Progress Health 2023

Health Department making services more inclusive

Department working with health care providers to assess needs

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

After three years, the Barton County Health Department is seeing the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel.

“I’m just really excited to be getting back to public health like we were before,” Health Director Karen Winkelman said.

While the nasty virus is still rearing its ugly head, “we are winding down on some of our COVID work. This workload is diminishing.”

Despite the burden this caused, “we maintained all of our services throughout the entire pandemic,” she said with a feeling of pride. “Now we can focus on enhancing those programs.”

Here is a summary of what the department has done over the past year and has in the works for this year:

• Grants: State grants make up a big part of the Health Department’s budget, and Winkelman said it is time to apply for renewal on the longrunning grant opportunities and seek new ones to expand services.

• Home visits for new mothers: They are expanding the visits to the moms and their families. “We want to make sure they have the support they need,” Winkelman said.

• Meeting with health care providers: These meetings help the county’s

medical community know what resources are available and may also help find weaknesses.

• Community Health Assessment: The Health Department was invited by the University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus to be a partner with them on the project, Winkelman said.

“We will be holding focus groups to help fund the unmet needs in our community,” she said.

“We want to know where the gaps are.”

Creating this plan is a public-private partnership made up of the United Way of Central Kansas,

the Health Department, Aetna Better Health of Kansas, the University of Kansas School of Medicine along with UKHSGB. The goal is to create a Barton County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan. They hope to have this done by this summer and start acting on the plan by year’s end.

• Social Determinants of Health Grant: This is related to the assessment, she said.

“We want to assure equal access to services for everyone,” she said. “We want to break down barriers.”

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con room that will feature a shower, and a washer and dryer. It should be completed in the near future.

This way, staff members who encounter hazardous materials can clean up without risking exposing the outside world, she said.

• Drug take-back: “We are again working with the (Barton County ) Sheriff ’s Office for the Drug Take Back Day,” she said. The annual event is set for April.

This is a joint effort with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency to help individuals and organizations safely dispose of their unused prescription medications. The idea is to prevent abuse of prescription drugs and to allow for proper disposal. Representatives accept drugs from private citizens as well as institutions such as nursing homes and longterm care facilities that may need to dispose of any controlled substance.

As an example, her staff recently held an outreach visit at the Oxford Houses in Great Bend, offering services to those in the recovery community.

• School visits: She said they are engaging more with schools in the county.

• The Family Crisis Center: Winkelman said they are working with the center and area hospitals to make Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) examinations more accessible. The SANE exam is a way to collect evidence that may be on one’s body from the sexual assault.

“These are really important to have available,” she said.

• Health Living Labs:

These are blood tests like one might receive at a lab fair, Winkelman said. They are available daily on a walk-in basis. “We want people to know their numbers,” she said. They don’t want to compete with other providers, they just want to make sure these services are as widely available as possible.

• Decontamination room: The department is in the midst of a renovation – two rooms are being converted into a de-

• Health Department Advisory Committee: “We are continuing to work with the Advisory Committee,” Winkelman said. A key part of the department’s ongoing services, as well as its response to the COVID, is the committee, she said.

Members have to be Barton county citizens. No fewer than five of the maximum of nine can be from the allied medical field, with at least one being a physician and one from the animal health field.

The appointees serve two-year terms without compensation, and are appointed by the County Commission.

Currently, she said they have two open positions.

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Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman speaks to the County Commission earlier this year. She is glad to see the Health Department move beyond COVID.

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The Barton County Health Department has several new projects going as it works to make its services more accessible.

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This trailer is used by the Barton County Health Department when it holds outreach clinics around the county.

Esports, new fi

Rec sees successful 2022, has plans for

2023

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

Sure, everyone knows the Great Bend Recreation Commission offers sports programs for all ages, provides workout facilities and playgrounds and a host of other classes and services for the community.

In fact, last year there were 41,848 people enrolled in programs with a total participation of 117,699. In January alone, there were 2,156 people enrolled in 807.5 hours of supervised activities with a total participation of 3,907 (1,140 were spectators).

That’s a lot.

But as the GBRC builds on these, said Executive Director Chris Umphres, who took over the helm of the commission in November, new and new things are on the horizon this year.

“The Esports is going to be our biggest deal,” he said. Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. They will partner with Barton Community College, which has had an Esports team since 2019, for their first tournament.

“After that, we’ll roll into a league situation,” he said.

New fitness alternatives

New to the commission’s exercise options are spin classes and TRX suspension training, he said.

Spin, or indoor cycling

resistance exercise) workout utilizes straps and bodyweight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously.

“We’re trying to hit a different clientele,” he said.

