A Memo to Benton County Residents: Many hospitals in our region are operating at capacity or like Virginia Gay Hospital, near capacity with increasing numbers of patients in ER and all of our clinic [st]tings.

As of Thursday evening, Benton County COVID cases have skyrocketed to a whopping 840 cases. According to the State COVID website, there are 38 cases at the VInton Lutheran Home and 4 cases in Keystone Nursing Care.

LifeServe Blood Center is asking community members to book an appointment to give blood at an upcoming area blood drive.  It’s important that eligible community members continue to give blood regularly to ensure the health of the community.

Join us at an upcoming blood drive in your area! Virginia Gay Hospital and Vinton Community11/24/2020 (01:45 pm - 05:30 pm)502 N 9th AveVirginia Gay Hospital - CafeteriaVinton, IA 52349 Thank you for supporting our blood drive.

Attached you will find your edition of the November 2020 Words on Wellness newsletter.This edition features: ·     Sweet Potatoes: Not Just Thanksgiving ·     Recipe for Sweet Potato Fries ·     November 15: Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day ·     November 29: Throw Out Your Leftovers Day ·     Activity- A Natural Mood Booster! Stay well,For resources to use during the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit our Finding Answers Now page.

           U.S. Attorney Peter Deegan wants to ensure that everyone knows how to rid their homes of unused and unwanted medications.

Several cases of COVID-19, the illness resulting from the novel coronavirus, have been diagnosed in our nursing facility at the Vinton Lutheran Home. Those affected are receiving treatment in our facility and will remain in isolation for at least 10 days.

To all of our patients and staff, Starting Saturday, October 10th, 2020, for the safety of everyone, you will now need to ring a doorbell at the hospital's main entrance where you will be greeted and screened by our staff.

Iowans still are managing the uncertainly and anxiety produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drought related conditions have added another layer of stress for agriculture producers in many areas of the state.

Since it started six years ago, the Benton County Health and Wellness Fair has grown in popularity, and this year was to be no exception. The event is usually scheduled earlier in the spring, but this year organizers chose to postpone as they determined the best way to proceed in light of concerns over COVID-19.