OCAHS News

$1.3 million in Health Care Services and Uncompensated Care Given Annually

Orange City Area Health System provides $1.3 million in community benefits to the region annually, according to a recently completed assessment of those programs and services.  That amount, based on 2010 figures, includes $700,000 in uncompensated care and $600,000 in free or discounted community benefits that Orange City Area Health System specifically implemented to help the region’s residents.

Community benefits are activities designed to improve health status and increase access to health care.  Along with uncompensated care (which includes both charity care and bad debt), community benefits include such services and programs as health screenings, support groups, counseling, immunizations, nutritional services, educational programs, donations, and medical support for community events.

The results for Orange City Area Health System are included in a statewide report by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) that shows Iowa hospitals provided community benefits in 2010 valued at more than $1.3 billion.  All 118 of Iowa’s community hospitals participated in the survey.

“We take very seriously our responsibility to be good community members,” reports Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System.  “In fact, it is more than a responsibility, it is an obligation as a major employer and as a local resource for health related information.”

The programs and services accounted for in the survey were implemented in direct response to the needs of individual communities, as well as entire counties and regions.  Many of these programs and services simply would not exist without hospital support and leadership, said IHA President Kirk Norris.  But the ability of Iowa hospitals to respond to such needs is continuously challenged by the ongoing economic downturn as well as by huge losses inflicted upon hospitals by Medicare and Medicaid. Total uncompensated care in 2010, including charity care and bad debt, was valued at more than $850 million, an increase of $54 million (6.8 percent) over 2009.

According to Guthmiller, “The health care industry is certainly not immune to economic downturns, but our obligation to care for those in need is paramount and trumps economics. It is a very unique aspect of the ‘business’ of health care. As such, we will continue to offer free and discounted services to those with documented need, remaining good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.”

The Auxiliary of Orange City Area Health System is once again hosting its popular “Masquerade” Jewelry and Accessories Sale on Wednesday, August 31, from 8am to 5pm in the front lobby of the health system’s main campus at 1000 Lincoln Circle SE in Orange City. A portion of the proceeds directly benefit patients and families. The public is encouraged to come join the fun and shop for a great cause! Everything is just $5 and there is a huge selection of jewelry, scarves, bags, and more.

Variety of plastic surgery procedures now offered at Orange City Area Health System

Dr. Kelly Gallego, a Sioux City-based board-certified plastic surgeon, will be offering outreach patient services and plastic surgery procedures at Orange City Area Health System beginning in mid August. Dr. Gallego attended the UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles. Following medical school he moved to Portland, Oregon to begin his training in general surgery. After three years, he ventured to the University of Colorado in Denver to complete his training in plastic surgery.  Throughout his career Dr. Gallego has received numerous awards and honors, and has co-authored a number of articles in highly respected publications. Dr. Gallego performs a variety of both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. His practice at Orange City Area Health System will focus mostly on skin cancer surgeries, reconstructive breast surgery (e.g. following breast cancer surgery), and breast reduction. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gallego call the health system outpatient department at 737-5241 or ask your family doctor for a referral. For more information on the services offered at Orange City Area Health System visit ocHealthSystem.org.

All proceeds earmarked for new nursing home in Orange City

The Orange City Area Health System Foundation is hosting its 16th Annual Golf Classic on Thursday, June 23, at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City. All proceeds from this event will be designated to the new senior living facility/nursing home that will break ground later this year. The event includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, an evening hog roast, and prizes. Registration is at 11am, followed by lunch and a shotgun start. Dinner is at 5pm followed by awarding of prizes. There are still slots available for individuals and teams, as well as a variety of sponsorship levels. To register or contribute as a sponsor, contact Linda VanderZwaag, Orange City Area Health System Public Relations, at 712-737-5368 or vanderzl@ochealthsystem.org.

Prediabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that people with  prediabetes can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes by up to 58 percent through changes to their lifestyle that include modest weight loss and regular exercise. Learn how to prevent diabetes at Orange City Area Health System’s Prediabetes Class on Monday June 20 from 5-7pm at the health system’s main campus, lower level classrooms. Cost is $25 and includes dinner. Pre-register by calling 737-5289 or online at ocHealthSystem.org, Classes & Events.

Olivia (Wielenga) Chapman is the recipient of an Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation (IHERF) scholarship. Chapman, a nursing student at Dordt College and an employee with Orange City Area Health System, is one of 32 college students from all parts of Iowa receiving $3,000 each for the upcoming academic year. The students are all studying in healthcare fields.

