News

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.

Dr. Ivey Thornton, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist with Nebraska Medicine, brings over 15 years of advanced eye care experience to the Specialty Clinics at Burgess Health Center. She will be available to see patients the first and third Wednesday of every other month beginning March 5, 2025 offering her expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions.

Dr. Thornton earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 2006. She completed her internship at Akron City Hospital in 2007 and went on to specialize in ophthalmology during her residency at the University of Louisville, finishing in 2010. Her dedication to advanced eye care led her to pursue fellowships in Neuro-Ophthalmology at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard University in 2011 and in Anterior Segment care at the Cincinnati Eye Institute in 2016.

With a compassionate and patient-focused approach, Dr. Thornton offers comprehensive services, including the treatment of advanced dry eye, comprehensive ophthalmology and cataract, cornea and refractive surgery, and glaucoma. Her specialized training allows her to address complex vision issues, ensuring the highest quality care for her patients.

Dr. Thornton is committed to improving the lives of her patients by restoring and preserving their vision. Her partnership with Burgess Health Center Specialty Clinics will provide the community with convenient access to expert eye care.

Patients seeking expert ophthalmology care can benefit from Dr. Thornton’s extensive knowledge and dedication to exceptional outcomes.

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!

ACT II Consignment Shop is excited to announce that 2024 has been an incredible year, marked by record-breaking success and community support. Annual sales grew by an impressive 20%, making this our most successful year to date!

The generosity of our community has been truly inspiring, with daily donations reaching new heights. We have also experienced a significant increase in consignors, both returning and new.

At ACT II, we are dedicated to providing quality, gently used clothing, furniture, and household items at exceptional value. Our efforts directly support the vital healthcare services provided by Burgess Health Center, ensuring a healthier, stronger community for all.

The foundation of our success is the incredible dedication of our volunteers. This year alone, our amazing team of volunteers devoted over 1,000 hours to ACT II, truly highlighting their commitment to Burgess and our communities. We are incredibly grateful for their contributions, which have been helpful in us achieving these milestones.

“This year has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Bridget Meadows, Retail Operations Supervisor. “The growth we’ve experienced is evidence to the incredible support from our community, consignors, and volunteers. Together, we’ve created a space where everyone benefits, and we’re so excited for what the future holds.”

Located at 813 Iowa Avenue in Onawa, ACT II is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Donations, which are tax-deductible, are accepted during regular business hours, and our inventory rotates frequently, offering fresh finds daily.

The Burgess Foundation is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program. Up to three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded this spring to deserving area high school seniors and first-year college students who are pursuing a career in a health-related field.

“We are committed to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Bobbi Johnson, Director of Burgess Foundation. “This scholarship program is one of the many ways we strive to invest in our community and its future.”

Applications are available online at www.burgesshc.org/about/foundation/scholarships/. Completed applications must be postmarked by April 11, 2025, to be considered. Applicants are encouraged to review all submission guidelines and ensure all required materials are included before submitting their application.

Scholarship recipients will be announced later this spring. For more information, please visit the Burgess Foundation’s website or contact Bobbi Johnson at bjohnson@burgesshc.org or 712.423.9374.

Burgess Health Center is delighted to announce a generous donation of $900 from the Charity Tip Jar at Uncommon Grounds in Sloan, IA, benefiting the Burgess Home Health & Hospice department. The funds were raised through the support and kindness of Uncommon Grounds customers, who contributed to the tip jar for the month.

Peggy, the owner of Uncommon Grounds, presented the donation to Rachel Martian, Director of Home Health & Hospice, during a check presentation, Friday, December 13. This thoughtful contribution will directly support the compassionate care and vital services provided by the Burgess Home Health & Hospice team.

“We are incredibly grateful for this donation,” said Rachel. “It’s inspiring to see local businesses like Uncommon Grounds and their patrons supporting our mission to provide comfort and care to patients and families in need.”

