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Burgess has received a certificate of achievement for its participation in the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care initiative to enhance guideline-based care for stroke patients, ultimately improving and prolonging lives.

Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the U.S., and approximately 795,000 people each year experience a new or recurrent stroke, according to the American Heart Association’s 2023 statistical update. Participation in the American Heart Association’s post-acute care initiative can help facilities support faster and more effective recovery from stroke through standardized coordination, adherence and implementation of evidence-based care.

Certificate of achievement recipients have committed to establishing a stroke-specific rehab program, providing stroke education to all staff members, implementing evidence-based protocols and policies, and continuous quality improvement.

Evidence-based rehabilitation and secondary prevention interventions improve recovery after stroke and reduce secondary complications. However, stroke rehabilitation expertise, processes of care, and educational resources vary among sites where post-acute care is delivered. The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, developed quality standards based on the Association’s 2016 Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery to address these gaps.

The post-acute care initiative provides a framework for assisting facilities to improve care according to the American Heart Association’s rigorous science-based requirements for stroke rehabilitation, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management and quality improvement.

“Participation in this program benefits the patient and the facility by standardizing care practices,” said Madeline Pawloski, AHA Post-Acute Stroke Program Consultant. “When there are evidence-based processes during every phase of care, patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes. This initiative helps patients and their loved ones know participating facilities follow these important best practices.”

Facilities participating in the post-acute care initiative receive a participation stipend and site-specific quality improvement support and process improvement ideas surrounding quality standards for stroke recovery, rehabilitation and secondary prevention. Facilities also have the opportunity to be part of a learning collaborative, working with experts in stroke rehabilitation to build tools and share and create best practices. Participation improves collaboration between post-acute care facilities and others involved in stroke care, including hospitals and outpatient providers.

“Burgess is committed to improving patient care by following the latest guidelines,” said Lynnette Dunham, RN, BSN, Utilization Review Supervisor at Burgess Health Center. “The post-acute care initiative makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work daily, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the communities we serve can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Mission: Lifeline Stroke is the American Heart Association’s community-based initiative to develop systems of care to improve outcomes for stroke patients. The program launched in Iowa in July 2022 with the support of a $7.5 million grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The goal of Mission: Lifeline stroke is to bring together hospitals, emergency medical services and first responders, rehabilitation facilities, communications and regulatory agencies, state and local government, and payers to forge a proactive system of stroke care that saves and improves lives.

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About Burgess Health Center:

Burgess Health Center, located in Onawa, Iowa, is an award-winning critical access hospital that is accredited by the State of Iowa. Burgess Family Clinics serve the communities of Sloan and Mapleton in Iowa. The staff is committed to improving the quality of life for the people and communities served by providing excellent healthcare and exceptional patient experiences.

Burgess Hospice has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a Premier Performer for achieving an overall caregiver and family experience score that ranked in the top 5% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2024 calendar year.

The annual SHPBest™ award program honors hospice providers that consistently deliver high-quality service to the families and caregivers of patients receiving hospice care. The 2024 recipients were determined by reviewing and ranking the overall CAHPS Hospice caregiver experience scores from more than 1,800 hospice providers. With one of the largest CAHPS Hospice benchmarks in the nation, SHP is in a unique position to recognize organizations that prioritize the family and caregiver experience and are rewarded for those efforts with high survey ratings.

“SHP recognizes how much hard work is involved in providing excellent patient care, and we are proud to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our top-performing customers through our annual SHPBest award program. These organizations care deeply about the patient experience, and they never stop striving to improve every single year,” said Kevin Vogel, President of SHP.

Burgess Hospice also earned this award in 2022, which shows the team’s strong commitment to caring for patients and their families. Burgess believes in kindness, clear communication, and listening closely to each family’s needs. The team supports not just the patient, but the whole family, making sure they feel comforted, understood, and never alone. Burgess Hospice also takes time to learn from family feedback to continue improving each year.

