CRHC Awarded CON for Installation of New PET Scanner

Clarinda Regional Health Center • November 1, 2024

Clarinda Regional Health Center Awarded Certificate of Need to Install In-House PET Scanner, Expands Radiology Services with Advanced Imaging Technology

Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a Certificate of Need (CON) to install a permanent, in-house Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner. This addition will be the only in-house PET scanner in the area, bringing a new level of advanced diagnostic capability to patients throughout the region.

As part of this radiologyexpansion project, CRHC is also installing all-new, state-of-the-art MRI, CT, and Nuclear Medicine equipment. This investment underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing top-tier diagnostic services, enhancing patient access and advancing exceptional care.

With this new PET scanner and upgraded imaging equipment, CRHC patients will benefit from seamless, high-quality access to diagnostic services, eliminating the need for a mobile PET scanner, which currently visits the facility only twice a month. The in-house scanner will enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of critical conditions, including cancer and cardiac disease, by providing flexible and timely access to essential imaging.

“This in-house PET scanner is a game-changer for our patients and the quality of care we’re able to provide,” said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. “Having this advanced diagnostic tool on-site, along with our new MRI, CT, and Nuclear Medicine equipment, means we can offer more flexible scheduling and eliminate the wait times associated with mobile imaging services. This is a critical step forward in delivering the exceptional care that CRHC is dedicated to providing to the communities we serve”

The addition of the PET scanner and other imaging advancements demonstrates CRHC’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology to make high-quality healthcare more accessible. These improvements will not only strengthen the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities but also support physicians in developing faster, more effective treatment plans for improved patient outcomes.

The PET scanner is expected to be installed by the end of November, with services anticipated to begin for patients by mid-December. The new MRI has been installed and the CT, and Nuclear Medicine equipment installations will follow as part of the phased radiology expansion.


About Clarinda Regional Health Center
Clarinda Regional Health Center is a Critical Access Hospital committed to advancing exceptional care for residents of Clarinda and the surrounding region. With a focus on patient-centered care, CRHC continually invests in the latest medical technology to enhance patient outcomes and access to healthcare.

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Clarinda Regional Health–Community Pharmacy to Host Open House August 4

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • July 21, 2026
Clarinda Regional Health Center invites the community to celebrate the opening of the Clarinda Regional Health–Community Pharmacy during an Open House on Tuesday, August 4, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Located at 210 Essie Davison Drive, Suite 1, Clarinda, Iowa, the Community Pharmacy officially opened on Monday, June 29, 2026, expanding access to convenient healthcare services for residents of Clarinda and the surrounding communities. Community members are encouraged to stop by during the open house to tour the pharmacy, meet the staff, learn about the services available, and enjoy light refreshments. The Community Pharmacy provides prescription services, medication counseling, prescription transfers, and convenient delivery services to help patients receive their medications safely and efficiently. The pharmacy is open to everyone, regardless of where they receive their healthcare services. "Adding a community pharmacy is another way we are working to improve access and convenience for our patients and communities," said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. "We are excited to continue advancing exceptional care close to home." Patients wishing to transfer prescriptions from another pharmacy are encouraged to contact the Community Pharmacy for assistance. Pharmacy Hours Monday–Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Closed for Lunch from 1:30pm – 2:00pm Sunday: Closed Phone: 712-542-6774 www.ClarindaHealth.com/retail-pharmacy Clarinda Regional Health Center continues to invest in services that enhance the health and well-being of southwest Iowa residents. The addition of the Community Pharmacy reflects CRHC's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and Advancing Exceptional Care for the communities it serves.

