CRHC Awarded SAMHSA Grant to Support Emergency Services, AED Training To Impact SWI Communities

Bryon Schaeffer, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Clarinda Regional Health Center, has been recognized by Becker's Healthcare as one of its “ Hospital and Health System Chief Medical Officers to Know in 2026 .” The national recognition highlights physician leaders who are advancing clinical quality, strengthening care teams, and shaping the future of healthcare. Since assuming the CMO role in 2018, Dr. Schaeffer has provided leadership and oversight for CRHC’s physicians, advanced practice providers, nursing leaders, and clinical departments. He has implemented and refined medical staff policies to ensure consistent, high-quality care, support accreditation standards, and promote a culture centered on patient safety and accountability. His collaborative leadership style emphasizes communication, mentorship, and professional development, helping build strong, engaged clinical teams across the organization. “In rural healthcare, our strength is our people,” said Dr. Schaeffer. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our physicians, providers, nurses, and staff who work every day to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to our community. I’m proud to serve alongside such an outstanding team.” In addition to his executive responsibilities, Dr. Schaeffer remains actively involved in patient care, continuing to see patients and perform cardiac stress testing. He first joined Clarinda Medical Associates in 2014 and has played an integral role in advancing clinical excellence while supporting the dedicated healthcare professionals who serve the Clarinda community. For more information about Clarinda Regional Health Center, visit www.ClarindaHealth.com .

Under the leadership of President and CEO Chuck Nordyke, Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) has been recognized nationally through Becker’s CEO to Know 2025 , a list highlighting healthcare leaders and organizations advancing innovation, financial stewardship, and patient care across the country. “While the recognition carries the CEO title, it reflects the collective efforts of CRHC’s providers, nurses, staff, board members, and community partners who serve Southwest Iowa each day”, according to Nordyke. In recent years, CRHC has expanded services and strengthened access to care through initiatives including the upcoming launch of a community pharmacy, a new, expanded, dedicated mental health clinic (a generous donation from Azria Health Clarinda), construction of a new Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Center, expansion of the Specialty Clinic, and enhancements to the Infusion and Surgery Centers. These investments have improved access to specialty and outpatient care close to home and supported long-term sustainability in rural healthcare. CRHC has also earned significant recognition for quality and performance, including designation as a 2025 Community Star by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, a 5-star rating from the National Rural Rating System (2024), and a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (2023). “This recognition represents the work of an exceptional team committed to serving our community,” said Nordyke. “Rural healthcare requires both patient-centered care and strong operational discipline. Our team delivers both every day.” For more information about Clarinda Regional Health Center and its services, visit www.clarindahealth.com

Wellness Lab Draws start in March, register now!

In celebration of National Rural Health Day, Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) has been recognized as a 2025 Community Star by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH). The award honors individuals and organizations that make extraordinary contributions to rural health nationwide, and CRHC is proud to be among this year’s forty-seven statewide honorees, exemplifying innovation, compassion, and collaboration. Clarinda Regional Health Center, a Critical Access Hospital and cornerstone of care in southwest Iowa, also earned multiple accolades in 2025, including Becker’s 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare and Best of Midwest awards in Mental Health Services, Assisted Living, and Orthopedic Surgery. “CRHC’s commitment to Advancing Exceptional Care is rooted in our responsibility to serve, support, and uplift the people of southwest Iowa,” said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. “Our team works every day to ensure rural patients have access to outstanding care close to home. The strength of our organization comes from our people, our partnerships, and the community we are proud to serve.” Impactful Programs, Real Results CRHC goes beyond hospital walls with programs that enhance safety, wellness, and opportunity in the community: Guardian Helmet & Concussion Sensor Program – Protecting youth athletes with advanced technology. Community School Nurse Program – Bringing healthcare and education directly to schools. Wellness Roots Garden – Hands-on nutrition education for all ages. Backpack & Fresh Eats Programs – Providing meals for students and families in need. Little Food Pantry – 24/7 discreet access to food for the community. Investing in Workforce & Rural Excellence As Clarinda’s largest employer, CRHC leads with its Employee Wellness Program, twice named Iowa’s Healthiest State Small Workplace . The program tackles burnout and promotes well-being through fitness challenges, mental health resources, and nutrition education. Power of Rural CRHC exemplifies the Power of Rural: neighbors caring for neighbors, delivering high-quality care with trust, accountability, and innovation—even in remote communities. Partnerships with the Iowa State Office of Rural Health further strengthen telehealth, hospitalist programs, and statewide performance standards. CRHC’s recognition as a Community Star and multiple awards highlight a simple truth: exceptional rural healthcare is possible, right here in southwest Iowa.

Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is pleased to announce that Amy Bingaman, MD, OB/GYN, will begin seeing patients in the CRHC Specialty Clinic beginning December 4, 2025. “We are honored to welcome Dr. Bingaman to our Specialty Clinic,” said Amy Roop, Chief Clinics Officer at CRHC. “She brings exceptional clinical expertise, a patient-centered philosophy, and a strong commitment to women’s health. Her addition expands access to high-quality gynecology services close to home, and we are proud to offer this level of care to our region.” Dr. Bingaman joins CRHC with extensive experience in women’s health across diverse settings. Originally from the Chicago area, she has lived in six states but proudly considers Iowa home. She earned her undergraduate degree from Drake University and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Iowa. Following medical school, Dr. Bingaman served 8.5 years in the United States Navy, completing her internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology before continuing her service for an additional 4.5 years at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. For the last 15 years, she has practiced full-spectrum OB/GYN care across Iowa, serving women at every stage of life. Her clinical areas of focus include adolescent gynecology, perimenopausal and menopausal care, and LGBTQ+ health. In addition to providing outpatient consultations, Dr. Bingaman will perform gynecologic surgeries at CRHC. Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Bingaman is devoted to family and community. She and her husband, a 50/50 farmer, are proud parents of four children. She enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, traveling, and running.  CRHC is proud to expand women's health services with Dr. Bingaman’s arrival and looks forward to the positive and lasting impact she will have on patients and families in the region. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bingaman, call 712-542-8232 or visit clarindahealth.com to request an appointment.