Author: Winneshiek Medical Center

Winneshiek Medical Center will hold their Grand Community Picnic on Thursday, September 1 from 4-7 pm on the WMC campus. 

“WMC is excited to once again host the Grand Community Picnic after a few years’ hiatus. This event highlights WMC’s connection to the communities we serve, and we look forward to having individuals on our campus for another reason besides receiving excellent healthcare. This event comes at a perfect time as we begin to plan for many exciting new endeavors for WMC, many of which we hope to be able to showcase during this event,” says Steve Slessor, chief administrative officer, Winneshiek Medical Center.

Free Community Picnic Attractions

• BBQ pork sandwich, chips and a beverage
• Game/activity area for kids
• Popcorn from the Lion’s Club
• Pokey Pete rides
• Live music by Mike McAbee
• Garden tours
• Emergency vehicle tours
• And more!

Moo-Mobile shakes will also be available for $1 each throughout the evening.

More Information

The picnic is made possible with the help of staff volunteers from Winneshiek Medical Center, the WMC Auxiliary and WMC Foundation, and will be held rain or shine.

Convenient parking will be available, with regular Earl Bus rides from the medical center parking lots to the event site.

Information on the WMC Grand Community Picnic is also available at www.winmedical.org/event/grand-community-picnic.  For additional information on the picnic or other Winneshiek Medical Center activities, please call the WMC Marketing & Communications department at 563-382-2911 or email communityrelations@winmedical.org. 

In collaboration with Winneshiek Medical Center, the Luther College Athletic Department will have two new athletic trainers for the upcoming academic year: David Kragness, ATC, LAT, NASM-PES, NASM/CES; and McKinley Lillegraven, MS, LAT, ATC.

Kragness will serve as the new head athletic trainer for the Norse.  He received a Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the Minnesota State University in Mankato.  Kragness has served in the field of Athletic Training since 2005, with experience in professional and collegiate athletic programs, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Winona State University, South Dakota State University and most recently, Wartburg College.  He is certified by the Iowa Board of Athletic Training and began his role at Luther College in July 2022.

Lillegraven, a Decorah native, is returning to her hometown to care for Norse athletes.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training and Rehabilitation Studies and her Master of Athletic Training from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Her athletic training experience includes football, volleyball, wrestling and men’s basketball programs for UNI, a Division 1 school. 

Returning athletic trainers for the 2022/23 academic year include: Amber Suckow, MS, LAT, ATC; Maggie Vihovde, MEd, LAT, ATC; and Whitney Pavlat, MS, LAT, ATC.

Kragness says, “I am excited to join both the WMC and Luther College Athletics teams. As we move into this athletic season, I look forward to the progression of this partnership and to being a member of both organizations for years to come.”

Luther College Athletic Training is dedicated to providing the highest quality of professional health care and services to student athletes with a commitment to enhancing their collegiate athletic experience and ensuring their overall health and safety.  Collaborating with Winneshiek Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Health System Decorah Clinic Physicians, they respond to the health care needs of student athletes by providing excellent emergency and clinical care on location and in the training room. 

Renae Hartl, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Luther College, says, “The addition of David and McKinley to our Sports Medicine team will enhance the student-athlete experience immediately. The new partnership between WMC and Luther has started on a great note with these two hires and I am excited to see our team come together this month as all our fall teams arrive.” For more information on Luther College Athletics, visit www.luthernorse.com.   To learn more about Winneshiek Medical Center, visit www.winmedical.org.

Every three years, Winneshiek Medical Center leads, or participates in, a Community Health Assessment.  The assessment is designed to gather information on unmet health needs in the area. With this data, communities can map out a course for health improvement by creating strategies to make positive and sustainable changes. In 2022, Winneshiek Medical Center partnered with Winneshiek County Public Health to complete the survey.

The survey was made available online and garnered 515 responses.  Following an analysis of the data and other population health information, the 2022 Community Health Assessment final report was approved at the July 6, 2022 Board of Trustees meeting.

The Community Health Assessment identified five overall priority categories of concern:

• Housing Options
• Mental Health Care
• Older Adult Care
• Alcohol and drug use
• Suicide

The five most prevalent diagnoses among respondents were:

• Vision problems
• Hypertension
• Sleep apnea
• Hearing problems
• Respiratory problems

The five highest areas of need for health care services, according to survey respondents were:

• Access to mental health care
• Shelter and services for victims of abuse, violence and assault
• Alcohol and drug abuse prevention
• Family planning services
• Services for persons with disabilities

The full report and Winneshiek Medical Center’s Health Improvement Plan can be found on www.winmedical.org/community-health-assessment/

Long-time and well-respected Mayo Clinic Health System physician, James Ott, M.D., retired from his skin care practice at Winneshiek Medical Center in January of this year.  To continue to meet the needs of patients requiring skin services, Laurie Tope, D.O. and Anna Mark, M.D., both MCHS family medicine physicians, have extended their practices to include skin specialty services.  These physicians, along with the support of the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialty and general surgery, can treat most skin conditions locally at Winneshiek Medical Center.

