Our next stop brought us to Perry and the Dallas County Hospital. This was my first time at this facility, and I must say, it is very impressive.
This is the last of our stops as part of our tour this week, and I have been really impressed with the excitement and passion that people have for this issue.
Every community in Iowa has a story to tell and the story here in Perry is one of progress. Five years ago, the hospital completed a new addition that is helping to meet the health care needs of the community.
Last fall, I traveled up here to celebrate the new DMACC Perry Campus that is helping students receive a quality education.
Everytime I am in Perry, I am always impressed with how this community is moving forward, and I can see why Perry is a great place to live.
Now Perry is in the rear view mirror but we don't get to go home yet. Tonight, I am being honored by the Iowa Public Health Association as their Public Health Official of the Year. I am truly humbled to receive this award, and I will be accepting it on behalf of everyone in state government and on the local level who have helped achieve the health care successes we have seen in Iowa.
After that, its going home, and to bed. We will be hitting the road next week - this time talking about another subject near and dear to my heart - renewable energy.
Until next time,
Patty
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Boone - Healthcare at the Boone County Memorial Hospital
We are just leaving Boone after a very enjoyable visit.
We got to town with some time to spare, so we went grabbed a bite to eat at a restaurant called the Giggling Goat. I had a very delicious, healthy salad.
After lunch, we still had some time, so we visited a very nice antique shop called Iron Horse Antiques. It is owned and operated by a former state employee who retired a few years ago. I was able to pick up a few Haviland bowls that match a pattern I am collecting, and even Troy found something. Unfortunately, our trooper, Mike, who is with us on this trip didn't find anything - because he didn't go in. Apparently he is allergic to antique stores. Oh well, he doesn't know what he is missing.
With our treasures secured safely in White Beauty, we moved on to our event at the Boone County Memorial Hospital.
Rejoining the tour was Tom Newton, who skipped this morning for the Public Health Conference in Ames. And meeting me in Boone was Rep. Donovan Olson, another hardworking member of the legislature who has been a great partner in our health care efforts.
We did our event in the main entrance to the hospital, and in the atrium were about two dozen little chairs all painted and decorated differently. I asked what they were for, and they told me it is a fundraiser they are doing, and they are calling it a "CHAIR-ity". Some of them are really cute, and I thought about bidding on one but unfortunately, I had to hit the road.
But this fundraiser and all the little chairs symbolize the community support that rural hospitals enjoy. Community hospitals are critically important to the health of our state. As someone who used to work in a small, rural hospital, I know that these facilities are a source of pride for a community.
It is not easy for these hospitals. They often times have a hard time finding and funding qualified staff. And it is often difficult to make ends meet.
That is why the Governor and I have worked hard to prevent cuts in medicaid reimbursements, which are vitally important to supporting these institutions.
And with federal health care reform, there is some hope that we will be able to address the problems of Iowa's chronically low federal medicare reimbursement rates.
We are going to keep on doing whatever we can to help support these community hospitals and ensure they continue to meet the health needs of Iowans.
Well, we have one more event in Perry before our conference in Ames this evening.
Until next time,
Patty
We got to town with some time to spare, so we went grabbed a bite to eat at a restaurant called the Giggling Goat. I had a very delicious, healthy salad.
After lunch, we still had some time, so we visited a very nice antique shop called Iron Horse Antiques. It is owned and operated by a former state employee who retired a few years ago. I was able to pick up a few Haviland bowls that match a pattern I am collecting, and even Troy found something. Unfortunately, our trooper, Mike, who is with us on this trip didn't find anything - because he didn't go in. Apparently he is allergic to antique stores. Oh well, he doesn't know what he is missing.
With our treasures secured safely in White Beauty, we moved on to our event at the Boone County Memorial Hospital.
Rejoining the tour was Tom Newton, who skipped this morning for the Public Health Conference in Ames. And meeting me in Boone was Rep. Donovan Olson, another hardworking member of the legislature who has been a great partner in our health care efforts.
We did our event in the main entrance to the hospital, and in the atrium were about two dozen little chairs all painted and decorated differently. I asked what they were for, and they told me it is a fundraiser they are doing, and they are calling it a "CHAIR-ity". Some of them are really cute, and I thought about bidding on one but unfortunately, I had to hit the road.
But this fundraiser and all the little chairs symbolize the community support that rural hospitals enjoy. Community hospitals are critically important to the health of our state. As someone who used to work in a small, rural hospital, I know that these facilities are a source of pride for a community.
