An Important Update about Obstetric Services at Harrison County Hospital
Harrison County Hospital has made the difficult decision to suspend obstetric services effective March 31, 2025, as we will no longer have any obstetric providers. This decision was made after careful evaluation of physician recruitment challenges nationally and the hospital’s commitment to ensuring viable, quality care for patients. Despite extensive efforts, recruitment challenges made it unsustainable to continue offering labor and delivery services at this time. Hospital leadership is committed to the communities we serve, with the expectation to provide quality care for expectant mothers and their infants. We are actively engaged in recruiting full-time and qualified obstetric providers to serve Harrison County Hospital.
We recognize the vital role that obstetric care plays in our community and understand that this change impacts many families. While OB services will be suspended March 31, we remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition for patients. Our team is working closely with each patient to provide referrals to trusted providers and assistance with transferring medical records to ensure continued access to quality maternity care.
While labor and delivery services will no longer be available, gynecological care will continue through Women’s Healthcare of Southern Indiana (WHCSI). Dr. David Murphy, a board-certified experienced gynecologist, will be joining WHCSI in May 2025 to provide complete gynecologic services and surgery. We want to recognize the hard work and dedication of every team member throughout this transition. Please be assured this decision has been difficult, and we understand the serious situation rural hospitals in Indiana face given the scarcity of obstetric providers. Leadership will continue to assess our community’s healthcare needs and keep staff informed of any future developments in maternal health services.
Stepping On Class Begins in April!
Deadline to register has been extended to March 27!
Welcome, Dr. Brunkhorst
We are very excited to announce a new addition to our general surgery team. Karen Johnson Brunkhorst, MD will be joining the team at General Surgery Associates in early April.
Dr. Brunkhorst completed her BS at Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, AL and received her MD from the University of Alabama School of Medicine, in Birmingham. Dr. Brunkhorst completed her residency at University of Louisville.
Dr. Brunkhorst is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Society of Breast Surgeons.
Learn more at https://www.hchin.org/generalsurgery/
Harrison County Hospital and the Harrison County Health Department host Drive Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic
Click here to download the Vaccine Consent Form
Harrison County Hospital Foundation Awards Scholarships
Harrison County Hospital Foundation Awards Scholarships
The Harrison County Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of the Harrison County Hospital Foundation Scholarship. The Foundation was able to award the largest amount of scholarships, at $28,500, in the Foundation’s history. Nineteen students in Harrison County Hospital’s service area were awarded scholarships to assist them as they pursue their chosen healthcare fields. In some cases, HCHF Scholarship recipients return to serve at HCH upon completion of their education.
The following students were awarded $2000 scholarships:
Kelsey Delaney, Ramsey, is a 2023 graduate of North Harrison High School and is a current student at Purdue University.
Maddison Franks, Corydon, is a 2023 graduate of Corydon Central High School and is a current student at University of Southern Indiana.
Alyssa Spurlock, Georgetown, is a 2023 graduate of North Harrison High School and is a current student at Indiana University Southeast.
The following students were awarded $1500 scholarships:
Annabelle Babb, Guston, KY, is a 2024 graduate of Meade County High School.
Avery Blevins, Brandenburg, is a 2024 graduate of Meade County High School.
Karissa Fortwengler, Brandenburg, is a 2024 graduate of Meade County High School.
Miranda French, Vine Grove, KY, is a 2024 graduate of Meade County High School.
Brynna Hoggard, Central, is a 2024 graduate of Corydon Central High School.
Ava Holton, Corydon, is a 2024 graduate of Corydon Central High School.
CaSandra Leggett, Corydon, is a 2024 graduate of Corydon Central High School.
Danica Love, Ekron, KY, is a 2024 graduate of Meade County High School.
Caylee Payton, Vine Grove, KY, is a 2024 graduate of Meade County High School.
Ellie Schneider, Lanesville, is a 2024 graduate of Lanesville High School.
Sydney Smith, Milltown, is a 2024 graduate of North Harrison High School.
Kennedy Stith, Brandenburg, is a 2024 graduate of Meade County High School.
Erika Valdivieso, Corydon, is a 2024 graduate of Corydon Central High School.
Ryan Welch, Brandenburg, is a 2024 graduate of Meade County High School.
Samuel Williams, Guston, KY, is a 2024 graduate of Meade County High School.
Matyson Withers, Leavenworth, is a 2024 graduate of Corydon Central High School.
Dr. Michael Bonacum Elected AASM Fellow
Dr. Michael Bonacum Elected AASM Fellow
Michael G. Bonacum, DO, FACP, FAASM, an Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine specialist, has been elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Fellow standing recognizes outstanding contributions to sleep medicine, significant achievements in the field, and dedicated membership in the AASM. Dr. Bonacum is one of 39 members who constitute the 2024 Fellows of the AASM.
“It is an honor for me to congratulate the members who have earned the distinction of being a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine,” said AASM President Dr. James A. Rowley. “Their contributions to our field have helped to advance sleep care, and the AASM has benefited greatly from their dedicated service.”
Dr. Bonacum is a board certified Sleep Medicine specialist through the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is the lead physician at Corydon Sleep Medicine, part of Corydon Medical Associates, and is the Medical Director of the Harrison County Hospital Center for Sleep Disorders, an AASM accredited sleep center.
HARRISON COUNTY HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Harrison County Hospital has entered into a partnership with Western Governors University (WGU). The partnership with WGU, recognized as a State of Indiana school, will provide a pathway for Harrison County Hospital employees to start or finish their degree, help with the nursing shortage that is being felt in most areas, and help our staff improve their skills to better their future. “We are excited to partner with WGU to provide an avenue for our employees to further their education,” said Robert Brown, Human Resources Director at Harrison County Hospital. “Being recognized as a State of Indiana school and with a focus on adult learners, we feel they will bring exceptional value to both our employees and hospital.”
Drive Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic
The Harrison County Health Department and Harrison County Hospital will offer a Public Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic on Tuesday, October 3 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Harrison County Fairgrounds. Cost is $20.00 for vaccine for those 5 – 64 years of age, and $60 for a high dose vaccine for those 65 years of age and older. Cash or check only. Will bill for Medicare patients. Medicare card must be presented.
The clinic is for ages five and older. Children 17 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The vaccine offered will be a quadrivalent vaccine, designed to protect against four different flu viruses.
Vehicles should access the clinic by entering the Harrison County Fairgrounds through the Main Entrance off Capital Avenue. Nurses administering the vaccine will be available on both sides of the car for the convenience of drivers and passengers requesting the shot. Those receiving the vaccine should wear sleeveless or short sleeve shirts. For faster service, print and complete the drive thru vaccine consent form in advance and bring it with you to the clinic.
