News

Burgess Health Center invites community members to attend the annual Wear Red event on Friday, February 13, 2026, in support of women’s heart health. This year’s theme, “Strong Women, Strong Hearts,” celebrates the strength, resilience, and everyday choices that help women live heart-healthy lives.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet many women are unaware of their risk factors or the unique symptoms they may experience. The Wear Red event aims to educate, empower, and encourage women to take charge of their heart health.

The event will feature a keynote presentation by Josh Lander, Director of Rehab Services at Burgess Health Center, who will discuss the role of movement, prevention, and rehabilitation in maintaining a healthy heart at every stage of life. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit community vendor booths offering heart-health resources and information.

The event is open to the public, and guests are encouraged to wear red in support of women’s heart health awareness.

Event Details:

Doors Open: 10:30 AM – Educational booths, free chair massages, and fingernail painting by the West Monona FCCLA students!

Lunch: 11:30 AM – Enjoy a heart-healthy lunch provided by Staley’s Catering.

Tickets: $15 per person. RSVP by February 6, 2026, by calling 712.423.9200.

“We want women and men in our community to recognize how powerful small lifestyle changes can be when it comes to heart health,” said Katie Ramm, Director of Marketing at Burgess Health Center. “This event is about education, encouragement, and supporting one another in living healthier lives.”

For more information about the Wear Red Event or heart health services at Burgess Health Center, please contact Burgess Health Center or visit www.BurgessHC.org.

 Registration Form

Community Urged to Share Cancer Stories, Challenges, and Solutions with Lawmakers at a Bipartisan Listening Session on December 2.

Onawa, IA – Iowa faces one of the most pressing cancer crises in the nation, ranking second in cancer incidence. To elevate community voices and drive meaningful solutions, legislators are inviting residents to a bipartisan community listening session focused on the impact of cancer on Iowa families. The event is hosted by Burgess Health Center.

Date: Tuesday, December 2 Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Burgess Health Center Dining Room (NOTE: Please enter through the south entrance of the Healing Garden, not the Main Lobby)

1600 Diamond St, Onawa, IA 51040

This event is part of an ongoing bipartisan series launched earlier this year to give Iowans a platform to share personal cancer experiences and propose solutions. These conversations are already making a difference. Public input helped stop legislation that would have granted immunity to manufacturers of cancer-causing chemicals and supported the passage of measures expanding access to cancer screening and treatment.

The session will be facilitated by Lynn Wold, CEO of Burgess Health Center, and will feature participation from Senator Kevin Alons and Representative Dr. Megan Srinivas, along with community voices such as Woodbury County resident Doyle Turner, who shared,

“As the third generation affected by cancer, I think it is time that we have a state wide, candid conversation. ‘Conversation is a catalyst for innovation.’ – John Seely Brown.”

The event is free and open to the public; no registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring friends, family, caregivers and others affected by cancer. The discussion will be held in a safe, respectful and solution-focused environment.

The fight against cancer isn’t over. Together, Iowans are proving that grassroots voices can influence bipartisan action.

For interviews or more information, contact Leah Vanden Bosch at leah.e.vandenbosch@gmail.com.

Burgess Health Center invites you to join us for the Annual Wear Red Event on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Onawa Community Center. This year’s theme, The Heart Truth, stresses the importance of heart health and empowers attendees, men and women, to take charge of their well-being.

Event Details:

Doors Open: 10:30 AM
Explore educational stations, enjoy free chair massages, and interact with fun and engaging booths.

Lunch: 11:30 AM (approx.)
Enjoy a heart-healthy lunch provided by Staley’s Catering, with a choice of fish or baked chicken.

Featured Speaker: Stephanie Christensen, DNP of CHI Health – Cardiology
Gain valuable insights on heart health, participate in an engaging discussion, and have your questions answered by an expert.

Tickets: $15 per person.
RSVP today by calling 712.423.9200. Please indicate your lunch preference (fish or chicken) when registering.

Why Attend?
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women, but it is preventable with education, awareness, and action. The Wear Red Event is your opportunity to connect with others, learn how to maintain a healthy heart, and celebrate your health journey.

Do not miss this chance to wear your red, bring your friends, and be part of a meaningful event that supports heart health in our community. Together, we can take charge of our heart health!

