Month: May 2025

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to recognize Kerri Shipley, Financial Counselor, as the newest recipient of our Path to Excellence employee recognition award.

Kerri has been a dedicated member of the Stewart Memorial team for nearly 12 years. Kerri’s decision to join the hospital was shaped by a major life event. “I had a life-changing event three months before I started my job. I traveled, and my husband had a heart attack. And so, I knew I needed to be closer to home. I saw that there was a listing for a job at Stewart Memorial. I knew it was a great place to work, very family-oriented, and so I applied for the job and got it, and I was ecstatic.”

Over the years, Kerri’s role has shifted significantly alongside changes in the healthcare industry. “I used to interact with patients more at the end of their experience when they got their bill. And with how healthcare has changed so much, with billing and transparency, we have been speaking with patients before their visits… to kind of set that expectation that there may be a point-of-service payment,” she explained. “It’s just trying to change that mindset and set that expectation for those patients, which in the long run, has benefited them.”

One of the initiatives she’s most proud of is the team’s upfront payment program. “We went as a department to another hospital that has been creating estimates on larger tests and procedures and calling patients and collecting money for quite some time. We wanted to see what that looked like and how they made it work. We started our program here in 2016. It’s been very successful.”

“​Kerri’s knowledge and experience are truly valuable.  She is a great resource for our patients to help them navigate and understand their insurance and help with financial needs.  She shows great compassion and understanding.  She is a great asset to our team.” said Linda Rath, Business Office Director.

Among Stewart Memorial’s core values, one stands out most to Kerri: “Compassion, 100%. I really care about people and want them to feel at ease when they speak with me. Going to the hospital or clinic can be stressful, and then getting a large bill can be overwhelming.”

Kerri also credits her growth to the strong support system at Stewart Memorial. “My boss, Linda Rath, has always been so supportive in my role and growth as an employee. My department has also stepped up with our evolving changes with billing transparency and point-of-service… They are all about streamlining the best patient experience.”

When asked what inspires her to keep going, Kerri said, “The people I work with are like family. They keep me motivated, and the interaction I have with other departments and their expertise inspires me professionally and for my own personal growth.”

Congratulations, Kerri, and thank you for your compassion, leadership, and years of dedicated service to our patients and community.

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital welcomed U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley on Thursday, May 29, for a facility tour and a question-and-answer session with hospital department leaders, staff, and board members. The visit provided an important opportunity to discuss the realities of delivering healthcare in rural Iowa and the federal policies that impact access, quality, and sustainability.

During his time at Stewart Memorial, Senator Grassley toured areas of the hospital, including the Main Entrance, Rehabilitation Department, Emergency Room, Obstetrics (OB), and Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) units. Following the tour, he took part in a Q&A session with hospital department leaders, staff, and board members, listening to firsthand accounts of both success stories and ongoing challenges.

Key Topics of Discussion Included:

• Medicare Advantage (MA) Concerns: Hospital representatives shared local examples of care delays and denials under MA plans, as well as the administrative burden and financial strain caused by delayed payments. These issues directly impact patient care and provider capacity in rural settings.
• Support for OB and Mental Health Services: As a Critical Access Hospital, Stewart Memorial emphasized the need to protect and fund essential services like obstetrics and mental health, which are increasingly difficult to sustain due to workforce shortages and reimbursement issues.
• Reimbursement Rates and Legislative Extenders: The discussion also touched on rural reimbursement inequities and the reliance on short-term “extender” packages in federal legislation. Senator Grassley explained the ongoing legislative challenges tied to changing long-standing funding formulas and encouraged continued advocacy.

“We appreciated the opportunity to show Senator Grassley our facility and speak candidly about the needs and pressures facing rural healthcare,” said Linn Block, CEO of Stewart Memorial Community Hospital. “It’s vital that our representatives understand how federal decisions impact our ability to serve patients here in Lake City and the surrounding communities.”

Stewart Memorial thanks Senator Grassley for visiting and for taking time to listen, learn, and engage on the future of rural healthcare.

Governor Kim Reynolds announced on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, that Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics has been awarded a $131,000 Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant to support its new Fast Track Pathway to Healthcare program. This groundbreaking initiative, developed in collaboration with South Central Calhoun Community School (SCC), Iowa Central Community College (ICCC), and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), aims to guide local students from classroom to career in vital healthcare fields including Registered Nursing (RN), Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), and Radiologic Technology.

The Fast Track Pathway to Healthcare is designed to address workforce shortages in rural healthcare by building a local talent pipeline. Through this program, students in the South Central Calhoun district will receive early exposure to healthcare careers and structured academic planning, with hands-on experience and scholarship support through Stewart Memorial.

“This grant allows us to invest in the future of our community, supporting students as they grow into healthcare professionals and helping ensure high-quality care for years to come,” said CEO of Stewart Memorial, Linn Block.

