CRHC Awarded SAMHSA Grant to Support Emergency Services, AED Training To Impact SWI Communities
Clarinda Regional Health Center • July 15, 2025
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is proud to share it has been awarded a prestigious federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training, recruitment, and lifesaving preparedness efforts across Page, Taylor, and Montgomery Counties. This competitive grant has been the topic of much planning over the last 12 months, so that it could be implemented over a two-year performance period. These efforts begun September 30, 2024 and will conclude in September 2026.
Through the awarded grant, Clarinda Regional Health Center has been working on launching a multi-faceted initiative focused on strengthening the region’s emergency response capabilities. Funding will directly support these iniatitives:
- College tuition for 10 EMT scholarship recipients, covering the cost of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course and certification to help recruit and train the next generation of emergency responders.
- Purchase of 67 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to be installed in key businesses and organizations throughout Page, Taylor, and Montgomery Counties. See map below.
- AED education for each organization receiving an AED, ensuring proper usage and maintenance of the life-saving devices.
- Free community education sessions across the three counties on how to use an AED and respond effectively in a cardiac emergency.
- Procurement of new LifePak Defibrillators to upgrade lifesaving equipment for emergency teams at Clarinda Regional Health.
- Planning and hosting of a free, one-day regional EMS training event for all emergency personnel in southwest Iowa, promoting collaboration, skill development, and professional support.
- Attending job fairs to support EMS and healthcare recruitment throughout the region.
- Sending a CRHC staff member for Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training to enhance emergency readiness and safety protocols.
“This grant provides critical resources to improve EMS readiness in our communities while expanding access to AEDs and lifesaving education,” said Jennifer Chambers, Director of Emergency Services, at Clarinda Regional Health Center. “We are especially proud to invest in EMT students and regional emergency responders who are essential to the health and safety of our region.”
The SAMHSA grant aligns with CRHC’s mission to provide quality, compassionate healthcare while fostering strong community partnerships and improving rural health outcomes.
More information on upcoming AED installations, community education events, and the regional EMS training day will be shared in the coming months.
For questions or to learn how your organization can get involved in this effort, contact Clarinda Regional Health Center's EMS Department at 712-542-8289 or visit clarindahealth.com.
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About Clarinda Regional Health Center is a critical access hospital serving southwest Iowa with a full spectrum of healthcare services. Committed to excellence, innovation, and community well-being, CRHC partners with individuals and organizations to build a healthier region.
4/3/2026 UPDATE: This event has been postponed. Please stay tuned for a rescheduled date for the open house. Clarinda Regional Health Center is inviting the community to stop by and see the new Clarinda Regional Health–Community Pharmacy during an Open House on Tuesday, April 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The pharmacy is located at 210 Essie Davison Drive, Suite 1, in Clarinda. The open house will give community members a chance to check out the new pharmacy building and learn more about the services that will soon be available. Light refreshments will be provided. The new pharmacy is part of Clarinda Regional Health Center’s ongoing efforts to improve access to convenient healthcare services for residents in Clarinda and the surrounding communities. It is another example of CRHC’s continued commitment to Advancing Exceptional Care close to home. Community members are encouraged to stop by, take a look around, and help celebrate this exciting addition to the Clarinda Regional Health Center campus.
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) has been recognized with a 2026 PRC Excellence in Healthcare Award, earning a 4-Star rating for Inpatient Services Overall Hospital Rating. This distinction places CRHC among the top 25 percent of hospitals nationwide, based on results from the 2025 Inpatient Services Normative Database. The Excellence in Healthcare Awards are presented annually by PRC, a leader in healthcare experience management, to recognize organizations that demonstrate exceptional performance in areas such as patient experience, employee engagement, and physician alignment through patient feedback and survey data. “This recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of our entire Clarinda Regional Health team,” said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. “Our staff works hard every day to provide compassionate, high-quality care for the patients and families we serve while continually advancing exceptional care in our community. Being recognized nationally and ranking in the top 25 percent of hospitals is a testament to their commitment to creating an exceptional experience for every patient who walks through our doors.” This award highlights CRHC’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality inpatient care while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety and satisfaction. By continually listening to patient feedback and improving care processes, CRHC strives to ensure every patient receives excellent care close to home.
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.