“This award means so much to our team,” said Rachel Martian, Home Health/Hospice Director at Burgess. “We walk alongside families during some of their most difficult moments, and knowing they feel supported, heard, and cared for means everything to us. Our staff works hard to be kind, helpful, and present. Being named a Premier Performer is an honor, and it motivates us to keep giving the best care possible here at Burgess Hospice.”

Read more about the SHPBest awards program, including methodology and award recipient lists, at https://www.shpdata.com/hospice/shpbest-cahps-hospice.

 

About Burgess Health Center:

Burgess Health Center, located in Onawa, Iowa, is an award-winning critical access hospital that is accredited by the State of Iowa. Burgess Family Clinics serve the communities of Sloan and Mapleton in Iowa. The staff is committed to improving the quality of life for the people and communities served by providing excellent healthcare and exceptional patient experiences.

 

About Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP)

Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) is a leader in data analytics and benchmarking that drive daily clinical and operational decisions. Our solutions bring real-time data to post-acute providers, hospitals, and ACOs to better coordinate quality care and improve patient outcomes. Since 1996, SHP has helped more than 7,000 organizations nationwide raise the bar for healthcare performance.

Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded each spring to area high school seniors and first-year college students that wish to pursue a career in a health-related field.

The 2025 recipients are:

• Rylee McDonald, a graduate of Westwood, plans to pursue a career in the field of Nursing at Western Iowa Tech Community College.
• Tylar Stirtz, a graduate of West Harrison, plans to pursue a career in the field of Biology at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
• Sophie Stodola, a graduate of MVAOCOU, plans to pursue a career in the field of Nursing at Western Iowa Tech Community College.

Applications are available January through April at https://www.burgesshc.org/about/foundation/scholarships/

Burgess Health Center proudly recognizes Dianna Persinger, RN, for the Guardian Angel Award from an anonymous donor. Dianna was recognized for her kindness, knowledge, professionalism, and compassion in all aspects of her Infusion & Oncology Services work at Burgess Health Center.

Dianna, the Infusion/Oncology Coordinator, helps patients and their families through cancer treatments as well as many other types of infusions. She makes sure everyone knows what to expect, helps set up appointments, and works to solve any problems that come up. Dianna also works closely with other departments to help support patients and families with their emotions, worries, or frustrations during challenging times. She’s there to make the journey a little easier and less stressful.

“Her job is not an easy one, but she handles the challenges with grace. It takes a special person to do her job, and Burgess Health Center definitely has that person in Dianna. If I have any questions or concerns, she is always available—even after hours. Her hugs have helped me get through the day. I appreciate her so much as a part of my treatment team.” – anonymous donor.

The Guardian Angel Award, a highly respected recognition at Burgess Health Center, acknowledges individuals who demonstrate exceptional care, kindness, and commitment to their patients. Dianna’s nomination reflects the deep appreciation her patients and team have for all the integral behind-the-scenes efforts to keep our patients and teams safe.

Burgess Health Center is honored to have professionals like Dianna among its staff, who consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to the community they serve.

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Photo: Teresa Butler, Lynn Wold, CEO, Dianna Persinger, Bobbi Johnson, Foundation Director, and Karla Copple.

Burgess Health Center has been recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care by the Women’s Choice Award®.  This award signifies that Burgess is in the top 11% of 4,675 U.S. hospitals offering emergency care services.

Each year, more than 130 million emergency room visits are in the United States. Emergency departments continue to be an essential part of the healthcare system as they provide fast, life-or-limb saving care to millions each year. Unlike other hospital departments that interact with the same patient and families for an extended period, ED staff typically has one patient encounter, often when anxiety and fear is at its peak.

“Emergency departments can be very stressful environments, particularly for the elderly or a mother with a sick or injured child,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award.  “Women make or influence 94% of all healthcare decisions for themselves and others. They want to be confident that they know which emergency departments in their communities will take care of their loved ones quickly and with the best possible care. Knowing the Women’s Choice Award has already placed their seal of excellence on a hospital is immediate validation that they have made the right decision, easing their concern during a very stressful time.”

