Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) and Clinics welcome Garith Steiner as their new Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Steiner was appointed by the VMH Board of Trustees at a special meeting held July 8, to serve in this role as the search for a permanent CEO begins following the June 23 resignation of former VMH CEO Michael Coyle.
Steiner has a multitude of years of experience as a hospital CEO with a very successful history. He led the Vernon Memorial Healthcare team in Viroqua, WI for over 24 years as CEO, growing the facility and services. He assisted that facility in finding a qualified replacement prior to his retirement and will be assisting the Veterans Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees in this role as well.
by Sheryl Darling-Mooney, RN, Public Health Supervisor, Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care
One of the tasks each year parents experience is getting their children’s immunizations up to date. Common questions include: What is my child’s immunization status? Are they caught up? What do they need? What is that one for?
Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Senior Life Solutions (SLS) is spreading awareness of the challenges of receiving mental health access in rural areas. While mental illnesses have a similar prevalence in both rural and urban environments, the circumstances and access to treatment look different. The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) tells us that rural residents face more obstacles in obtaining behavioral health services. As a result, distinct mental health differences are seen rurally compared to urban residents.
Studies have also shown that the risk of suicide is higher in rural areas, making it that much more vital that individuals seek out and have access to help. The Rural Health Information Hub states, “The suicide rate is near twice as great in the most rural areas of the U.S. compared to the most urban areas.”
The next LifeServe Blood Center blood drive will be held Monday, August 3, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in south Waukon. Fewer than 4-percent of eligible blood donors actually take the time to donate blood.
The LifeServe Blood Center supplies Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) with blood and blood products.
by Beth Shafer, Growth and Development Coordinator, Veterans Memorial Hospital
This summer, our country is celebrating a special milestone - America’s 250th birthday. It’s a time to enjoy everything that makes northeast Iowa special while also reflecting on the values that have helped shape our nation for generations: freedom, service, generosity and neighbors helping neighbors.
Summer has always been a season that brings our communities together. Whether you’re watching a patriotic boat parade, cheering on runners at the Harpers Ferry Firecracker 5K, attending a local ballgame, enjoying a community meal or simply spending time with family and friends, these hometown traditions remind us what makes rural communities so special.
They also remind us that strong communities aren’t built only during celebrations. They’re built every day by people who look out for one another.
Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed and proven to be successful by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the Dementia Friends initiative is now underway in Iowa and across the United States.
Increase your knowledge about dementia, learn what it’s like to live with the disease and helpful tips for communicating with someone who has dementia. This free Dementia Friends session will be held Monday, July 27, from 2-3 p.m. at the New Albin Public Library.
Registration is not required. Contact Bethany Schulte at 319-239-2902 or bschulte@nei3a.org with questions. Everyone who attends will leave with a new understanding of dementia that they can put into a practical action that can help someone living in their community. After attending, all participants will be considered a “Dementia Friend.”
Shannon Christensen and Tyler O’Neill of Waukon announce the birth of their daughter, Mia Patrice O’Neill, born June 25, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. She weighed 7 lbs. 10 ozs. and measured 18 inches in length at birth. She joins siblings, Adrick (16) and Maryah (8).
Riley and Patricia Bennis of Harpers Ferry announce the birth of their son, Grant Scott Bennis, born July 7, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. He weighed 6 lbs. 13 ozs. and measured 20 inches in length at the time of his birth. He joins a brother, Benjamin Bennis (2).
Grandparents are Scott and Barb Melcher of Harpers Ferry and Jeff and Deb Bennis of Arizona. Great-grandparents are Zenalou Bennis of Minnetonka, MN and Marlene Dittell of Arizona.
Jacob and Myriah Dougherty of Waukon announce the birth of their daughter, Sylvie Kathryn Dougherty, born July 8, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. She weighed 6 lbs. 15 ozs. and measured 19 inches in length at the time of her birth. She joins a sister, Elsie (2-1/2).
Grandparents are Dave and Brenda Dougherty of Waukon and Lee Groth of Decorah. Great-grandparents are Al and Connie Leiran, Janice Dougherty, and Joan Moody, all of Waukon, and Duane and Shirley Groth of Decorah.
Deadlines/Dates
August 2: Primary Nesting Season Ends
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application
Grazing Cover Crops: A Practical Tool for Feed, Soil Health, and Nutrient Cycling
Cover crops are already a valuable tool for protecting soil, reducing erosion, and improving water quality. When managed well, grazing those cover crops with cattle, sheep, or other livestock can add another layer of benefit, turning a conservation practice into a source of feed and farm flexibility. When planned correctly, cover crops can provide fall or early spring forage, reduce stored feed needs, protect highly erodible soils, and recycle nutrients back into the field.
