Month: August 2026

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics to Host EMPOW’HER Women’s Wellness Event

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics will host EMPOW’HER: A Women’s Wellness Education and Awareness Event on Wednesday, October 28, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at the Lake City Community Building. The free event is designed to give women an opportunity to connect, learn, ask questions, and make time for their own health and well-being.

Between work, family, appointments, errands, and caring for others, women often put their own health needs on the back burner. EMPOW’HER encourages women to take an evening for themselves and become more informed and confident in advocating for their health.

“Your health matters. Your questions matter. Your voice matters,” is the message behind the event.

The evening will feature complimentary charcuterie, opportunities to connect with local organizations and Stewart Memorial providers, and conversations focused on topics important to women’s health and well-being.

Keynote speaker Heather Hall, a three-time cancer survivor, healthcare communicator, and advocate, will share her presentation, “Living Beyond Challenges: Motivation to Live Your Best Life.” Hall will share her personal story and discuss finding joy, navigating challenges, and becoming a stronger advocate for your own health.

Following the keynote presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive roundtable discussions with Stewart Memorial providers. Roundtable topics will include nutrition, mental health, fitness and mobility, obstetrics and family planning, preventative care, menopause, hormone health, and more.

The roundtables are designed to create an open and approachable environment where women can ask questions, learn from Stewart Memorial providers, and explore health topics that may affect them at different stages of life. Rather than simply listening to a presentation, attendees can choose the conversations that are most relevant to them and participate in meaningful discussion.

“EMPOW’HER is about creating a space where women can slow down, ask the questions they may have been putting off, and leave feeling more informed and confident about their health,” said CEO, Linn Block. “We want women to feel comfortable talking about their health and know where to turn when they have questions or need support.”

The event is free and open to women of all ages. Attendees do not need to be Stewart Memorial patients to participate. Registration is encouraged.

EMPOW’HER: A Women’s Wellness Education and Awareness Event
Wednesday, October 28
5:00 to 7:30 PM
Lake City Community Building
FREE EVENT

Women are encouraged to bring a friend, sister, mother, daughter, or attend on their own. Whether attending to learn something new, connect with others, ask a health question, or simply make time for themselves, EMPOW’HER offers an opportunity to put their health back on the calendar.

For more information or questions, contact Rachel Walters at (712) 464-4214 or rachel.walters@stewartmemorial.org.

Registration is encouraged. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/testeditingpage/event/empowher/

Rachel Walters Named Q3 Culture Champion at Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics

Rachel Walters receives Culture Champion award

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics is proud to recognize Rachel Walters as a recipient of the Culture Champion Award for the third quarter. This award honors team members who consistently exemplify the hospital’s core values of safety, communication, compassionate service, teamwork, and stewardship, while helping create a positive and supportive workplace.

Rachel was nominated by Mollie Scott for her reliability, creativity, positive attitude, hard work, and dedication to Stewart Memorial. Through her marketing work, Rachel helps share the stories, services, events, and community involvement that make Stewart Memorial special.

“Rachel has an incredible talent for communication and consistently does an outstanding job sharing what is happening within the hospital and auxiliary,” Mollie shared. “Her eye for showcasing SMCH in such a positive and professional light is a tremendous asset to both the hospital and our community.”

That commitment is evident in the way Rachel supports both Stewart Memorial and the Auxiliary. In a short amount of time, Rachel created marketing materials for several initiatives, including the Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, Geranium Fundraiser, and Swinging for Patients Golf Outing.

“No matter the event or timeline, Rachel can always be counted on to assist with marketing needs quickly and efficiently, often exceeding expectations with both the quality of her work and the speed at which it is completed,” Mollie said. “She approaches her work with dedication, creativity, and pride, always striving to do her best for SMCH and those we serve.”

Her nomination also highlighted Rachel’s stewardship, organizational skills, and willingness to take ownership of everything she does. “She exemplifies Stewart Memorial’s values through her honesty, integrity, and commitment to excellence each day,” Mollie added. “Her positive attitude and dedication make a meaningful impact on both coworkers and the community alike.”

Congratulations, Rachel, and thank you for all you do for Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics and the communities it serves.

Path to Excellence: Megan Grodahl, PA-C Builds Connections Through Rural Health Care

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Megan Grodahl, PA-C, as its August Path to Excellence honoree. Approaching 11 years with Stewart Memorial, Grodahl has built her career around rural family medicine, meaningful relationships with patients and families, and a commitment to working alongside her colleagues to provide care close to home.

Grodahl’s path to Stewart Memorial began with a strong interest in rural medicine.