Going back outdoors

Although many details remain to be finalized, work continues on the development of the south end of Brit Spaugh Park, a joint effort with the City of Great Bend, he said. Funding for this will come from the GBRC and the city’s .15% quality of life sales tax approved by voters in November 2021.

The Brit Spaugh project could involve outdoor basketball and pickleball courts, a playground, soccer field and restrooms. This will be among the

items addressed during a City Council work session on Monday, Feb. 20.

A change of command

After more than four decades with the Great Bend Recreation Commission, Executive Director Diann Henderson announced her upcoming retirement to the GBRC board last June. It was effective in October. Umphres was hired as her replacement and took

over on Nov. 1.

New business director

This month, Joe Henry joined the GBRC team as its business director. A McPherson native, he is coming to Great Bend from Loveland, Colo. His entire life was built surrounded by recreation and outdoors where he became involved in hiking, cycling, rockclimbing, camping and organized team sports.

Great Bend’s ElderCare revives Meal-Sponsorship program

As Brandi Gruber looks ahead during this new year, she knows one thing for sure – the Friendship Meals Program could use a boost.

In her role as executive director of the Great Bend ElderCare office, 1121 Washington, Gruber wants to revive the Meal-Sponsorship Program with the help of local and area businesses and individuals.

Meal Sponsorship began late in 2017 and was helpful for a couple of years. Then COVID came along.

“Like everyone else we had to switch gears during the pandemic,” Gruber recalled. “But now that the situation has improved, we hope to enhance our efforts to seek sponsorships.”

Sponsors have choices about how they can help. For example, they could sponsor a certain number of meals for a day, a week or a month.

“Again, like everyone else, we are living with much higher food costs,” Gruber commented. “And while we are doing our best to economize, we can’t sacrifice the quality of the nutritious meals we serve to thousands of people every weekday.”

ElderCare’s territory for Friendship Meals is 28 counties from central Kansas to the Colorado and Oklahoma borders.

“This is a huge geographic area,” Gruber said. “Many meals are served in senior centers but when they are delivered to private homes, they are known as Meals on Wheels.”

There are 11 senior center kitchens in the 28 counties that whip up the meals. ElderCare, a nonprofit agency, also contracts with other entities to

supply the meals. Cost per plate has risen to almost $7; a $3.50 fee is requested.

“Many people may not realize that ElderCare administers the Friendship Meal Program in addition to our more well-known in-home services,” Gruber added. “The programs are equally important as we strive to assist seniors with their physical and emotional health.”

In-home services

The local ElderCare covers six counties with services that allow seniors to remain in their own homes instead of moving into assisted-living or long-term-care facilities.

These counties are Barton, Pawnee, Stafford, Pratt, Edwards and Kiowa where certified nurse’s aides and certified medication aides provide care. A registered nurse also is on staff Services include:

• Case management, which includes an evaluation of a person’s capabilities. This leads to designing a plan that best meets a client’s needs.

• Personal care involves bathing, dressing, skin care, grooming, and oral and personal hygiene.

• The homemaker service offers cleaning, laundry and shopping.

• Respite care provides the primary caregiver with the opportunity to run errands, have a night out or go on vacation.

• Medication management entails devising a plan that makes it easier for the client to take prescribed drugs at the appropriate time and in the correct dosage.

• Nutrition management offers meal planning and preparation, along with

grocery shopping.

• Wellness checks with a registered nurse are available.

“The client isn’t the only person who benefits from these services,” Gruber said. “Families enjoy peace of mind when they know their loved one is being cared for.

“In addition, all our services offer companionship for seniors. This is so important to our clients and their emotional wellbeing. We understand that physical and emotional health go hand in hand.”

Since circumstances vary, Gruber noted that the ElderCare staff adapts to each situation. “We have offered in-home care for as little as a weekend up to 17 years - whatever the senior needs.”

ElderCare offers a sliding-fee scale; many insurance policies cover the services. For more information about Meal Sponsorship and/or ElderCare’s inhome services for those 60 and older are encouraged to contact the office by calling 620-792-5942.

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This graphic shows the Great Bend Recreation Commissions numbers from 2022.

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Shown is the Barton Community College Esports game room. The Great Bend Recreation Commission is partnering with BCC on an Esports program.

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Nicole Grove takes part in a Great Bend Recreation Commission spin (indoor cycling) class.

Darlene Branham, left, enjoys the company of Susan Bryant, ElderCare staff member, during a Meals on Wheels lunch.

There’s a lot to see here

UKHS - GB making improvements, advancing services

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

Last year was a busy year at University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus as the healthcare facility brought new high-tech equipment online, grew services and outreach, and completed a major renovation. Below is a list of accomplishments provided by UKHSGB

Administrator John Worton and Strategic Marketing Program Manager Regan Reif:

• In summer 2022, The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus updated their CT scanner at the hospital from a 16-slice to a 128-slice CT scanner that provides clearer images and shorter scan times for patients. Additionally, they added X-ray services to St. Rose Medical Pavilion to better serve their family medicine and Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic patients.

