Winona Health - Healthy Connections Winter 2006

Winter 2006

Inside the building project High tech surgical suites increase options close to home Physician Clinics serve community needs

Welcome to Healthy Connections From the President/CEO Healthy Connections is published quarterly by Winona Health to provide you with information about health, wellness and the many resources available to you, close to home. Sending you Healthy Connections is another example of how we’re striving to fulfill our mission: Winona Health is devoted to improving the health and well-being of our family, friends and neighbors. We welcome your questions, suggestions or comments about Winona Health and this publication. Please contact: Loretta Bronson Chief Communication Officer 507.457.4116 Michelle Foerster Graphics and Web Content Specialist 507.457.4136 Jennifer Olson Community Relations Specialist 507.457.4161 Karen Sibenaller Marketing Communication Coordinator 507.457.4157

In this issue... 2 3 5 6 8 10 12

From the President/CEO Physician Clinics Managing your health Inside the building project Surgical services close to home Notes and recognition Calendar

On the cover: Surgical patient Ann Merchlewitz is pictured with (clockwise from left) Heather Wagner, RN, Sandy Stiever, RN, Troy Shelton, MD, and Sandy Nortung, CRNA.

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Healthy Connections ~ Winter 2006

very year thousands of our family, friends and neighbors access healthcare services at Winona Health. The highest entry point into our healthcare system is through the Emergency Department (ED). With almost 18,000 visits each year, the ED is the “front door” to Winona Health.

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Since moving to Winona, I have heard stories of dissatisfaction relating to Emergency Room visits 10 or 15 or 20 years ago. The dissatisfaction was not with clinical care, but with inefficient processes that were not patient centered. I understand how negative experiences set the tone for relationships and impact future decision-making: We make decisions based on value, confidence and customer care. But I also know that, in Winona, the healthcare services of 10, 15 and 20 years ago are not the healthcare services of today. In 2006 one of our top goals—for all 900 staff members—is to improve patient satisfaction with our Emergency Department services. We’ll continue our focus on improving the many processes that impact our ED patients, from triage through discharge, to ensure high quality, effective, patient-centered care. And you will be our judge! One way we are improving ED services is by remodeling our triage and admitting areas. We ask for your patience as we complete this project. The remodel is in direct response to patient feedback, and ultimately, it will result in better patient services. It also is important for you to know that we have five full-time, board-certified physicians in the Emergency Department with additional physician staffing during high volume times. Our ED physicians have expertise in emergency, family and internal medicine as well as pediatrics. Along with terrific support from the primary care and specialty physicians practicing in Winona, these physicians provide exceptional care. Last October we opened our weekend Urgent Care Clinic to provide you with an ED alternative at times when local clinics are not open, and customer feedback is very positive. Much has changed at Winona Health in the past several years, but one thing has not changed: our commitment to providing exceptional healthcare to this community. We invite you to give us a try – whether it’s in our ED or one of our clinics, assisted living facilities or other services. At Winona Health, you – our family, friends, and neighbors – remain the focus of all we do.

Rachelle Schultz President/CEO

Physician Clinics increase access inona Health’s vision is to create an exceptional healthcare organization designed to meet the current and emerging healthcare needs of our community. “Our new weekend Urgent Care Clinic is an example of how we are working to fulfill the community’s needs.” said Christina Friederichs, Winona Health’s director of Physician Clinics.

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Urgent Care Clinic Winona Health’s Urgent Care Clinic is open Saturdays and Sundays. Its staff welcome walk-ins, though you may call ahead, for minor injuries or illnesses that typically would be treated by your primary care provider. Marc Molis, MD, serves as medical director for the Urgent Care Clinic. Other local physicians and mid-level practitioners also serve patients, with Winona Health providing lab and radiology services when necessary. The Urgent Care Clinic is connected to the community’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR), so a patient’s primary care provider has access to all tests and diagnoses made at the clinic. It also participates with all local insurance plans and accepts specified co-pays and files insurance claims.