“I just fell in love with rural Iowa and have a passion for primary care in a small community,” said Grodahl. “I very much enjoy caring for families, pediatric all the way through end of life.”

That connection to rural health is one of the reasons Grodahl has continued to call Stewart Memorial home. As a provider at the Stewart Memorial Lake City Clinic, she has had the opportunity to care for multiple generations of families, often developing relationships that extend far beyond the exam room.

“Most of my patients are like family now,” she said. “It’s great to see the full circle effect of health care. It reminds you that you do truly make an impact on the day-to-day.”

In addition to family medicine, Grodahl has spent several years providing occupational health services. That work has strengthened her appreciation for teamwork and the importance of connecting patients with the right resources throughout their care.

Grodahl works closely with the rehabilitation therapy team, particularly when patients experience work-related injuries and need rehabilitation to return to their jobs and daily activities. She also collaborates with the laboratory and other departments to help streamline services for local employers and their employees.

“One of the things I really value is the relationship we have with our Rehab Therapy services team. We’re able to communicate and work together to make sure patients get the care they need and can move forward with their recovery,” Grodahl said.

For Grodahl, the strength of those relationships is one of the advantages of practicing medicine in a rural health system. Working closely with colleagues across departments allows her to see patients through different stages of their care and recovery.

Seeing patients progress through recovery and return to the activities that are important to them is one of the most rewarding parts of Grodahl’s work. Whether helping someone recover from a workplace injury or seeing an older patient regain mobility after surgery, she values being able to see the long-term impact of the care provided.

“You can see them then reintegrate back into their workplace or society and be successful,” she said. “You just don’t see that in big communities. You treat that person, and they leave, and then you may not see them again. Here, there’s that personal relationship.”

That connection to patients and the community continues to inspire Grodahl as she looks toward the future. She remains interested in opportunities to expand her professional knowledge and bring additional services to the community.

After nearly 11 years with Stewart Memorial, Grodahl’s commitment to rural medicine continues to be shaped by the relationships she has built with patients, families and colleagues.

“I very much enjoy caring for families,” she said. “It’s the community aspect that is important for me.”

Grodahl’s dedication to rural health, teamwork and the patients and families she serves reflects the values celebrated through Stewart Memorial’s Path to Excellence recognition. Her commitment to building lasting relationships and providing care that helps patients return to the people, work and activities that matter most continues to make a meaningful impact throughout the communities Stewart Memorial serves.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics congratulates Megan Grodahl, PA-C, on being recognized as the August Path to Excellence honoree and thanks her for nearly 11 years of dedicated service to patients, families and the community.

Megan Grodahl

2027 Community Health Needs Assessment to be Hosted by Stewart Memorial Community Hospital

Over the next few months, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital will be working together with other area community leaders to update the Calhoun County, IA 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Today we are requesting Calhoun County community members’ input regarding current healthcare delivery and unmet resident needs.

The goal of this assessment update is to understand progress from past community health needs assessments conducted in 2021 and 2024, while collecting up-to-date community health perceptions and ideas. VVV Consultants LLC, an independent research firm from Olathe, KS has been retained to conduct this countywide research.

A brief community survey has been developed to accomplish this work. <Note: The CHNA survey link can be accessed by visiting the Stewart Memorial Hospital website and/or Facebook page. You may also utilize this link for quick access.

All community residents and business leaders are encouraged to complete this online survey by August 28th, 2026. In addition, a CHNA Town Hall meeting to discuss the survey findings and identify unmet needs will be held on September 22nd, 2026, for lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm. More info to come soon! Thank you in advance for your time and support!

Stewart Memorial Invests $72.2 Million in Community Health and Economic Vitality

New data released as part of the Iowa Hospital Association’s (IHA) annual community benefit and economic impact report highlights the vital role hospitals play not only in providing care, but also in strengthening local economies and supporting healthier communities.

In 2025, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital provided more than $1.9 Million in community benefits and served 5,482 patients, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

“As healthcare needs continue to evolve, hospitals remain essential to the strength and vitality of Iowa communities,” said Linn Block, CEO of Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “We are committed to improving health outcomes, supporting our workforce, and investing in the future of the communities we serve.”

The study was compiled from hospital-submitted data to the American Hospital Association’s annual survey of hospitals. The statewide report released by IHA found that Iowa hospitals collectively provided more than $1.4 billion in community benefits, employed 146,616 individuals, and generated significant economic activity throughout the state. As an income source, hospitals provide over $10.4 billion in wages. Hospital expenses accounted for over $24.8 billion of the state’s gross domestic product.

