IU Health Tipton Hospital

02/27/2026

When occupational therapist Amanda Petker took on a new patient with multiple concerns, she knew she would leave no stone unturned.

While investigating potential sources of her patient’s pain and tremors, Petker found out that several lymphadenectomies (a procedure where a lymph node is removed) and an incorrectly healed mastectomy scar were likely to blame for her patient’s pain and discomfort.

“Her treatment plan then began with massaging my mastectomy scar, my whole arm and all of the muscles surrounding that area. She also gave me handouts for at home stretches and exercises,” says the patient.

Present day, seven months after the patient’s first appointment, she is able to do activities for a much longer duration than before her treatment and has a significant decrease in discomfort.

In recognition of her exemplary care for this patient, Petker recently received an Aspen Award. Please join us in congratulating her on her award!

02/12/2026

IU Health Tipton Hospital’s Infusion Therapy space recently underwent several updates designed to enhance comfort and expand access for patients, as well as support the team members who deliver care every day.

One of the most significant updates is the addition of a fourth infusion chair, increasing capacity and allowing for more scheduling flexibility.

Each therapy space now includes an individual TV, providing added comfort and personalization during treatment. Cosmetic enhancements, including new flooring and a fresh coat of paint in patient rooms, further contribute to a calming and refreshed environment.

Improvements weren’t limited to patient-facing areas. The infusion therapy team now benefits from a redesigned, larger workspace built to better support workflow and efficiency.

Additional updates are planned throughout the year as the team continues to evolve this space to best serve patients and the community.

02/11/2026

When Brand Manager Kara Bishop joined IU Health nearly nine years ago, she brought with her a simple but powerful question: How can we meet people where they are?

What began as a handful of community events has since grown into a vibrant, multi-county partnership strategy that helped IU Health connect with thousands of residents last year.

By the end of 2025, IU Health had a presence at more than 150 community events across the legacy West Region, which includes Arnett, Frankfort, Tipton and White Memorial hospitals.

“I’m a strong believer in connecting with the community—not just inside our walls when they come to us but going out in the community and meeting people where they are,” Bishop says. “People want to see us in the places that matter to them.”

Read more about Kara and the record year of community impact and outreach.

Committed to providing the best care for Indiana families, Indiana University Health is the most comprehensive healthcare system with a personalized approach.

01/27/2026

Last week, in honor of , which is also observed as a National Day of Service, IU Health Tipton team members volunteered to assemble 200 snack kits to support local students in Tipton County.

The snack kits include items such as applesauce, trail mix, granola bars and popcorn. They’re donated to schools for students who may come to school without snacks, or for use in the Buddy Bag program, which provides weekly food support to students in both Tipton County school systems.

The Tipton team partnered with West Street Christian Church to help distribute the kits to the local schools.

01/26/2026

With winter weather and travel advisories in place, IU Health encourages our communities to prioritize safety while continuing to access care. For non-life-threatening needs, IU Health Virtual Visits are available daily from 8 am to 8 pm, offering convenient care without the need to travel.

Learn more at iuhealth.org/virtualvisits.

01/24/2026

When you’re not feeling well, it’s natural to wonder whether you need care from a doctor or if you can manage symptoms yourself.

While many common illnesses can be treated with rest and simple remedies, some symptoms signal something more serious.

Knowing the difference can help you recover faster and avoid complications.

Committed to providing the best care for Indiana families, Indiana University Health is the most comprehensive healthcare system with a personalized approach.

01/16/2026

Our Emergency department has been busier than usual recently.

Please help us reserve space in the ER for the sickest patients—and save yourself time and money—by knowing your options for getting care when you need it.

Need to see a doctor? See your options and wait times: iuhealth.org/get-care-now

01/15/2026

Addison Haynes, DO, is said to not only show excellence, but also selflessness and exceptional dedication while working alongside IU Health Tipton’s medical staff.

“His [Haynes’] commitment to supporting colleagues, elevating patient care and advancing the goals of our medical staff has made a meaningful impact on our organization. Haynes consistently demonstrates professionalism, collaboration and a strong sense of responsibility—qualities that exemplify what it means to be a true champion for our medical community,” says one of Haynes’ colleagues.

Please join us in congratulating Addison Haynes, DO, on his award!

12/28/2025

Mary Ann Teuscher is the lab supervisor at IU Health Tipton. She’s also our latest Service Star.

Twice a year, the Service Stars program celebrates IU Health team members who give back through service. In recognition of their efforts, each Service Star selects a local nonprofit organization to receive a $500 donation from IU Health in their honor.

Teuscher chose the Tipton County Public Library, because promoting literacy has been part of her family's core values since she was young.

"My mother worked for the Literacy Coalition for several years. She was very passionate with this program, as she tutored many adult students how to read and obtain their GED, including adult inmates in the Tipton County jail," says Teuscher.

12/24/2025

For decades, the IU Health Tipton Hospital Auxiliary has supported patients, families and team members through fundraising, volunteer service and investments that enhance the patient experience.

This year, the Auxiliary celebrates its 30th anniversary.

To mark the milestone occasion, the Auxiliary donated $1,500 to local food pantries, including the hospital’s Compassion Cupboard, to help address food insecurity in the Tipton community.

“It’s a big need here,” says Mary Stafford, president of the Auxiliary. “Food insecurity affects more people than many realize, and we wanted this anniversary to reflect what the community needs most right now.”

Over its 30-year history, the group has contributed nearly $500,000 through its Wish List Fund to support patient comfort, care and healing—funding everything from blanket warmers and children’s comfort items to patient gowns, rehabilitation supplies and the piano that welcomes visitors in the south lobby.

And as the Auxiliary looks ahead, its mission remains unchanged—supporting the health and welfare of the community while enhancing the patient experience.

(Photo shown was taken in Oct. 2024.)

12/21/2025

Please join us in thanking and congratulating Linda Joines, pictured center, as she retires from the IU Health Tipton Hospital Board of Directors.

Joines was the first woman named to our board, and has been a valued board member of our board for 27 years.

12/20/2025

More than 20 years ago, Heidi Freeman underwent a mastectomy after being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Like many patients, she expected some limitations during recovery and assumed certain discomforts were simply part of life after cancer.

Over time, however, those symptoms began to worsen, and they started interfering with her daily life. So, she decided to seek help and scheduled an appointment with IU Health Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation in Tipton.

Through manual lymphatic techniques, targeted stretches and personalized exercises, Freeman began to see improvement. The tremor resolved, her range of motion increased, and everyday activities became easier and less painful.

“I didn’t realize how much better things could feel,” she says. “Occupational therapy helped me regain strength and confidence I didn’t even realize I’d lost.”

Today, Freeman is doing well, and she hopes sharing her story encourages others not to ignore lingering symptoms or hesitate to ask for help. She also hopes more patients become aware of rehab services like occupational therapy and the role they can play in recovery.

More than 20 years after breast cancer treatment, Heidi Freeman turns to occupational therapy at IU Health Tipton Hospital and discovers how rehab can be a vita