It is not easy for these hospitals. They often times have a hard time finding and funding qualified staff. And it is often difficult to make ends meet.
That is why the Governor and I have worked hard to prevent cuts in medicaid reimbursements, which are vitally important to supporting these institutions.
And with federal health care reform, there is some hope that we will be able to address the problems of Iowa's chronically low federal medicare reimbursement rates.
We are going to keep on doing whatever we can to help support these community hospitals and ensure they continue to meet the health needs of Iowans.
Well, we have one more event in Perry before our conference in Ames this evening.
Until next time,
Patty
Another Sign of Spring!
We are driving in rural Boone County, and we just saw our first corn planter in the field. With the mercury at 75, the sun shining bright, and now this, Spring really is here!
Patty
Patty
Webster City - Healthcare @ Hamilton Hospital
Our second stop today brought us to Webster City and a visit to Hamilton Hospital.
It was great to be back in Webster City, and visit with folks there. Joining me was my good friend Senator Rich Olive, who has been a great voice for the people of this state.
One of the things Rich was instrumental in helping to pass was the Healthy Kids Act.
We have a very serious problem with childhood obesity in our country. For the first time in history, the life expectancy of our children is shorter than the generation before it. And we are starting to see Type II diabetes in kids, which was just unheard of a few years ago. When I was studying nursing (more than a few years ago!) Type II diabetes was known as an old persons disease. But today, because our kids diets are so bad, it is now developing in children.
So, as a former nurse, I am very concerned about this problem and have worked to try and reverse these trends. I was so proud when we passed the Healthy Kids Act two years ago.
This legislation removes the soda and junk food machines from our schools. I believe its time that we stop buying new scoreboards for our schools with the profits from feeding our children junk food.
The Healthy Kids Act also requires that kids get a certain amount of exercise each week. This legislation is helping to teach children the value of healthy living, and it is one of the things I am most proud of during my time in office.
Well, after leaving the current Hamilton hospital, we drove by the new hospital being built here in Webster City. Its always great to see new hospitals being built in a rural community. These buildings are more than just health care facilities. They demonstrate the commitment of the community to their health and well-being.
We are back on the road. This time to Boone.
Until next time,
Patty
It was great to be back in Webster City, and visit with folks there. Joining me was my good friend Senator Rich Olive, who has been a great voice for the people of this state.
One of the things Rich was instrumental in helping to pass was the Healthy Kids Act.
We have a very serious problem with childhood obesity in our country. For the first time in history, the life expectancy of our children is shorter than the generation before it. And we are starting to see Type II diabetes in kids, which was just unheard of a few years ago. When I was studying nursing (more than a few years ago!) Type II diabetes was known as an old persons disease. But today, because our kids diets are so bad, it is now developing in children.
So, as a former nurse, I am very concerned about this problem and have worked to try and reverse these trends. I was so proud when we passed the Healthy Kids Act two years ago.
This legislation removes the soda and junk food machines from our schools. I believe its time that we stop buying new scoreboards for our schools with the profits from feeding our children junk food.
The Healthy Kids Act also requires that kids get a certain amount of exercise each week. This legislation is helping to teach children the value of healthy living, and it is one of the things I am most proud of during my time in office.
Well, after leaving the current Hamilton hospital, we drove by the new hospital being built here in Webster City. Its always great to see new hospitals being built in a rural community. These buildings are more than just health care facilities. They demonstrate the commitment of the community to their health and well-being.
We are back on the road. This time to Boone.
Until next time,
Patty
Mason City - Healthcare @ the Cerro Gordo County Free Clinic
The second day of our two day swing through North Iowa started in Mason City. And we started at a place that is doing some great work - the Cerro Gordo County Free Clinic.
And joining me for a second time on this tour was Sen. Amanda Regan. Amanda is one of the hardest-working members of the legislature, and has been a great partner with me and the Governor in our efforts to improve the health of Iowans. So, I was happy to have her join me again this morning.
Several years ago, some local citizens, led by city council member Scott Tornquist, recognized there was a lack of medical services in the community for those without medical insurance coverage and an over use of the hospital emergency room as a medical provider. So, they did research to see what needs existed, and in the end, decided the community needed a free clinic.
After years of hard work, the clinic finally opened its doors last November.