Dr.  Mark says, “Dr. Tope and I shadowed Dr. Ott prior to his retirement and have taken extended education at Mayo Clinic in the skin care specialty.  I have enjoyed working more intently in the skin specialty this year, and look forward to helping patients needing these services in the future.”

Additionally, WMC has welcomed Dayna Soukup, PA-C, to solely cover the skin care specialty in Decorah. Dayna received her undergraduate degree from Wartburg College and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Des Moines University.  Since 2016, she has provided care in the Urgent Care setting in Cedar Falls and Waterloo. 

Dayna says, “I will be available to provide daily access to patients with new or chronic skin problems.  By working with this team of physicians, and dermatologists from Mayo Clinic Health System when needed, we will provide our patients with skin care available locally. I am excited to join this community and medical center.”

Skin services at WMC may include treatment for:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Dry or sensitive skin
• Nail problems
• Pigmentation disorders
• Rashes
• Warts
• Psoriasis
• Skin cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment

To make an appointment for skin services at Winneshiek Medical Center, call 563-382-2911.

At the Winneshiek Medical Center Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, leadership announced an upcoming rebrand project for the medical center.   The project will include a review of items including name, logo, colors, messaging and more. 

The rebranding project will take place alongside planning for significant facility updates to the Obstetrics, Clinic and Surgery units at the medical center.  Steve Slessor, Winneshiek Medical Center Chief Administrative Officer, says, “As we begin this trajectory forward in growth initiatives and facility updates, now is the ideal time to review our Winneshiek Medical Center brand.  The process will be supported by local research and brand elements may not necessarily change; at the conclusion of the project we will have a clear identity to support our growth.”

The last rebranding was completed in 2005 when the medical center transitioned from Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital to Winneshiek Medical Center.  In part, this was reflective of their deeper relationship with Mayo Clinic Health System through the newly established Management Services Agreement and Professional Services Agreement, and to their strategic initiative to serve the region with an expanded breadth of specialty care and ancillary services.

Rebranding work will begin this summer with the intended roll out to be delivered by the end of 2022.  WMC has partnered with an advertising firm out of La Crosse, Wisconsin to assist in this effort.  They will be conducting market research over the summer months which will include seeking input from WMC staff, providers, Mayo Clinic Health System leaders, community stakeholders and the general public. 

Thomas Marquardt, D.P.M., Winneshiek Medical Center Medical Center Chief Medical Officer, says, “As we move into our rebranding project, we are working in parallel with Mayo Clinic Health System leadership to determine the best way to showcase both organizations, reduce confusion in the community related to ownership and naming, and to accurately reflect our strong partnership.” Slessor says, “The rebrand furthers goals described in our long-range planning initiative and will reflect our uniqueness as a regional hub for health care.”

Winneshiek Medical Center is offering Winneshiek County senior citizens free coupons to be used at the Decorah Area Farmers Market this season.  Participants will receive $10 in coupons for locally grown fruits and vegetables.

The Winneshiek Medical Center Farmers Market Senior Nutrition Program is funded by The United Way of Winneshiek County, with participating vendors from the Decorah Area Farmers Market.  The coupons can only be used for fruits and vegetables and may not be exchanged for money. 

Recipients of these coupons must be Winneshiek County residents, age 65 and older, and bring proof of their residency and age to the distribution site.  A driver’s license or the yellow 2021 WMC farmers market ID are both acceptable. There are no income guidelines to participate in this program.

The coupons will be distributed on the following dates:

• Wednesday, June 8, 3:00 – 4:30 pm – Decorah Farmers Market (399 Heivly Street)
• Thursday, June 9, 10:00 – 11:30 am – Decorah Senior Center (806 River Street)
• Monday, June 20, 11:00am – 12:00 pm – Decorah Senior Center (806 River Street)

Note: At this time these are the only dates/times for distribution. If there are extra coupons remaining we will have another distribution date later in the summer. Coupons will not be mailed out.

For more information call 563-382-2911 and ask to speak with a Winneshiek Medical Center dietitian.

When people have questions about Medicare, the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a reliable resource.

SHIIP provides free informational materials as well as one-to-one assistance with Medicare Coverage, Medicare supplement insurance, long-term care insurance, Medicare and insurance claims and other related issues. SHIIP does not recommend insurance companies, plans or agents; the volunteers answer questions and provide impartial information to help seniors make well-informed decisions.

Volunteer SHIIP counselors are available by appointment at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah.  One of these volunteers is Jim Sims, who has served in this important role since 2013 and his approaching his 10^th open enrollment season.