• They continue to grow their orthopedics, sports medicine and physical therapy teams at Central Kansas Orthopedic Group. Central Kansas Orthopedic Group joined The University of Kansas Health System in August 2021. Randall Hildebrand, MD, and Joshua Boone, DPM, are now joined by orthopedic surgeons, Bruce Toby, MD, and Matthew Vopat, MD.

• The emergency department provider team grew in 2022. Their

new providers have extensive background in emergency medicine, including two certified flight and emergency nurses.

• Dr. Thomas and Dr. Anna Dagg joined the family medicine practice at St. Rose Medical Pavilion in September 2022. In addition to seeing family medicine patients, Dr. Tom treats sports medicine patients at Central Kansas Orthopedic Group, and Dr. Annie joined the growing obstetrics team.

• The University of Kansas Health System’s

obstetrics team in Great Bend continues to grow. They now have six physicians who provide obstetrics care: Veerayyagari Annapurna, MD, Thomas Dagg, MD, Anna Dagg, MD, Jodi Henrikson, MD, Jonathan Pike, MD, and Micca Schneider, MD.

• They are proud to be a partner in educating the next generation of healthcare workers. The health system partners with colleges and universities – local and around the country – to provide the clinical and shadowing experience

students need to graduate.

– In 2022, 17 students in paramedic, surgical, radiologic and medical lab technician training, and physical therapy and ultrasound programs shadowed professionals at

the health system.

– In 2022, more than 120 nursing students worked on their clinical experience requirements at the health system.

– Five seniors from Great Bend High School

are interning with the health system during the 2022-2023 school year.

• The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus completed a $4.6 million renovation of its four operating rooms, the perioperative areas, and sterile processing department in fall 2022. All areas were updated and equipped with new patient safety features. Renovation in the ORs included removal of unnecessary doors and windows. All wood doors in the OR area were replaced with doors made of nonporous materials. The ORs and perioperative areas each received new floors, wall surfaces, countertops and in some areas, ceilings that have nonporous, cleanable surfaces to improve prevention of Two OR suites also received new lighting. During the sterile processing department remodel, the SPD gained about 250 square feet and new sterilization e health system is currently installing a new MRI machine at is new technology is expected to be available to patients in March 2023. The upgraded machine features a larger opening to improve patient experience.

Also, with the newest technology, many scans will be shorter in length but offer more accurate and precise imaging.

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A lot has happened at University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus over the past year.

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University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus making changes to improve services.

BCC med assistant courses available fully online

Medical Assistants are vital to the operation of any medical facility and now people wanting to pursue a career in this exciting field can now do so completely online through Barton Community College and complete their clinical work at local medical facilities in their area.

There is an associate degree option as well as a certificate option and textbooks are offered at a low cost for this program.

Medical assistants perform important tasks:

• Record patient history and personal information

• Measure vital signs, such as blood pressure

• Help physicians with patient examinations

• Give patients

Barton’s Medical Assistant courses are comprised of general education, administrative, and clinical courses. During the final semester, students will also complete an internship in an ambulatory health-care setting. Also, students in both the AAS program and certificate program are eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, from the NHA National Health Careers Association, given during or after their last patient care class.

Hutchinson Clinic among first in Kansas to offer elite new technology

The Hutchinson Clinic announces the newest technology to be offered to their patients. A State-of-the-Art

Digital Positron Emission Computed Tomography Scanner, or PET/CT scanner was recently delivered and installed. This new PET/CT scanner improves the quality of images, dramatically enhancing the ability to detect lesions and monitor lesions, allowing providers to chart the best treatment course for their patients.

The ability to combine revolutionary technology with an enhanced patient experience was the key factor in the decision to embark on this extraordinary upgrade. The PET/CT scanner from Canon offers a wider patient couch and a low minimum bed height, making navigation on and off the scanner bed much safer and easier when assistance is needed. It also offers a wider scan opening to create a more open and comfortable environment. This new PET/CT scanner’s faster scan time drastically reduces the time a patient spends inside the machine.

When asked about how this new technology option impacts not just Hutchinson, but all of Kansas, Dr. Fadi Estephan, Oncologist for the Hutchinson Clinic said “This is another example of

the Hutchinson Clinic delivering stateof-the-art services, to all of Kansas, that are on the forefront of healthcare and technology for the past 63 years. “

This advanced imaging is available immediately for patients. The new PET/ CT scanner is located on the lower level of the main Hutchinson Clinic Campus at 2101 N. Waldron in Hutchinson. Providers from across the state are encouraged to contact the Hutchinson Clinic to schedule with the Radiology department.

