so lucky be part of an amazing team,” she said.
Nurses at Cass Health are honored twice annually with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.® The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day. The DAISY Award committee at Cass Health thanks all nominators for their submissions. Each nurse who was nominated will be presented with a special pin and a copy of the nomination.
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation to express gratitude to the nursing profession. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org. An online nomination form is available at https://www.casshealth.org/daisy.