The methodology for America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care award is unique in that it combines Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey results with primary research about women’s healthcare preferences. The award recognizes excellence in emergency care based on several process of care measures focused on time patients spent in the emergency department, including:

• Total Time Spent in the Emergency Department
• Percent of Emergency Patients Who Left Without Being Seen

Criteria for selecting Burgess as one of the Best Hospitals also included the percentage of patients who came to the emergency department with stroke symptoms who received brain scan results within 45 minutes of arrival. Also included this year were hospitals that performed well in responding to patients showing symptoms of severe sepsis, a very dangerous condition. The awarded hospitals represent those with emergency departments with average measure times in the highest 25th to 50th percentile in the country. Additional points were provided for the various trauma center levels.

The award is especially significant given that long waits and high crowding can negatively impact patient outcomes, including patients leaving without receiving medical treatment, longer overall length of hospital stays and an increase in mortality rates.

“Burgess Health Center not only performed well clinically with regard to emergency care measures, but they also have a high recommendation rating, which is very important to women when it comes to health-related decisions,” says Passi.

Burgess Health Center is one of 508 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for emergency care in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award.

“We are so proud to receive the 2025 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Emergency Care! Our highly skilled team works hard every day to help people when they need care the most. This award shows how much we care about keeping our patients safe and giving them the best treatment possible,” said Karla Copple, Director of Emergency & Inpatient Services.

For the full list of the Best Hospitals for Emergency Care, please visit https://womenschoiceaward.com/best-emergency-care

Onawa, IA — Burgess Health Center (BHC) is proud to announce that it has been named one of the cleanest hospitals in the United States by Becker’s Hospital Review, earning a prestigious 5-star rating for cleanliness. Out of 350 hospitals evaluated nationwide, Burgess stands among the top in the country and is one of just 13 hospitals in Iowa to achieve this recognition.

Becker’s Hospital Review analyzed hospitals based on patient satisfaction scores, with cleanliness playing a critical role in overall patient experience. BHC’s 5-star rating is evidence of the commitment from our staff to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for every patient and visitor.

“Our team works tirelessly to provide not only exceptional care but also a clean and safe environment for our patients,” said Lynn Wold, President/CEO of Burgess Health Center. “This recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review reflects our dedication to ensuring that Burgess Health Center remains a trusted healthcare facility for our communities.”

With patient care at the heart of its mission, Burgess Health Center continues to prioritize the cleanliness and comfort of its facilities, setting a standard of excellence in the healthcare industry. This national recognition reaffirms BHC’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services in a hygienic environment.

For more information about Burgess Health Center and its services, visit www.BurgessHC.org.

Burgess Health Center proudly announces the nomination of Jeff Phipps, IT System Administrator, for the Guardian Angel Award by Grady Warner, recognizing Jeff for his thoughtfulness, kindness, determination, resourcefulness, and reliability in all aspects of his work.

Jeff manages servers, network appliances, connectivity within Burgess locations, access for offsite/remote users, and collaborations with third-party vendors. He works nights and weekends updating systems to minimize operational disruption for access to essential employee functions such as patient documentation, radiology images/reports, lab results, patient billing, in-home care applications, remote workers, contracted services, HVAC systems, security systems, phone systems, disaster recovery backups, and so much more.

Grady Warner, IT Director, expresses deep gratitude for Jeff’s dedication, stating, “I am beyond grateful for Jeff and his unwavering dedication to Burgess Health Center and his exceptional contributions to the healthcare community. He is truly my guardian angel.”

The Guardian Angel Award, a highly respected recognition at Burgess Health Center, acknowledges individuals who demonstrate exceptional care, kindness, and commitment to their patients. Jeff’s nomination reflects the deep appreciation Grady and his team have for all the integral behind-the-scenes efforts to keep our patients and teams safe.

Burgess Health Center is honored to have professionals like Jeff among its staff, who consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to the community they serve.

Photo: Lynn Wold, CEO, Jeff Phipps, Grady Warner, Bobbi Johnson

Burgess Hospice has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a “Premier Performer” for achieving an overall caregiver and family satisfaction score that ranked in the top 5% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2022 calendar year.