The Hutchinson Clinic is a multispecialty network of providers. Options include Primary Care, Walkin Care, and extensive specialty care. For more information, visit www. hutchclinic.com or call 620-669-2500.

The Center sets the stage for behavioral-health clinic

Julie Kramp and her colleagues at The Center for Counseling & Consultation spent much of last year looking at the big picture, while taking many strides to bring it into focus.

The big picture is pre-certification as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) by July. Full certification from the state of Kansas will follow within 12 months after that.

A CCBHC is a multidimensional program that will be offered through The Center, 5815 Broadway. The enhanced services will be available at this Great Bend location, as well as The Center’s offices in Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties.

Numerous steps have been taken in this quest. One of the bigger accomplishments is increasing the medical staff from two to five.

The Center hired a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMH NP) and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) that is currently working on becoming a PMH NP. Another APRN was added, along with a registered nurse; a licensed practical nurse also is on staff

Dr. Patrick Stang, psychiatrist, continues as medical director.

“This demonstrates our commitment to providing the best medical-assisted treatment possible locally,” Kramp said.

Other CCBHC highlights during the past year include: securing a substance-usedisorder license; starting the Jail Program to assist inmates; enhancing veterans’ access to

mental-health care; and assisting people with housing and employment issues.

The build-up to this program began more than a year ago, when The Center began addressing the 39 criteria involved. “We have met the requirements for many criteria and are getting close on the others,” Kramp said.

“The whole point is to integrate our services to offer a CCBHC, which is a person- and family-centered program designed to ensure access to comprehensive

behavioral healthcare.”

A few other 2022 highlights at The Center include: starting a mindfulness yoga program; securing a Counseling to Assess Lethal Means (CALM) grant for suicide prevention; and offering local screening for generalized anxiety disorder.

The Center also offers a number of children’s programs including mindfulness, conscious discipline and therapy sessions.

“These programs for young people are

so important,” Kramp commented. “If they get help early in life, maybe they will do better in school and have a better outlook about mental health; we can reduce the stigma at an early age. “We couldn’t tackle these issues – for children or adultswithout the help of many local entities,” she added.

These entities in The Center’s fourcounty service area include sheriff ’s offices, police departments, county commissions, Community Corrections, Juvenile Services, health

departments, chambers of commerce and the local media that helps spread the word.

“Our consumers are a big part of our success too because they come to us for the help they deserve,” Kramp said. “And they let us know how we are doing, which is invaluable to us.

“Our board of directors also deserves high praise. They are proactive and dedicated to our mission. We also appreciate individuals and businesses that donate to our fund at the Golden Belt Community

Foundation.”

The Center’s staff is “second to none,” Kramp noted. “They are professional, educated and committed. During this transition to a CCBHC, they view the changes as a good thing because they will help more people.

“They bring energy and enthusiasm to the added services, instead of letting it all overwhelm them.”

#Zero Reasons Why #Zero Reasons Why, a teen-led suicide prevention program, continued to blossom last year. It is in place in almost all school districts in Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties.

A new template for the curriculum is now available to all schools. This is useful to any school no matter the stage of their #ZRW program; it is for beginners as well as long-time participants.

“This template provides ideas for any #ZRW project,” Kramp said. “It can help jump-start a program or provide direction for the next steps.”

The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; communitysupport services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800875-2544.

Dr. T. Scott Webb Kelci Burkey, PA-C Dr. Kyle Renner

More than 30 staff members at The Center for Counseling & Consultation attended a conference hosted by the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas. This turnout illustrates the staff’s desire to continue their education, Executive Director Julie Kramp said.

Xpress Wellness Urgent Care offers extended service hours

From injuries to illness and other medical concerns, Xpress Wellness Urgent Care aims to treat immediate health-care needs as quickly as possible to every member of the community. Th Bend clinic is located at 3800 10th St.

“Xpress Wellness Urgent Care off sionate and aff care without the ER price tag,” said Steven Hull, Chief Operating Offi at Integrity Urgent Care. “Maintaining the health and well-being of our community is our top priority.”

Great Bend native Kristen Yarmer is one of the providers at Xpress Wellness Urgent Care. Yarmer began her health-care career as a CNA in 2011 while attending nursing school at Barton Community College, graduating first with her LPN and then her RN.

After working as a nurse for several years, Yarmer decided she wanted to do more. She went back to school earning her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Fort Hays State University and going on to graduate with her master’s degree as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

ily Nurse Practitioner from American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University.

