News

The community gathered in festive spirits on December 9, 2023, at the Onawa Community Center as the annual Poinsettia Ball transformed the venue into a magical Winter Wonderland. With nearly 200 attendees, the event celebrated the spirit of the season while raising a record-breaking $119,695 in support of a new cardiac and vital monitoring system.

The Winter Wonderland theme delighted guests with a night of elegance, enchanting decor, and joyful celebration. Attendees adorned in their finest holiday attire enjoyed an evening of food, dancing, and friendship, creating unforgettable memories.

The success of the Poinsettia Ball would not have been possible without the generosity of our wonderful donors, whose contributions will significantly impact the quality of life for the people and communities we serve by providing excellent healthcare and exceptional patient experiences.

“This was another record-setting year,” said Bobbi Johnson, Burgess Foundation Director. “We are truly grateful to our dedicated community and generous donors for making this year’s Poinsettia Ball a tremendous success. The funds raised will enable us to further our mission and continue making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.”

As the Poinsettia Ball concludes on a high note, the Burgess Foundation is thrilled to announce the date for next year’s event. Mark your calendars for the Poinsettia Ball on December 14, 2024, and join us for another evening of joy, giving, and celebration.

Burgess Health Center and the Burgess Foundation extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Poinsettia Ball and look forward to continued community support in the coming year.

After careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of multiple factors, Burgess Health Center regrets to announce the closure of the Whiting Clinic, effective January 17, 2024. This difficult decision was made by Burgess Senior Leadership and the Burgess Health Center board in response to ongoing challenges related to financial performance, patient volumes, and the overall feasibility of operating three clinic locations within our service area.

The Burgess organization and the greater Onawa area owe a debt of gratitude to the Garred family for over six decades of dedication to providing quality healthcare to the citizens of this community. We extend our thanks and appreciation to Dr. Garred and Matt for their service and their family legacy.

Burgess Health Center remains committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to our communities, and this decision was not made lightly. The closure of the Whiting Clinic is a strategic move to ensure the long-term sustainability and efficiency of Burgess Healthcare operations.

All affected patients have received a notice regarding the clinic closure, outlining the details of the decision and providing information on how Burgess Health Center can assist them in transitioning their care. Patients will be guided on the process of transferring their medical records and transitioning to other Burgess Health Center locations or alternative local healthcare providers.

“We understand the impact this decision will have on our patients and the community,” said Lynn Wold, CEO at Burgess Health Center. “Our primary focus is ensuring a smooth transition for our patients, and we are dedicated to assisting them throughout this process. We appreciate the trust and support we have received from the Whiting community over the years. Further, Burgess is committed to the ongoing clinic operations in Sloan, Mapleton, and the Whiting Pharmacy.”

Burgess Health Center remains committed to its mission of delivering exceptional healthcare services, and this strategic decision will allow the organization to reallocate resources and focus on enhancing the quality of care provided at other Burgess locations.

The Burgess Auxiliary recently marked a significant milestone by commemorating 60 years of dedicated service. A special reception was held on Thursday, November 16, at Burgess Health Center, where heartfelt gratitude was extended to the remarkable individuals who have contributed their time, passion, and commitment over the past six decades.

The Burgess Auxiliary, along with the Burgess Gift Shop and ACT II, has been a driving force behind the success of numerous fundraising initiatives to enhance the quality of healthcare services that Burgess Health Center provides. The collective impact of these dedicated groups has resulted in donations exceeding $450,000, contributing significantly to the purchase of essential equipment and meeting various patient needs.

The commitment and selflessness displayed by the Burgess Auxiliary members, the Burgess Gift Shop, and ACT II have left a mark on the communities we serve. Their tireless efforts have not only enhanced the quality of care at Burgess Health Center but have also touched the lives of countless individuals who have benefited from their generosity.

In a strategic move to streamline and strengthen the impact of these accomplishments, the Burgess Auxiliary, ACT II, and the Burgess Gift Shop will now transition to align under the Burgess Foundation. This transition marks a new chapter in the organization, ensuring a more cohesive and integrated approach to fundraising and supporting the healthcare needs of our communities.

The Burgess Foundation is committed to building upon the incredible legacy of the Burgess Auxiliary, ACT II, and the Burgess Gift Shop. Thank you for your compassion, your dedication, and your commitment to Burgess Health Center. Your legacy will live on through the Burgess Foundation, touching lives and spreading hope for generations to come.

Photo: (back) Gloria Hausman, Cheryl Warner, Teresa Butler, Brenda Howland, Patty Sandmann, Michele Waples, Dawn Cass, Alicia Farley, Bobbi Johnson, Sharon Taylor, Mary Tramp, (front) Lou Hewitt, Jessica Hupke, Lorraine Davis, and Elaine Eisele.

Burgess Hospice has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a “Premier Performer” for achieving an overall caregiver and family satisfaction score that ranked in the top 5% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2022 calendar year.

