Community Focused: Greene County Community Foundation Grants Support Greene County Medical Center

Pictured (front l to r): Diana Smith, DNP and Dawn Tingwald, ARNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC (back l to r): Allyson Anderson, CMA; Melissa Agan, LPN; Teresa Morlan, RN; Hannah Wuebker, RN; Anita Fitzpatrick, LPN; and Diane Carey, Director Family Medicine Clinic

JEFFERSON, Iowa – Less pain and peace of mind for parents of newborns and an enhanced living environment for Ever Greene Ridge residents have been realized thanks to two grant awards from the Greene County Community Foundation made in the spring of this year.

The Family Medicine Clinic received $6,700 in funding to assist with the purchase of a recently received transcutaneous bilirubin meter. According to primary care provider, Diana Smith, DNP, the most frequent issue seen with newborns is hyperbilirubinemia, commonly referred to as jaundice, which is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. In most instances, this is a temporary condition and resolves on its own. However, it can lead to life-threatening complications if it is severe and remains undetected. It can cause brain damage, including cerebral palsy, hearing loss and developmental delays. Testing is critical to confirm the levels of bilirubin and determine an immediate course of treatment. The new meter allows medical staff to get accurate level readings through a painless, non-invasive scan of the infant.

The Ever Greene Ridge independent living community also received grant funding of $1,000 for updates to the landscaping. Greene County Medical Center Foundation Director, Nancy Houska, explained that due to the removal of 23 Emerald Ash Borer infested trees and an additional 10 pine trees, there was a need for work to be done in those areas. She added the residents were able to enjoy the enhanced garden space in the courtyard area throughout this past season and are pleased with the refreshed look around the entrance and perimeter of the building.

“We are deeply grateful to the Greene County Community Foundation for their generous support,” Houska said. “Their investments empower us in fulfilling our mission and providing essential healthcare as well as comfortable places for all of those we serve. Partnerships like this make a lasting difference in all our lives.”