This clinic is a real Iowa success story. Family practice doctor Lori Lindstrom donated the office space. Mercy Hospital and other providers donated supplies. Eleven doctors volunteer their time every Saturday. And the media has helped spread the word - including Amy Fleming, a member of the clinic's board of directors and an anchor on local station KIMT. The community has really come together to make it a success.
As a result of their work, many citizens in Mason City and Cerro Gordo County who don't have health insurance not only have a place to meet immediate medical needs, they now have a "medical home." This is an old, yet new, concept in medicine. It is the idea that everyone should have a clinic or a doctor that is the same time and time again. By doing so, it helps bring greater continuity to medicine, and improves service and care.
This clinic is really filling a void that exists in this community, and I was happy to come and see for myself the work they are doing.
Well, the show keeps on trucking. Next stop - Webster City.
Until next time,
Patty
And joining me for a second time on this tour was Sen. Amanda Regan. Amanda is one of the hardest-working members of the legislature, and has been a great partner with me and the Governor in our efforts to improve the health of Iowans. So, I was happy to have her join me again this morning.
Several years ago, some local citizens, led by city council member Scott Tornquist, recognized there was a lack of medical services in the community for those without medical insurance coverage and an over use of the hospital emergency room as a medical provider. So, they did research to see what needs existed, and in the end, decided the community needed a free clinic.
After years of hard work, the clinic finally opened its doors last November.
This clinic is a real Iowa success story. Family practice doctor Lori Lindstrom donated the office space. Mercy Hospital and other providers donated supplies. Eleven doctors volunteer their time every Saturday. And the media has helped spread the word - including Amy Fleming, a member of the clinic's board of directors and an anchor on local station KIMT. The community has really come together to make it a success.
As a result of their work, many citizens in Mason City and Cerro Gordo County who don't have health insurance not only have a place to meet immediate medical needs, they now have a "medical home." This is an old, yet new, concept in medicine. It is the idea that everyone should have a clinic or a doctor that is the same time and time again. By doing so, it helps bring greater continuity to medicine, and improves service and care.
This clinic is really filling a void that exists in this community, and I was happy to come and see for myself the work they are doing.
Well, the show keeps on trucking. Next stop - Webster City.
Until next time,
Patty
Monday, April 12, 2010
Charles City - Talking Healthcare @ the Floyd County Memorial Hospital
We just left Charles City after a visit to the Floyd County Memorial Hospital.
It was a great way to end the day, with a nice chat with the staff and administrators of the hospital.
When I was a nurse, I worked in a hospital that wasn't all that different from FCMH. For a dozen years, I worked at the Monroe County Hospital, a small 50 bed hospital in my hometown of Albia.
It was a challenging, yet rewarding job. And in the years since I left, nursing has remained a rewarding career, but it unfortunately has become more challenging. Nursing salaries have remained unchanged in Iowa for years, leading to fewer people entering the profession, and fewer people able to fill these critically important roles.
So, two years ago, the Governor asked me to lead a task force to look at nursing issues. And at the end of that process, we produced a roadmap for addressing the problems facing Iowa's nurses.
We are slowly making progress in implementing this report. The economic recession has certainly made that process more difficult. But I am proud to say that this year we passed legislation creating the nursing workforce center at Iowa Workforce Development. This center will help collect data, and make sure that lawmakers have the information they need to help tackle this problem.
Iowa's nurses are some of the most important public servants in our state. I know this. The Governor knows this. And we will not stop working to see that the quality of life for our nurses improves, and that they are paid the wages and shown the respect they deserve.
Well, we are now heading west to Mason City for the night before we head out for another day of travel. Check back tomorrow for more of my adventures from the road.
Until next time,
Patty
It was a great way to end the day, with a nice chat with the staff and administrators of the hospital.
When I was a nurse, I worked in a hospital that wasn't all that different from FCMH. For a dozen years, I worked at the Monroe County Hospital, a small 50 bed hospital in my hometown of Albia.
It was a challenging, yet rewarding job. And in the years since I left, nursing has remained a rewarding career, but it unfortunately has become more challenging. Nursing salaries have remained unchanged in Iowa for years, leading to fewer people entering the profession, and fewer people able to fill these critically important roles.
So, two years ago, the Governor asked me to lead a task force to look at nursing issues. And at the end of that process, we produced a roadmap for addressing the problems facing Iowa's nurses.