CRHC Recognized with Five Best of Midwest 2026 Awards

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • July 15, 2026
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is proud to announce that it has been recognized with five honors in the Best of Midwest 2026 community voting contest, reflecting the trust and confidence of the communities we are privileged to serve. CRHC was Voted Best in the following categories: Mental Health Services (Gold) Home Care (Gold) CRHC was also recognized as a Silver Winner in the following categories: Orthopedic Surgeon (Silver) Pharmacy (Silver) Hospital (Silver) These awards represent the dedication, compassion, and expertise demonstrated every day by CRHC's providers, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, support staff, volunteers, and every team member who works together to Advance Exceptional Care across southwest Iowa. "Being recognized by the people we serve is one of the most meaningful honors we can receive," said Chuck Nordyke, Chief Executive Officer at Clarinda Regional Health Center. "These awards belong to our entire team. Every employee plays an important role in creating positive experiences for our patients and their families, and we are grateful for the community's continued trust and support." From behavioral health services and home care to orthopedic care, pharmacy services, and comprehensive hospital care, CRHC remains committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare close to home. "We are incredibly thankful to everyone who took the time to vote," Nordyke added. "Your support inspires us to continue investing in our people, our services, and our mission of Advancing Exceptional Care." Clarinda Regional Health Center extends its sincere appreciation to the patients, families, community members, and employees who made these recognitions possible. Together, these awards celebrate not only the services provided today but also CRHC's ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

CRHC Earns Three National Achievement Awards by AHA

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • July 3, 2026
Clarinda Regional Health Center Earns Three National American Heart Association Rural Quality Achievement Awards

Clarinda Regional Health Community Pharmacy to Open on June 29th, 2026

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • June 22, 2026
Clarinda Regional Health is pleased to announce that the new Clarinda Regional Health–Community Pharmacy will officially open on Monday, June 29, 2026. Opening week will have reduced hours from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday, and will be closed on Saturday. CRH - Community Pharmacy is located at 210 Essie Davison Drive, Suite 1, in Clarinda, east of the hospital on the campus of Clarinda Regional Health Center. The pharmacy expands access to convenient healthcare services for residents of Clarinda and the surrounding communities. The pharmacy will provide prescription services, prescription transfers, and convenient delivery services to help patients receive their medications safely and efficiently. The pharmacy is open to everyone, regardless of where they receive their healthcare services. "Adding a community pharmacy is another way we are working to improve access and convenience for our patients and communities," said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health. "We are excited to continue Advancing Exceptional Care close to home." Patients wishing to transfer prescriptions from another pharmacy are encouraged to use the online RX Transfer Request Form or to contact the Community Pharmacy for assistance at 712-542-6774. Pharmacy Hours Monday–Friday: 8am - 6pm Saturday: 8am - 4pm Closed Daily from 1:30-2:00pm for lunch Sunday: Closed Clarinda Regional Health continues to invest in services that enhance the health and well-being of southwest Iowa residents. The addition of the Community Pharmacy reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care for the communities it serves.

FREE Sports Physicals At All CRHC Clinics This Summer

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • June 9, 2026
Clinics dates onsite at Clarinda High School available in July.

CRHC Welcomes Back Family Practice Physician Christopher Sporleder, DO

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • June 1, 2026
Clarinda Regional Health Center is pleased to welcome back Christopher Sporleder, DO, to its medical staff beginning May 18, 2026. Dr. Sporleder is a family practice physician with extensive experience in primary care, urgent care, and emergency medicine. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, and completed his family practice residency at Michigan State University. Throughout his career, Dr. Sporleder has cared for patients in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including family practice clinics, emergency departments, hospice services, and healthcare leadership roles. His diverse background allows him to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for patients of all ages. In addition to his clinical experience, Dr. Sporleder proudly served in the United States Army Reserve Medical Corps, reflecting his continued commitment to service and community health. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Sporleder back to Clarinda Regional Health Center,” said Chuck Nordyke, President & CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. “Many in our community are already familiar with the compassionate care he provides, and we are thrilled to have him returning to continue serving patients and families throughout the region. His broad experience and patient-centered approach align perfectly with our mission of Advancing Exceptional Care.” Dr. Sporleder is board-certified by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and holds certifications in ACLS and BLS. His educational background includes: Bachelor of Science in Science Education – Truman University, Kirksville, Missouri Doctor of Osteopathy – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, Missouri  For more information or to schedule an appointment with Christopher Sporleder, DO, please contact CRHC's CMA Clinic at (712) 542-8330 or use our online appointment request feature .
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