Ida County Receives First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

Ida County received their first shipments of the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine on December 22.  A total of 400 doses are available for healthcare workers as defined by Phase 1-A of the Vaccine Shortage Order effective December 14, 2020.  Horn Memorial Hospital will begin vaccination for their healthcare workers on December 29.  Horn Public Health will also begin to offer vaccine to healthcare workers not affiliated with Horn Memorial Hospital on December 29.  Long term care, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities in Ida County have been matched with either CVS or Walgreens pharmacies to provide and administer COVID-19 vaccine for their residents and staff.    

When the majority of those in Phase 1-A are vaccinated the State will allow vaccination of those in Phase 1-B, potentially early February.  Phase 1-B will include: persons age 75 years or greater, firefighters, police, corrections officers, food and agricultural workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, teachers and support staff as well as child care workers. 

In Phase 1-C, vaccine should be offered to persons aged 65-74 years, persons aged 16-64 years with medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 (cancer; chronic kidney disease; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies; immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant; obesity; severe obesity; sickle cell disease; smoking; type 2 diabetes mellitus; and pregnancy), and essential workers not previously included (transportation and logistics; water and wastewater; food service; shelter and housing; finance; information technology and communications; energy, legal, media, public safety engineers and public health workers).

During Phase 2 vaccine supply will likely be sufficient to meet demand for critical populations as well as the general public.  Ida County has been working with the health care providers in our county these last several months so they can offer the vaccine to their patients.  Public Health will also offer vaccine clinics for Phases 1-B, 1-C and 2.  Clinics are being planned through St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ida Grove, and Lohff Schumann Memorial Community Center, Holstein.  Dates will be set after public health is notified of each phase opening.  You can check vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you offering vaccine.     

Everyone should continue taking protective measures to limit the spread of COVID-19:

●     Stay home if you’re sick

●     Wash your hands often

●     Stay six feet away from others at all times

●     Wear a mask when you can’t properly social distance from others

●     Recognize that older people and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart issues, and organ transplants have a much higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19

Ida County Continues to Plan for COVID-19 Vaccine

As we come closer to receiving COVID-19 Vaccine in our county, Horn Public Health reminds all residents the initial doses of vaccine will be limited and will be available to priority populations; prioritized according to guidance received from our state and federal partners.

“The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) issued a Vaccine Shortage Order effective December 14, 2020 and shall remain in effect until rescinded by IDPH.  The conditions of the order state COVID-19 vaccine shall only be administered to individuals included in Priority Designation Phase 1-A, including: healthcare personnel serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and are unable to work remotely, and long term care facility residents and staff.  “We anticipate the delivery of COVID-19 vaccine for Phase 1-A prior to the end of the year,” said Rebecca Burns, Public Health Coordinator for Ida County. 

According to IDPH, Vaccination Phase 1-B preemptively suggests vaccine be open to those listed in Phase 1-A plus assisted and independent living facilities and people 65 and older.  Emergency and law enforcement personnel, food packaging and distribution workers, teachers/school staff, childcare providers and adults with high-risk medical conditions who possess risk factors for severe COVID-19 illness may also be included.

During Phase 2, vaccine supply will likely be sufficient to meet the demand for critical populations as well as the general public.  Ida County has been working with the healthcare providers in our county these last several months so they can offer the vaccine to their patients.  When vaccine becomes available you can check vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you offering vaccine.     

Everyone should continue taking protective measures to limit the spread of COVID-19:

●     Stay home if you’re sick

●     Wash your hands often

●     Stay six feet away from others at all times

●     Wear a mask when you can’t properly social distance from others

●     Recognize that older people and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart issues, and organ transplants have a much higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19

COVID-19 Incubation Timeline

 

HPC-Odebolt Now Open Monday thru Friday!

 

HPC Offers Telehealth Visits

 

Newly Published Health Measures for COVID effective November 11.

 

Foot & Ankle Specialist Joins Specialty Clinic at HMH

 

Influenza Vaccine Available for under-served through CDC Initiative

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be providing adult influenza vaccines to states to increase influenza vaccine coverage in the United States as a critical part of COVID-19 response to work. Increasing adult influenza coverage will result in a decreased strain on the nation’s health care system.  This one-time initiative for the 2020-21 influenza seasons allowed states to order adult influenza vaccine with availability of the vaccine expected to be from late October-January. The priority for this initiative seeks to immunize adults with no health insurance, who are under-insured or have limited access to influenza vaccine.  There is no charge for the flu vaccine.

