News

Burgess Health Center is committed to the safety and well-being of every individual in our communities. As part of that commitment, we hosted a speaker from Team Iowa to educate our medical staff and key team members about this serious issue. The speaker shared real stories and eye-opening facts, helping us understand how trafficking is affecting people right here in Iowa.

One story was about a college student in Sioux City who was forced into trafficking by her boyfriend. Stories like this show that trafficking doesn’t always look the way people think it does. It doesn’t always involve strangers or kidnapping. In fact, it often happens between people who know each other, and it can happen in any town, big or small.

“Human trafficking is a terrible crime that can be hard to see,” said Lynn Wold, President and CEO of Burgess Health Center. “At Burgess, we are doing everything we can to equip our team members with the tools and knowledge to identify the warning signs and intervene safely. Our caregivers are often a first point of contact for victims, and we take that responsibility seriously. We want to be part of the solution.”

Human trafficking is when someone is forced, tricked, or threatened into doing things like working without pay or being involved in sex against their will. Victims can be adults or children, and they may not always show obvious signs. They might seem very quiet, be watched closely by someone, have injuries they don’t explain, or have expensive gifts with no way to pay for them.

Education like this is vital. Studies show that up to 88% of human trafficking victims seek medical care at some point during their abuse. By increasing awareness among our healthcare professionals, we can be a crucial lifeline, offering not only care but a possible path to safety and freedom.

At Burgess Health Center, we believe that no one should suffer in silence. We are proud to be a part of the fight to end human trafficking, starting right here in our own communities.

To report a Human Trafficking Tip by Phone: Call 855-614-4692

The Burgess Foundation hosted two successful golf tournaments this June—one at Willow Vale Golf Course in Mapleton on June 13, and another at the Onawa Country Club in Onawa on June 20. Golfers could choose to participate in one or both of the fun-filled Fridays.

Teams enjoyed friendly competition on the greens, pin prizes, and a 19^th-hole putting contest on two very warm, but beautiful days. Both tournaments raised over $30,000, which will be used for the purchase of a new digital X-ray machine for the Radiology Department at Burgess Health Center.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who played, sponsored, volunteered, and supported these tournaments,” said Bobbi Johnson, Director of the Burgess Foundation. “It’s nice to see our communities come together for a great cause. Events like these get us one step closer to enhancing patient care here at Burgess.”

Mapleton Tournament:
Champion: Team Lander – 57, Fister Farms – 58.
First Flight: Rob & Karla Copple – 64, Brouillette/Seuntjens – 66.
Second Flight: Past & Present – 69, Lander Farms – 69.

Onawa Tournament:
Champion: Team Lander – 57, Timber Ridge – 60, and BankFirst – 61.
First Flight: Lee’s Small Engine Repair – 65, Rob & Karla Copple – 68, and Nelson & Rock Contracting – 69.
Second Flight: RBC Wealth Management – 75, Team Maule – 77, and Dr. Daher – 81.

Sponsors:
6 Mile Pursuit, A Team Divided, BankFirst, Burgess Family Clinics, CMBA Architects, Dr. Peter & Jennifer Daher, Denison Drywall Contracting, Rob & Karla Copple, Farm Bureau, Fister Farms, Flamingo Fore-Some, Graham Construction, Great Southern Bank, JC Roofing & Insulating, Inc., Jen’s Red to Denim, Johnson Controls, Lander Farms, Lee’s Small Engine Repair, Lewis Family Drug, Nelson & Rock Contracting, Nutt/Pithan Farms, Past & Present, RBC Wealth Management, Ruff Riders, Security National Bank, Specialized Engineering, Spring Valley Ag, Tami Rife, Team Brouillette/Seuntjens, Team Lander, Team Maule, The Hoffman Agency, Timber Ridge, Vision Care Clinic, Grady & Stacy Warner, Westie’s Besties, and Xigent.

Prize Sponsors:
Bomgaars – Onawa, Burgess Foundation Board Members, Burgess Foundation Gift Shop, Community Bank, Northwest Bank, Scheels, The Hut, and WIPCO.

Meal Sponsors:
Mapleton: Food Land, Mapleton – Breakfast, Family Medicine Clinic – Lunch
Onawa: Sunshine Foods – Breakfast, Family Medicine Clinic – Lunch

19th Hole Sponsor:
JC Roofing & Insulating, Inc.

Cart Sponsor:
Dr. Peter & Jennifer Daher

Top Photo: Carl Miller, J.J. Lander, Josh Lander, and Jason Handeland.
Bottom Photo: Tommy Miller, Josh Lander, J.J. Lander, and Carl Miller.

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.

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 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

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.