In 2025, Stewart Memorial:

• Provided $1.9 million in community benefits
• Employed 446 individuals
• Paid $37.5 million in salaries and wages
• Recorded 5,482 patient visits, admissions or encounters
• Contributed to the local economy through investment in services, facilities, supplies and workforce development

Community benefit programs support local health needs and help remove barriers that can affect access to care. These efforts may include:

• Charity care and uncompensated health services
• Community health screenings and immunization clinics
• Mental and behavioral health programs
• Nutrition and wellness education
• Health career education and workforce development initiatives
• Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations

“Every day, Iowa hospitals invest in the health and vitality of their communities,” said Chris Mitchell, IHA President and CEO. “The community benefits highlighted in this report reflect a deep commitment to improving lives, expanding access to care and addressing local health needs. At the same time, hospitals are creating jobs, strengthening local economies and serving as anchors for communities across Iowa.”

Restore and Renew: Rockwell City Clinic Expansion Breaks Ground

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics celebrated the groundbreaking of the Rockwell City Clinic Expansion on Sunday, August 2, at 2:30 p.m. at 339 E. High St., Rockwell City. The project marks a significant investment in the future of healthcare for Rockwell City and surrounding communities.

Community members, donors, employees, and the project committee gathered to celebrate the milestone and the vision behind the expansion, which will improve access to care, create updated exam and treatment spaces for patients, and support the growing healthcare needs of the area.

“As healthcare needs continue to evolved, the Restore and Renew Rockwell City Clinic Expansion ensures Stewart Memorial is prepared to serve patients today and for generations to come,” said Linn Block, CEO of Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “We knew we could do better for our patients.”

This two-phase construction and renovation project will create spaces designed to serve the needs of our patients, families, and providers while allowing us to continue improving access to care close to home.

Phase One: New Rockwell City Clinic

The first phase includes construction of a new clinic located next to Fareway on County Road D20 in Rockwell City.

The new clinic will provide space for:

Family Practice
Behavioral Health Services
Laboratory Services
Radiology Services
Community Pharmacy

The facility will feature improved patient flow, private behavioral health rooms, and updated outpatient areas. The expanded space will also create opportunities to welcome additional providers and services to the Rockwell City community. Completion is expected in fall 2027.

“This project gives us the ability to continue offering healthcare services that address the needs of our community,” said Block. “We want people to have access to the care they need while remaining close to their families, homes, and support systems.”

Phase Two: Expanded Rehabilitation Services

Currently, rehabilitation services are located in the lower level of the Rockwell City Clinic. Hospital administration felt that patients recovering from procedures, injuries, or illnesses deserve spaces that better support their recovery.

Rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services will move from the lower level into fully accessible spaces on the main floor, designed to better support patients throughout their recovery. The expanded center will serve seniors working to maintain mobility; adults recovering after surgery or illness; and children receiving pediatric therapy services.

“This project is about creating a place where people feel supported through every stage of life,” said Rachel Judisch, Director of Business Development and Foundation at Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics. “Whether someone is recovering through therapy, seeking behavioral health support, or receiving routine care, these spaces will help us continue providing services that make a difference for our patients and families.”

Community Support Makes the Vision Possible

Fundraising efforts are being guided by a campaign committee, which includes community members, employees, and supporters dedicated to helping bring the vision to life.

“This project represents the generosity and commitment of our community,” said Jo Grodahl, Co-Chair of the Restore and Renew Capital Campaign Committee and President of the Stewart Memorial Foundation. “The support behind this effort will create a lasting impact by providing spaces where patients can receive care and recover. This is an opportunity for our community to invest in healthcare that will serve their families for generations.”

The Restore and Renew Capital Campaign Committee includes co-chairs Jo Grodahl and Peg Stoolman, Rockwell City Clinic employee representative, along with committee members Marcie Boerner, Dave Staver, Brad Assman, Barb Dettman, Craig Aljets, Pomeroy representative, Kerri and Earl McAlexander, Janet Haub, Peggy Neubaum, and Stewart Memorial Senior Team Representative(s).

Project Timeline

Fall 2026–Fall 2027
New Rockwell City Clinic construction

Fall 2027
Clinic completion, move-in, and community open house

Fall 2027–Summer 2028
Existing clinic renovation into a dedicated rehabilitation center

Summer 2028
Rehabilitation Services completion and final project celebration

Through the Restore and Renew Rockwell City Clinic Expansion, Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics continues its commitment to improving access to care and supporting the health and wellness of individuals and families throughout the community.

To learn more about the Restore and Renew project or opportunities to support the campaign, contact the Stewart Memorial Foundation, committee members, or Rachel Judisch (712) 464-4247 or rjudisch@stewartmemorial.org

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Foundation Rockwell City Clinic