May 16, 2023

IACH Updates for May 16

FORT RILEY, Kan. — IACH Updates: 1. IACH patients can expect longer wait times on the central appointment line due to limited staffing. Patients are highly encouraged to book an appointment online through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal which is available 24 hours. Visit the Patient Portal at https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil/. 2. From Disbelief to Proclamation Jennifer Gibson used to be skeptical about food allergies. That was before her daughter suffering an anaphylactic reaction triggered by a homemade cashew beverage. Now they can’t leave home without an EpiPen at arm's length. Jennifer had to make drastic changes to mitigate the risk of anaphylaxis but she soon realized that most people are still uninformed about the "Big Nine.” To raise awareness about food allergies, Jennifer sent a request to the Kansas governor's office to sign a proclamation. Here she displays the results of her request to make May 14 - 20, 2023, Food Allergy Awareness Week in Kansas. https://youtu.be/86OeW0JyeFc 3. Mindful Monday Start the week minding your breath, body, and thoughts. IACH launches a series of episodes with MAJ Adhana McCarthy. She guides you through simple short exercises that can be performed right at your desk. https://www.facebook.com/watch/IrwinArmyCommunityHospital/762505581987021/ 4. Your Voice Matters to Fort Riley Leaders The Community Strengths and Themes Assessment (CSTA) evaluates how Fort Riley can improve community health, wellness, readiness and resiliency. Provide your input by completing this online survey at https://usaphcapps.amedd.army.mil/Survey/se/25113745648F0C25. The CSTA survey is conducted every two years to assist commanders in the development of a responsive and holistic community support plan. While participation by the community is voluntary, post leaders encourage participation from all members of the community. Past CSTA results have resulted in positive changes in healthier food options at dining facilities and commissaries, as well as counseling opportunities. 15 minutes spent to respond to the CSTA survey can make a big difference in future programs and initiatives that may ultimately be instituted for Fort Riley.

June 6, 2023

IACH Updates for June 6

FORT RILEY, Kan. — 1. The IACH Contraceptive Care walk-in clinic will close Thursday June 8 and open Friday, June 9, 8 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 3:30 p.m. The walk-in clinic, located in the Women’s Health Clinic, provides contraceptive counseling, birth control pills, patches, rings, implants and intrauterine devices, emergency contraception, and removals or replacements. 2. Outpatient behavioral health services for 1st ABCT, 2nd ABCT, or 1st STB are located at Custer Hill Health Clinic, 7672 Parker Rd, Fort Riley. Patients may receive an incorrect automated reminder call stating their appointment is at Farrelly Health Clinic. The reminder call system is currently undergoing technical difficulties.

June 14, 2023

IACH Updates for June 14

FORT RILEY, Kan. — 1. IACH and its outlying clinics will go on a weekend status Thursday, June 15, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., to support Victory Wellness activities; and Monday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth federal holiday. Outpatient and ancillary services (pharmacy, radiology, lab) will close. The last pharmacy ticket serviced Thursday will be pulled at 12:30 p.m. Please plan accordingly. The Emergency Department and Labor & Delivery remain open. 2. Outpatient behavioral health services for 1st ABCT, 2nd ABCT, or 1st STB are located at Custer Hill Health Clinic, 7672 Parker Rd, Fort Riley. Patients may receive an incorrect automated reminder call stating their appointment is at Farrelly Health Clinic. The reminder call system is currently undergoing technical difficulties. 3. Victory Run ’23 -- Fort Riley's medical professionals joined in the celebration of the 1st Infantry Division's Victory Week 2023 with a time-honored Victory Run. Soldiers from Irwin Army Community Hospital, Soldier Recovery Unit, Dental Health Activity, and Veterinary Treatment Facility stood strong, ready and motivated along the most storied unit in the U.S. Army. Happy 106th birthday to The "Big Red One"! https://fb.watch/l9S4-p2tyi/ 4. The Gift – To be an NCO is a gift and responsibility. But it can take several years before an NCO understands the burden as a privileged influence. For the Year of the NCO, 1SG Czarina Deck looks back wishing she had appreciated the unparalleled experience of being a young sergeant and imparts what she has learned over the course of 15 Army years. https://youtu.be/j8fA1YD5fn8 5. Is it Safe to Come Out? -- SPC Nathalie Myers grew up in a community that didn't welcome LGBTQ people. In high school, she thought she was the only gay student. Although her appearance drew suspicions, she kept her sexual orientation confidential for fear of being ostracized. It wasn't until Myers was 20 when she was in the Army that she finally came out. Being in the Army had given her the confidence she needed to be open and true to herself. https://youtu.be/16bWgjuWBnE 6. Meditation with the Hands (Mindful Monday Episode 6) -- The act of opening and closing the hands can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Similar to progressive relaxation, we bring tension into the body by stretching the hands, then release the tension and allow the hands to rest in a closed position. This is another balancing principle. Sometimes when exploring opposite movements, we find a middle way that has more ease. https://fb.watch/l9RS1J9JjN/