South Central Calhoun Schools will play a critical role by hosting a Middle School Healthcare Career Fair, facilitating participation in a High School Healthcare Interactive Exploration Day, and creating a Fast Track academic plan for interested students to prepare for college acceptance and success, including:

• Healthcare career exploration by junior year.
• Enrollment in college courses tied to healthcare careers.
• School-to-career placements at Stewart Memorial during senior year.

As a healthcare partner, Stewart Memorial will provide engaging, hands-on activities during career fairs and exploration days and offer part-time jobs in related departments to selected students during their senior year. Stewart Memorial intends to award tuition and fee scholarships for Fast Track participants and supply mentors and recommendation letters to support student success. At the end of their experiences, Stewart Memorial intends to offer full-time employment to students who complete the program and meet position qualifications.

The nursing programs at ICCC and DMACC are key partners in offering accessible healthcare program courses to high school students. These nursing programs will offer scheduling flexibility so students can work approximately 10 hours per week at Stewart Memorial and have the opportunity to complete at least 50% of the required clinical hours. Extra consideration will be given in the application process, whereas ICCC will allocate 15 additional application points to Fast Track applicants for its Radiologic Technology program.

Fast Track students are expected to maintain academic standards and balance school and work commitments, complete required licensure exams promptly after graduation, and commit to working full-time at Stewart Memorial for four years post-graduation if they receive scholarship support. A prorated repayment policy applies if employment is ended prematurely.

“This collaboration is about more than education or employment, it’s about building sustainable careers and strengthening the healthcare system right here in our own backyard,” said Block.

With this innovative model, Stewart Memorial and its partners are helping local students chart a clear path toward meaningful, in-demand careers while investing in the long-term health of the community.

For students who are interested in learning more about the Fast Track Pathway at Stewart Memorial, please contact Rachel Judisch at (712) 464-4247 or email rjudisch@stewartmemorial.org.

• We will never call you out of the blue to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking information.
• If we do contact you regarding your Medicare coverage, it will be in connection with a specific appointment, service, or request you’ve made.
• If you receive a suspicious call that claims to be from Stewart Memorial, hang up and call us directly at 712-464-7907 to verify the call.

Mark your calendars! Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is excited to host the 40th Annual 2-Mile Fun Run—a beloved tradition that brings together families, friends, and fitness enthusiasts from across the area. The milestone event takes place Saturday, June 28 at 8:30 a.m., with both the start and finish lines located on the west side of the Lake City town square.

Whether you’re a competitive runner or just out for a stroll, the Fun Run welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. It’s more than just a race—it’s a chance to connect with neighbors, promote wellness, and enjoy a morning of fun and fitness.

Registration Details:

• $15 pre-registration through May 31
• $20 registration from June 1 – June 27
• $25 day-of registration on June 28

Register online at www.getmeregistered.com/smch2mile. All registration fees include a t-shirt; however, only pre-registered participants are guaranteed to receive their shirts before the event, available for pickup at the Heart Strings Gift Shoppe the week of June 24.

Bonus Fun! Kids aged 9 and under can participate in the free Kid’s Dash at 8:15 a.m. No pre-registration is required—just sign up the day of the event. (T-shirt not included.)

Awards will be presented to:

• Overall male and female winners
• Youngest and oldest pre-registered participants
• Top 2 male and female finishers in each age group:
  Wheelchair, 10 and under, 11–14, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–65, and 66+

For questions or more information, contact Casey Wetter, Registered Dietitian, at (712) 464-4182 or cwetter@stewartmemorial.org.

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics is proud to announce Stephanie Meyer and Vance Wheeler as the 2025 recipients of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This national honor, presented in partnership with the DAISY Foundation, recognizes nurses who go above and beyond in providing exceptional care and compassion to patients and families.

Stephanie Meyer, a nurse in the operating room, stood out for her extraordinary care during a young patient’s surgical experience. From the first pre-op interaction to post-operative recovery, Stephanie’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail helped ease anxiety and build trust. She explained every step in a way the child could understand, offered comfort items like a pink triceratops and her favorite milkshake, and even asked ahead of time what color the child preferred. Her ability to blend medical excellence with heartfelt care transformed a stressful experience into one filled with reassurance and dignity.

Vance Wheeler earned praise for his consistent professionalism and unwavering dedication to patient needs. Described as always punctual, courteous, and attentive, Vance is known for ensuring no detail is overlooked. Patients remarked on his politeness and willingness to help with anything, noting that his reliable presence provided both comfort and peace of mind.

“These two individuals exemplify what it means to be a nurse,” said Ann Lengeling, chief nursing office at Stewart Memorial. “Stephanie and Vance demonstrate not just clinical skill, but deep compassion, patience, and advocacy for those in their care. They are true role models in our nursing community.”

Alongside these winners, Stewart Memorial also acknowledges a group of outstanding nominees: Kaylynn Larson, Carrie Gentry, Shyla Mohr, and Dawn Parkins. Each was nominated by grateful patients and families for their compassion, attentiveness, and professionalism.

The DAISY Award is part of a national initiative of the DAISY Foundation, established to recognize the remarkable work nurses do every day. Stewart Memorial is proud to continue this tradition of celebrating nurses who make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.