We are slowly making progress in implementing this report. The economic recession has certainly made that process more difficult. But I am proud to say that this year we passed legislation creating the nursing workforce center at Iowa Workforce Development. This center will help collect data, and make sure that lawmakers have the information they need to help tackle this problem.
Iowa's nurses are some of the most important public servants in our state. I know this. The Governor knows this. And we will not stop working to see that the quality of life for our nurses improves, and that they are paid the wages and shown the respect they deserve.
Well, we are now heading west to Mason City for the night before we head out for another day of travel. Check back tomorrow for more of my adventures from the road.
Until next time,
Patty
Waverly - Talking Healthcare @ the Waverly Health Center
In honor of our health care day, we had a quick, healthy lunch before moving on to our event in Waverly.
We went to a place I had visited before - Tendrils Rooftop Garden. I stopped here as part of my Travel Iowa tour last summer, and It was a very relaxing visit. At the time, I said I wanted to come back. So I was looking forward to being here today because I was told it was going to be 75 degrees and sunny. Unfortunately, it was about 50 degrees and overcast. Oh well. The views were still great.
After I bent the ear of the Waverly residents that joined us, we had a lively discussion about health care. One of the questions we were asked was " how do kids get covered under the state health insurance plan". This is a really good question. Our state's child health insurance program - hawk-I - has helped give thousands of kids access to quality, affordable health care. When combined with our investments in Medicaid, we have helped 57,000 kids receive health insurance over the past three years.
But the only way kids can access it is if their parents sign them up. We have done several outreach efforts on the state level to get parents to sign up their kids.
But, if you know of anyone whose kids don't have health insurance, tell them to contact the state, and get their kids enrolled in hawk-I. Tell them to visit hawk-i.org or call 800.257.8563.
Well, White Beauty is riding again. This time to our final stop of the day in Charles City.
Until next time,
Patty
We went to a place I had visited before - Tendrils Rooftop Garden. I stopped here as part of my Travel Iowa tour last summer, and It was a very relaxing visit. At the time, I said I wanted to come back. So I was looking forward to being here today because I was told it was going to be 75 degrees and sunny. Unfortunately, it was about 50 degrees and overcast. Oh well. The views were still great.
After I bent the ear of the Waverly residents that joined us, we had a lively discussion about health care. One of the questions we were asked was " how do kids get covered under the state health insurance plan". This is a really good question. Our state's child health insurance program - hawk-I - has helped give thousands of kids access to quality, affordable health care. When combined with our investments in Medicaid, we have helped 57,000 kids receive health insurance over the past three years.
But the only way kids can access it is if their parents sign them up. We have done several outreach efforts on the state level to get parents to sign up their kids.
But, if you know of anyone whose kids don't have health insurance, tell them to contact the state, and get their kids enrolled in hawk-I. Tell them to visit hawk-i.org or call 800.257.8563.
Well, White Beauty is riding again. This time to our final stop of the day in Charles City.
Until next time,
Patty
Waterloo - Talking Healthcare @ the Black Hawk County Health Dept.
Our second stop today brought us to Waterloo and Black Hawk County Public Health.
When we pulled up to the building, I immediately recognized it. It is the old St. Francis Hospital, and after the floods of 2008, my husband John worked for the Small Business Administration, and his office was based out of the same building.
We held our event in the old chapel. It is a really cool building, and an interesting place to hold an event.
We had a very nice visit, and it was great to meet with those who are on the front lines of health care in our state. This event also gave me the opportunity to recognize my press secretary - Troy - for a big achievement. Over the weekend, he celebrated his 100th day without smoking.
Troy is not alone in the number of people who have quit smoking in recent years.
As a former smoker, I know first hand the effects that smoking can have on people. That is why as Lt. Governor, I have worked hard with the Governor to curb smoking our state. And, I'm proud to say - we have been successful.
In our first year, we increased the user fee on tobacco products $1/pack. And we followed that up the next year by eliminating smoking in all public places.
As a result, over the last three years, 79,000 Iowans have quit smoking, and per capita consumption of tobacco is down 50 percent.
There were some people who were not happy with us, but we did it anyway because it was the right thing to do. And with fewer smokers today, we know we were right.
Well, we are back on the road. We hope to grab a bite to eat before we head on to our next event in Waverly.
Until next time,
Patty
When we pulled up to the building, I immediately recognized it. It is the old St. Francis Hospital, and after the floods of 2008, my husband John worked for the Small Business Administration, and his office was based out of the same building.