There will be a limited supply available during our VFC Clinic October 13^th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and October 14^th from 9:00-Noon and 2:00-5:00 p.m. and by appointment only on October 19^th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Please call ahead to Community Health at 712-364-7311.

COVID-19 Death Confirmed in Ida County

 COVID-19 Death Confirmed in Ida County

The Ida County Department of Public Health today announced the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county. The individual was greater than 80 years old.

“We wish to extend our sympathy to this individual’s family,” said Rebecca Burns, Ida County Public Health Coordinator.  “Ida County Public Health and all of our key partners throughout the county and state continue to work to limit the spread and impact of this virus in our communities.”

All residents should:

• Stay home as much as possible. Leave only for essential errands like groceries or getting medication. When you run these errands, send only one person from the household, if possible.
• Stay home when even mildly ill (the kind of illness that normally wouldn’t prevent you from your everyday activities).
• Wear a face covering when in public and practice social distancing when possible.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus or coronavirus.iowa.gov. and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

Horn Community Health Offers Flu Clinics

Now is the time to prepare for the flu season. Horn Memorial Community Health will be offering flu shot clinics. Please call our office at 712-364-7311 to reserve your time to receive the flu vaccine.  We will not be taking walk-ins this year, so please call ahead and schedule your time.  This will help eliminate a crowd of people at the same time.  We also require you to wear a mask when you come to receive your flu vaccine.  The following are the locations and time frames we will be offering the flu vaccine.

• Thursday, October 8^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ida Grove Fire Station
• Thursday, October 15^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Battle Creek Fire Station
• Friday, October 16^th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at HMH Community Health Office
• Wednesday, October 21^st from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at HMH Community Health Office
• Thursday, October 22^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Holstein Fire Station

A Medicare card or Medicare Advantage Plan card is required.   There will be a charge for private pay.  If you are home-bound and would like to receive the flu shot, please call Horn Memorial Community Health at 364-7311.

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

The flu is different from a cold.  Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.  The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and though more common in children than adults, vomiting and diarrhea. 

People with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.  To avoid this, people should stay away from sick people and stay home if sick.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual vaccination for all people ages 6 months and older who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine.  While the flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza, it’s also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness.  Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.

2020 Membership Drive Raises $17,170

Horn Memorial raised $17,170 from the 2020 Membership Drive.  As earmarked, these funds were used to purchase 16 new mattresses for our Inpatient beds.  These mattresses provide our patients the comfort they need to rest and heal.  In following our vision, to have highly satisfied patients, updates such as replacing mattresses is vital for us to continue to offer comfort and care with a personal touch. Thank you to our community for your continued support. 

Present in the photo from left:  Kim Schreiber, RN, House Supervisor; Amy Miller, RN, Inpatient Director, and Jill Wingert, Health Unit Coordinator

 

Ground Breaking for Horn Physicians Clinic - Holstein

 

Horn Memorial Hospital broke ground on the new Horn Physicians Clinic – Holstein on Tuesday, September 1st!  Glen Winekauf, CEO shared that he is pleased to see this project get underway after a slight delay when Covid hit.  The goal for project completion is Spring 2021. 

Present in the photo from left: Kathy Breyfogle, Shelly Else, Theresa Pudenz, Kelli Boyle, Jean Burns, Christina Kjar-Hanson, David Forbes, Glen Winekauf, Cole Boger, Joni Schumann, Michelle Weber, and Keith Robinson

April Welcome to Medicare Seminar

 

August is Child Eye Health and Safety Month

 

    With schools starting again, what better time to talk about child eye health and safety.

Did you know that 80% of classroom activities are taught visually? It can be hard on eyes to read white boards at school and now many children also use Chromebook computers to complete assignments, which can also strain their eyes. Let’s start the school year off right and make sure our children have no problems seeing.

            Why not get your child in for an eye exam? When children are not able to see well it doesn’t only effect their academic ability, but also puts a strain on their extracurricular activities such as band or sports.  Just imagine trying to play an instrument and not being able to read the notes or throwing a football and your eye site is blurry.