Uncommon Grounds is a cornerstone of the community, not only serving up delicious coffee but also making a meaningful impact through initiatives like the Charity Tip Jar.

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PHOTO: Katelynn Martian, Home Health office assistant, Rachel Martian, Director of Home Health & Hospice, Peggy Hanner, Owner of Uncommon Grounds, Cheryl Holverson, RN, Janine Shilling, RN, Sonya Harrison, Home Health Aide, Bobbi Johnson, Director of Foundation, and Lynn Wold, President/CEO at Burgess Health Center.

This season of giving, Burgess Health Center is happy to receive a special gift from Bomgaars following their annual Ladies’ Night event held in early November. Bomgaars welcomed women from across the community for an evening of fun, shopping, and support women’s health. Shoppers enjoyed a 20% discount on purchases, with a portion of the evening’s sales pledged to benefit Burgess Health Center’s Radiology Department.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from our community and partners like Bomgaars, especially during this season of giving,” said Jenny Coble, Director of the Radiology Department at Burgess Health Center. “This donation will directly enhance our mammography services, helping us provide the latest technology, education, and support for early detection and treatment of breast cancer.”

The generous donation of $587.38 will support mammography services at Burgess Health Center. While breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection remains key, and this contribution helps Burgess continue its commitment to offering advanced care and hope to those affected.

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PHOTO: Alicia Hohl, Manager at Bomgaars in Onawa, Jenny Coble, Director of Radiology, Bobbi Johnson, Director of Foundation, and Lynn Wold, President/CEO.

In an ever-evolving healthcare setting, Burgess Leadership and the Governing Board have made the difficult decision to cease operations and permanently close Whiting Family Pharmacy, effective February 12, 2025. This decision reflects a challenging reality faced by retail pharmacies nationwide as the industry undergoes dramatic changes and mounting pressures to improve operational efficiencies.

“The closure of Stangel Pharmacy and now Whiting Family Pharmacy are symptoms of much larger systemic issues within the retail pharmacy industry,” said Lynn Wold, President/CEO of Burgess Health Center. “While this decision was not made lightly, we are committed to ensuring our community has access to vital pharmacy services. This is why we are taking proactive steps to address these challenges.”

Burgess Health Center is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Lewis Drug, a mid-sized retail pharmacy operator based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a strong history of serving rural communities. Together, we will construct a 4,200-square-foot pharmacy building on the Burgess campus. Burgess will own the land and building, while Lewis Drug will operate the pharmacy business under a long-term lease agreement.

This partnership represents a sustainable solution that ensures continued access to quality retail pharmacy services for the Burgess service area. Lewis Drug brings decades of expertise and a commitment to serving the unique needs of rural communities in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Northwest Iowa.

A question we have heard from the community is: “Why is Burgess going to such great lengths to support a corporate pharmacy chain like Lewis Drug?”

The answer lies in Lewis Drug’s mission. Their decision to open a location in Onawa is driven by their rural mission—not profit. With Stangel Pharmacy set to close, there were no reasonable options to preserve sustainable retail pharmacy services in our area. While Whiting Family Pharmacy has provided a wonderful service over the years, large-scale retail pharmacy operations are not a core competency Burgess can or could have provided. Burgess’s role as the community healthcare leader is reflected in welcoming and partnering with a capable, sustainable retail pharmacy organization like Lewis Drug to ensure continuity of care.

“We understand the vital role retail pharmacies play in the overall delivery of healthcare,” Wold added. “This partnership will allow us to sustain high-quality pharmacy services while addressing the economic and operational realities of today’s healthcare environment and provide focus on our core competency of primary healthcare delivery services. ”

As we prepare for this transition, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Whiting Family Pharmacy team. For over 20 years, they have provided exceptional service and patient care to our community. Their dedication and professionalism have been a cornerstone of healthcare in Whiting, and their contributions will not be forgotten.

The coming weeks and months will bring change, but Burgess Health Center remains steadfast in its commitment to our community’s health and well-being. We ask for your support and understanding as we navigate this transition together.

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.