Subject: August Newsletter: Back to School!

Get Your Kids Back Into Their School Routine

As we prepare for our kids to return to school, we may forget to focus on the following important items that are essential to having a successful year - fuel your child with nutritious food, create a routine, get plenty of rest, and schedule any necessary health check-ups.

For more information, check out our latest blog on back-to-school tips.

Back To School

2021 Abben Golf Classic Presents 50/50 Raffle Opportunity

The annual Abben Cancer Center Golf Classic will take place at Emerald Hills Golf Course in Arnolds Park on Sunday, August 29th with all proceeds benefiting patients served in the surrounding region by the local cancer center. For those who are unable to attend the event or don’t consider themselves to be golfers, there is an opportunity to still participate in this fun event!

Raffle tickets can be purchased at Farmers Trust & Savings Bank in Spencer, Northwest Bank in Spencer, Liberty National Bank in Okoboji, Milford Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Boji Junction in Milford and the Spencer Hospital Gift Shop. Tickets are sold for $10 per ticket or 3 tickets for $20. For more information, call Sara Taylor, Director of the Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation at 712-264-6226.

Abben Golf Classic Raffle

HHS Releases Plan for COVID-19 Booster Doses for all Americans

From the Iowa Department of Public Health:
Today (Aug. 18, 2021) , Health and Human Services (HHS) public health and medical experts released a joint statement on the plan for COVID-19 booster doses for all Americans beginning the week of September 20, 2021. At that time, the individuals who were fully vaccinated earliest in the vaccination rollout, including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors, will likely be eligible for a booster.

COVID-19 Booster Plan Info

Northwest Iowa Bone, Joint & Sports Surgeons Welcome Dr. Michael Dirkx

Northwest Iowa Bone, Joint & Sports Surgeons announced in August that Dr. Michael Dirkx will be joining their staff. Dr. Dirkx was a collegiate baseball player at Buena Vista University where he earned his undergraduate degree. Following medical school at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed his orthopedic residency at McLaren Macomb Hospital (Michigan State).

Dr. Dirkx will have clinics in Spencer and Storm Lake and will specialize in hand surgery, robot assisted total joint replacement and general orthopedics.

nwiabone.com

We're Tickled Pink! Donation Received from the Pink Ribbon Golf Classic

Many thanks to Jo Slota (center), her terrific planning committee and everyone who made the 2021 Pink Ribbon Golf Classic a success!

Jo presented a generous contribution from the event in support of women's health services, especially breast cancer detection and care, to Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation Director Sara Taylor (left) and Women's Health Coordinator Laura Wiemers (pictured on the right). Thank you!

Pink Ribbon Golf Classic Donation

Two Spencer Hospital Employees Awarded Scholarships from the Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation

Congratulations to Spencer Hospital nurses Cassie Olesen (left) and Molly Lovin (right), who were both recently awarded generous scholarships from the Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation, which is supported by the Iowa Hospital Association.

Cassie and Molly were congratulated by hospital president Bill Bumgarner, who remarked how proud he is of these two healthcare professionals, along with many others at Spencer Hospital who are actively seeking advanced learning opportunities.

Molly is pursuing her Master's degree in Nursing Education from Robert Morris University. Cassie is completing her Bachelor's in Nursing from American Sentinel University. Congrats and best wishes, Cassie and Molly!

Scholarship Recipients