"Clarke County Hospital is a critical access hospital located in Osceola, Iowa. Our mission is to provide excellent, compassionate, and personalized healthcare to the people of south-central Iowa. As a rural hospital, we are deeply committed to improving access to preventive care, health education, and early detection services that help our patients live healthier lives. Through our hospital and clinic services, we strive to ensure that individuals and families in our region have access to the care they need without having to travel far from home.

 

Our partnership with Team Blue Iowa has been incredibly meaningful as we work together to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. With the support of Team Blue Iowa, Clarke County Hospital has been able to expand our outreach efforts and provide important screening opportunities for men in our community.

 

One of the highlights of this partnership took place during our local Latino Festival this past fall, where Clarke County Hospital was able to provide 26 free PSA screenings to men in our community. Events like this are incredibly important because they allow us to reach individuals who may not otherwise seek preventive screenings and help start important conversations about men’s health and prostate cancer awareness.

 

Looking ahead, the funds provided through Team Blue Iowa will continue to support initiatives that directly benefit patients in our community. Planned uses include providing gas cards for prostate cancer patients who must travel for treatments or specialist appointments, helping reduce the financial burden of transportation. We also plan to enhance the cancer care baskets provided by our Infusion Department to patients undergoing cancer treatment. These baskets offer comfort items, educational materials, and supportive resources to patients during a challenging time.

 

Additionally, Clarke County Hospital plans to use these funds to offer more free PSA screenings at community wellness events. We regularly partner with local businesses and organizations to host health and wellness events, and Team Blue Iowa’s support will help us expand screening opportunities and continue promoting early detection.

 

Some of the donated funds will also be used to increase community awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. This may include educational newspaper advertisements, promotional materials, and informational handouts that we can share with community members at local events and outreach activities. By increasing awareness and access to screening, we hope to help men in our community take proactive steps toward protecting their health.

 

We are incredibly thankful for our partnership with Team Blue Iowa and for the shared commitment to improving prostate cancer awareness, screening, and patient support across our communities."

 

-Shannon Harris

Communication Manager, Clarke County Hospital