CRHC Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of New Wellness Roots Garden

Clarinda Regional Health Center • May 22, 2025
in CLARINDA, IOWA – May 21, 2025 – On Iowa Kid’s Garden Day

Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) proudly celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Wellness Roots Garden on May 21st, 2025, a new inclusive outdoor space designed to support health, education, and community engagement.


Located on the CRHC campus, the Wellness Roots Garden is the new home of the Sprouts All Star Program and features fully accessible community garden beds with elements specifically designed to support individuals with sensory needs. The garden reflects CRHC’s mission of Advancing Exceptional Care by promoting wellness and inclusivity across all ages and abilities.

One of the key features of the garden is the Community Garden Space, where individuals and families can sign up to use a garden bed at no cost. It’s a wonderful opportunity for community members to grow their own vegetables, flowers, or herbs, while connecting with others in a supportive and welcoming environment. Those interested can learn more and sign up online by visiting www.clarindahealth.com/dietitian-services.


"This space is more than a garden—it’s a symbol of what happens when a few crazy ideas, a need and commitment to our goal comes together to create something meaningful," said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. "We are incredibly proud to offer a place where everyone can grow, connect, and thrive."


CRHC extends heartfelt thanks to its Maintenance Team—Scott Warrick, Bryon Peterson, Alex Chambers, Ron Holmstrom, Jake Chambers, and Dillon Chambers—for their tireless dedication to building the garden from the ground up. Special thanks also go to the Wellness Roots Garden Committee, including Emily Furst, Scott Warrick, Amy Roop, Melissa Baier, Dave Fast, Brittney Hill and Emily Bontrager, whose leadership and vision guided the project to completion.


CRHC gratefully acknowledges the generosity and support of Fareway Meat and Grocery and 3D Construction, whose contributions helped bring the garden to life. The event was further enriched by the efforts of the Iowa Kid’s Garden Day Committee—Emily Bontrager, Emily Furst, Bethany Muller, Libby Ehlers and Brittney Hill—who organized a joyful and engaging celebration.


Additional thanks go to Iowa State University Extension and Andrew Hoppman from Clarinda's Lied Public Library for their participation, and to Elaine Farewell with the Clarinda Chamber of Commerce for officiating the ribbon cutting. This is the first garden of its kind at CRHC, with hopes of future expansion. For more information about the garden or to reserve a community garden bed, please visit www.clarindahealth.com.


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About Clarinda Regional Health Center: Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is a Critical Access Hospital dedicated to Advancing Exceptional Care in rural Iowa. CRHC offers comprehensive healthcare services and wellness initiatives that foster a healthier, more connected community.

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CRHC's Medical Clinic Wins 2025 Best of Business Award

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • August 25, 2025
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By 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. #### --- 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.
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