Category: Medical News

Prevea Health offers free, virtual newborn care classes

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For immediate release. Green Bay – Prevea Pediatrics is holding free, virtual newborn care classes in August, October and December for Prevea
patients and community members.
Whether you’re a new parent or it has been a few years, the classes will offer an opportunity to ask questions and help you
understand what to expect in the first two months of baby’s life, including:

  • What to expect in the hospital when baby is born
  • Newborn characteristics
  • Skin conditions
  • When to call the doctor
  • Swaddling
  • Skin-to-skin contact
  • Feeding – patterns, how much, burping, etc.
  • Sleeping
  • What your baby’s cries mean
  • Bathing

With more than one opportunity to tune in, you can choose the date that works for you. All classes are held via Zoom from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, August 8
Bradly Paus, DO
Pediatrician

Tuesday, October 10
Rebecca Gehrmann, MD
Pediatrician

Tuesday, December 12
Samantha Johnson, MD
Pediatrician; joins Prevea Pediatrics in August
Registration is required at: www.prevea.com/events

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About Prevea Health:
Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and
specialty health care in 80+ locations across Northern, Eastern and Western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is
partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly
coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay;
HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in
Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.

Oconto Falls Renews Bronze Level Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation

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Oconto Falls has again received a Bronze Level Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation. Oconto Falls had previously received a designation in 2018 and this renewal is recognition of continued work and programs towards improving local health.

Oconto Falls signage

This program is intended to recognize and encourage achievements in health improvement in Wisconsin communities, and to promote cooperation across multiple sectors.

Through the collaborative efforts of the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, Bellin Health-Oconto Hospital, and Oconto County Public Health – programs such as the Run for the Trails 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon event; Mental Health First Aid training opportunities within schools, businesses, and organizations; Starlink Pilot Project providing broadband access; planning and financial support of Oconto County Farmers Market; and coordination of Medication Take Back events – improve the health and wellbeing of all.

Gail Yatso, Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce President states, “Our community is proud to be among the 28 Wisconsin communities that received designations this year. Our city is committed to sustain community collaboration to continue to improve health, wellness, and safety in our area.”

The designation recognizes Oconto Falls and the bronze level for its commitment to improve health and the quality of life for another three years.

The Healthy Communities Designation program is designed to be accessible to communities of all shapes and sizes, both rural and urban. The definition of community is broad and can include counties, municipalities, neighborhoods and other self-defined, place-based communities in Wisconsin. The program uses a three-tiered approach – gold, silver and bronze – which are meant to provide a trajectory and serve as a guide for communities as they continue to strive toward better health.

“This is a well-deserved recognition for the collaborative efforts to improve community health, fitness, and safety. We continue to create a vibrant community for people to live, work, and explore,” says Yatso.

The Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation is an initiative offered by the Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health (MATCH) group of the UW Population Health Institute (UWPHI), in collaboration with diverse statewide groups. The Healthy Communities Designation program, funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Program of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, is designed to recognize and encourage achievements in health improvement in Wisconsin. To learn more about the program, visit the program website: www.wihealthycommunities.org

Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Oconto County

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In conjunction with National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is partnering with Bellin Health, Healthy Oconto County, Oconto Falls Police Department and Oconto County Sheriff’s Department to offer drive-thru, medication drop-off locations on Saturday, Oct. 29:

  • HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Bellin Health Oconto Hospital, 820 Arbutus Ave., Oconto, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Lakewood Town Hall, 17181 Twin Pines Rd., Lakewood, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Gillett Police Department,150 N. McKenzie Ave., Gillett, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Guidelines
All waste pharmaceuticals must be generated by a household – no businesses are allowed.
All sites will be drive thru only and we request persons stay in their vehicle. A volunteer will come to collect your items.
Bring: Prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices (batteries removed).
Do not bring: Illegal drugs, needles/sharps, acids, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas), mercury thermometers.

  • Participants may dispose of medication(s) by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into a disposal box or into a clear sealable plastic bag. Plastic pill containers should not be collected. Blister packages without the medications being removed are acceptable.
  • Liquids will be accepted during this initiative. However, the liquids, creams and sprays must be in their original packaging and their weight evenly distributed within the boxes of collected solid prescription medications. Liquids without the original packaging will not be accepted.
  • Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

Community members are also reminded that many drug disposal boxes are open year-round.

Unused or expired medicine should never be flushed or poured down the drain as water reclamation facilities are not designed to remove all pharmaceuticals and trace amounts are showing up in rivers and lakes.