            Some common signs of vision problems that your child may have to give you a clue that there may be a problem include: rubbing eyes, squinting/squeezing eyes, turning his/her head to focus on an object, and reports of headaches.

            Eye safety is just as important as eye health. Every year many children sustain an eye injury, but many of the injuries could have been prevented if precautions had been taken. Injuries can happen at any time, whether it be from fireworks, toys, etc.  Always purchase toys that meet the safety standards of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and wear protective eyewear when necessary.  Most protective eyewear is made from a lightweight polycarbonate and is activity-specific. Corrective lenses and regular eyeglasses are NOT sufficient.

            If your child should experience an eye injury, DO NOT let your child rub their eye- if there is debris in the eye it can easily be scratched.  If chemicals get into the eye, wash the eye immediately with cold water.  If you have tried rinsing their eye and the debris does not come out, DO NOT try and remove it manually. This could cause an eye infection and/or damage; seek medical treatment in such cases.

            We all want our children to start the school year out right, let’s help protect their little eyes as much as we can!  

 

2020 HMH Board of Trustees

Back Row: 
Vance Lundell, Christina Kjar-Hanson, Kelli Boyle, David Forbes, Cole Boger

Front Row:   
Keith Robinson, Secretary; Peter Goldsmith, Vice Chair; Jean Burns, Chair; and Jennifer Conover, Treasurer

MASK UP IDA COUNTY!

It has been six months since the first U.S. Novel Coronavirus 2019 case was confirmed in Washington State on January 21, 2020.  During this time we have learned a lot about COVID-19. But many aspects of this virus are still unknown such as how many virus particles must a person be exposed to before they get sick.   

We do know that the virus spreads by respiratory droplets.  Coughing, sneezing, singing, talking and breathing release droplets.   Infected people can spread the virus up to 48 hours before they get symptoms.  Some people become infected but do not develop symptoms and it is unknown what role these people have in viral spread. 

The most effective ways to protect yourself include washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, and physically distancing yourself from others.  Wearing a face covering when in public and unable to maintain a physical distance of six feet does offer protection against the spread of COVID-19.  Because it’s possible to have coronavirus without showing symptoms, it is best to wear a face covering even if you think you are healthy. A mask worn over the nose and mouth helps contain small droplets that come out of your mouth and/or nose when you talk, sneeze or cough. If you have COVID-19 and are not showing symptoms, a face mask reduces your chance of spreading the infection to others. If you are healthy, a mask may protect you from larger droplets from people around you.

Coronavirus.iowa.gov provides current statistics about COVID-19 activity in each county, resources, guidance and Test Iowa information.  County case numbers may fluctuate.  Cases are assigned to counties by zip code.  When local public health departments complete the case interview, the county of residence is verified and the county case number is adjusted accordingly.

Horn Welcomes New Surgeon

Horn Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome general surgeon, Dr. James Hegvik.  Dr. Hegvik sees patients in the specialty clinic and does surgeries on Tuesdays at Horn Memorial Hospital.  Dr. Hegvik specializes in general surgery services including, but not limited to, hernia repair, minimally invasive surgery, surgical oncology, colon and rectal surgery, trauma, critical care and endoscopy.

Dr. Hegvik received his Doctorate at the University of North Dakota School Of Medicine and completed his residency at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center. In addition to his education, he has published research in the Journal of American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Hegvik shared, “As a surgeon, one of the most rewarding aspects of my career is building strong relationships with patients. By listening and taking time with patients, along with the use of the most current surgical techniques, I will be able to provide individualized care plans for the best possible outcome. I look forward to working with patients to make them feel comfortable and confident with their care.”

We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Hegvik and are excited to add his knowledge and experience in surgical care to Horn Memorial as we continue to strive to meet the healthcare needs of the people in our community.

Following Self-Isolation and Self-Quarantine Guidelines

Although your individual risk of complications from COVID-19 may be low, you may pass the virus along to others, including your family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers.  Some of these people will be at greater risk of serious complications, including death.  How can we help to minimize the threat in our communities?  Self-isolation and self-quarantine are public health measures used to slow the spread of contagious diseases.  You may ask what the difference is between self-isolation and self-quarantine, and what are the guidelines for each.