“We are in the process of creating a kid’s corner in our lobby area and converting one of our exam rooms into a pediatric room where kids feel comfortable,” said Yarmer. “Moms have enough to worry about. Our goal is to help make their visit to the clinic a bit easier and

scrapes, allergies, infections, sports physicals, and more. Onsite services, including computerized X-ray, lab testing and EKG, allow for quick point of care testing and rapid diagnosis.

“We also work with employers offering a full range of occupational medicine services including drug screens, DOT and non-DOT physicals, treatment of work-related injuries, pre-employment

Holgerson, Xpress Wellness Director of Operations for Kansas clinics.

“We are thankful we have the opportunity to provide residents an option in and around Great Bend when they need nonemergency health care.” Holgerson said the company has been impressed with Great Bend and the

into the clinic to be seen, you can save your place in line through our website or you can be seen virtually,” said Holgerson. “You can determine the time that best fits your schedule. If you need to stay at work, at home or have time to pick your child up at school, you can save your spot in line and complete registration paperwork all from your computer, phone or any other mobile device.”

Xpress Wellness Urgent Care is open for in-person visits Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

and Sunday from 1-7 p.m.

Virtual visits are available daily.

Xpress Wellness Urgent Care has agreements with the major insurance providers, as well as KanCare, TriCare, Medicare and Medicaid. Hull said “the co-pay amount will depend on your insurance provider and plan, but we are in network with most major insurance companies.”

More information about Xpress Wellness Urgent Care can be found on their website at XpressWellnessUrgentCare.com.

Hoisington Rec Commission supports Hoisington’s goals and wellbeing

The Hoisington Activity Center is a versatile facility used to host many events. They have common rooms that can be rented out for parties or meetings. Th is a large upstairs dining area that has hosted many banquets through the years and will continue to host many more.

The facility is also the home of most indoor sporting events. Th where the Hoisington Cardinals play basketball, volleyball, and hold wrestling tournaments.

On top of all the sporting events held here this facility also helps the residents in Hoisington maintain a healthy lifestyle. They provide a wellness room on the upper level that is accessible to all patrons that are over the age of 18

the wellness center pass. Classes are also provided through the Hoisington Recreation Commission. They

the summer. Other aerobics classes, yoga and taekwondo is offered year round.

The facility also

that are geared towards the youth children. They offer peewee soccer, little league, youth softball and baseball, basketball league,

women’s four-on-four volleyball, coed volleyball, and a slow pitch league.

USD 431 also takes wonderful opportunities that are available because ere is a fully-equipped weight room that is used for ing classes and other classes take advantage of the large court during the school racquetball court. A summer weights program ered with this facility free of charge.

In addition to summer activities, the Hoisington Recreation Commission puts on a youth program called Summer Rec that is similar to a day camp. The youth involved are taken care of, fed, and are exposed to numerous

activities.

Chris Kinman gives an update on the facility, “There will be some work done on the basketball goals and potentially the volleyball nets.”

To see the Hoisington Recreation Center in use, you can attend one of their upcoming events. The next and final home Hoisington Cardinal basketball game is scheduled for Feb. 21. Their “Lil’ Dribblers” program begins soon and will take place on Thursdays in March. The facility is loved by all who use it. The staff is friendly and willing to help with any questions or concerns. Hoisington Recreation Commission is located at 1200 Susank Road and can be reached at 620-653-4050 with any questions.

Kristen Yarmer, APRN at Xpress Wellness Urgent Care, is shown in front of the painting in progress at the future “kids corner.”

DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

Xpress Wellness Urgent Care is located at 3800 10th St. in Great Bend.

Heart of Kansas cares about community health

BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbtribune.com

Heart of Kansas Family Health Care Inc. is for everyone, says Brett Middleton, chief executive officer. Its Community Health Centers are located at 1905 19th St. in Great Bend, 522 Broadway in Larned and 412 Grand Ave. in Stafford.

All of the clinics offer affordable health care for the entire family.

“We receive all people, regardless of their ability to pay,” Middleton said. “We provide primary health care, behavioral health, substance abuse, and dental care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay or their insurance status. We’ll see people all the way from fully insured, fully employed with good insurance, and everything all the way down – Medicare, Medicaid, all the way down to people that are homeless, have no insurance or have no job.”

All insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and Farm Worker Program participants are accepted. A sliding scale of discounted fees is available to those who qualify. A patient’s costs are based upon income level and the number of people in the household.

Heart of Kansas services

Heart of Kansas Family Health Care Inc is a Nonprofit 501(c) (3) Federally Qualified Health Center.

Heart of Kansas focuses intently on managing the chronic diseases of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Access to services including an in-house laboratory, diabetic education, consultation with a certified dietitian and referrals to specialty care providers are all part of the individualized care provided to patients.