Christina Friederichs, director of Physician Clinics, in an Urgent Care Clinic exam room. Community members appreciate having local urgent care services. “They got us in and out so fast—the staff was extremely friendly and efficient,” one patient wrote. Added another, “We received the service needed and were thankful that you were open when we needed help.” Urgent Care Clinic hours are Saturday from noon until 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. For more information, call 507.474.7830. Mental Health Services “People may be reluctant to seek help for mental health issues, but once they do, they can begin their journey on the path to wellness,” said Betsy Rowekamp, Certified Psychiatric Nurse serving Winona Health’s Mental Health Services (WHMHS). WHMHS staff provides a wide range of services, including psychiatric evaluation, counseling and depression screening. Cullen Schwemer, MD, serves as medical director for Mental Health Services. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Mark Bronson, LICSW, mental health therapist, has nearly 30 years experience in the mental health field.

Marc Molis, MD, sees patients at Winona Health’s Urgent Care Clinic and at Rushford Clinic.

For more information or to make a confidential appointment with a caring professional, call WHMHS, 507.454.2606. Continued on page 4. Healthy Connections ~ Winter 2006

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Continued from page 3. Allergy & Asthma Clinic “There was a definite need for allergy services in the Winona area,” said Terry Donnal, MD. “I’m pleased to be able to evaluate and treat a broad range of allergies and asthma with customized plans for individuals of all ages.” Winona Health opened the Allergy & Asthma Clinic in the summer of 2004. Since then, Dr. Donnal has been helping people who suffer from mild to severe asthma or allergies find relief. “I’ve been very impressed with having this specialized service right here in Winona,” said John Pereda, patient. “Dr. Donnal has been very helpful and he thoroughly answers all my questions.”

Terry Donnal, MD, examines the results of John Pereda’s skin test at the Allergy & Asthma Clinic.

Dr. Donnal is a board-certified family practice physician with special training in allergies and asthma. He has served as the Chief of Allergies and Immunizations at the Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington. To make an appointment with Dr. Donnal at the Allergy & Asthma Clinic, call 507.474.7830.

This clinic treats work-related illnesses and injuries; conducts various health screenings and wellness services including flu shot clinics, immunizations and customized health fairs; and helps businesses comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.

Occupational Health Clinic “Our goal is to provide businesses with services and information to improve their employees’ health and ultimately reduce their overall costs,” said Marc Molis, MD, medical director for Winona Health’s Occupational Health Clinic.

For more information about services offered by Winona Health’s Occupational Health Clinic staff, call 507.457.7830. Rushford Clinic “We are so fortunate to have this clinic and healthcare staff… in the Rushford community,” wrote one patient of Winona’s Health’s Rushford Clinic. This Rushford, Minnesota clinic has served the primary healthcare needs of individuals and families for more than 40 years and has been an affiliate of Winona Health since 1996. Healthcare providers serving the Rushford area include Marc Molis, MD, family medicine; Robert Breitenbach, MD, family medicine; Carmen Scudiero, MD, internal medicine; and Linda Runstrom, nurse practitioner. The clinic offers evening hours on Monday and Wednesday and morning hours on Saturday for urgent care. To make an appointment, call 507.864.7726.

Linda Runstrom, NP, has been a Nurse Practitioner for more than 20 years and enjoys serving families at the Rushford Clinic.

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With the exception of the Rushford Clinic in Rushford, Minnesota,Winona Health Physician Clinics are located in the Parkview Office Building adjacent to Community Memorial Hospital on Mankato Avenue in Winona.

Evolving technology helps you manage your health

Winona’s Health Online e’re committed to staying at the forefront of technology to improve patient care and to offer convenience to those interested in taking increased control of their own health,” said Janice Turek, RN, e-Health specialist at Winona Health.