Self-isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.  If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, stay home.  Do not go shopping, run errands, go out to eat, or gather with other people.  Rest and drink plenty of fluids.  Stay in a specific room away from other people and pets in your home.  If available, use a separate bathroom.  If you need to be around other people in the home or when going to the doctor, wear a cloth face covering and try to stay at least 6 feet away from people.  Monitor your symptoms, including your fever daily.  Cover coughs and sneezes.  Everyone in the house should wash hands often, for 20 seconds with soap and water.  Don’t share dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in the home.  Wash these items after use.  Have someone clean frequently touched surfaces (phones, remotes, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, tables, counters) in the house throughout the day.  If a bathroom cannot be dedicated to you, surfaces should be cleaned after use.  If someone else needs to clean the bathroom for you, they should wear a cloth face mask and wait as long as possible before the next person needs to use the bathroom to clean.  Most people have mild illness and can recover at home.  If your symptoms are getting worse, call ahead to your doctor before going to the office for care.  If you are having trouble breathing or other concerning symptoms, call 911 for immediate help.

You can stop self-isolation when you have had no fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND other symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath have improved AND at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.  COVID-19 is a reportable disease to the Iowa Department of Public Health.  If you tested positive Public Health will call you to complete a required investigation of your illness and determine if anyone else was exposed and needs to self-quarantine.  Public Health completes a follow-up phone call 10 days after your symptoms started to determine if you can be released from self-isolation.

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.  For exposure to COVID-19 this period starts with the day of exposure and continues for 14 days from the last day exposed.  Currently, exposure is defined by the CDC as being within 6 feet of a contagious person for more than 30 minutes.  Self-quarantine includes staying at home and at least 6 feet away from other people and animals.  Follow all of the other guidelines as for self-isolation.  You may be contagious 48 hours before you have symptoms.   If you are required to go to work, wear a face mask.  Go home immediately if you do not feel well.  Call your doctor’s office for further directions.  More information on what to do if you are sick can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.     

Intubation Box Added to List of PPE

Horn Memorial Hospital has added an intubation box to their acquired list of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is so important, which is why Horn Memorial has been proactive in getting an appropriate supply in stock as a major step of preparedness. Charlie Delaney, Nurse Anesthetist, commented, “the intubation box provides one more layer of protection for both the patient and the provider, in essence, it’s like putting a mask on the patient.” Horn Memorial Hospital is very thankful for the community’s support in helping accumulate the supply of PPE for our staff and patients.

Ida County Public Health Assisting With Grocery Delivery

In an effort to help Ida County’s population most at risk for severe complications of COVID-19, Ida County Public Health has teamed up with Ida Grove Food Pride and Holstein Super Market to assist with grocery delivery.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list people 65 years and older, and those with chronic health conditions such as heart or lung disease, and diabetes at higher risk for complications of COVID-19.

Public Health will deliver grocery orders to high-risk residents of Ida County who do not have family or friends to shop for them.  If you would like to place your order with Ida Grove Food Pride, you can call Horn Community Health/Public Health by 9AM on Thursday at 712-364-7311.  Minimum order is fifteen dollars.  A Food Pride employee will contact you with total due prior to delivery on Friday.  For those in the Holstein area, orders are placed directly with the Holstein Super Market by calling 712-368-4555.  If you live outside the Super Market’s delivery area they will contact public health to make the delivery. 

Grocery deliveries by public health will run April 24 through May 14.  The service will be re-evaluated the week of May 14.  Contact Ida County Public Health at 712-364-7311 with questions. 

Modifications to Immunization Clinics

On-time vaccinations during childhood is essential because it provides immunity before exposure to potentially life-threatening diseases. We have made modifications to the flow of the April 14 and 15 vaccination clinics to provide parents/guardians with peace of mind and to maintain social distancing.

We will have only one parent/guardian and the child/children needing vaccines in the office at a time. If you have a cell phone, we are asking you to call ahead when you park. We will ask screening questions and take information about the child/children needing vaccines. Paperwork will be delivered to your car. For those who do not have a cell phone, we will take your information and ask you to return to your car to wait. When it is your turn, we will call your cell phone or come to your car to get you. Immunization staff will be wearing protective gowns and face masks in addition to gloves.