The annual SHPBest™ award program was created to acknowledge hospice providers that consistently provide high-quality service to families and caregivers of patients receiving hospice care. The 2022 award recipients were determined by reviewing and ranking the overall CAHPS Hospice survey satisfaction score for more than 1,750 hospice providers. With one of the largest CAHPS Hospice benchmarks in the nation, SHP is in a unique position to identify and recognize organizations that have made family and caregiver satisfaction a priority and have been rewarded for their efforts with high marks on the CAHPS Hospice survey.

“SHP is very excited to have the opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of our top-performing customers with the annual SHPBest awards. We commend these organizations for their determination to provide top-notch care to the patients and caregivers that they serve”, said Kevin Vogel, President of SHP.

“The entire Burgess Hospice team is greatly honored to receive the ‘Premier Performer’ award from SHP. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional care to both patients and their families. We pride ourselves on ensuring that every individual we serve experiences the highest quality of hospice care. We are humbled and grateful for this acknowledgment, and we will continue to strive for excellence in our mission to provide compassionate support.” – Rachel Martian, Director of Burgess Home Health Hospice.

Read more about the SHPBest awards program, including methodology and award recipient lists at https://www.shpdata.com/hospice/shpbest-cahps-hospice/.

Photo: (back row, left to right) Angie Reynolds RN, Bettie Anderson LPN, Kris Lyons, Rose Cummins, Jennifer Gross HHA, Keri Moore HHA, Sonya Harrison HHA, Lindsay Theeler HHA, Ashley Moore LPN; (middle) Missy Koenigs RN, Laurie Mordhorst LPN, Brenda Todd RN, Clint Broer PT, Cheryl Holverson RN, Janine Shilling RN, Ashley Hagestrom RN, Elizabeth Harvey MSW; (front) Laura Ruffcorn, Ashley Anderson HHA, Rachel Martian RN/Director, Cindy Kuhlmann RN.

Not pictured- Nikki Blume RN, Jenna Westendorf RN, Erin Erickson RN, Pam McCall RN, Katie Weston MSW, Corrina Schild, Dale Wolf/Hospice Chaplain.

Burgess Health Center is proud to announce the nomination of Sarah Solberg, an extraordinary paramedic, for the Guardian Angel Award. Sarah’s dedication and compassionate care during a recent emergency medical call have earned her this well-deserved recognition.

The nomination for the Guardian Angel Award comes from the heart of a grateful family. Sarah was part of the ambulance team called to assist Jolene, a patient in a life-threatening situation. During a very serious and challenging call, Sarah’s demeanor and actions left an unforgettable mark on Jolene’s family.

“Sarah is truly an angel on earth,” said Susan Johnson, Jolene’s sister and the person who nominated Sarah for this award. “She was on the ambulance run for my sister, Jolene. This was a very serious call. Sarah was the calm, comforting voice we all needed to hear.”

Sarah’s extraordinary care extended beyond the ambulance ride. Upon arriving at Burgess Health Center, she went above and beyond her duties to provide support in the emergency room. She made it her priority to communicate effectively and thoughtfully with Jolene’s daughter and sister remained informed throughout the process. Sarah even stayed on-call, ensuring that Jolene received the necessary care and preparation for transfer to Council Bluffs the following morning.

The Guardian Angel Award, a highly respected recognition at Burgess Health Center, acknowledges individuals who demonstrate exceptional care, kindness, and commitment to their patients. Sarah’s nomination reflects the deep appreciation and gratitude felt by Jolene’s family for the extraordinary care they received during a critical moment.

Burgess Health Center is honored to have professionals like Sarah among its staff, who consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to the community they serve.

For more information about Burgess Health Center and the Guardian Angel Award, please visit www.burgesshc.org/about/foundation

Photo: (back row, left to right) Morgan Ridder, Steven Gibler, Nick Lakey; (front row, left to right) Karla Copple, Director of Emergency and Inpatient Services, Sarah Solberg, Jolene McDonald, Susan Johnson, Bobbi Johnson, Foundation Director, and Lynn Wold, CEO.

The Burgess Foundation, under the visionary leadership of Bobbi Johnson, Director of the Foundation, is delighted to announce the donation of a cutting-edge ambulance valued at $308,604 to Burgess Health Center. This remarkable contribution was made possible through generous donations from donors dedicated to supporting the vital work of emergency medical services in our community.

Bobbi expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is my privilege to witness the incredible impact of your generosity, dedication, and love for our community. First, let me express our heartfelt appreciation for your steadfast commitment to Burgess Health Center. Your past donations have transformed lives, providing essential medical care, comfort, and hope to our neighbors and friends. Your contributions have enabled us to invest in advanced equipment, attract top medical talent, and deliver the highest standard of care. We are unveiling, because of you, this new life-saving equipment.”

This brand-new ambulance, delivered on September 26th, is a testament to the power of community collaboration. With over 700 miles of coverage, Burgess Health Center’s ambulance service is vital in providing 911 assistance and paramedic support to Monona County and parts of Woodbury and Harrison counties.

