Your Hospital Newsletter – April 2026

A child in a yellow raincoat walks through a shallow stream holding an umbrella in a green outdoor setting
Your Hospital Newsletter – April 2026
Empowering You to Thrive

From Us to You

This month, we’re focusing on staying active, staying informed, and staying connected to care close to home.

April brings longer days and a renewed energy in our community. This month’s issue is filled with information to help you and your family stay well, stay active, and stay connected to the care and resources available right here in the Monadnock Region. This month also reflects our commitment to building an organization worthy of the trust and investment our community places in us.

From spring sports safety to vaccine guidance to free programs for new families, we hope you find something useful inside. We are glad to be your hospital.


The Art of Aging Gracefully: Living Well as We Age Seminar

A smiling nurse in blue scrubs sits closely beside an older adult with short gray hair. Both are laughing together in a bright clinical setting, representing supportive care, connection, and healthy aging.

Healthy aging is about more than just adding years to life. It is about maintaining strength, independence, and overall well-being.

Join us for a free Health & Wellness Seminar to learn practical strategies that support healthy aging and help individuals stay active and engaged over time.

Interested in more topics like this? Explore recordings from past Health and Wellness Seminars on our YouTube channel.

Space is limited. Reserve your seat for this free community seminar.


Congratulations to Jessica Gifford: Inaugural Recipient of the Cynthia K. McGuire Leadership Development Award

Two healthcare professionals stand together with text overlay Cynthia K McGuire Leadership Development Award

We are proud to recognize Jessica Gifford, RN, of Monadnock Cardiology Associates, as the inaugural recipient of the Cynthia K. McGuire Leadership Development Award. This annual award honors an MCH employee who demonstrates exceptional leadership potential, a commitment to growth, and dedication to our mission.

Jessica’s professionalism, initiative, and collaborative spirit made her a standout choice for this recognition. As the first-ever recipient, she sets a meaningful standard for the award going forward. Programs like this reflect MCH’s intentional investment in developing the next generation of healthcare leaders. This kind of leadership helps ensure strong, reliable care for our community.

Read the full announcement and learn more about the award on our website.


Welcoming Rochelle Sokol as Chief Financial Officer / Chief Operating Officer

A professional headshot of a hospital leader standing in front of artwork and a plant indoors

Monadnock Community Hospital is pleased to announce that Rochelle Sokol, MBA, has been named Chief Financial Officer / Chief Operating Officer, effective March 2, 2026.

Rochelle brings nearly 20 years of service to MCH, most recently as Director of Finance. Her deep knowledge of our organization, combined with her commitment to our patients, colleagues, and community, makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead in this expanded role.

Before joining MCH, she held senior financial positions at Mass General Brigham, Liberty Mutual, Bain Capital, and Nvest. She earned her MBA from Plymouth State University and her BS in Business Administration from Lasell University.

Rochelle has also played a role in strengthening employee recognition at MCH, including developing the Circle Award program, which honors staff who go above and beyond in areas such as compassionate care, innovation, and leadership.

A mentor and community leader, Rochelle has supported the MCH Mentorship Program, the Center for Rural Leadership, and The River Center’s Finance Committee and Advisory Council Board.

We are grateful to have her leadership guiding our organization forward.

Meet our administrative team.


Join Us: Spring Job Fair at MCH

Save the Date graphic for Monadnock Community Hospital Spring Job Fair featuring community hospital and nurse imagery with text promoting hiring event

Mark your calendar. Monadnock Community Hospital is hosting a Spring Job Fair on Wednesday, April 22, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Bond Wellness Center Conference Room, 458 Old Street Road, Peterborough.

Walk-ins are welcome. Bring your resume and come ready to meet our team, learn about open positions across departments, and explore what a career at MCH looks like.

The first 25 guests will receive a swag bag. There will also be raffles, light refreshments, hospital tours, and onsite interviews with MCH leadership.

Explore current openings and plan your visit at MonadnockCareers.org or call 603-924-1452.


Parkinson's Awareness Month: You Are Not Alone

Close-up of a caregiver's hand gently supporting an elderly person holding a walking cane, symbolizing care and support for individuals with mobility challenges like parkinsons

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and Monadnock Community Hospital wants you to know that support is available right here in the Monadnock Region.

Our free monthly Parkinson’s Support Group meets the first Wednesday of every month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Bond Wellness Center Conference Room at 458 Old Street Road in Peterborough. The group is open to patients, caregivers, and family members. No registration is required.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, a longtime caregiver, or simply looking for connection, this peer-to-peer group offers a welcoming space to share experiences and find support.

