Just a month after heavy rains caused flooding in the lower level of Lucas County Health Center, the cleanup and renovations have been completed and all departments that were affected are fully operational once again.
Counseling Services began seeing patients again in their space on Friday, June 1, while Physical Therapy reopened in their space on Tuesday, June 5. Nutritional Services began serving patient meals again on Friday, June 1, and opened back up to serve the public on Monday, June 11.
"While operating only a portion of our services, and in a temporary location, we appreciate the patience and understanding of our patients," says Susan Rosa, Director of Counseling Services. "We know that our department is critical to individuals in our community, and we are glad that we are, once again, able to accommodate their schedules and needs."
Kris Kaska, Director of Physical Therapy agrees, "The great attitudes and flexibility of our patients really helped during the entire cleanup and renovation process. We had the pleasure of providing services to individuals in our community who were kind and understanding, and also realized that this was all temporary. We are so pleased that we have now resumed all of our services and can serve our patients to our full capacity!"
With the extent of damage to LCHC's facility, cleanup and renovations were completed at a very quick pace, thanks to the help of multiple contractors, their workers, and staff of LCHC.
"There are a lot of businesses and individuals who helped to make the process run smoothly and quickly - from the insurance adjustors, to the cleanup crews, and even including North Ridge Assisted Living and Chariton Nursing and Rehab Center, who provided meals for our inpatients," says Veronica Fuhs, CEO. "We are extremely grateful for all of the support we have received," says Veronica Fuhs, CEO.
Not only has LCHC received support with the physical labor involved in the cleanup process, they also received a surprise from the board of the South Central Iowa Community Foundation (SCICF).
"I was speechless and in tears, and I'm not a crier," says Fuhs about the day she was surprised with a donation for $25,000 from the Foundation to assist with the recovery.
SCICF is a public charity that awards more than $1 million each year in grants to many of the humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the counties of Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Ringgold, and Union - all that comprise South Central Iowa. SCICF, aware that two of their counties and hospitals had been affected by water, began conversations among their board members along the lines that health care in these communities is crucial - and also that the operation of the facilities are crucial. Because of this, they decided that they wanted to do something for LCHC as well as the Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston - whose facility was damaged by a tornado in April.
"I am so in awe, and so very thankful," continues Fuhs, "To know that we have been able to work towards getting things back to normal at our facility, and now are able to do some of the smaller things that will help with more improvements is a wonderful thing. We will be sure to be very good stewards of these funds - as well as very thoughtful to ensure that we put this gift to use where it will have the greatest impact for our patients."
On behalf of LCHC's Board of Trustees, staff, and patients, Fuhs thanks SCICF for their generosity and understanding of the crucial services that LCHC provides to the community, and for helping them continue to provide those services with their generosity.