“The safety of our patients and the well-being of our dedicated medical crews are paramount,” said Karla Copple, Director of the Emergency and Inpatient Department at Burgess Health Center. “This generous gift from the Burgess Foundation ensures that we can continue to provide exceptional emergency medical services to our community. We are deeply grateful for the support of our donors, whose contributions have made this significant enhancement possible.”

The new ambulance features advanced safety enhancements, including expanded storage space for life-saving equipment, a larger oxygen compartment, 4WD capabilities, liquid suspension for smoother rides, and security features such as brighter lights and high-quality reflective vinyl.

“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our community members and partners. Your contributions are more than just financial; they are lifelines that ensure our ability to provide exceptional healthcare services,” added Bobbi. “This new ambulance is a tangible representation of your generosity and commitment to the well-being of our community.”

The Burgess Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to all the donors whose contributions have made this significant donation possible. Their continued support empowers Burgess Health Center to deliver outstanding medical care, making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in our community.

Photo: (Front, left to right) Lou Hewitt, Bobbi Johnson, Director of the Burgess Foundation, Karla Copple, Director of Emergency and Inpatient Services, Lynn Wold, CEO of Burgess, Susan Johnson. (Back, left to right) Heidi Gage, Geri Johnson, Sara Solberg, Nick Lakey, Dejay Langel, Patrick Prorock and Cheryl Warner.

Burgess Health Center is proud to announce the nomination of Matt Garred, ARNP at the Whiting Family Clinic, for the Burgess Foundation Guardian Angel Award.

Todd Clark, Sioux City, wants to recognize and thank Matt for his thoughtfulness and confident care. He trusts his health to the medical professionals at Burgess and wants to thank Matt for going above and beyond and always being there for him.

It took over eight years for Todd to find a team to help with his medical condition, and after being introduced to Dr. John Garred, Jr. (Matt’s father) and Matt, Todd felt a special connection and understanding.

Burgess Foundation’s Guardian Angel program provides patients, family members, and friends a chance to show 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: Teresa Butler, Sr. VP of Clinical Services & Interim CEO, Laura Garred, Samuel Garred, Matt Garred, Justin Hummelgard, Director of Clinics, and Bobbi Johnson, Foundation Director.

The Learning for Life program at Burgess Health Center would like to thank the Monona County Community Partners Foundation.  With grant money received from the Foundation, we were able to purchase child care and safety items for families in our program.  The families are able to earn points for the items by taking their children to well-child checks, the library, having home visits and a variety of other healthy activities.  These items purchased range from baby lotion and soap to pack-n-plays, safety gates, high chairs and more.  The grant allowed Learning for Life to have the child care items readily available when there is a need for them.  This will ensure children in our program have access to a safe environment.  Thank you!

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 a strong relationship 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.  To enroll or find out more information call 712-423-9175.

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

The Burgess Health Center Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Lynn R. Wold as Chief Executive Officer, effective early September.

With nearly 30 years of progressive and diverse experience in the healthcare industry, Wold brings a wealth of leadership and strategic expertise to Burgess Health Center. As the new CEO, Wold will lead the 25-bed critical access hospital in Onawa, three Burgess Family Clinics serving the communities of Sloan, Whiting, and Mapleton, and a retail family pharmacy in Whiting.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Lynn’s caliber, experience and locally connected to step up to lead Burgess,” said Keith Schrunk, Board President. “Just wrapping up an $18 million expansion and renovation, we look forward to his leadership. We believe he will successfully continue to improve the quality of life for the people and communities we serve by providing excellent healthcare and exceptional patient experiences.”

During his 18-year tenure at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s, Sioux City, Iowa, Wold led the development of the Pierce Street Same Day Surgery facility, worked to improve patient satisfaction scores and employee engagement, oversaw the development and construction of an 80,000 square foot ambulatory medical plaza and led the expansion of highly effective Medicare-certified Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE), to name a few initiatives accomplished under his leadership.

“I am honored to have been selected as the next CEO for Burgess Health Center,” said Lynn Wold. “I am excited to join this team, organization and community that has prioritized high-quality healthcare delivery for decades. Alongside the physicians and staff, I plan to continue moving the organization forward with excellence and distinction while always putting patients first.”

“I can think of no one better to push Burgess to another level in healthcare and continue to be a huge impact in medical care in the area,” added Schrunk. “Lynn is an engaging leader with proven qualifications in strategic planning, physician recruitment, master planning, community relations, and patient experience. We look forward to welcoming him to the Burgess team.”

Wold was raised in a rural community in SE North Dakota and is the proud son of a farmer and medical laboratory technician. Lynn is a farm boy at heart. He and his wife, Beth, are the parents of five children and currently live in LeMars, IA. He and Beth look forward to establishing a home as soon as possible in or around Onawa. Wold is extremely excited to meet the Burgess team and get to know the communities and patients we serve.