Services include medical, behavioral health, immunization/ preventive care and prescription assistance.

Heart of Kansas Family Health Care has a Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) available to its patients which provides medication at very low or no cost to eligible low and fixed income.

Heart of Kansas Family also provides dental services. Dr. Wonsik Jung and Dr. Timothy Pivonka offer dental health, cleaning, and prevention services are available for all ages.

The hours for all Heart of Kansas offices are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Each office offers bilingual services.

Community Health Worker Flor Sanchez joins team

sthacker@gbtribune.com

Flor Sanchez, a certified Community Health Worker, is finishing her first year at Heart of Kansas in that grantfunded position. Her goal is to find resources and help patients get access to those resources.

“That was in partnership with the University of Kansas School of Medicine,” Heart of Kansas CEO Brett Middleton said. “KU approached me in being a partner in setting up the COPE project (Communities Organizing to Promote Equity) to address health disparities in rural Kansas.”

COPE helped establish Local Health Equity Action Teams (LHEATs) to address health inequities by engaging under-served individuals. Identifying barriers to health and wellbeing goes beyond traditional clinical care. It might include housing, transportation, or anything that is needed within the community, Sanchez said.

“We did a haircut event at the beginning of last year,” she said, giving an example. Salons in the county got on board and donated their time, allowing 122 kids to receive free haircuts last April at three locations. “And we have done food boxes, Cinco de Mayo and Thanksgiving, and partnered up with different organizations here. Right now we’re working with the Barton County Conservation District team on the Victory Garden.”

On Feb. 4, employees at the clinic volunteered their time to sponsor the Heart of Kansas Heart Walk at the Great Bend Activity Center. It was an

American Heart Association fundraiser that also benefited local programs, Sanchez said. The grant for COPE will expire at the end of 2023.

“We’ll continue the COPE program as long as there’s funding for it,” Middleton said. “The hope is that after that grant expires, Flor will continue with us as a Community Health Worker. The job would look much the same.”

LHEAT

LHEAT is the action team and keeps the projects coming. Two events that will be offered soon are a “Living Health Resource Day” and a day of free legal help for people who have lost their driver’s license through a DUI but need to be able to drive to their place of employment. The Living Health Resource Day will bring multiple organizations together to help people learn about how to find life insurance, set up a will or have access to health screenings, for example.

For the other event, LHEAT is working with Kansas Legal Service to do a program and provide free help in fi out the paperwork to be able to drive on a restricted level, from home to work and work to home.”

“We’re finalizing the details on that,” Sanchez said. Again, this may not sound like a wellness issue, but, if a person can’t get to work because of a DUI and therefore doesn’t have any money coming into the household, it aff everything, including buying food and paying utility bills.

“I’m here to help the community in any way

Club 1 Fitness focuses on individual wellness options

Club 1 Fitness is a facility located at 3806 Broadway Ave., Great Bend. This facility focuses on the health and wellness of its members and has many plans that suit the different needs of members.

One of their plans is the individual plan which includes group fitness classes, indoor basketball courts, access to their heated swimming pool, dry sauna, and other amazing amenities. Club 1 Fitness also offers a

family fitness plan. The family plan includes all the previously mentioned benefits but it also includes the free Kids Zone.

Both plans also include discounts on club promotions and events. Their most recent event began Feb. 16 and it’s called “Battle of the Bulge.” With this competition, participants will learn how to build a healthy lifestyle over the six-week course. This competition is open to both Club 1 members

and non-members.

Club 1 Fitness offers group fitness classes such as yoga, Zumba, personal training, a refuel zone that is equipped with protein shakes and energizing teas, and a free weights area.

Another notable amenity of Club 1 Fitness is their tanning beds. Manager Chris Berger says that these beds are new and just in time “to get ready for the upcoming prom season.” Club 1 Fitness is open 5

a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Club 1 Fitness also supports other organizations in the community. This year Club 1 is helping Kans for Kids raise $5,000 before their Radiothon. Next month will mark Club 1 Fitness’s 49th year of doing business in Great Bend. To ask any questions or set up your new membership call 620792-1366.

Ellinwood District Hospital closing in on groundbreaking date

BY MIKE GILMORE mgilmore@GBTribune.com

ELLINWOOD —

Officials of Ellinwood District Hospital are closing in on an official groundbreaking date for a new facility west of town.

Kile Magner, hospital CEO, said that the date has been selected for within the next two weeks.

Officials are currently coordinating with project stakeholders and invited dignitaries.

“We do know the date, but we’re still contacting the people that need to be there and making sure that the date works for everybody,” Magner noted.