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Winona’s Health Online (WHOL) is a free web service designed to help individuals manage their health-related information and enhance communication with their healthcare providers. “After becoming a registered and validated WHOL user, those seeking care at Family Medicine and Rushford Clinic have the option of completing health inventories at their convenience, prior to a scheduled doctor’s appointment,” explained Turek. “That way, they don’t have to arrive at an appointment early to complete paperwork, and medical staff can spend more time on the physical exam and answering questions rather than gathering background information during the office visit.”

A major WHOL enhancement expected early in 2006 will allow people receiving healthcare services at Community Memorial Hospital, Winona Clinic, Family Medicine and Rushford Clinic to have a direct view into parts of their Electronic Medical Record, including lab results and records of allergies, Janice Turek, RN immunizations, and medications. Information will be accessible to the individual through a secure, password-protected system. For further convenience, some Winona area pharmacies offer electronic refill requests through Winona’s Health Online. “Technology can never replace personal care and service, but for our increasingly tech-savvy community, it can increase efficiency and add convenience for those who are interested in using its power to their advantage,” concluded Turek.

Create a Personal Health Record—it’s free! Individuals can use Winona’s Health Online (WHOL) to create a Personal Health Record (PHR) no matter where they receive healthcare services. A Personal Health Record is a collection of information about an individual’s health or the health of someone they’re caring for (such as a child or parent), that can be easily updated when necessary. Each individual has secure access to his/her record and can determine who else has the right to access that information. Information in a PHR can include basic information such as name, birthdate, social security number, health insurance numbers, and emergency contacts, along with more detailed information such as current medications, living wills, advance directives, known allergies—any information an individual chooses to include. Parents can create PHRs for children under 18, so they have an easily accessible place to record health information, such as immunization dates for school forms.

To learn more about Winona’s Health Online or Personal Health Records, visit winonahealth.org, or call Janice Turek,Winona Health’s e-Health specialist at 507.457.4543.

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Winona Health will open its new Outpatient Diagnostic Center and welcome the Winona Clinic to the medical office building in April. The building project, which began in November 2004, will be completed this spring. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for the Building Dedication Celebration on May 21, 2006.

COUNTDOWN TO SPRING

A look inside the building project nside the Winona Health building project, things are really taking shape,” said Rachelle Schultz, Winona Health president/CEO. “The $32-million building project includes funding for state-of-the-art medical technology to provide Winona physicians with tools beyond those of most other healthcare facilities.”

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Winona Health’s Diagnostic Center is expanding into the new building. The community’s new permanent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit was delivered at the end of September and became fully functional in November. Now instead of having MRI services available locally only two days per week, this critical diagnostic tool is available throughout the week. “The new unit is unlike any other in our region. The shorter, wider barrel makes the experience more comfortable for people prone to claustrophobia. And new technology makes this particular unit significantly quieter than any other,” noted Ann Baker, Winona Health’s director of radiology services. MRI units are used for scanning the head, spinal canal, knees and other joints. They provide the clearest picture inside the body, from any angle, to detect disease and pinpoint potential health issues.

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“Winona now has the latest and greatest MRI technology available,” said Stan Schliep, Winona Health’s lead MRI technologist. Schliep has more than 10 years experience in the field and he’s excited to offer area residents increased access to MRI capabilities. Increased efficiency in the Emergency Department Winona Health physicians and staff served almost 18,000 people in the Emergency Department in 2005. Whether a person comes in with chest pains, a sick child, or an injury caused by an accident, Bev Speltz, RN, Winona Health’s director of Emergency Services, knows that outstanding emergency care is important to

‘‘

This project is a wonderful asset

to Winona and the surrounding area.

Dave Binius Winona Health board member

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Having the majority of community physicians on one campus will facilitate more effective

communication and teamwork. The ED remodeling will improve our flow and, I believe, translate to more efficient care and improved patient satisfaction. Brett Whyte, MD

area families. “We understand that no one wants to make a trip to the Emergency Department: There’s really no convenient time for illness or injury to occur. But we want people in our area to know that in the ED, we’re prepared to provide outstanding care.”