Jim says, “The busiest time of year, by far, is in the fall during open enrollment.  That is when we help people compare Medicare drug plans to find the best fit for their situation.”  Last year, Jim served 200 clients and saved them a total of $39,000.  Jim adds, “Sadly, only 10% of eligible seniors perform drug plan comparisons during the open enrollment period.” In addition to the dollars he helps people save, Jim finds the variety of people he meets to be very rewarding. 

Become a Volunteer

SHIIP is seeking more volunteers to help meet this important community need.  New volunteers complete online training in May, and then participate in regular trainings throughout the year.  Volunteers can set the hours they are available for client appointments, and the busiest season is mid-October through mid-December.

Jim says, “A good candidate for a volunteer counselor is computer literate and enjoys meeting with people.  They should also feel satisfaction in helping others and solving problems.”

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a SHIIP volunteer should contact the state SHIIP office at 800-351-4664.  Or, to learn more about the local program, call Winneshiek Medical Center at 563-387-3036.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Growing up, my parents were both teachers in the same school and I enjoyed seeing them work together. The conversations they had were very relevant since they were both very close to the work. Marrying someone in the healthcare field, I saw something special in the patient care arena from my wife but had a harder time fully understanding the conversations since I was in private business practices. Eventually, I learned that if I wanted to have the same type of meaningful conversations my parents had, I needed to understand the health care field more. I eventually stepped into a role as a business manager of surgical services; this introduced me to a lot of aspects in health care.

From there, I have grown within the health care field and now see how I can impact an individuals health. I feel strongly about ensuring the organization has the financial resources to support the patient care provided. Another reason I chose this career is that individuals who choose to provide patient care (or serve others) have a very selfless attitude in life and see that the short life we have been given is much more about what we can do to impact others rather than what we can personally gain or accomplish.

What are you most excited for about working at WMC, and doing in the region?

We have some very exciting times ahead for WMC, whether that be the growth of services or building projects. I am excited to be part of the history that will be made. Selfishly, I really enjoy the outdoors and cannot wait to explore the area trails, rivers, and the natural raw beauty it has to offer. I am also very excited about raising our children in this area where the school districts are top-notch, sports are competitive, and fine arts are superb.

What are some of your hobbies, or personal interests you enjoy doing in your free time?

When not at work, I enjoy using my hands through woodworking or other projects around the house. I have built multiple kitchens and other fun projects, honestly I just enjoy moving from computer/meeting days to manual labor. I also enjoy staying very active whether that be exercising, hiking, kayaking, water skiing, snow skiing, or football and basketball.

Winneshiek Medical Center celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, 2022

The aspiration to “give back” is a common theme when speaking to WMC volunteers.

Winneshiek Medical Center’s 75 active volunteers are present in many areas, including the information desk, hospice, Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), Auxiliary Gift Shop, and at special events.  Additionally, volunteers provide hand-crafted items for patients, help with mailings, share their gardening talents and provide for other needs, as requested.

Nancy Ruen of Decorah joined WMC’s volunteer program early in 2022.  “I retired from being a nurse (from Mayo Clinic in Rochester) directly before the COVID-19 pandemic began. It was always my intention to volunteer to give back to the community, but options were limited.”  Nancy was able to volunteer at the food pantry in Decorah throughout the pandemic and expanded her time to include WMC a couple of years later.  She currently serves in the WMC Gift Shop and at the Information Desk.  “Of my roles at WMC, I enjoy volunteering in the Gift Shop the most,” she says.  “It is a fun environment and I like interacting with the shoppers.  I am able to choose my schedule, and the staff at WMC are helpful, welcoming and accommodating.”

The Winneshiek Medical Center Gift Shop is run by the WMC Auxiliary and is staffed by volunteers. Cards and gifts are available as well as a unique section of jewelry, watches, handbags and baby/child items. New and seasonal items are regularly added to the shelves, and shopping at the WMC Gift Shop is always tax free. Proceeds from the WMC Gift Shop support patient care equipment purchases and WMC staff education opportunities and fund the health career scholarship.

Glendalu Wuest has been volunteering at WMC since 2004.  Like Nancy, Glendalu volunteers in the WMC Gift Shop, and she also serves as a board member for the WMC Auxiliary.  She says, “After retiring from Spectrum, I missed being around people and wanted to give back to my community.  My friend, Bev Christen, recruited me, and I have been active at the medical center since then.”  Volunteer duties and processes have changed over the years, but Glendalu has always felt at home.  She says, “At WMC, the staff and patients really appreciate the volunteers.  We are always looking for new energy to join our volunteer team, so consider giving back by becoming a WMC volunteer!”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call the Winneshiek Medical Center Volunteer Services department at 563-387-3036.