 

As we gather around our tables this holiday season, Burgess People Care invites you to join us for a special tradition: the 15th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Thanksgiving is a time for families to unite, but for some in our community, it is a day that may feel a bit lonelier. That is why the Burgess People Care team is dedicated to making sure no one spends this holiday without a sense of family and togetherness. This event is a chance for everyone—whether surrounded by loved ones or joining new friends—to experience the warmth and joy of the season.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
• Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Location: First Christian Church, 722 15th Street, Onawa, IA 51040

This Thanksgiving feast will feature all your holiday favorites, from roasted turkey and savory stuffing to fresh salads, vegetable dishes, and apple and pumpkin pie. Every dish is prepared with love, reflecting the spirit of care and community that defines Burgess People Care.

For 15 special years, this event has welcomed families, children, adults, and seniors, with more than 150 guests joining us annually. It is more than just a meal—it is a moment to come together, give thanks, and share the day with neighbors, friends, and new faces.

While freewill donations are appreciated, they are not required. What matters most is the opportunity to enjoy a meal with those around you.

RSVP
To help us prepare enough food for everyone, please make a meal reservation by noon on Friday, November 22, 2024. Call Burgess Human Resources at 712-423-9200 to secure your spot at the table.

Join us in celebrating this day of gratitude, family, and community at the heart of Onawa.

Burgess Health Center is excited to announce the long-awaited reveal of its newly renovated and expanded areas, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to serving the local communities. The community open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony are scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.. Following the ceremony will be family games, food, and guided tours of the facility.

In August 2021, Burgess Health Center began a $20 million investment to enhance healthcare services for its community members. After nearly 31 months of planning and construction, the expansion and renovation project is complete, bringing expanded access, improved privacy, and growth for future services.

The project included the addition of 20,000 square feet of new space and the renovation of 30,000 square feet within the facility. Among the improvements, Burgess Health Center significantly expanded its Specialty Clinic space to accommodate both Burgess and visiting specialty providers. The clinic’s footprint has more than doubled in size and now has a dedicated entrance.

Beyond the Specialty Clinic expansion, Burgess Health Center expanded its Emergency Department, Infusion Services, and Surgical Service areas, resulting in substantial growth to enhance patient privacy and ensure timely access to essential services. The attached Family Medicine Clinic also received an aesthetic upgrade.

“We are thrilled to unveil our newly renovated and expanded facilities, which represents our commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services to our communities,” said Lynn Wold, President/CEO at Burgess Health Center. “This milestone reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our patients while prioritizing their comfort, privacy, and access to high-quality care.”

Burgess Health Center invites community members, partners, and stakeholders to join in the celebration of this momentous occasion. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the enhanced facilities and experience firsthand the transformative changes achieved through this project. We look forward to your presence at this special event.

Burgess Foundation recently held two very successful golf tournaments! Willow Vale Golf Course in Mapleton hosted on June 9 and the Onawa Country Club in Onawa on June 16. Golfers had the choice to register for one day or sign up for both fun-filled Fridays.

The teams enjoyed camaraderie on the greens, a steak sandwich meal for lunch, a 19^th-hole putting contest, and pin prizes. Both tournaments raised over $36,000 that will be used to purchase new medical equipment which furthers Burgess Health Center’s purpose of providing excellent healthcare.

“The success of this annual golf tournament depends very much on the overwhelming support and participation from our sponsors, volunteers and staff,” Bobbi Johnson, Director of the Burgess Foundation, stated. “The dedication and commitment are truly making a difference in advancing the mission of the Burgess Foundation and helping us TEE IT UP FORE Burgess Health Center.

Mapleton Tournament:
Champion: First Security Bank -54, Team Lander – 57, Fister Farms – 59.
First Flight: Denison Drywall – 66, Lander Farms – 67, Team Copple – 67.
Second Flight: Lee’s Small Engine Repair – 75, Team Warner – 77, Maple Heights – 80.

Onawa Tournament:
Champion: Team Lander – 55, Security National Bank/Spring Valley Ag -55, The Hoffman Agency – 55.
First Flight: AgriVision Equipment – 59, Nelson & Rock Contracting – 60, Mac’s Chevrolet – 63.
Second Flight: Lee’s Small Engine Repair – 66, Graham Construction – 68, Dr. Knudson – 68.

Sponsors:
1% Lists Dream Street, 6 Mile Pursuit, AgriVision, AssuredPartners/ServiShare, Bayer Crop Science, Carl & Allison Behne, Black Hills Energy, Burgess Auxiliary, Burgess Family Clinics, Burgess Mapleton PT, Burgess Ute, CHI Health, CMBA Architects, Community Bank, Rob & Karla Copple, Dr. Peter & Jennifer Daher, Denison Drywall Contracting, Echo Electric Supply, Family Medicine Clinic, First Security Bank, Fister Farms, Friends Divided, Graham Construction, Grip it ‘n Rip it!, Great Southern Bank, IP Pathways, Dr. Rachel Knudson, Josh Lander, Lander Farms, Lee’s Small Engine Repair, Long Lines Broadband, MAC’S Chevrolet, Inc., Maple Heights, Morton Buildings, Inc., Nelson & Rock Contracting, Security National Bank, Specialized Engineering Solutions, Spring Valley Ag, Dr. John Terry, The Hoffman Agency, Timber Ridge, Uncommon Grounds, Vision Care Clinic, Grady & Stacy Warner, Kathy Westergaard, Williams & Company, WIPCO, and Xigent Solutions.