Family Medicine of Winona, another independent physician clinic, will continue to serve the community in the Parkview Office Building adjacent to Community Memorial Hospital and Parkview Pharmacy.

Both independent clinics and Winona Health have already collaborated to share a common Electronic Medical Record for the purpose of enhancing patient care, and now they also will provide services on the same campus—making healthcare even more convenient for area residents.

Dave Binius, Winona Health board member, noted, “This project is a wonderful asset to Winona and the In November of 2004, in the surrounding area. The initial stage of Winona addition of state-of-theHealth’s building project, the art equipment, other helipad was relocated to building improvements Community Memorial and the Winona Clinic Hospital’s roof, leading to moving to this new increased safety and efficiency facility are great steps for patients requiring transfer forward for health to tertiary care centers. In addiservices in our area. tion, staff collaborated with the The added parking and area’s major tertiary centers to proximity of services on develop heart attack protocols one campus will make ensuring the best possible healthcare in Winona outcome for each patient. more convenient for Stan Schliep, lead MRI technologist, works with Winona Health's patients.” Now, Emergency Department permanent MRI unit which features a wider barrel and quieter entry renovation is underway. operation for increased patient comfort. “Renovation of the hospital’s Emergency Department entrance and admitting area will improve the admitting process for patients and their families,” said Keith Kulas, Winona Health admitting supervisor. “By providing a separate admitting area for people needing emergency services, we hope to make the registration process faster and more comfortable for everyone.”

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We’ve found new ways to improve flow in the ED that will be

incorporated even after

Collaboration puts priority on serving the community Winona Clinic, an independent physician clinic, will move its practice to the Winona Health campus in April. The clinic will occupy about 52,000 square feet of the medical office building.

the project is complete. Eleanor Evenson, RN, CCRN

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FROM THE COVER

Nancy Schneider, RN, Tom Smart, CRNA, and Tricia Justin, LPN (left to right), perform a mock surgery during a community tour.

Raising the bar on surgical services t Community Memorial Hospital, surgery patients receive a high standard of care delivered in a community atmosphere,” noted Tom Smart, nurse anesthetist. “All of us on staff are excited that our building project includes state-of-the-art surgical suites with the latest in technology. It helps us deliver exceptional surgical services close to home.”

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Former surgical patient Wendy Brommerich noted the changes occurring at CMH: “Over the past few years, I’ve noticed changes that have made Community Memorial Hospital a better place to visit. Now, with the new improvements, it’s even better yet. I’m really excited to have more options available in Winona and not to have to travel out of town for healthcare.” New technology enhanced by personalized care Kris Cichon, director of Surgical and Anesthesia Services, explained CMH’s new capabilities: “The new technology in our surgical suites enhances patient safety and staff efficiency. For example, we can view x-ray and CT images digitally from each operating room. Surgical equipment is suspended on booms, which keeps the floor free of equipment and cords while optimizing work flow for surgeons and surgical staff.”

This new equipment and technology is part of Winona Health’s building project that includes four new surgical suites, a minor procedure room, an endoscopy suite and a family lounge. CMH’s existing surgical area will be renovated to include 18 pre-operative rooms, four recovery room bays and an operating room suite. “The new surgical suites and their technology are outstanding,” Cichon said. “This new facility and equipment, coupled with our staff’s commitment to making each person’s experience a positive one, make Winona Health an excellent choice for surgical care.” Brommerich would agree. “During my surgery, the nurses and staff were excellent. They put me at ease and answered all my questions,” she noted. “They took great care of me and kept my husband well informed throughout my surgery.” Ann Merchlewitz, also a former CMH surgical patient, added, “Everyone from my doctor to the anesthetist and all the nurses were so good about clearly explaining my options and taking the time to answer my questions. The staff also was concerned that I give myself enough time to fully recuperate before returning to work—and they were right when they told me how long I’d need.”