COVID-19 and Your Mental Health

The COVID-19 outbreak has upset our daily routines.  Social distancing, quarantine and isolation are stressful situations and everyone will react differently.  These reactions are normal.  You may feel:

• Anxiety, worry or fear related to your own health status and those you care about;
• Frustration at the challenge of securing things you need, such as groceries and personal care items;
• Concern about effectively caring for children, parent and others in your care;
• Uncertainty or frustration about how long you will need to remain in this situation;
• Loneliness and feeling cut off from your normal routine;
• Anger if you think you were exposed to the disease;
• Boredom and frustration if you are unable to engage in regular day-to-day activities;
• Unease about your financial situation and the future of the economy;
• Ambivalence or uncertainty about the situation; or
• Disappointment for cancelled events with family and friends, closed restaurants and gathering places.

Arm yourself with facts, not fear.  Being knowledgeable about the topic may relieve anxiety and make it easier to cope.  Use trusted resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ or Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) https://idph.iowa.gov/.

Information is constant in today’s society.  It is important to know the facts, not rumors, but when information creates a barrier to your daily functioning in can actually increase fear and anxiety.  Unplug.  Watch a favorite movie, read a book, go for a walk, bike ride or work on a project.  Connect with others through a telephone call, email, text or social media.  Stick to a routine.  Even if you are not going to work, get dressed and make meals at regular times.

When should you seek help?  If your anxiety is affecting your ability to function in some part of your life, it is time to reach out.  Talk to your healthcare provider and discuss your concerns.  Many providers are covering telehealth services at this time.  You can also use the website www.YourLifeIowa.org for information on gambling, addiction, substance use, suicide prevention, and mental health.  You can also connect by live chat, text (855-895-8398) or phone (855-581-8111).        

COVID-19 Update

Horn Welcomes Mask Donations Including Respirators

Thank you to those that have graciously donated masks and respirators. Here is another type of respirator mask that can be donated to Horn Memorial.  They are ideal for painting, grinding, and sanding. If you have one of these respirators laying around and would like to donate it, please drop it off at Horn Memorial Hospital or mail to 701 East 2^nd St, Ida Grove, IA 51445. Thank you!

Horn Now Accepting Sewn Masks

Thank you to those that have reached out to make masks for our hospital and clinics. Everyone’s contribution is so important and appreciated! We are able to accept sewn masks at this time. If you or anyone you know is willing to help, please refer to the Q&A and instructions posted. It is important to create products that are usable and as effective as can be! Please keep in mind Covid-19 is a constantly changing situation and we may need to make changes or modifications to our process as we go. Updates will be made as changes occur.

Website Instructions:
https://buttoncounter.com/2018/01/14/facemask-a-picture-tutorial/

Another mask needed is the following:

https://www.statethelabel.com/pages/masks?fbclid=IwAR0vbx96pTcvfAfz-trzByHezNellMoNr7vIJsy25I4Pr8SNFD0A3vrM0hc

Hospital Face Mask Q&A

Q: Who can participate in making masks?
A: Anyone with a sewing machine, as long as you are healthy and not sheltering with anyone
showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Q: How should I prep my workspace before I create?
A: ​Begin by washing your hands and clearing/cleaning a space in your home free of food, smoke,
pets, and kids. Your work environment need not be sterile, but it should be as clean as possible.
Wash your hands frequently and do not touch your face.

Q: How should I prep my fabric before use?
A: Please prewash your fabrics and then iron them before creating the masks. This will reduce
shrinking of the masks when they are washed after their first use. Please ALSO rewash masks
once they’re made, right before packaging them to be delivered.

Q: What materials are needed?
A: ​Fabric should be new, unused, breathable and tightly woven, such as 100% cotton, quilting
cottons or cotton flannels. For ear loops/ties: elastic, fold over elastic, or hair ties

We want these masks to be washable in the event they need to be reused.
Please ​DO NOT USE​ vintage, stretchy, knit, used towels/sheets, clothing, metal, plastics, filters,
vacuum bags, interfacing or unknown material fabrics. Please do not use rubber bands for ear loops.