June 30, 2023

IACH Updates for June 30th

FORT RILEY, Kan. — IACH Updates: 1. The next School & Sports Physicals at Irwin Army Community Hospital is July 29, 8 a.m. – noon. Call to schedule an appointment at (785) 239-3627. No walks-in. Limited appointments are available. 2. IACH, outlying clinics, and all ancillary services (pharmacy, lab, radiology) will go on a weekend status Tuesday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. 3. Reminder…if you’re an Active Duty Soldier who needs to fill a prescription, the Farrelly Health Clinic pharmacy is always an option. 4. Join us for the induction of 1SG Czarina Deck to the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club on July 14, 10 a.m. at the hospital's healing garden. Can't make it to the ceremony? Watch the live stream on IACH's Facebook page. 5. IACH Medical Company will welcome incoming 1SG Elisa Cormier and farewell outgoing 1SG Czarina Deck at a Change of Responsibility ceremony July 26, 9 a.m. in the grassy area (flag pole) near the main entrance of the hospital. 6. Yes, She’s a Woman -- SPC Fury Marie Kimber will always be authentic to herself even if it troubles or confuses others. She won’t be fitted into a category that presumes what she thinks, likes or dislikes. People just have to ask her, respectfully. https://youtu.be/txkiXyUZMaY 7. Shake it Off! … Here’s How -- Consider this shaking practice as a personal experiment to see how you feel afterwards. Drs. Peter Levine and David Berceli have been long-time advocates who integrate shaking into therapeutic settings for people with anxiety symptoms or significant stress and trauma. Like dancing, it can shift mood and regulate emotions. The empirical evidence for this practice is still limited but experimenting with your level of comfort may provide another outlet for digesting complex emotions. https://youtu.be/XCj6kfhNbXE 8. Worried About Your Teen’s Mental Health? Limit their Social Media. -- Wendy Hampton, a clinical social worker, understands how social media can help youth remain connected to distant friends, especially if they're military kids. But her experience with youth indicates that social media is overwhelmingly more harmful than good. She sees a close link between mental health problems and the overuse of social media. How do kids outsmart their parents? What's a parent to do? How invasive should parents be with their teens? In this video Wendy give parents a few strategies. https://youtu.be/FjI9EBnZ1Mg

July 19, 2023

IACH Updates for July 19th

FORT RILEY, Kan. — 1. IACH and its outlying clinics will go on a weekend status Thursday, July 20, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., to support Victory Wellness activities for the staff. Outpatient and ancillary services (pharmacy, radiology, lab) will close. The last pharmacy ticket serviced Thursday will be pulled at 12:30 p.m. The Emergency Department and Labor & Delivery remain open. 2. IACH will remain open and operate normal business hours for patient care during the Fort Riley Black Start exercise July 26. Some non-clinical areas of the hospital such as public restrooms and dining facility may be impacted by the installation’s planned power outage. The IACH dining facility may not be available for breakfast and lunch customers. Please plan accordingly. Caldwell Clinic (Public Health), Farrelly Health Clinic, Custer Hill Health Clinic, and Novosel Aviation Health Clinic will be closed. Sick call will be provided by each of the units. For emergency behavioral health concerns, Active Duty Soldiers will be seen at the IACH Emergency Department. 3. IACH Medical Company will welcome incoming 1SG Elisa Moore and farewell outgoing 1SG Czarina Deck at a Change of Responsibility ceremony. Please note the date and time have changed to Tuesday, July 25, 8:30 a.m. in the grassy area (flag pole) near the main entrance of the hospital. 4. Compassionate Guardian for the Children of Heroes – Many years ago when she was in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Eva Ewers yearned to extend her healing touch to the civilian realm. The day finally arrived when she completed her service, transitioning into the vibrant world of civilian healthcare, brimming with possibilities. With great resolve, Dr. Ewers launched her civilian medical career, eager to make an indelible impact on the lives of young patients. But the intricacies of navigating the labyrinthine medical insurance landscape posed a formidable challenge, hindering her from wholeheartedly focusing on her true calling—providing compassionate care. Serendipity intervened as Dr. Ewers embarked on a new chapter, venturing into the heartland of Kansas. It was here that her purpose aligned with destiny, leading her back to military medicine as a civilian practitioner at Irwin Army Community Hospital. Within the walls of IACH, Dr. Ewers not only practices the art she adores but also embraces the responsibility of caring for the children of deployed Soldiers—the brave warriors who safeguard our cherished freedoms. https://youtu.be/NX6ZjXkkVp8

