News

On Monday, December 5^th Sherri Johnston-McDowell was honored with a celebration for her 44 years of commitment and dedication to Burgess Health Center.

“Sherri truly leads with her heart in all she does. Watching her navigate all of her roles in her career and life is nothing short of amazing,” said Erin Brekke, Vice President of Support Services at Burgess Health Center. “She has an absolute heart of gold, who cares for all people.”

Sherri began her career at Burgess after she graduated from nursing school and the rest is history.  During Sherri’s 44 years she has held many roles, but none can compare to the role of caregiver.

“I have so many wonderful stories of my caregiving opportunities and have made so many lifelong friends along the way,” said Sherri. “As I reflect on my time here at Burgess my thoughts don’t take me to the positions I have held or my time as a Director, but the relationships and interactions I have had with my peers, patients, and the communities we serve.”

Through Sherri’s hard work and devotion to her Home Health and Hospice team and Burgess Health Center, she has ensured the success of the department for future generations to come.

Thank you, Sherri, for an incredible 44 years. Take the time to celebrate all of your accomplishments, enjoy your newfound freedom, and always remember what a positive difference you’ve made at Burgess.

On Monday, November 21, Burgess Health Center celebrated Sharon Taylor’s legacy as she retires from full-time work at Burgess Health Center.

Sharon’s career began 48 years ago working part-time for Burgess to set up the education program. Since then, the impact she has had on Burgess is one for the record books.

“Sharon has always supported Burgess and has been the organization’s biggest champion and advocate,” said Erin Brekke, Vice President of Support Services at Burgess Health Center. “You can feel the pride Sharon has for this organization, and over all these years, through difficult times of change, that has never wavered. Even through a pandemic.”

Sharon was instrumental in the success and startup of many organizations, programs and departments at Burgess. Including establishing the education program, the Home Health Department, the Swing Bed Program, Employee Wellness and Community Wellness programs, and Burgess’ own employee-funded organization, Burgess People Care. In more recent years, she oversaw Infection Control and Prevention, Compliance and Risk Management, and Privacy and Accreditation.

For her commitment and devotion to Burgess, Sharon received a Guardian Angel Award and an engraved paver with her name in the Healing Garden both from Burgess People Care.

“It has been an honor to work at Burgess over the last 48 years, and I want to offer my sincere thanks to our employees whose hard work and dedication have allowed us to achieve so much,” said Sharon. “I also want to thank our patients and communities for their ongoing support. I have worked with many individuals over the years and am confident that my predecessors will continue excellent leadership for Burgess. It has been a pretty smooth transition.”

Sharon’s hard work and dedication to Burgess has created some big shoes to fill. The legacy she is leaving will be impactful for the future of Burgess, our patients, and the communities we serve. Sharon has decided to stay on as PRN (as needed) to assist in the transition of her multiple roles. Thank you, Sharon, for providing us with 48 years of knowledge and expertise. Here’s to a happy retirement and wishing you all the best!

Photo from left to right: (back row) Mark and Jenny (Taylor) Dehn, Sharon and Gary Taylor, Jessica Taylor (front row) Merrick Dehn, Graham Riley, Denver Riley

 

Need a family to share dinner with on Thanksgiving Day? Join Burgess People Care and the family and friends of Nancy Broer as they host the 13th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. As in years past, we will serve traditional Thanksgiving dinners to area residents, assuring no one misses out on this customary feast because they are alone or unable to prepare a meal.

The Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on the national holiday Thursday, Nov. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Turkey, stuffing, salads, vegetable dishes, other sides, and pies will be served.

The annual dinner feeds hundreds of adults, senior citizens, and families. The meal will be served at the First Christian Church located at 722 15th Street in Onawa. Free will donations are accepted, but not expected.

“Burgess People Care will continue to fulfill Nancy’s dream of bringing people together on Thanksgiving for as long as we can,” says Nancy’s niece, Teresa Butler. “She started this tradition because she wanted those who are alone or in need to enjoy a warm, traditional dinner in a family atmosphere on the exact holiday.”

Burgess People Care is a long-time employee committee of Burgess Health Center that raises funds to support community drives, events, and fellow employees. Another partner in this dinner is the Onawa Chamber of Commerce. Both organizations realize that sponsoring this event enhances the overall quality of life in Onawa and the surrounding areas.