Q: What pattern should I use?
A: We will accept any pattern as long as it meets the current material guidelines. We ideally
want masks that can be used to cover providers’ N95 masks (in case they need to use one N95
mask for long periods of time) and also masks that could be used independently in other areas
of the hospital/clinics/for first responders where PPE is not available. Masks should be at least 2 layers thick, but breathable.

Q: How should I package my donations once I am done?
A: Upon completion and after washing your masks, with clean hands, place masks in a clean
bag (i.e. a new trash bag). It may be easiest to then put the bag in a box that we will be able to
tape shut for easy transportation. With the donation, include a sheet (outside the box, taped to
it) with the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Number of Masks & pattern used

Please deliver the masks to Horn Memorial Hospital: Emily Lange, Director of Quality 

Consider Donating Personal Protective Equipment to Assist in COVID-19 Response

In preparation for COVID-19, the Ida County Healthcare Coalition is encouraging Iowa businesses and organizations to donate extra personal protective equipment (PPE) to assist health care providers and health care facilities responding to COVID-19.  Any type of health care PPE will be welcomed, especially gloves, gowns, eye protection, and masks.  To donate PPE, please contact the Emergency Manager, Ed Sohm at 712.364.2533 or esohm@idacountyia.us.

COVID-19 Updates Regarding HMH and HPC

Horn Memorial Hospital and Horn Physicians Clinics continue to monitor the changes to the COVID-19 to keep patients, visitors and staff safe. There are a few updates that we will be making effective March 19th. These updates are in line with the guidance from Iowa Department of Public Health and our partnering hospitals and clinics who are following suit.

Here are the updates:

Horn Memorial Hospital-
In order to protect staff, patients and visitors, all persons who enter HMH will be screened and have their temperature taken and logged.

The front entrance and the Emergency Room door will be the only access to Horn Memorial Hospital. Please use the Emergency entrance for EMERGENCIES ONLY.

The front entrance will be open 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Staff will be present at this entrance to screen and log all those that enter.

Horn Physicians Clinics-
Please call us prior to presenting to the office. You will be screened over the phone, and we will instruct you on what to do.

In order to protect our staff and patients, all persons that enter HPC will be screened. If you have a fever or respiratory symptoms we are requiring you to put on a mask.

All exam rooms are being disinfected between every patient.

Our providers and nurses are reviewing their schedules and contacting patients if they feel the visit could possibly be rescheduled for a later date.

Dial 2-1-1 for Coronavirus Information

Since the start of this outbreak, Horn Memorial Hospital and Ida County Public Health have worked closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to monitor potential cases of COVID-19.  We have and will continue to work with our local, state and national partners to be ready for this virus.  

Please direct your questions regarding the new novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 to 2-1-1. This is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 Monday-Sunday.

When to "Call Ahead" Before you Visit Your Healthcare Provider

Since the start of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak, Horn Memorial Hospital and Ida County Public Health has worked closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to monitor potential cases of COVID-19. We have and will continue to work with our local, state and national partners to be ready for this virus.

If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them if you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other patients from getting exposed.

Ophthalmology Clinic & Surgery

March Specialty Clinic

IDA County Prepares for COVID-19

Ida County is advising residents about what they can do now to prepare for the potential spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. To date, no one in Iowa has tested positive for COVID-19.

Since the start of this outbreak, Horn Memorial Hospital and Ida County Public Health have worked closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to monitor potential cases of COVID-19.

We have and will continue to work with our local, state and national partners to be ready in case the virus does come to Iowa.

There are things all Ida County residents can do to help prevent the spread of all viruses, including influenza and COVID-19:

·         Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm/elbow

·         Clean your hands frequently with soap and water

·         Contain germs by staying home when ill

Residents should prepare for the potential of COVID-19 in the same way they prepare for severe weather or other events that could disrupt their normal routine. This includes making a plan and discussing it with your family. What would you do if you could not go to work or school because of illness? What if your day care provider was ill? How would you get groceries if you were ill? These are all questions to consider.

Symptoms of the COVID-19 in people who have been exposed can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

For information and updates related to COVID-19, visit https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow IDPH on Facebook (@IowaDepartmentofPublicHealth) and Twitter (@IAPublicHealth.

