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