The annual SHPBest™ award program was created to acknowledge hospice providers that consistently provide high-quality service to families and caregivers of patients receiving hospice care. The 2022 award recipients were determined by reviewing and ranking the overall CAHPS Hospice survey satisfaction score for more than 1,750 hospice providers. With one of the largest CAHPS Hospice benchmarks in the nation, SHP is in a unique position to identify and recognize organizations that have made family and caregiver satisfaction a priority and have been rewarded for their efforts with high marks on the CAHPS Hospice survey.

“SHP is very excited to have the opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of our top-performing customers with the annual SHPBest awards. We commend these organizations for their determination to provide top-notch care to the patients and caregivers that they serve”, said Kevin Vogel, President of SHP.

“The entire Burgess Hospice team is greatly honored to receive the ‘Premier Performer’ award from SHP. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional care to both patients and their families. We pride ourselves on ensuring that every individual we serve experiences the highest quality of hospice care. We are humbled and grateful for this acknowledgment, and we will continue to strive for excellence in our mission to provide compassionate support.” – Rachel Martian, Director of Burgess Home Health Hospice.

Read more about the SHPBest awards program, including methodology and award recipient lists at https://www.shpdata.com/hospice/shpbest-cahps-hospice/.

Photo: (back row, left to right) Angie Reynolds RN, Bettie Anderson LPN, Kris Lyons, Rose Cummins, Jennifer Gross HHA, Keri Moore HHA, Sonya Harrison HHA, Lindsay Theeler HHA, Ashley Moore LPN; (middle) Missy Koenigs RN, Laurie Mordhorst LPN, Brenda Todd RN, Clint Broer PT, Cheryl Holverson RN, Janine Shilling RN, Ashley Hagestrom RN, Elizabeth Harvey MSW; (front) Laura Ruffcorn, Ashley Anderson HHA, Rachel Martian RN/Director, Cindy Kuhlmann RN.

Not pictured- Nikki Blume RN, Jenna Westendorf RN, Erin Erickson RN, Pam McCall RN, Katie Weston MSW, Corrina Schild, Dale Wolf/Hospice Chaplain.

Burgess Health Center is proud to announce the nomination of Sarah Solberg, an extraordinary paramedic, for the Guardian Angel Award. Sarah’s dedication and compassionate care during a recent emergency medical call have earned her this well-deserved recognition.

The nomination for the Guardian Angel Award comes from the heart of a grateful family. Sarah was part of the ambulance team called to assist Jolene, a patient in a life-threatening situation. During a very serious and challenging call, Sarah’s demeanor and actions left an unforgettable mark on Jolene’s family.

“Sarah is truly an angel on earth,” said Susan Johnson, Jolene’s sister and the person who nominated Sarah for this award. “She was on the ambulance run for my sister, Jolene. This was a very serious call. Sarah was the calm, comforting voice we all needed to hear.”

Sarah’s extraordinary care extended beyond the ambulance ride. Upon arriving at Burgess Health Center, she went above and beyond her duties to provide support in the emergency room. She made it her priority to communicate effectively and thoughtfully with Jolene’s daughter and sister remained informed throughout the process. Sarah even stayed on-call, ensuring that Jolene received the necessary care and preparation for transfer to Council Bluffs the following morning.

The Guardian Angel Award, a highly respected recognition at Burgess Health Center, acknowledges individuals who demonstrate exceptional care, kindness, and commitment to their patients. Sarah’s nomination reflects the deep appreciation and gratitude felt by Jolene’s family for the extraordinary care they received during a critical moment.

Burgess Health Center is honored to have professionals like Sarah among its staff, who consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to the community they serve.

For more information about Burgess Health Center and the Guardian Angel Award, please visit www.burgesshc.org/about/foundation

Photo: (back row, left to right) Morgan Ridder, Steven Gibler, Nick Lakey; (front row, left to right) Karla Copple, Director of Emergency and Inpatient Services, Sarah Solberg, Jolene McDonald, Susan Johnson, Bobbi Johnson, Foundation Director, and Lynn Wold, CEO.