Atlantic, IA – Cass Health is proud to announce that Whitney Schafer, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C is the newest recipient of the Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Award.
After more than a decade of nursing experience, Schafer graduated from Clarkson College and now serves as a primary care provider at Atlantic Medical Center and Massena Medical Center. Since joining the medical staff in January 2023, she has been consistently recognized by her patients as a provider who truly listens and cares.
Cass Health Director of Primary Care Melissa Maas said, “Over the years, we have seen Whitney consistently deliver exceptional patient care both as a nurse and provider. Her nomination is an example of the personalized, compassionate care that she delivers with each patient encounter, and we were not at all surprised to hear about yet another example of her going above and beyond. It is an honor to recognize and celebrate Whitney at the ROSE ceremony, alongside her fellow Cass Health colleagues, family, and friends.”
Schafer’s nomination specifically recognized her for her compassionate listening and assistance. She was surprised with the award during a recent medical staff meeting, where she was celebrated in the presence of her family, friends, and colleagues.
The ROSE Award was created to honor and celebrate non-nursing employees of Cass Health who exemplify dedication, compassion, and a commitment to service excellence in carrying out their duties and advancing the goals and mission of Cass Health. The criteria are being knowledgeable and efficient, being compassionate and respectful, working with the care team, and going above and beyond for others. Nominations can be made by anytime online at casshealth.org/rose.
Atlantic, IA—Cass Health is excited to announce that Maria Hoegh, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C is now seeing patients. Hoegh is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She provides family practice care with special interests in women’s health and pediatrics.
In addition to seeing patients in Atlantic and Griswold, Hoegh will also provide care through Cass Health’s outreach clinics in Red Oak, Corning, and Greenfield.
“I am excited for this new chapter of my career at Cass Health to build new relationships and collaborating with a dedicated healthcare team to deliver high quality care,” she said.
Hoegh received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Creighton University in 2021, and recently moved from Utah where she was practicing in a family medicine clinic.
“I love being a nurse practitioner because it allows me to build meaningful relationships with patients and their families. I enjoy working alongside my patients to create a plan that best fits their needs and empowers them to take charge of their health. It is fulfilling to see the improvement in a patient’s wellbeing and quality of life,” she said.
Prior to the start of her career as a Nurse Practitioner, Hoegh’s nursing career began in 2013 after graduating with her BSN from Clarkson College. She has worked as a Pediatric Emergency nurse at Blank Children’s Hospital, and she also worked at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital in both the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Medical Surgical Unit.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Cass Health at 712-243-2850.
Atlantic, IA– Officials at Cass Health reported that the organization has been closely monitoring its IV fluid supplies in response to nationwide concerns regarding its continued availability.
Hurricane Helene flooding caused damage to Baxter, which is the country’s largest manufacturer of intravenous (IV) fluids used in the United States. Cass Health is one of the thousands of entities regularly supplied by Baxter. The company has reported that it may take several months for the business to fully recover.
“We are preparing for the fact that IV fluids have become increasingly difficult to secure. While the state and federal governments are working on larger remediation efforts, locally we have put plans into place to help us cope with this disruption. We immediately began discussing this issue and putting conservation practices into place,” said Chief Operating Officer Amanda Bireline.
Conservation practices for IV fluids may include decreasing total fluid amounts during certain procedures where it is safe to do so or working with patients on alternative treatments and hydration strategies. Meanwhile, Cass Health’s Incident Command group is reviewing daily inventories of its IV supplies throughout the facility.
“We hold a safety huddle where all departments gather to discuss all safety concerns. A potential IV shortage is at the top of our priority list, and so it is part of our daily conversation. How much do we have? When and where are we planning to use it? Are there alternative options? Because at the end of the day, we are committed to providing the care our patients need in the safest, most efficient way possible, while also making sure we’re prepared for whatever lies ahead,” said Bireline.
ATLANTIC—The Cass Health Foundation is hosting their inaugural Handbag Bingo Night on Thursday, November 14 at Bluebird Hill. This new event will wrap up the Cass Health Foundation’s 2024 campaign to purchase endoscopy equipment.
Cass Health Community & Guest Relations Director Beth Spieker spoke on the anticipation of this new event saying, “This is a unique, fun ladies’ night out complete with delicious food, bingo, and great prizes including designer purses. Best of all, this final event wraps up our successful 2024 campaign, and we’re so close to our goal thanks to the generosity of our community.”
