Iowa Governor Terry Branstad was in Atlantic this (Friday) morning to present a 2016 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in a long term care facility.

IA Dept. of Inspections & Appeals Director Rod Roberts.

Before the Governor spoke, Rod Roberts, Director of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, mentioned as a regulatory agency, his Health Facilities Division staff receive nominations from all over the State for facilities that provide exceptional care.

Governor Branstad said Atlantic Specialty Care wasn’t nominated by a group of residents or family members, as is often the case. He said it was nominated by a single individual, Martha Sheil of Plymouth, Michigan who desperately sought care for her loved ones. She said ASC was the only facility to reach out to the Martha and to offer comfort while her family struggled with the debilitating Huntington’s Disease.

Gov. Terry Branstad presents the award to ASC Adminstrator Kellie Jimerson.

Scheil’s first experience with Atlantic Specialty Care began 23 years ago when her sister-in-law Beverly was first placed there.

Two of Beverly’s three children, Carol Ann and Jimmy, inherited Huntington’s Disease. In 2012, Martha contacted 27 nursing facilities in and around the Omaha area, but none would accept her sister-in-law’s daughter. The letter she wrote said not long after she spoke with Administrator Kellie Jimerson, the facility accepted both families members.

Branstad presented the award to Atlantic Specialty Care Administrator Kelli Jimerson. ASC is one to just two facilities in the State selected for the award. Atlantic Specialty Care, a Care Initiatives facility, was also presented with the American Health Association’s Silver Award in 2015, an AHA Quality Initiatives Award in 2013, and the Bronze Award in 2012.