Persons experienced with cooking for crowds will prepare the main course. Burgess volunteers and family members will prepare special dishes. Family and friends of Nancy will be among the volunteers, giving of their time to serve those in attendance on Thanksgiving.

Those who wish to attend, please make a meal reservation by noon on Friday, Nov. 18, to ensure that there is more than enough food. Please call Burgess Human Resources at 712-423-9200. If there is no answer, leave a message with your name, phone number and the number of people attending.

Burgess Health Center is proud to announce the nomination of Abbie Nielsen, RN in the Inpatient Services Department, for the Burgess Foundation Guardian Angel Award.

The family of Carolyn Westergaard want to recognize and thank Abbie for her attention, confident care, and professional concern for Carolyn during her last loving hours.

Abbie was knowledgeable and alert to health details, such as calling Dr. Garred and making Carolyn comfortable during her brief stay at Burgess Health Center. Carolyn and her family trusted her health to the medical professionals at Burgess.

Burgess Foundation’s Guardian Angel program provides patients, family members, and friends a chance to show their gratitude to a physician, nurse, or another caregiver who has played an exceptional role in their lives. The Guardian Angel received an acknowledgment letter announcing that a donation has been made in their honor and given a custom-crafted lapel pin to wear proudly.

Did a caregiver at Burgess make a memorable difference for you or your family? If so, you can honor that special person in a highly visible way through Burgess Foundation’s Guardian Angel program. It is more than a pin. When you take advantage of our Guardian Angel program, you also help ensure the future of outstanding health care in the region.

Photo: Dr. John Garred, Bobbi Johnson, Foundation Director, Kathy Westergaard (Carolyn’s daughter-in-law), Abbie Nielsen, and Chris Cleaver, Director of Inpatient Services.

Need a family to share dinner with on Thanksgiving Day? Please make plans to join Burgess People Care and the family and friends of Nancy Broer as they host the 13th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. As in years past, we will serve traditional Thanksgiving dinners to area residents, assuring no one misses out on this traditional feast because they are alone or unable to prepare a meal.

The Thanksgiving Community Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., serving a Thanksgiving feast of turkey, stuffing, salads, vegetable dishes, other sides, pies, and more.

Over 150 volunteers, children, adults, and senior citizens in previous years enjoyed this time of fellowship. The meal will be served at First Christian Church, 722 15th Street in Onawa, IA. Freewill donations are appreciated but not expected.

People who wish to attend should make a meal reservation by noon on Friday, November 18, 2022, to ensure there is more than enough food. Please call Burgess Human Resources at 712-423-9200.

Burgess Health Center is a proud supporter of our community and our agricultural producers whom we rely on to help keep our small towns thriving. We want to make our agricultural leaders aware of the benefits not just on donating to the Burgess Foundation, but simple ways they can make a lasting difference.

Donating grain is an easy way to save on your taxes while investing in the future of Burgess at the same time.  This can be done by providing a part of what you have grown into the Burgess Foundation.  A Foundation that gives back to your own community by investing in updated medical technology, equipment, and resources that help to keep Burgess providing the best patient care possible.

Last year, the Gift of Grain donations received by the Burgess Foundation went to the purchase of a new ambulance for the Emergency Department.

The Benefits of Donating Grain

If the farmer chooses to donate grain, the farmer can then exclude the grain sale from income, which can result in saving on your taxes. Here are some examples of how you can save by donating.

• State income tax savings (up to 8.98% in Iowa)
• Self-employment tax savings (15.3%)
• Federal income tax savings (up to 37%)

How can you donate?

The best way to start is by contacting Bobbi Johnson, Burgess Foundation Director, at (712) 423-9374.

Keep a copy for your records. (This should be unsold crop with no prior sale commitment.)

Transfer the grain as a gift to the Burgess Foundation.  Your elevator can send a warehouse storage receipt to the Foundation. The grain should be put in the name of the Burgess Foundation.

The Burgess Foundation will then sell the grain and receive the proceeds.

Each agricultural producer’s situation is different. Please consider consulting with a tax professional before donating to make sure this is the right choice for you. Remember, no gift is too small.

Burgess Health Center is proud to announce the nomination of Brooke Barnett, RN and Critical Care Paramedic in the Emergency Department, for the Burgess Foundation Guardian Angel Award.