In the meantime, project construction company McCownGordon, Wichita, will be transporting equipment and containment structures to the 15-acre site off U.S. 56 on the west edge of Ellinwood within the next week to begin site preparation, in a process typical of large-scale construction projects. The area has been fenced and city crews have erected temporary utility access at the site for the project expected to continue for the next 18-24 months.

“There is quite a bit of dirtwork to be done ahead of time,” Magner said. “I

think that’s pretty typical.” Hospital services

As construction progresses, healthcare services and operations at the hospital located at 605 N. Main St. in Ellinwood will continue as normal, Magner said.

“We’ll have the services we’ve always provided,” Magner said. “In the time between now and when construction completes we won’t be adding new services. That’s part of the reason we need a new facility; we don’t have the room to expand any more where we are.”

In place since 1952, Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic is a 25-bed Critical

Access Hospital and Rural Health Clinic. With a 24/7 Emergency Room with two beds, the hospital provides inpatient acute care, skilled swing bed, and intermediate swing bed care and many outpatient services: endoscopy, physical and occupational therapy, a full-service medical laboratory, and a full range of imaging services – traditional X-ray, CT, mobile mammography, mobile US/sonography, mobile MRI. The Ellinwood Clinic offers full family care, from newborn to geriatric care, as well as endoscopy specialty services.

Magner said the hospital has known for

quite some time that they had a visibility problem at its current location.

“There are people who live in Ellinwood and the surrounding area that don’t know the hospital is here in Ellinwood,” he said. “And there are others that think it is a nursing home or that thought it was closed.”

He noted that when talks about a new facility first began, officials considered on-site demolition and construction, but because of its location in a residential district, space was limited. Having purchased the 15-acre site presents the best of all worlds, Magner said.

“Initially, we were going to build on the site we’re currently on,” he said. “We were going to continue to operate while we were building. The new facility was going to be between the old hospital and the north building that houses the church’s daycare here.

“What we found quickly in discussions with the city, however, is that the city infrastructure couldn’t handle the additional water run-off so that’s why we moved outside the city.

“What seems to be kind of a problem at the time turned out to be more of a blessing,” Magner said. “With a community member willing to sell us the land it’s going to work

out better for everybody because we don’t have to deal with blocking off entrances or weird traffic control issues.”

As talks about a new facility progressed, the hospital did add services and personnel to provide additional healthcare options for its patients with a focus on physical, occupational and speech therapy programs.

In 2021, the hospital announced the addition of Troy Moore, DPT, to its physical therapy department.

Moore is a manually trained physical therapist who is able to treat the whole person, regardless of age. He practices all aspects of sports medicine; post-surgical rehab for all types of surgery, including hipand knee-replacement and rotator cuff repair; cervical, lumbar, and thoracic pain of the spine; and can help injured or ill patients improve movement and manage pain.

“Our therapy department has really grown,” Magner said, noting that high school and college age athletes are able to receive both in-hospital and on-site treatment.

Clara Barton looks toward public education, mental health model

BY MIKE GILMORE mgilmore@GBTribune.com

HOISINGTON —

Clara Barton Medical Center in Hoisington enjoyed a very busy year in 2022, with completion of its imaging department expansion, construction of its clinic in Great Bend and additions to services, programs, equipment and personnel.

The process continues in 2023, as the hospital continues to meet and master the challenges of the healthcare industry, notes Jim Blackwell, Clara Barton president and CEO.

“There are always challenges ... this never goes away in this industry,” Blackwell said. “We like to view ‘challenges’ as ‘opportunities’ to learn and improve our care to the next level. You improve if you constantly strive to reach the next mark,” he said. “Our medical staff is a great group of clinicians that strive for that very thing.”

Keeping the public informed is an important part of healthcare awareness, Blackwell noted. “We embrace any opportunity to provide information to our community, which is why we are excited to announce our next public session event slated for

6 p.m, Monday, Feb. 27, at Clara Barton Medical Center conference room, accessed by the Green Street entrance. The free educational seminar including representatives from Watkins Calcara law firm in Great Bend will encompass preparing healthcare directives in advance, with topics of discussion including durable power of attorney; healthcare directives and a living will.

Other priorities Blackwell notes that a

focus for the upcoming year will turn toward the upgrade and conversion of the hospital’s patient monitoring system encompassing cardiac telemetry and patient vital signs. “Our new equipment will provide so much more for us and be a great benefit for patients as the current platform is aging out to 12 years old,” he said. With Kansas lawmakers looking at mental health issues in the 2023 session, Blackwell noted that the hospital is working to

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form an integrated mental health model within its family practice locations. “Legislators can help by enacting laws that cover and embrace this type of business model, while strengthening our mental health partners that operate higher levels of care,” he said.