Aug. 10, 2023

IACH Updates for Aug. 10

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Give your kids a clear vision to start school. Schedule your K-12 child’s comprehensive eye exam at IACH’s Optometry Clinic on the second floor by calling (785) 239-DOCS. In addition to getting a prescription for glasses, eye exams check for visual acuity, binocular vision, eye movement, peripheral vision, ocular health, and facilitate other supplemental testing to rule out possible eye problems. Please note that school vision screenings are no substitute for a comprehensive eye exam performed by a licensed optometrist.

Aug. 24, 2023

IACH Updates for Aug. 24th

FORT RILEY, Kan. — 1. IACH Organizational Day is Friday Please be advised that IACH and its outlying clinics will transition to a weekend status on Friday, August 25, in observance of Organization Day. During this time, outpatient and ancillary services, including pharmacy, radiology, and lab, will be closed. However, rest assured that the Emergency Department and Labor & Delivery will remain operational to provide continuous care. We kindly request that you plan your appointments and medical needs accordingly, considering the adjusted service schedule for this day. We appreciate your understanding. 2. A Heartwarming Welcome Back to School at Seitz Elementary We're delighted to share a heartwarming moment that took place on August 11 as our IACH leaders and dedicated team members extended their support beyond our hospital walls. On the first day of school for the "Dragons" of Seitz Elementary School at Fort Riley, our team transformed into beacons of encouragement and smiles. With arms raised in high-fives and fist pumps, we created an atmosphere of excitement and unity, fostering a meaningful connection between healthcare and education. We extend our gratitude to the Seitz administration team for granting us the opportunity to make a positive impact on the young students. For a visual glimpse of this wonderful interaction, visit www.facebook.com/IrwinArmyCommunityHospital. 3. Savoring Laughter: A Playful Moment at IACH Amidst the demands of our busy hospital environment, a delightful interlude of camaraderie took center stage on August 16. With a twist of creativity, our hospital staff turned the tables, and pies, on our esteemed senior leaders, including the hospital commander. Even within our serious and important roles, we believe in the value of sharing laughter and forging connections. To witness the making of a $500 pie and the laughter it generated, we invite you to explore www.facebook.com/IrwinArmyCommunityHospital.

Aug. 31, 2023

COVID-19 ADVISORY

FORT RILEY, Kan. — COVID-19 ADVISORY The Fort Riley and surrounding communities are seeing an increase in patients with COVID-19 symptoms. However, there have been no hospital admissions related to COVID-19 at Fort Riley. Symptoms of COVID, the common cold, and seasonal allergies can be similar. If you are concerned about any of the following symptoms, please see your primary care provider or go to the Emergency Room if the symptoms are severe. • Chest pain • Trouble breathing • Severe headache • Abdominal pain If you are concerned about your symptoms, you can also call your Medical Home provider and discuss further with the nurse or provider. We appreciate your cooperation in helping to keep our Emergency Department available for patients who need it most. Do not go to the Emergency Department for a routine COVID-19 test. The IACH Emergency Department is for patients with serious medical problems that require immediate attention. A routine COVID-19 test is not a medical emergency nor is it needed unless determined by your healthcare provider in assisting with treating your symptoms. If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms, you should stay home, isolate and recover. You can also get a COVID-19 test at a pharmacy in the community or other testing site if you feel you need to know if you have COVID. Stopping the spread of any upper respiratory virus as we move into the cold and flu season is of utmost importance. Please wear a mask while you have symptoms and stay home during the most critical part of your illness.

Oct. 17, 2023

Flu Vaccine Community Events

FORT RILEY, Kansas — Mark your calendars for upcoming flu vaccine events for beneficiaries aged 6 months and older. Children aged 6 months and older must be accompanied by their legal guardian to receive a flu vaccine. For detailed information on these events, please visit the Irwin Army Community Hospital Facebook page closer to each event. Service Members will receive their flu vaccine from their Unit Medical and not at Community Events.

Oct. 18, 2023

ADVISORY -- Discontinuation of Urgent Care

FORT RILEY, Kansas — We regret to inform you that, due to current staffing shortages, the Urgent Care Clinic, also known as Fast Track Service, at Irwin Army Community Hospital has been discontinued.  We have, however, increased our access for acute care in the primary care clinic.  We encourage you to book an appointment on the patient portal for either a virtual or in person visit.  If there are no appointments available in the portal, we encourage you to call the appointment line or speak with a nurse who works with your primary care provider.