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital logo

“Blessing of the Animals” in Green Bay, Sheboygan and Oconto Falls

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In October, people all over the world celebrate the feast day (Oct. 4) of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is known as the patron saint of animals, and his life of love and service is followed by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, the founding institute of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS).

In honor of the Feast of St. Francis, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls will host “Blessing of the Animals” events – free and open to the public.
Pets of all kinds – and their people – are welcome to these outdoor, Ecumenical events. All animals in attendance must be on a leash, and pet owners must clean up after their pets. Community members are also welcomed to bring photos of their pets to be blessed.

HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, 1726 Shawano Ave., Green Bay

  • 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 2
  • Event to be held in far west parking lot.
  • Parking: Far west parking lot closest to Shawano Ave., immediately to your right as you turn into the parking lot.

HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital, 3100 Superior Ave., Sheboygan

  • 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 2
  • Event to be held in parking lot, west of Chapel.
  • Parking: Enter through Superior Avenue entrance. Proceed and use road around the parking lot to Chapel Entrance.

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls

  • 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 9
  • Event to be held on South lawn.
  • Parking: Use Entrance 6 off County Hwy I.

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Celebrates 100 Years

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HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital celebrating 100 years of service

As HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls celebrates 100 years of service, community members are invited to a Mass of Celebration with The Most Reverend David L. Ricken, DD, JCL, and a community health fair on the hospital campus on June 1.

“This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to this community – for choosing us, for trusting us and for making us a cornerstone of this community all these years,” said Chris Brabant, President and CEO, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. “This is a very important milestone for our hospital, and we are celebrating it by honoring our history and all that is to come in the future – especially as we look to continue to expand and advance our services to meet the health care needs of our county and our community.”

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital 100th Anniversary events
Wednesday, June 1 at 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls

  • 9 to 10 a.m.: Mass of Celebration with The Most Reverend David L. Ricken, DD, JCL
  • 10 a.m. to Noon: Reception including food and beverages
  • 3 to 6 p.m.: A family-friendly community health fair and celebration including food and beverages

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital officially marked its 100th anniversary in 2021, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic is celebrating the milestone with community events this year.

Formerly named Oconto Falls City Hospital and Community Memorial Hospital, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital has been a part of Oconto Falls, Wis. history since 1921. The hospital was formed as a not-for-profit organization with a board of directors chosen from citizens of the community.

When the hospital opened its doors in 1921 at 125 S. Main Street it was Oconto Falls City Hospital. In 1954, the hospital was named Community Memorial Hospital in honor of military veterans and moved to the former City Hall which was remodeled to accommodate a larger facility with modernized services. In 1972, the current facility at 855 S. Main Street opened its doors, further expanding medical services available to Oconto Falls residents and surrounding communities. In 2014, Community Memorial Hospital joined Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) and became HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital.

A certified critical access rural health hospital, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital offers 24-hour emergency care and a variety of other services at 855 S. Main St. in Oconto Falls. It also operates five rural health clinics in partnership with Prevea Health. This year, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital was named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the U.S. by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Community Medication Take Back Event

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Area residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of unneeded medications at a HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

Those dropping off medications should remain in their vehicle and a volunteer will come to collect.

Guidelines
All waste pharmaceuticals must be generated by a household – no businesses are allowed.

Bring: Prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications. Cross out identifying information on the containers.

  • Participants may dispose of medication(s) by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into a disposal box or into a clear sealable plastic bag. Plastic pill containers should not be collected. Blister packages without the medications being removed are acceptable.
  • Liquids will be accepted during this initiative. However, the liquids, creams and sprays must be in their original packaging and their weight evenly distributed within the boxes of collected solid prescription medications. Liquids without the original packaging will not be accepted.

Do not bring: Illegal drugs, needles/sharps, acids, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas), mercury thermometers.

Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

This community event is being held in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which aims to rid homes of unused medications that create a public health and safety concern because they can be stolen, abused, accidentally ingested or improperly disposed of.

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the U.S.

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HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital - 2022 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls has been recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the U.S. by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

“This recognition as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country is a testament to the tremendous work and dedication shown by our colleagues, medical providers and leaders at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital every day,” said Chris Brabant, CEO, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. “We take great pride in the care and service we provide to our patients, and the peace of mind we provide to our rural communities in making high-quality health care accessible and close to home.”

The Chartis Center for Rural Health is part of the nation’s largest independent health care advisory firm, The Chartis Group. To compile the list of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by state, The Chartis Group used the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™ which assesses hospital performance in areas such as quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost and financial efficiency.