Each $50 ticket for the evening includes dinner, six bingo cards per game for all ten “regular” games throughout the night, and 5 raffle tickets for the purse raffle. Bingo game winners will earn extra raffle tickets to enter for a chance to win a purse of their choice at the end of the night. Registration begins at 5:30 pm, with dinner at 6:00 pm, and bingo to follow. Stay tuned to Cass Health on social media to see the prizes that will be featured at the event.
Tickets to the event are limited; both single tickets and table sponsorships are available. For more information, please call Beth Spieker at 712-243-7545 or visit casshealth.org/bingo to view the details or pay online.
Atlantic, IA – Every year between October 15th and December 7th, Iowans on Medicare have the opportunity to review and make changes to their drug or Medicare Advantage plan.
The Part D and Medicare Advantage plans can change their coverage, premiums, co-payments and provider networks every year. It is important that Iowans on Medicare use this time to review changes to their current plan and compare with plans available to them in 2025.
This open enrollment period will be an especially important year for Medicare beneficiaries to pay attention to changes in their current plan and compare alternative options. With the implementation of a $2,000 cap on prescription drug copayments in 2025, it is anticipated that there will be significant changes to plan premiums, deductibles and formularies. Resources are available through the Iowa Insurance Division to compare plans and make an informed decision.
The Senior Health Insurance Information (SHIIP) program is a free, confidential and unbiased service offered by the State of Iowa. SHIIP volunteers provide one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance at no cost to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. SHIIP also provides community outreach and education on Medicare financial assistance eligibility. SHIIP services are sponsored locally by Cass Health.
“The SHIIP program has a great track record for saving Iowans money and helping them with Medicare questions and problems. In 2023, the program served more than 40,000 Medicare beneficiaries and saved clients in Iowa millions of dollars,” shared Kristin Griffith, the SHIIP-SMP Director.
For SHIIP assistance locally, call Cass Health Community & Guest Relations Director Beth Spieker at 712-243-7545.
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Atlantic, IA – The October session of Healthy U will focus on cardiology care presented by Kristin Babb, PA-C. This session will be on Thursday, October 17 at noon in Conference Room 2. Babb will discuss cardiology topics common amongst older adults such as blood thinners, heart disease, and available treatments.
Babb provides care in the Cass Health Specialty Clinic. She is board certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed by both Arizona and Iowa. She received her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University, AZ School of Health Sciences in Mesa, Arizona in 2006. She has worked in cardiology for more than 16 years, and she has previous experience in emergency medicine as well.
Space is limited! A free boxed lunch is provided for all attendees, so reservations are required. Call 712-243-7479 to reserve your seat. For more information about Healthy U, visit casshealth.org/healthyu.
Atlantic, IA—Cass Health is now administering seasonal vaccines for influenza and COVID.
Flu shots and FluMist are both available, as well as high-dose flu shots for patients over the age of 65. FluMist is an option for patients ages 2 through 49.
Patients wanting a COVID booster can receive the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine 2024-2025 Formula.
Walk-ins are welcome during normal Immunization Room hours; all patients should check-in at Registration first. The Immunization Room is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm.
The annual Ayzlee’s Family Flu Clinic will be held on Tuesday, October 8th from 5 to 7 pm. This clinic is specifically for young families and will include children’s activities and snacks. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. The event will be held inside the Cass Health Main Entrance.
Cass Health will also be administering flu vaccines, via injection or FluMist, at local schools. A clinic will be held at the Atlantic schools on October 15th and at the Griswold school on October 16th. Parents who wish to have their child immunized at school must return the consent form to the school by September 30th. For more information, please contact your school nurse for details and required paperwork or visit casshealth.org/vaccines.
Patients can also make an appointment to receive seasonal vaccines at Cass Health clinics in Anita, Griswold, and Massena.
For more information or to schedule any appointments for seasonal vaccines, please call Cass Health at 712-243-2850.
Atlantic, Iowa — Cass Health has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2024 honor by Iowa Top Workplaces. Achieving this award is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
Located in Atlantic, Iowa, Cass Health’s mission is to provide a superior experience to everyone that they are privileged to serve, while working towards the vision of becoming the best rural hospital in the country. The team at Cass Health cares for patients with medical needs ranging from minor aches and pains to life-threatening emergencies, and everything in between. Cass Health is the largest employer in Cass County and a huge economic engine for the region. Cass Health has been recognized as an Iowa Top Workplace, a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country, and as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital in the country.
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.