A recent donation has been the catalyst for a new $1.7 million capital campaign for renovations at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC). CEO, Linn Block, says the project includes expansion of the Senior Life Solutions program space, an upgrade to the hospital pharmacy and the addition of a negative-pressure isolation room. Even though this has been in the works for the past 12 to 18 months, the gift of nearly $300,000 from the late Leana and Donald Kalkhoff jump started the campaign. “Although the hospital is only seven years old, we must continue to evolve to meet the needs of current and future patients,” Block says. “This renovation project will allow us to serve numerous residents each year in west central Iowa and meet regulatory requirements.” In the past year, the award-winning Senior Life Solutions program, an intensive outpatient group therapy program for seniors living with symptoms of age-related depression or anxiety, has seen 188 referrals and served 64 area residents. The project will provide them with a dedicated group therapy meeting room, state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities and allow patients to join remotely. This will also be used for Recovery Center outpatient therapy, will be available for public use during non-business hours and will include offices for the director, the therapist and psychiatrist. The pharmacy expansion will help the hospital meet regulatory requirements for mixing of chemotherapy, infusions and other hazardous materials as well as a required modification to the HVAC system for negative pressure. MRHC kicked-off the capital campaign this past Friday, March 12, with a meeting of the team of staff members and volunteer leaders. Virginia Rasmussen and Randy Behrens have been named co-chairs. The team is planning to reach out to individuals and businesses across the region to answer questions and discuss donation opportunities in the near future as they also work on available grant funding. Those with questions can contact Block at 712-655-2072.