Shari Pithan recognizes and thanks Brooke for going above and beyond in providing exceptional care. Pithan was involved in a car accident, and Brooke was one of the first paramedics on the scene.

“It was a very scary situation, and Brooke calmly answered and explained all my questions,” said Pithan. “She is very kind and helpful and rode all the way to Omaha with me. Burgess is lucky to have her”.

Burgess Foundation’s Guardian Angel program provides patients, family members, and friends a chance to show their gratitude to a physician, nurse, or another caregiver who has played an exceptional role in their lives. The Guardian Angel received an acknowledgment letter announcing that a donation has been made in their honor and given a custom-crafted lapel pin to wear proudly.

Did a caregiver at Burgess make a memorable difference for you or your family? If so, you can honor that special person in a highly visible way through Burgess Foundation’s Guardian Angel program. It is more than a pin. When you take advantage of our Guardian Angel program, you also help ensure the future of outstanding health care in the region.

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Photo: Bobbi Johnson, Foundation Director, Karla Copple, Director of Emergency Services, Brooke Barnett, and Mona Pithan, Shari’s daughter-in-law.

The team at Burgess Mental Health celebrated 35 years of providing a broad range of outpatient counseling and therapy services to individuals, families, and couples of all age groups. Founded in 1987, the department started with one therapist and has spent the last 35 years advancing the behavioral healthcare services offered. Today, the department has 13 employees and serves over 600 patients in over 5,000 sessions annually.

“We could not be happier to celebrate thirty-five years of service in Monona County and surrounding areas,” says Jenn Skaff, Director, and Therapist at Burgess Mental Health. “The work we do isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for our family members, community members, and neighbors that struggle with mental health. We want to help our communities to become a happier, healthier place to live.”

In addition to the primary location on the Burgess campus in Onawa, a satellite office is located in Mapleton. Walk-in clinics are held every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis. Psychiatric services are also provided in person and via a secure live-video telehealth connection by a board-certified psychiatrist and a psychiatric physician’s assistant.

If you or someone you know could benefit from an appointment with one of our Burgess Mental Health team members, please call 712-423-9160 or seek a referral from your primary healthcare provider. For more information on the services offered, please visit www.BurgessHC.org.

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Photo (Front L to R): Jessica Gross, Sara Keenan, Jayna Woolridge, Jenn Skaff, Director of Mental Health, Greg Nooney, Dr. Kelsey Sigler, Amber Jones, Jessica Cox. (Back L to R): Bobbi Johnson, Foundation Director, Geri Johnson, Erin Brekke, Carl Behne, CEO of Burgess Health Center, Rob Meyer, and Tori Vogt.

 

The Learning for Life Program received excellent reviews from participating families. All families who completed the anonymous Parent Satisfaction survey strongly agreed or agreed that the Learning for Life program has helped them understand their child’s development, handle stress, find resources, and has motivated them to try new parenting techniques when needed. Many families stated the program has helped them manage stress, meet other families, and work toward goals.

Parents were given an opportunity to leave comments on the survey.

Here are a few of the things they had to say about their parent educators:

• “She is very kind and helps me understand my kids more. I love having my meetings with her”
• “Helping my children with sharing, fighting/ working with others, and working with developing their sensory and motor skills”
• “Knowing the development of my children and where they are at”
• “Helping me understand how to help my child learn things and also how to act when they have an upset moment”
• “We love Sara she always has great ideas and is always very helpful with any questions or concerns I have about my son.”

Way to go, parent educators Sara and Kaylee!!

Enroll now – openings are available! Learning for Life is a free home visiting program for anyone in Monona County with children prenatal-5 years old. Our parent educators assist parents in giving their children the best possible start by building strong relationships and helping parents increase their confidence. Our staff bring fun educational parent-child activities, provide support and encouragement, as well as complete developmental assessments to be sure the children are school ready when that time comes. Enrolled families have access to passes to the LaunchPad Children’s Museum and the Henry Doorly Zoo. Families also earn incentives such as diapers, wipes, and other child care items.

The Learning for Life Program is funded by grants from the Harrison, Monona and Shelby Early Childhood Iowa Board, Iowa Child Abuse Prevention Program grant funding and the Monona County Board of Supervisors.

For more information or to join Learning for Life, call 712-423-9175.