IHA established the IHERF Health Care Careers Scholarship Program to help address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals and encourage young Iowans to remain in the state as they establish their careers. In exchange for financial support, scholarship-receiving students agree to work one year in an Iowa hospital for each year they receive an award.

Chapman has been part of Orange City Area Health System since 2004. She began as an activity server at the health system’s Long Term Care facility. In November of 2005 she transferred to the hospital as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). In 2008 Chapman took on the role of Unit Coordinator in addition to CNA, and in July of 2009 she was awarded the Ruth Roghair Nursing Scholarship.

The IHERF scholarship recipients are evaluated on grade-point average, a written personal statement, letters of reference, and extracurricular, community, and healthcare-related activities.

Bikers are invited to join the ride to Sioux Falls June 11

The annual Bikes & Babes “Rally for Miracles” motorcycle run from Vermillion to Sioux Falls will make a stop in downtown Orange City on Saturday, June 11, for a “Dutch Lunch” in Windmill Park. This annual run is sponsored by J&L Harley Davidson and includes a post-bash party in Sioux Falls with musical entertainment that evening. Local/area riders are invited to join the group during their stop in Orange City at noon. Registration is $15 per rider and includes a blessing card, poker/map card, the ride, lunch (Woudstra’s brats), and the post-bash party. All proceeds are donated to the Children’s Miracle Network. This ride will join up with the Sioux Falls, Mitchell and Madison rides at the post-bash. The post-bash includes a cash prize for the top place and door prizes donated by local area businesses. The public is invited to welcome riders to Orange City, view the bikes, and purchase a Dutch Lunch on main street to share in the fun.

Fitting a new helmet at the Bike Rodeo

Nearly 700 people took advantage of a nice spring evening to participate in the second Family Safety Fair, sponsored by Orange City Area Health System together with the City of Orange City and the Chamber of Commerce. Over 20 interactive displays, activities, and learning opportunities for kids and adults filled the Windmill Park Square in downtown Orange City on May 5. Just a few of the popular attractions included a jaws of life demonstration, the Mercy Air Ambulance, Molly of the Sioux County Sheriff’s K-9 unit, children’s ID cards, a bicycle rodeo, the Sanford Zoo Express, and a variety of safety and wellness educational displays and fun activities.

Sanford Zoo Express

Climbing aboard!

K-9 Molly and handler

Do you enjoy spending time with seniors? Do you have a few hours a month to give to the elderly in your community? Consider becoming a volunteer Resident Advocate at Orange City Area Health System’s Long Term Care or Heritage House.

Volunteers are asked to visit residents three hours a month and attend quarterly committee meetings. During visits, volunteers assist residents to understand and exercise their rights. They also work as a team to find solutions to resident and/or family concerns. Beginner orientation and on-going education are provided.

People who live in long-term care facilities need to speak with compassionate and objective adults who care about their rights. You may be eligible to serve even if you have a relative who is a resident of Orange City Area Health System’s Long Term Care or Heritage House.

For an application or more information on becoming a volunteer, contact Katie Mulford, Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 800-532-3213.  Or visit www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs/advocacy/rac.html.

Become a volunteer today and see how you can make a difference with our senior citizens.

Food, fun, and learning for all ages in downtown Orange City

Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) — along with the City of Orange City and the Chamber of Commerce — will be hosting its second Family Safety Fair on Thursday, May 5 from 4:30-7:30pm in the Windmill Park, downtown Orange City. This fun and interactive event is designed for all ages and will include the Fire Safety House, Citizen Hands-Only CPR instructions, Bicycle Safety Rodeo (children are asked bring their own bike helmet; free helmets will be given as needed, while supplies last), Kids’ Obstacle Course, Stranger Danger Puppet Show (5:30 and 6:30), Sioux County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, Sanford/Great Plains Zoo Express, Children’s ID Cards and 911 Calling Station, Dermascan Screenings, Mercy Air ambulance (4:30-6:30), Jaws of Life Demonstration (6:00), and much more. In addition, the Household Hazardous Materials collection trailer will be on site to accept  items including solvents, lacquers and thinners, caustic household cleaners, pesticides and herbicides, and paints (please OrangeCityIowa.com for a list of acceptable and non-acceptable items). Hamburgers and “walking tacos” will be for sale by Don’s Food Center in the shelter house, and poffertjes will be for sale by the Dutch Heritage Boosters in the Little White Store. For a map and a complete list of displays and activities, visit ocHealthSystem.org.