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.

Horn Auxiliary Donates 2 Recliners to IV Treatment Room

The Horn Memorial Auxiliary supported the purchase of two new Treatment Recliners for the Infusion Room located in the Emergency Department.   The Horn Auxiliary volunteers work diligently to support Horn Memorial through volunteer time and fundraising.  Funds raised through the annual Bazaar, Horn Gift Gallery, $5 Jewelry Sale, as well as several other fundraisers support purchases such as the recliners.  Community volunteers are an integral part of why Horn Memorial is “Your Ideal Hospital”. 

Volunteers present for the photo from left:  Kim Miller, Jane O’Tool, Sharon Forthum, Gerry Fineran, and Sue Smith.