Well-child exams provide a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s overall health and development and often include everything needed for a sports physical—plus much more. These visits help ensure children are healthy, up to date on immunizations, and ready for a successful school year.

Upcoming clinic dates include:

• Freeman: July 15, 22 and 29
• Marion: July 14
• Menno: July 14
• Bridgewater: July 16

Appointments may be scheduled at any of Freeman Regional’s four Rural Medical Clinic locations by calling 605-925-4000.

A well-child exam offers several benefits beyond a standard sports physical, including:

• Complete head-to-toe examination, including vital signs
• Review of allergies and medications
• Review and administration of recommended immunizations
• Evaluation of medical and social history
• Education on healthy lifestyles and behaviors
• Sports participation clearance when needed

Many well-child exams are covered by health insurance, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for families.

Students are encouraged to bring:

• A parent or guardian for consent
• Completed school or sports physical forms (if applicable)
• Insurance card for well-child exams

Sports physicals are available for $30 cash on the day of service and are not billed to insurance.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 605-925-4000.

Designed for youth ages 11–16, this educational program will provide participants with the skills and confidence needed to become responsible and capable babysitters. As families throughout our communities continue to seek qualified childcare providers, this training offers young people an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical skills while preparing for future babysitting opportunities.

The clinic will cover a variety of important topics, including:

• Caregiving and Safety
• Age-Appropriate Activities
• Diapering and Feeding
• Basic First Aid and CPR
• Nutrition Basics
• And More

“Reliable babysitters are an important resource for families, and this clinic helps equip youth with the skills they need to provide safe, responsible care,” said Kayla Pavel, FRHS Clinical Nurse Educator. “Participants will leave with practical knowledge that can help them feel confident and prepared when caring for children.”

The cost to attend is $25 per participant. Students should bring a sack lunch.

Pre-registration is required, and participation is limited to ensure a quality learning experience. Interested families are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot.

Click here to register your child today!

“We are grateful to have the Freeman Community Foundation partner with us in supporting the senior living needs of our community,” said Amanda Mettler, Assistant Administrator of Assisted Living and Long-Term Care. “Village residents are anticipating the addition of assisted living services, and we remain on track to launch those services this summer.”

FRHS extends its sincere appreciation to the Freeman Community Foundation and its generous donors for supporting its mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care for all ages and to positively impact the lives, health, and wellness of patients, residents, employees, and communities.

In recent years, Freeman Community Foundation grants have supported several important projects across FRHS, enhancing patient care, caregiver safety, and clinical services:

• Emergency Department: Funding helped purchase the AIRVO oxygen therapy system, which provides high-flow oxygen support for patients experiencing shortness of breath, asthma exacerbations, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Nursing Home: Grant funding provided a bath lift chair, enabling caregivers to safely and efficiently assist residents in and out of the bathtub while improving comfort and reducing the risk of injury.
• Surgery Department: Support from the Foundation helped acquire a colonoscope and a Drager patient monitoring system, which continuously tracks vital signs during colonoscopy procedures, enhancing patient safety and quality of care.

These investments reflect the Freeman Community Foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening healthcare in Freeman and ensuring that high-quality care remains close to home.

“Strong communities are built through collaboration and shared investment,” said FRHS CEO Courtney Unruh. “The Freeman Community Foundation, along with the Freeman Development Corporation, the Freeman City Council, local business leaders, and many dedicated residents, all play an important role in helping Freeman thrive and ensuring that quality healthcare remains available for future generations.”

 The CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System is designed to help consumers, families, and caregivers compare nursing homes and identify levels of quality. Facilities are rated in three key performance areas: Health Inspections, Staffing, and Quality Measures. The overall rating is based on these categories, and a 5-star designation indicates above average quality.

 “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our entire nursing home team,” said Courtney Unruh, CEO/Administrator at FRHS. “Our staff team works tirelessly to provide exceptional care for every resident, and this achievement reflects their commitment.”

 Unruh recognizes several team members whose leadership and dedication directly contributed to this 5-star rating.

 Amanda Mettler, Senior Living Assistant Administrator-providing strong leadership and supporting daily operations that enhance resident care and ensure a positive living experience.

Angie Brockmueller, Director of Quality & Infection Control-ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance, and leading quality improvement and infection prevention initiatives that protect the well-being of residents.

Nikki Mehlhaf, Director of Nursing-leading clinical teams with compassion and a strong focus on resident-centered care.

Sarah Schmit, MDS Coordinator-advancing quality through careful assessment and attention to residents’ needs.

Alison Goehring, Business Office Manager-providing timely and accurate submissions of all staffing data measures.

The 5-star rating highlights FRHS’s ongoing focus on providing a safe, caring, and compassionate environment for residents while meeting the highest standards of quality care.

The rural lifestyle in the Upper Midwest has long had its ups and downs that date back to pioneer times. Yet the stressors can add up quickly when facing headwinds such as damaging weather events, a volatile ag market, and unexpected yet expensive machinery breakdowns.

The Farm & Rural Stress Hotline is available for farmers, ranchers and people who live in rural communities 24 hours a day. Just call 800-691-4336.

The call is free and confidential. The hotline is staffed by trained assessment counselors who put callers in touch with local mental health resources.

People in rural areas often have a pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps mindset and are reluctant to reach out for help due to the longstanding stigma that is often associated with both acknowledging the need for and seeking help for mental illness.

This sense of resiliency and independence helps them to be successful on the farm or ranch but becomes an impediment to seeking help. We want to share a message of hope with those who may be struggling: You are not alone, and help is available. Anyone can need help, even short term, coping with life’s pressures.

Anxiety and depression are among the top diagnoses in behavioral health conditions. Approximately 19% of adults experience an anxiety disorder in any given year, and over 8% of adults have had at least one major depressive episode. And 100% of people deal with feelings of anxiety and depression or sadness from time to time.

Anxiety is marked by symptoms like:

• Excessive worry and nervousness
• Feeling tense, restless or on edge
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Irritability or mood swings
• Fear of impending disaster or doom
• Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping

Anxiety may also present physical symptoms such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, shakiness and tremors, shortness of breath, muscle tension, headaches, upset stomach and chest pain or tightness.

Significant episodes of depression are more intense and prolonged than typical sadness, perhaps to the point of being overwhelming. Other common symptoms include:

• Sleeping problems – too much or too little
• Change in eating habits – either more or less
• Trouble concentrating
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Loss of interest in work, family, friends and things you used to enjoy
• Irritability
• Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness and hopelessness
• Physical symptoms such as body aches, back aches or headaches
• Thoughts of suicide

People may call the hotline for various reasons: fear, sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, feeling overwhelmed or isolated and more. Or, you can start with a conversation with your primary care provider, who can refer you to the right level of care.

Mark your calendars for the Foundation’s 15th Annual Gala – coming Saturday, January 24, 2025!

While we usually celebrate on the last Saturday in January, this year’s event will be held a little earlier due to venue availability. You won’t want to miss this evening of fun, community, and support for local healthcare!

Saturday, January 24, 2025

More details to come!

We can’t wait to see you there!