For information about surgical services, talk with your primary care provider or call, 507.494.7375. To learn about surgical procedures available at Winona Health, visit winonahealth.org.

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Talented surgeons serving the community Last year 70 percent of surgeries performed at Community Memorial Hospital were outpatient procedures and 25 percent were minimally invasive, laparoscopic procedures. “Our talented surgeons offer a broad range of services,” said Kris Cichon, director of Surgical and Anesthesia Services. “These surgeons, teamed with healthcare professionals in our Surgical Services Department, provide outstanding care.” General Surgeons

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Matthew Broghammer, DO, attended medical school at Michigan State University-Genesye Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and completed his residency at Mount Clemens General Hospital Mount Clemens, Michigan.

Scott Birdsall, MD, attended medical school at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City and completed his residency at Valley Medical Center in Fresno, California.

Suzanne Jelense, MD, received her degree from Marquette Medical College of Wisconsin and completed her residency at St. Paul’s Ramsey Hospital.

Troy Shelton, MD, attended medical school at the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of Medicine in Denver and completed his residency at University of Arizona in Tucson.

Orthopaedics/Sports Medicine J. David Rowekamp, MD, attended medical school at Loyola University in Chicago and completed his residency at Naval Hospital in Portsmith, Virginia.

Todd Tamlyn, MD, attended medical school at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in Grand Forks, North Dakota and completed his residency at Akron General Medical Center in Akron, Ohio.

Richard Romeyn, MD, attended Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit and completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Specialty Surgeons In addition, several surgeons in specialties including ophthalmology; ear, nose and throat; podiatry; and dentistry have surgical privileges at Community Memorial Hospital (CMH).

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Community comments We would like to thank all the Winona Health staff members for their support and help through my mother’s illness and death. Many of us do not realize what a great team of people exist throughout the organization. They are truly a “service first” and caring group. Dick Gaffron

Community comments about Winona Health’s weekend Urgent Care Clinic

I spent a week in your hospital with a mild heart attack. Being from out of town, it was very scary, but I need to let you know how wonderful Dr. Rebecca Lossen and all the people in the ER were. When they took me to ICU, the nurses were just wonderful. I really needed to tell you what a great staff you have. Dyann Cierzan

“A very smooth operation. Keep up the good work!”

A big thanks for all the wonderful care while I was there. It was a blessing to have professionals like you in charge of my recovery. Marlene Hamsey

“I was very impressed with the service.” “Everyone was very nice and helpful— a great service in the community!”

“Dr. [Carlos] Morales and the staff were very thorough and professional.” “We’re lucky to have this service here in Winona.” “Excellent staff and attention!”

Volunteers provide resources— and opportunities The Winona Health Auxiliary is an organization of volunteers who contributed more than 28,000 hours of service to Winona Health in 2005—and they have more of the same planned in 2006! “Winona Health volunteers love … showcasing our excellent healthcare facilities,” noted Fran Edstrom, Auxiliary president, at the group’s annual meeting. “We will continue to appeal to the public through our successful fundraisers, and this year are planning a new event.”

New parents Sarah and Erick Baumgart with Alyssa Mary. Born at Community Memorial Hospital January 1, 2006 at 8:57 am, Alyssa was Winona's New Year’s Baby. Our son Erick and his wife Sarah had the first baby born in 2006. I would like to comment on how we all were so well taken care of by the OB staff during the time they were there. What great people you have working there. My wife Mary and I just thank you so much for great care and everyone was so polite and courteous. Steve Baumgart

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On the first Saturday in May, the Fran Edstrom 2006 Auxiliary Auxiliary will participate in the president and David Forest 100-mile, two-state garage sale by 2005 president, at the annual holding a sale in the Winona Health meeting in January. parking ramp. Other events include Holiday Happiness, the Birthday Ball, and the Victorian Tea. President Fran Edstrom is joined on the Auxiliary’s executive team by President-Elect Julieanne Schwemer, Vice President Edna Loughlin, Secretary Jennie Rafferty, Treasurer Kathy Turner, Asst. Treasurer Kim Schwab, and Past-President David Forest. For more information, visit winonahealth.org or call Autumn Herber, volunteer coordinator, at 507.457.4394.