We held our event in the old chapel. It is a really cool building, and an interesting place to hold an event.
We had a very nice visit, and it was great to meet with those who are on the front lines of health care in our state. This event also gave me the opportunity to recognize my press secretary - Troy - for a big achievement. Over the weekend, he celebrated his 100th day without smoking.
Troy is not alone in the number of people who have quit smoking in recent years.
As a former smoker, I know first hand the effects that smoking can have on people. That is why as Lt. Governor, I have worked hard with the Governor to curb smoking our state. And, I'm proud to say - we have been successful.
In our first year, we increased the user fee on tobacco products $1/pack. And we followed that up the next year by eliminating smoking in all public places.
As a result, over the last three years, 79,000 Iowans have quit smoking, and per capita consumption of tobacco is down 50 percent.
There were some people who were not happy with us, but we did it anyway because it was the right thing to do. And with fewer smokers today, we know we were right.
Well, we are back on the road. We hope to grab a bite to eat before we head on to our next event in Waverly.
Until next time,
Patty
Marshalltown - Talking Healthcare @ Mid-Iowa Community Action
It has been a while since I last posted anything here on this blog site. With the legislative session coming to and end and all the work that must be done once they go home, I just haven't found the time to sit down and write a post.
However, today, we are putting the capitol in our rearvirew mirror, and hitting the road for a two-day swing through northern Iowa. And we are talking about a subject near and dear to my heart - health care.
As many of you know, many years ago, I was a nurse. And though I haven't practiced in more than 30 years, I believe that once a nurse, always a nurse. You never stop caring about the health and well-being of those around you.
Which is why I have worked so hard with Governor Culver to improve the health and well-being of Iowans. Over the past four years, we have cut the number of smokers by nearly 80,000, promoted wellness to avoid expensive trips to the doctor, and expanded access for health insurance. In fact, one of the things I am most proud of is that we have virtually covered every child in this state. 57,000 kids have received health insurance today thanks to our efforts.
So, today, we are out sharing that story. Our first stop brought us to Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA). They are a local community services provider, and while they are based out of Marshalltown, their coverage area extends all the way to the Minnesota Border. They really do amazing work, and it was great to come and help highlight all they do for this community, and our state.
I was happy to be joined in Marshalltown by my good friends, Rep. Mark Smith and Sen. Steve Sodders - both of whom are outstanding members of the legislature. Also, joining me today on the tour is Tom Newton, the Director of Public Health.
Finally, we have someone else joining the tour today. Except, its not a person, its our car. Some of you who may have followed our blog last summer may remember White Beauty - the nickname we gave our minivan. Well, guess what - she is back.
So, if you see a big white Dodge Caravan out traveling the roads of North Iowa, give a honk - It may just be White Beauty.
Well, we are heading northeast. Next stop - Waterloo.
Until next time,
Patty
However, today, we are putting the capitol in our rearvirew mirror, and hitting the road for a two-day swing through northern Iowa. And we are talking about a subject near and dear to my heart - health care.
As many of you know, many years ago, I was a nurse. And though I haven't practiced in more than 30 years, I believe that once a nurse, always a nurse. You never stop caring about the health and well-being of those around you.
Which is why I have worked so hard with Governor Culver to improve the health and well-being of Iowans. Over the past four years, we have cut the number of smokers by nearly 80,000, promoted wellness to avoid expensive trips to the doctor, and expanded access for health insurance. In fact, one of the things I am most proud of is that we have virtually covered every child in this state. 57,000 kids have received health insurance today thanks to our efforts.
So, today, we are out sharing that story. Our first stop brought us to Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA). They are a local community services provider, and while they are based out of Marshalltown, their coverage area extends all the way to the Minnesota Border. They really do amazing work, and it was great to come and help highlight all they do for this community, and our state.
I was happy to be joined in Marshalltown by my good friends, Rep. Mark Smith and Sen. Steve Sodders - both of whom are outstanding members of the legislature. Also, joining me today on the tour is Tom Newton, the Director of Public Health.
Finally, we have someone else joining the tour today. Except, its not a person, its our car. Some of you who may have followed our blog last summer may remember White Beauty - the nickname we gave our minivan. Well, guess what - she is back.
So, if you see a big white Dodge Caravan out traveling the roads of North Iowa, give a honk - It may just be White Beauty.
Well, we are heading northeast. Next stop - Waterloo.
Until next time,
Patty
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