HMH Offers Education on Human Trafficking

Horn Memorial Hospital is offering a free educational session to the community on the topic of human trafficking.  Join us on Tuesday, March 3 in the hospital conference center for a one-hour presentation to learn what human trafficking is, how it happens, what to look for, and how we can help protect each other. Presenter, Sister Shirley Fineran, Founder of the Lila Mae House in Sioux City, will be the presenter.  There are four presentation times to choose from:  8:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.  We hope you can join us – knowledge is power and this does happen right here in our community!

It’s Not Too Late to Protect You and Your Family From the Flu

Surveillance by the Iowa Department of Public Health and Ida County Public Health, and testing by the State Hygienic Laboratory indicate flu activity continues to be widespread in Iowa. The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. “As long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get the vaccine,” said Ida County Public Health Coordinator, Rebecca Burns.

There has been much focus on the novel coronavirus first detected in China and while public health officials take the novel coronavirus outbreak seriously, the risk of influenza is much more significant to Ida County residents. It’s not too late to receive the flu vaccine and in order to prevent flu and other viruses from spreading, remember the three Cs:

·         Clean your hands frequently with soap and water.

·         Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or upper arm.

·         Contain germs by staying home when ill.

For more information about the novel coronavirus, visit https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and to learn more about the flu, see https://idph.iowa.gov/influenza.

Learn more about the needs in Foster Care- Join Us!

Learn More About Foster Care

Each year, hundreds of Iowa children are in need of a foster family, but there are not enough foster homes in western Iowa to immediately provide them with a safe, loving home environment.

When children are placed in foster care, their whole world is turned upside down. They are forced to say goodbye to their family, their friends, and their school. If there is no foster home immediately available, the instability continues and they must live in a shelter until a home is found for them.

Children may enter foster care for different reasons, but each child has experienced the trauma of being removed from their home. Kids in foster care are just like any other kid. They come from all cultures and ethnicities; they can be toddlers or teenagers; they can be an only child or part of a sibling group. To help them cope during this difficult time, Iowa foster families must do everything they can to maintain a sense of normalcy. That means helping children stay connected to their friends, churches, schools, and activities. It means becoming educated about their culture and learning about their favorite foods, music, or traditions. 

Iowa needs a wide range of families in every western Iowa county. Foster parents must be at least 21 years old, but they can be single, cohabitating, married, living in multi-generational family homes, and homes with or without biological children. They can be employed or stay-at-home parents. They can be homeowners, renters, and pet owners. Foster parents are individuals of all cultures and ethnicities, all walks of life, and all sexual orientations.

Foster parents are tasked with remembering the primary goal of foster care is reunification. The best thing for a child is to be reunited with their family of origin, but only when it is safe to do so. Foster parents provide care and love to a child while their parents get the support and resources they need to safely welcome their child back to a happier, healthier home.

If your family is interested in fostering, LSI Foster Care and Adoption is offering an orientation for families to learn more about foster parenting options. This orientation will be held on Tuesday, February 18, at 6 p.m. in the Horn Memorial Hospital Conference Center. If you have any questions, please contact fosteradopt@LSIowa.org.

Donate the Gift of Life

Radon Awareness

Radon is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that affects indoor air quality in every state.  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is responsible for 21,000 deaths annually in the U.S. 

Radon gas forms naturally from Uranium in the soil and rocks.  Uranium breaks down to form radium, which then breaks down to form radon gas.  Radon gas enters homes and buildings through basement floors, cracks in foundations, walls, and other openings.  Once trapped indoors, radon gas can rise to dangerous concentrations.  As the radon gas decays, it releases radioactive byproducts, that when inhaled, can cause lung cancer.

There are no immediate health symptoms from exposure to radon gas.  Continued exposure to high levels increases ones risk of developing lung cancer.  Smoking and exposure to high levels of radon gas greatly increase the risk of lung cancer.

Radon levels are elevated in every state.  Iowa counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).  Every home is different.  Your home can be elevated while your neighbor’s is not.  The Environmental Protection Agency recommends fixing homes with levels greater than 4 pCi/L and considering fixing homes with levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L. 

Testing is easy and inexpensive.  Most tests last between 2 and 7 days and cost less than $25.  Test kits can be purchased through the Ida County Emergency Manager, Ed Sohm, by calling 364.2533 or at most local home improvement or hardware stores, online, or by calling the Radon Hotline at 1-800-383-5992.