MADDOCK – On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Heart of America Medical Center held the Maddock Community Health Fair at the Community Center. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the services offered at the Maddock Clinic and at HAMC and also to review an in-house Health Needs Assessment Survey results.

Several clinic and hospital staff represented their departments and elaborated on services they provide. Keri Weick, Pam Suckut, Damian King and Marnie Olson attended from Maddock Clinic to conduct blood pressure checks, depression screenings and to hand out wellness lab vouchers. Dr. Hubert Seiler was in attendance as well.

Other departments that traveled from HAMC in Rugby were occupational therapy, physical therapy, diabetes education, dietary, radiology and health information.

CEO Jeff Lingerfelt presented the Community Health Needs Assessment Survey results. There were 987 surveys sent to Maddock and the surrounding communities. Of those surveys, 22 percent were returned, the majority of people that returned the survey were 50 years of age or older. The survey results showed a high satisfaction rate for the Maddock Clinic, over 70 percent of people said they use the clinic. However statistics show a steady decline in patient visits and it showed that people are seeking a higher level of care, possibly specialists.

Based on these results, staff is collaborating on ways to increase visits with proper signage, more presence in the local newspaper with articles and advertising and new ways to appeal to more families. However, community support is essential.

“We appreciate the opportunity to serve the Maddock community in an ever-changing healthcare environment. The goal is to figure out how to continue to serve the community and be financially viable. We will continue to take steps to increase volumes,” Lingerfelt said.

– HAMC