“Despite unprecedented adversity, rural providers continue to display resiliency and a steadfast commitment to their communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Honoring the Top 100 is one of the highpoints of our year. We are delighted to recognize the exceptional performance and innovation of this year’s recipients, particularly in light of the extraordinary challenges facing America’s rural health safety net.”

Founded as Oconto Falls City Hospital in 1921, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital has been providing care for northern Wisconsin communities for more than 100 years. It is a federally designated critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, urgent care and a variety of other services at 855 S. Main St. in Oconto Falls.

Preparing for Upcoming Marathons: Prevea Pints & Pointers

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Prevea Health will host four virtual events to help runners prepare for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon and the Eau Claire Marathon.

The virtual events are part of an educational series known as Prevea Pints & Pointers, which features experts to offer tips and answer questions about running and preparing for the marathons which are scheduled for this May.

Runners are encouraged to grab their beverage of choice and log on to the virtual events to learn strategies, not just for training, but also for competing on race day as well. Presenters will share their perspectives on how to mentally prepare for marathon training, how to eat like an elite runner and how to recover like a champion. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to join an active session of yoga which aims to help prepare athlete’s bodies and their minds as we inch closer to Wisconsin’s marathon season.

Prevea Pints & Pointers Schedule

woman in red jacket running
  • Wednesday, Jan. 19, 6 to 7 p.m.
    Mentally Preparing for Training – Discuss mental skills and training strategies for running
  • Wednesday, Feb. 2, 6 to 7 p.m.
    Eat Like an Elite Runner – Learn how to fuel your body like an elite runner
  • Wednesday, March 2, 6 to 7 p.m.
    Recover Like a Champion – Learn ways to recover quicker from training and races
  • Wednesday, April 6, 6 to 7 p.m.
    Yoga and Pints – Prepare for the remainder of your training through a physical and mental workout

Participation in all four Prevea Pints & Pointers events is open to all and free of charge, but registration is required. For more information, please visit. www.prevea.com/pints-pointers

HSHS hospitals in Green Bay, Oconto Falls and Sheboygan host Love Lights

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The Volunteer Partners for HSHS St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, St. Nicholas and St. Clare Memorial Hospitals invite their communities to participate in Love Lights, an annual Christmas fundraiser.

With Love Lights, people can honor a loved one or a health care hero by having the individual’s name placed next to a lit Christmas tree at the hospital of their choice. On Tuesday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to noon, a blessing of these trees and all those being honored will take place virtually at all four hospital locations. The trees will remain on display throughout the Christmas season.

Love Lights is a special way to honor loved ones who may be receiving care at the hospitals, or who have passed and are dearly missed. Participants can also use this opportunity to honor their favorite health care hero. This annual fundraiser is way to help the hospitals, which are part of a not-for-profit, Catholic-based health care system, to continue to provide health, healing and hope to all they serve.

Participants can make their purchase online, or with a check via mail by Dec. 17. All information for each hospital’s Love Lights event can be found at the following sites:

“Five Things to Know” ahead of National Rural Health Day, Nov. 18

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National Rural Health Day, founded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), will be celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 18.

“Small towns, farming communities and frontier areas are wonderful places to live and work; they are places where neighbors know each other and work together,” said Teryl Eisinger, CEO of the NOSORH. “The hospitals and providers serving these rural communities not only provide quality patient care, but they also help keep good jobs in rural America.”

To honor National Rural Health Day, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health offer “Five Things to Know” about the importance of rural health care in Oconto County, and across the country:

  1. An estimated 57 million people – nearly one in five Americans – live in rural and frontier communities throughout the United States.
  2. In 1977, the Rural Health Clinic Services Act helped to establish Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to address the shortage of physicians serving patients in rural areas.
  3. Today, there are more than 4,500 federally designated RHCs nationwide providing health care services in underserved areas.
  4. Together, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital and Prevea Health offer five RHCs throughout Oconto County to provide not only health care, but jobs to the region. Their RHCs (HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Health Centers) are located in Oconto Falls, Gillett, Lena, Mountain and Suring. So far in 2021, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Health Centers have provided care to nearly 12,000 people.
  5. Founded as Oconto Falls City Hospital in 1921, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital has been providing rural health care for 100 years. It is a federally designated critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, urgent care and a variety of other services. It is located at 855 S. Main St. in Oconto Falls.

“We are honored to care for those who live in and frequent these wonderful rural communities,” said Nicole Stapleton, Director of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Health Centers. “As a local leader in rural health care, we are also proud of our efforts to provide testing and vaccinations to keep these communities healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For more information about the HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital Prevea Health Centers, please visit:
https://www.hshs.org/stclare/Services/Family-Medicine/Clinics