Learn more and find additional resources at MonadnockRehab.org.

No registration needed. Simply come as you are.


Watch Now: Keeping the Beat: Understanding Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders, and one of the most manageable when caught early. In this recorded Health & Wellness Seminar, Brooke O’Connor, APRN, and Robert Spencer, MD, of Monadnock Cardiology Associates cover how AFib develops, what symptoms to watch for, and the full range of treatment and lifestyle options available today.

Watch the full seminar at Seminars.MonadnockHospital.org.



Stay in the Game This Spring

Physical therapist assisting a young male athlete with a knee rehabilitation exercise, emphasizing personalized care and recovery.

Spring sports season brings longer days, fresh energy, and renewed activity for athletes of all ages. It also brings a higher risk of injury, especially after a winter of lower activity levels.

Whether you’re a parent cheering on a young athlete, a weekend player heading back to the courts, or someone returning to exercise after time off, a little preparation goes a long way. Our orthopedic and rehabilitation teams have put together resources to help you and your family stay active and well this season.

From the MCH Library:

Dealing with a sports injury or looking to prevent one? MCH’s sports rehabilitation team is here to help.

Learn About Sports Rehabilitation at MCH.


Your Annual Checkup Is Worth It

Smiling patient shaking hands with a healthcare provider in a bright exam room, with medical tools and a skeletal system chart visible on the wall.

Spring is a natural time to reset and refocus. If it has been a year or more since your last visit with your primary care provider, now is a good time to schedule your annual checkup.

Routine visits are one of the most effective ways to stay ahead of health concerns. The CDC reports that routine checkups can reduce the risk of serious illness and early death from conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. A simple annual visit may be one of the most important health decisions you make all year.

Your provider can review your medications, update screenings, check your blood pressure and cholesterol, and talk through anything that has been on your mind.

Find a provider and request an appointment at Primary-Care.MonadnockHospital.com or call 603-924-7191.


Vaccines Protect You, Your Family, and Your Neighbors

A smiling family with bandages on their arms sits together after receiving vaccinations

Staying up to date on vaccines is one of the most effective things you can do for your health and the health of those around you. From childhood immunizations to flu shots and shingles protection for older adults, vaccines work at every stage of life.

This World Immunization Week, Infection Preventionist Brian Earnshaw, RN, BSN, shares what you need to know about recommended vaccines, why the schedule matters, and how to check whether you and your family are protected.

Discover which vaccines are recommended for your age and life stage.


Employee of the Month

An employee stands holding a framed Employee of the Month certificate in a hospital hallway

Monadnock Community Hospital is pleased to recognize the March 2026 Employee of the Month, Louise Germain, Patient Access.

Louise is recognized for her compassion, dedication, and commitment to patient-centered care. She was nominated after a grateful patient described calling MCH on New Year’s Eve, anxious about a CT result. Louise answered, recognized the patient’s distress, coordinated with the Radiology department, and got the patient in that same day. Her willingness to go above and beyond helped ease a frightening moment and made a lasting difference.

Thank you, Louise, for the care you bring to every patient interaction.

Honorable Mentions

Shawn Belanger, Materials Management; Dr. Boutrus, Emergency Department; Emily Cooper, APRN, Monadnock Internal Medicine; Thomas Dardas, ED and MIH; Kristen Fogarty, PT, Rehab; Meliea Miller, APRN, Antrim Medical Group; Janece Shultz, RN, Antrim Medical Group; Dr. Lucas Shippee, Monadnock Internal Medicine; Birthing Suite: Leah Hakala, Angela Milano, Jennifer White, Briannah Williams, and Stephanie Sims; Monadnock Orthopedic Associates: Amy Hoctor, Carrie Nye, Emily Aucella, Grace Shippee, Jennifer Johnson, Jill Harrison, Jill Pelkey, Lena LaFleur, Linda Kot, Matt Aubin, Tiffany Hanley, and Kayla Johnson.


This Month We Recognize

Wooden star shapes arranged in a row on a table, with one star being lifted slightly above the others.

Monthly Observances

National Donate Life Month
Occupational Health Professionals Month
Occupational Therapy Month
Stress Awareness Month
Workplace Violence Prevention Month

Weekly and Single-Day Observances

Occupational Health Nurses Week April 5-11
Patient Access Week April 5-11
World Health Day April 7
Radiological and Imaging Nurses Day April 11
Health Information Management Week April 18-24
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week April 19-25
National Volunteer Week April 19-25
Administrative Professionals Day April 22
World Immunization Week April 24-30
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 25
Patient Experience Week April 27-May 1



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