Rice Community Hospital Celebrates 65 Years of Serving Lyons and Rice County

Rice Community Hospital (Hospital District No. 1 of Rice County) is proud to announce the milestone of its 65th anniversary. Established in 1959, the hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare for the residents of Lyons and Rice County, providing high-quality care with compassion and commitment to the community.

The 65th anniversary celebration kicks off today with Rural Health Day, a special event dedicated to recognizing and supporting the unique healthcare needs of rural communities. This celebration also marks a significant year of transformation for the hospital, as it recently completed a major rebranding campaign aimed at unifying its services under the banner of Rice Community Health. This campaign reflects the hospital’s evolving role in the community and its commitment to providing seamless, patient-centered care across all locations and programs, including Rural Health Connections, Sterling Family Care, and Lyons Family Care.

Since its founding, Rice Community Hospital has grown from a small facility to a full-service critical access hospital offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, outpatient services, rehabilitation, and wellness programs. With a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, the hospital has remained steadfast in its mission to improve the health and wellbeing of its patients and the community.

This year, Rice Community Hospital was honored with two prestigious recognitions: being named a Chartis Top 100 Critical Access Hospital and a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). These accolades highlight the hospital’s continued excellence in patient care, operational performance, and community impact.

“Our rebranding campaign this year has been an incredible opportunity to highlight the depth and breadth of services we provide to the community,” said George Strover, CEO of Rice Community Hospital. “It’s more than a new look—it’s about reemphasizing our commitment to the health and wellness of every patient we serve. Kicking off our 65th anniversary with Rural Health Day is the perfect way to honor that commitment. Being named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by Chartis and a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital by NRHA this year is a testament to the extraordinary work of our team and our focus on providing high-quality care.”

Rice Community Hospital looks forward to continuing its proud tradition of caring for the community for many years to come.

Navigating Medicare Part D: Why a Meeting with Your Local Pharmacy Matters

Attention Medicare beneficiaries! It’s time to review your Medicare Part D drug plan and Medicare Advantage options. The Medicare open enrollment period is happening now and runs through December 7. This is your chance to ensure you have the best plan for your needs in 2024. With the ever-changing landscape of prescription drug coverage and Medicare Advantage, meeting with your local pharmacy—like Lyons or Sterling Pharmacy—can make a significant difference in your healthcare finances.

Why Review Your Plan Now?
Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans can change every year, including premiums, covered medications, and out-of-pocket costs. Even if you’re happy with your current plan, it’s worth checking to see if there’s a better option available for the new year.

How Your Local Pharmacist Can Help
Pharmacists at Lyons Pharmacy and Sterling Pharmacy are ready to guide you through the process. By meeting with them, you can:

  • Review your current medication list.
  • Compare plans using tools that calculate your costs for 2024.
  • Identify the plan that provides the best coverage for your medications at the lowest price.

This personalized approach helps you avoid surprises and unnecessary expenses.

Don’t Let Changes Catch You Off Guard
Medicare can be tricky, with changes like:

  • Updates to drug formularies.
  • Premium or deductible adjustments.
  • New cost-sharing requirements.

Taking time now to review your plan ensures you’re prepared and confident in your choice for the upcoming year. Regularly evaluating your options ensures you stay informed and prepared to make choices that align with your needs and budget.

Take Action Today
Call Lyons Pharmacy at (620) 509-2169, Sterling Pharmacy at (620) 278-2110, or Daylene at the Rice County Council on Aging at (620) 257-5157 to schedule your consultation. Their team is here to make the process simple and stress-free

Don’t wait—Medicare open enrollment ends December 7. Let your local pharmacy help you make an informed decision and potentially save money in 2024. Make the call today—your future self will thank you!

 

Rice Community Healthcare Announces Rebrand to Reflect Focus on Family Medicine and Unified System

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Rice County Budget

The Rice County Budget Notice can be viewed here.

Rice County District Hospital Named Top Critical Access Hospital

Rice County District Hospital was recently named one of the top 20 critical access hospitals (CAHs) in the country.

Rice County District Hospital Earns High 5 for Mom & Baby Recognition Again

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2024 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital

Rice Community Hospital has been recognized as a 2024 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital, recognized for outstanding performance by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.