FALL 2025 For a complete list of GCMH services, visit gcmh.link/services. Call 319-824-5081 or 888-824‑5081 for scheduling information. When life happens, every second counts. You can count on Grundy County Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department for local, lifesaving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, right here in Grundy County. Each year, our Emergency Department cares for about 5,800 patients of all ages, treating everything from breathing difficulties and injuries to chest pain and serious illness—often providing care with shorter wait times than larger hospitals. A team you can trust Our team includes board-certified emergency physicians and dedicated nurses, all certified in trauma nursing core course (TNCC), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS). Whether you’re facing an unexpected medical emergency, serious accident or an urgent concern for your child, our experienced staff is ready to respond quickly and compassionately. As a Level IV Trauma Center, the team is trained to stabilize critical injuries and collaborate closely with local EMS and trusted regional partners to ensure smooth transfers when higher-level care is necessary. To prepare for rare but highstakes situations, we conduct mock codes quarterly. These drills help our team maintain confidence, identify areas for improvement and deliver the best care when every second counts. Expert pediatric care This spring, GCMH proudly earned recognition through the Iowa Pediatric Emergency Assessment and Care program, showcasing our commitment to providing safe, high-quality care for children. GCMH is one of just 15 Iowa hospitals to earn this recognition. Local, lifesaving care—right here! Welcome our new medical director We’re pleased to introduce Todd Lawrence, MD, as our new Emergency Department Medical Director. He brings over two decades of emergency medicine experience, strong leadership and genuine compassion to our team. For Tori Eilderts, of Wellsburg, that dedication made all the difference. When she stopped breathing after showing early symptoms of RSV, Wellsburg EMTs and our Emergency Department team acted fast to provide the care she needed. (Scan the QR code to read the full story!) Emergencies are never planned—but where you turn for help can be. Your health and peace of mind are right here in Grundy County, with trusted, local care when you need it most. If you’re unsure whether to drive yourself or call an ambulance, don’t hesitate—always call 911 and seek emergency care immediately.
healthNEWS 2 Upcoming classes and events Register for classes at gcmh.link/events or scan the QR code to the left. Payment is requested at registration for classes that require it. Walk With Ease Kickoff Weekly, Sept. 18–Oct. 13 GCMH Live Well Cooking Series: Fall Into Healthy Kitchen Habits Sept. 22, Oct. 27 and Nov. 24 Healthiest State Walk on GCMH’s LiveWell Loop Oct. 1 Walk With a Doc Oct. 8 and Nov. 12 GCMH’s Mini- Medical School Nov. 4, 11 and 18 First Aid/CPR Oct. 7 and Dec. 9 What’s new at GCMH At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to delivering the best possible care experience. In support of this mission, we’re excited to share several key initiatives aimed at improving access, communication and convenience. From new technologies to expanded resources and in-person availability, we are innovating to better serve patients every step of the way. A new website, coming soon Another exciting step forward is the development of our new website, built with patients in mind. Designed for ease of use on desktop and mobile, the site offers clearer navigation; faster access to key information; and better tools for finding providers, locations and scheduling. This refresh will provide an online experience that better reflects the highquality care patients can expect when they walk in our doors. As we roll out these improvements, our focus remains the same: patient-centered innovation that makes care more accessible, responsive and compassionate. Extended hours for Grundy Center Primary Care Clinic in Fall 2025 In an effort to enhance access to acute care services, UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine–Grundy Center will soon offer extended hours for urgent or acute health concerns. Staffed by Shannon Appel, ARNP, these visits provide quick access for nonemergency needs such as allergies, cold or flu symptoms, earaches, fevers, minor injuries, rashes, sore throats, UTIs, and more. The extended hours, which are set to begin later this fall, will be from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Stay tuned for more information! Enhanced appointment communication We recently started using Artera, a new communication platform that automates appointment confirmations and reminders. Built to complement MyChart, Artera helps ensure that patients receive timely updates—making it easier than ever to stay connected about your care. For most outpatient departments, Artera sends a text message or call eight days before an appointment, asking for confirmation. If no response is received, follow-ups go out three days and one day prior. Once confirmed, a reminder is sent one day before the visit. But Artera goes beyond reminders. Patients can ask logistical questions—like where to park or how to find the clinic—and receive instant answers. Inquiries related to billing or medical records are routed to the appropriate teams, reducing patient frustration and improving staff workflow. As we continue integrating this tool, we’re confident it will enhance patient satisfaction and efficiency. Shannon Appel, ARNP
