Health

Helping Services for Youth & Families’ Domestic Abuse Resource Center has implemented a Domestic Abuse survivor chat line, which can be reached at HelpingServices.org/chat. There is also the option to call a 24/7 resource phone line at 800-383-2988, but during the time of social distancing Helping Services advocates noticed a decline in calls.

The agency responded by implementing a secure chat option for anyone in need of reaching a local advocate. Whether chatting or calling, a trained Advocate will be available to respond 24 hours a day.

All services provided are at no cost to the survivor and are confidential. For more info about Helping Services’ Domestic Abuse Resource Center call 800-383-2988 to chat with someone or go online to HelpingServices.org/chat to reach out to an advocate.
 

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Medical Clinic-Waukon opened just two years ago, May 3, joining the Gundersen Waukon Clinic in providing accessible family health care to the area communities.

“The statistics show, after just two years, the incredible need and impact of this new clinic. A total of 16,182 patient visits have been made since opening day, serving 4,507 patients. This number is more than doubled since our first year,” states Laura Baxter, Clinic Director. “We have added providers since last year, to allow for greater access to local healthcare, and even added a nurse mid-wife and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to widen the range of services we provide, to meet the growing needs of our area communities.”

Veterans Memorial Hospital will be hosting the Safety Day Camp for children ages six to 14 Wednesday, June 7 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp is open to all children in the area of that age range. It is a true safety camp that instructs many areas of safety that addresses every child’s life.

Children often see the outdoors as an exciting playground, providing endless hours of fun and adventure. But the great outdoors can set the stage for tragedy. That is why this Safety Camp was established by Veterans Memorial Hospital and Allamakee County ISU Extension 23 years ago.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s annual Three Person Best-Shot Golf Tournament is set this year for Monday, June 19 at the Waukon Golf and Country Club. Teams of three will begin the day with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. and play 18 holes of golf. Breakfast rolls, lunch, dinner and prizes for everyone will all be provided for a donation of $75. All those interested in joining the event are asked to pre-register their team by calling the Waukon Golf and Country Club at 563-568-9939. For more information about the golf tournament, call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411. Submitted photo.
 

The ‘annual’ Veterans Memorial Hospital “Family Wellness Fair” returned in full this year Wednesday, May 10. As pictured in the surrounding photos from the event, visitors toured the Medical Clinic, Hospital and Gundersen Clinic in their route to the over 40 booths and educational displays and demonstrations provided by the numerous agencies who service Allamakee and northern Clayton counties, as well as from nearly 20 hospital departments. Entertainment for the evening included balloon artist Mike Chapman, face painting by Claire Butchkoski, Paramedic, a health career photo booth, and a fly-in with helicopter tours by Gundersen Air. In addition, a Waukon Fire Department fire truck and hospital ambulance were on site for all to view. This family event is held each spring on the hospital campus and is free and open to all members of the area communities. Submitted photos.
 

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, May 18 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at Veterans Memorial Hospital in the Large Conference Room on the lower level of the hospital.

This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or who has a friend or loved one with diabetes. For more information on the Diabetes Support Group, call  Angie Mettille, RN, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 563-568-3411.
 

May 7-13 is National Hospital Week. The numerous services provided locally by Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) often walk patients from one area of their care to another, until the patient has fulfilled their goal of returning home.

So many services are offered locally, close to home, but often patients don’t realize that unless they ask. Many of the hospital’s skilled care, surgical, maternity, laboratory, rehab and x-ray patients among others share with staff they would have been sent elsewhere for their care, had they not specifically asked for local care at Veterans Memorial Hospital.   

The following is an example of many of those levels of care and local services working together as a team for the same goal; to help a patient return to their home to live independently.

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) will be hosting the Safety Day Camp for children ages 6 to 14 Wednesday, June 7 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp is open to all children in the area. It is a true safety camp that instructs many areas of safety that address every child’s life.

During the camp, children participate in interactive activities that reinforce the importance of taking responsibility for their own safety, respecting parents’ safety rules and sharing safety tips with their family and friends. Hands-on demonstrations teach lifesaving first aid techniques and reveal the hidden hazards of children’s surroundings. Camp demonstrations also focus on farm hazards associated with various safety topics.

The annual “Family Wellness Fair” will be held this Wednesday, May 10 from 3:30-6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Clinics. The “Family Wellness Fair” is a community wide event offering families of all ages a night of entertainment and education about the local resources available to them, plus many free health testing opportunities. This fun-filled family event is free and open to all members of the community of any age.

As of May 6, Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon has begun suspending the current weekend Urgent Care services for the summer months and will reopen again September 9, in time for fall respiratory illnesses. During this time, patients seeking immediate or emergency care should visit the VMH Emergency Department (ER). For all other needs, patients can utilize either of the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinics located in Waukon, at 105 East Main Street, or in Postville, at 124 West Green Street.

The Waukon Medical Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, this clinic offers early access hours Mondays beginning at 7 a.m., and evening appointments are available Thursdays until 7 p.m. The Postville Medical Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, call the hospital at 563-568-3411 or visit www.veteransmemorialhospital.com.