Prize Sponsors:
Bomgaar’s – Mapleton, Bomgaar’s – Onawa, Burgess Auxiliary, Casey’s, Graceful Boutique, Graceful Grind Coffeehouse, Hard Rock Main & Abbey, Hometown Variety, Mapleton Press, Onnen Company, Scheels, Jessi Tadlock – Century 21, Uncommon Grounds, United Bank of Iowa – Moorhead.

Meal Sponsors:
Mapleton: Fiesta Foods – Breakfast, Uncommon Grounds/Kathy Westergaard – Lunch
Onawa: Fiesta Foods – Breakfast, Black Hills Energy – Lunch

Beverage Sponsor:
Mapleton: 1% Lists Dream Street
Onawa: Williams & Company

Putting Contest Sponsor:
Great Southern Bank in both Mapleton and Onawa

19th Hole Sponsor:
Mapleton: Xigent Solutions
Onawa: Specialized Engineering Solutions

 

Photo #1: Shane Erlemeier, Chris Leif, Scott McCandless, and Ethan Wolf.
Photo #2: Josh Lander, J.J. Lander, Tommy Miller, and Carl Miller.

Need a family to share dinner with on Thanksgiving Day? Join Burgess People Care and the family and friends of Nancy Broer as they host the 13th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. As in years past, we will serve traditional Thanksgiving dinners to area residents, assuring no one misses out on this customary feast because they are alone or unable to prepare a meal.

The Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on the national holiday Thursday, Nov. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Turkey, stuffing, salads, vegetable dishes, other sides, and pies will be served.

The annual dinner feeds hundreds of adults, senior citizens, and families. The meal will be served at the First Christian Church located at 722 15th Street in Onawa. Free will donations are accepted, but not expected.

“Burgess People Care will continue to fulfill Nancy’s dream of bringing people together on Thanksgiving for as long as we can,” says Nancy’s niece, Teresa Butler. “She started this tradition because she wanted those who are alone or in need to enjoy a warm, traditional dinner in a family atmosphere on the exact holiday.”

Burgess People Care is a long-time employee committee of Burgess Health Center that raises funds to support community drives, events, and fellow employees. Another partner in this dinner is the Onawa Chamber of Commerce. Both organizations realize that sponsoring this event enhances the overall quality of life in Onawa and the surrounding areas.

Persons experienced with cooking for crowds will prepare the main course. Burgess volunteers and family members will prepare special dishes. Family and friends of Nancy will be among the volunteers, giving of their time to serve those in attendance on Thanksgiving.

Those who wish to attend, please make a meal reservation by noon on Friday, Nov. 18, to ensure that there is more than enough food. Please call Burgess Human Resources at 712-423-9200. If there is no answer, leave a message with your name, phone number and the number of people attending.

Need a family to share dinner with on Thanksgiving Day? Please make plans to join Burgess People Care and the family and friends of Nancy Broer as they host the 13th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. As in years past, we will serve traditional Thanksgiving dinners to area residents, assuring no one misses out on this traditional feast because they are alone or unable to prepare a meal.

The Thanksgiving Community Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., serving a Thanksgiving feast of turkey, stuffing, salads, vegetable dishes, other sides, pies, and more.

Over 150 volunteers, children, adults, and senior citizens in previous years enjoyed this time of fellowship. The meal will be served at First Christian Church, 722 15th Street in Onawa, IA. Freewill donations are appreciated but not expected.

People who wish to attend should make a meal reservation by noon on Friday, November 18, 2022, to ensure there is more than enough food. Please call Burgess Human Resources at 712-423-9200.

Burgess Health Center’s Diabetes Update Class is scheduled for Thursday, April 7 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. at Burgess Health Center or you can attend via Zoom from the comforts of your home.

This update is for anyone who wants to prevent, currently has or lives with someone who has diabetes. Specifically designed for those who want to stay healthy and learn more about managing their diabetes.

There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is required. Please call Sue McLaughlin or Michele Kirkendall at 712-423-9268 with any questions or to pre-register.