Specialty Clinic Visiting specialists Allergy, Skin Cancer, Ear, Nose & Throat Kenny Rodriguez, MD Crystal Wilken, ARNP 319-888-8044 Audiology Seema Arab Wilson, AuD 800-728-4327 Cardiology Kari Haislet, ARNP Micaela Rahm, ARNP 319-236-1911 Dermatology Angela Buttjer, PA-C 800-245-6246 Diabetes & Endocrinology Chitra Reddy, MD Deb Van Dyke, DNP, ARNP 319-222-2750 Gastroenterology/ Hepatology Srinivas Kalala, MD Tracy Elliott, ARNP 319-234-5990 General Surgery/ Colonoscopy Stephen Van Buren, MD, FACS Alison Wilson, MD, FACS 641-752-6391 Maternal Health & Family Planning Kathi Bower, ARNP, FNP-C 319-235-5090 Nephrology T. Michel Daoud, MD Vinay K. Kantamneni, MD 888-397-4575 Oncology Zoe Schult, ARNP 319-233-2701 Ophthalmology/ Cataract Surgery Benjamin Mason, MD 319-277-0103 Orthopedics Robert Bartelt, MD Emma Koester, ARNP 319-340-2000 Podiatry Stephen Meyer, DPM 319-234-2644 3 Foot and ankle pain can slow you down— literally. From nagging heel aches to bunions or unexpected injuries, even simple, daily tasks become difficult when your feet aren’t functioning or feeling their best. That’s where podiatry can help. Focused on diagnosing, treating and preventing foot and ankle disorders, podiatric care plays a key role in helping patients stay active and mobile. At the GCMH Specialty Clinic, expert evaluation and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options are available to meet the unique needs of each patient. From common conditions like ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, heel pain and fungal nails to more complex issues such as hammertoes, bunions, arthritis, tendon ruptures and fractures, the team is here to help patients of all ages get back on their feet. Meet the new physician We are pleased to welcome Stephen Meyer, DPM, of Northeast Iowa Podiatry, PC, as a visiting specialist to the GCMH Specialty Clinic. He replaces Stephen Solomon, DPM, who retired this past summer. Dr. Meyer brings with him extensive PODIATRY SERVICES AT GCMH Put your best foot forward training that makes him a valuable addition to the clinic’s team of specialists. Dr. Meyer completed his undergraduate education at the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in health and human physiology. He went on to receive his doctorate in podiatric medicine from Des Moines University and completed a surgical residency at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center. Dr. Meyer was drawn to podiatry because it offers a balance of clinic-based patient care and the hands-on challenges of surgery. “I enjoy getting to know my patients and helping them find relief, but I also enjoy the technical aspects and problemsolving involved in surgery,” he shares. Dr. Meyer is trained and qualified in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery. His expertise includes procedures ranging from hammertoe and bunion correction to more complex treatments like ankle fractures and total ankle replacements. At GCMH, he provides both in-office treatments and assessments as well as surgical options for conditions such as neuromas, corns and calluses, flatfeet, sports injuries, Achilles tendinitis, and more. Whether you’re dealing with a painful heel spur, recovering from an ankle sprain or exploring options for surgical correction of a long-standing condition, Dr. Meyer offers comprehensive and compassionate care to get you back on your feet faster. THE EXPERT CARE YOU DESERVE High-quality foot and ankle care is available right here in Grundy County— no need to travel far. To learn more about podiatry services at the GCMH Specialty Clinic or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Meyer, call 319-234-2644. Stephen Meyer, DPM
Standard U.S. Postage PAID Grundy County Memorial Hospital 201 E. J Ave. Grundy Center, IA 50638 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Information in LIVE WELL comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. LIVE WELL is published as a community service for the residents of the service area of Grundy County Memorial Hospital, 201 East J Ave., Grundy Center, IA 50638, grundycountyhospital.org, 319-824-5421 Adam Scherling President Kelly Jans Manager, Marketing Communications Kate Goecke Marketing Communications Specialist Crystal Petersen Director, Wellness and Nutrition Services Many people in our area are managing or trying to prevent diabetes. That’s why GCMH offers practical tools and compassionate support tailored to each journey. Preventing diabetes with the Live Well program Diabetes isn’t inevitable. The GCMH Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) nationally recognized PreventT2 campaign, is available right here in Grundy County. This year-long program is designed for adults with prediabetes, elevated blood sugar, or those who are overweight or inactive and want to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes. Following a CDC-approved curriculum, participants learn how to eat well, incorporate activity into daily life, manage stress and navigate real-world challenges, like eating out or staying motivated. Classes are led by GCMH’s trained lifestyle coach, Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD. New classes begin in October and April and offer a free preview session so you can learn more before committing. No referral is needed. Managing diabetes with confidence If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes— recently or long ago—GCMH offers expert support to help you take control. Our Diabetes Education Program, led by Wendy Brewer, RDN, LD, is certified by the American Diabetes Association and the state of Iowa. Through individual sessions and small groups, participants gain tools to manage blood sugar, plan meals, understand medications, prevent complications and improve overall wellness. Benefits include lower A1C levels, fewer complications, reduced distress and increased confidence in managing your health. Community members are also invited to attend our quarterly Diabetes Education & Support Group, where you can ask questions, connect with others and learn from GCMH’s diabetes educator and registered dietitians. Fall dates to know: ● Sept. 29—Live Well Diabetes Prevention Program Preview & Kickoff ● Nov. 3—Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes Education & Support Group Fighting diabetes together Prevention and support at Grundy County Memorial Hospital Wendy Brewer, RDN, LD Dietitian and diabetes educator Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD Director, Wellness and Nutrition Services Exciting news! GCMH is honored to be named a 2025 Top Iowa Workplace by the Des Moines Register and a 2025 Employer of Choice by the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. These awards reflect our strong culture and commitment to employee engagement and well-being. We’re proud to be a place where associates feel heard, valued and supported. Want to join our award-winning team? Visit gcmh.link/careers to explore open positions.
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