CRHC Announces New Provider for VFHC Clinic
Clarinda Regional Health Center • March 24, 2021
Villisca Family Health Center (VFHC) and Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) officials are excited to announce a new provider in the Villisca clinic. Jennifer Leonard, Nurse Practitioner has joined the clinic team and began familiarizing herself with the operations of the clinic and the community. Jennifer will be providing care at VFHC Monday-Thursday, with some early evening appointments available.
The VFHC team will be holding an open house on Thursday, April 8th from 3-4pm. Patients and community members are welcome to stop by and meet Jennifer, the VFHC team and enjoy some refreshments. Masks will be required and available at the clinic for those who might need one.
Director of Clinics, Amy Roop, shares, “We know that Effie Martinez is irreplaceable, but we took careful consideration in selecting a new provider for the clinic. We knew that we had to have someone who could provide compassionate care to our patients and be a good fit with Tom (Schmadeke, PA-C) and the Villisca Team. We are confident we have found that in Jennifer.”
Jennifer grew up in the small town of Gregory South Dakota. Her father was the town physician, which is where her love of rural medicine started. Jenn received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota where she also played women’s basketball. She received her Family Nurse Practitioner from Clarkson College in 2005. Jenn has over 15 years of experience in primary care, with most of that time spent in rural areas. Currently Jennifer lives in Atlantic, Iowa with her four children. While not working they enjoy spending time outdoors and traveling.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a time to meet Jennifer in person, please do not hesitate to call the clinic at 712-826-3003.
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.