New Faces Winona Health welcomes the following new physicians. Joan Krueger, MD, Pediatrician, Winona Clinic Dr. Krueger graduated from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota and from the St. Louis University Medical School in St. Louis, Missouri. She completed her residency at the University of Iowa.

Services Allergy & Asthma Clinic Alzheimer’s Care Assisted Living Facilities Dialysis Emergency Care

Ehab Michael, MD, Internal Medicine, Winona Clinic Dr. Michael graduated from Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine in Cairo, Egypt and completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. In addition, he has completed a Pediatrics residency at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Family Birth Center Home Health Care Hospice Care Laboratory Long term Care Medical Services

Allen Schawe, MD, Family Practice, Winona Health Urgent Care Dr. Schawe is a board-certified Family Practice physician who graduated from the SUNY Health Sciences Center in Syracuse, New York and completed his residency at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Dr. Schawe also serves as an urgent care physician at a healthcare facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Mental Health Services - Inpatient/Outpatient Nutrition & Diabetes Education Occupational Health Parkview Pharmacy Radiology Rehabilitation Services Respiratory Care

Edward Malone, MD, Family Practice, Family Medicine of Winona Dr. Malone graduated from Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed his Family Practice residency at St. Francis-Mayo Family Practice Residency in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

A healthy change at Winona Health

Rushford Clinic Sleep Lab Sports Medicine Surgery - Inpatient/Outpatient Urgent Care (weekends) For more information: 507.454 3650 winonahealth.org

To provide patients, residents and their families a healthier environment, Winona Health campuses became tobacco-free zones on January 1, 2006. Help is available for those who would like to kick the tobacco habit. For information about Winona Health’s smoking cessation classes and workshops, call 507.457.4491. The next class begins April 6, and the cost is $30 per person. Healthy Connections ~ Winter 2006

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EVENTS, CLASSES & SUPPORT GROUPS Alzheimer’s Support Group Second Wednesday of every month, 6-7 pm Community Memorial Hospital Parkview Conference Room Call 507.457.4560 Breastfeeding Class February 2 or April 6, 6:30-8:30 pm Lake Winona Manor Classroom $10 per participant/couple Call 507.457.4491 Childbirth Education Class 6-week course, 6:30-8:30 pm February 6-March 13;, March 7-April 11 or April 3-May 8 Community Memorial Hospital B.A. Miller Auditorium Call 507.457.4491

Grief Support Group 2nd Wednesday each month, 3:30-5 pm Watkins Manor Parlor Call 507.457.4468 Healthcare CPR Recertification 4-hour course February 15, 5-9 pm February 16, 7:30-11:30 am March 16 or 28, 7:30-11:30 am April 20, 7:30-11:30 am Community Memorial Hospital B.A. Miller Auditorium Registration required, $30 Call 507.457.4491

Healthcare CPR Certification (First timer) 2-night course, 5-9 pm February 22-23 Community Memorial Hospital B.A. Miller Auditorium Registration required, $40 Call 507.457.4491 Prostate Cancer Support Group First Monday of the month, 7-9 pm Community Memorial Hospital Parkview Conference Room Call 507.457.4491

Save the Date!

Building Dedication Celebration Sunday, May 21, 12:30 pm program, 1:30 tours, light appetizers and a KidsHealth fair. Watch for more information.

Childbirth Experience Weekend Class February 17, 6-8 pm February 18, 8 am-3 pm Community Memorial Hospital B.A. Miller Auditorium Registration required. Call 507.457.4491

For a complete calendar of events, and for more information about our services and programs, please visit our website: winonahealth.org. We welcome your questions and comments.

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