2022 recap Construction of the hospital’s 5,680-squarefoot imaging center expansion — with a planned 1,117-squarefoot space for MRI — was

a major addition to the facility last year. The expansion also houses CT, digital radiography, 3-D mammography, interventional radiography, DEXA, ultrasound and nuclear medicine. A successful MRI Square Foot Campaign was launched by the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, raising nearly $80,000 locally for the effort.

The Clara Barton Clinic — a 10,000-squarefoot rural health family practice clinic — was

opened in Great Bend with a ribbon-cutting in e building’s 18 exam and two procedure rooms was a major expansion of the hospital’s former Great Bend clinic location at 2,758 square e clinic, open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, offers actute care, walk-in lab draws, immunizations, DOT physicals, wellness exams and athletic physicals. Clara Barton’s surgical team visits the clinic during the week for pre- and postoperative consultations, preventative screenings and minor procedures. Walk-in lab draws are ered 7:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Provider additions included the addition of pediatrician Dr. Kayla Johnson. Johnson, a native of Odin, is a graduate of Fort Hays State University and the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Salina. She completed her residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita.

Most recently, Tyler Brown, MLT and Great Bend native, was promoted to the position of Laboratory Director in January. An employee of Clara Barton since 2017, she is a practicing Medical Lab Technician since 2018.

COURTESY ARTWORK

This is an artist’s rendering of the future Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic facility.

TRIBUNE FILE Photo Clara Barton Hospital President and CEO Jim Blackwell welcomed visitors to the grand opening of the hospital’s Great Bend Clinic in April 2022.

Burton, is not new to town, but Sunflower Massage is. Sandra grew up here and has come back to stay. She brings her talents and 24 years of experience with Swedish/Relaxation, Targeted Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, and Fascia Lengthening massage. She is currently pursuing certification in Medical Massage and Geriatric Massage. She has created an environment that is quiet, serene, and comfortable, complete with warm back, neck, forehead compresses, and hot steam foot treatments. Her clients say her strength is intentional focus and presence in her sessions. One of her passions is to help school age children in difficult family lives to thrive, as the Great Bend community did for her many years ago. Keep an eye out for advertisements to catch a special discount each month! Call 512-773-6927 or email sandrabur-tonmassage@ gmail.com.

Kansas CPR Training

Kansas CPR Training is excited to serve the community in 2023! We have been in business for over 10 years and currently have a staff of four instructors that can provide our services anywhere in Kansas. We understand the importance of having the skills and training necessary to feel confident in providing care in any emergency. People of all ages can learn life-saving techniques and get certified. We offer informative, fun, interactive classes for both businesses and the public. We also host corporate CPR training courses and a babysitting course for children and teens. We can travel to you for off-site training or you can join us in our office, located at 1702 Main Street in Great Bend. With our flexible scheduling, you can ensure that training sessions don’t cause an interruption to you or your company’s busy schedule. To learn more about Kansas CPR Training, or to book a training session, text or call Dean Nuss at 620-786-5372. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., if you prefer to speak with we in person.

Artisan Soaps

Artisan Soaps, a unique boutique gift shop located in one of Great Bend’s historic storied-homes, offers the largest selection of handcrafted soaps in the Great Bend area. Rebecca Ford, soapmaker and member of the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild, has been making and selling old-fashioned cold-process lye soap for more than a decade. Unlike commercial beauty bars, these handcrafted soaps do not contain any of the unnecessary chemicals and preservatives that aggravate many skin conditions. Since opening Rebecca has expanded her offerings to include almost 200 different soaps, as well as a variety of shaving soaps, beard oils, bath bombs, lip balms, lotions, candles, wax melts, cards and more. The Artisan Soap Shop at 2922 16th Street is located in Great Bend’s historic English Cottage “Ginger Bread” House that was originally

built in the 1930s as a model home for modern lighting techniques and “an example of what could be accomplished with fine craftsmanship rather than expensive materials.” The Artisan Soap Shop is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5

Claflin Recreation Commission

The Claflin Recreation Commission office is located at 406 Main St., Claflin. It is now in the basement of the old Claflin Elementary School, we moved spaces this past summer when USD 112 District Office moved to the second floor. The fitness center is what was the school’s cafeteria and has been in place since June 2013. There are roughly 450 members (about 75 individuals and

120 family memberships) and we’ve added equipment pieces about every couple years. We turned one of the old art rooms into the group exercise room and the other art room will be a Kids Discovery Room (it is close to being done). We have youth sports year round, the gymnasium is used for school and rec practices as well as rented-out events through the city of Claflin. There are other com-

Ellinwood Wellness Center

ELLINWOOD — The Ellinwood Wellness Center is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week at 13 N. Main St. on the second floor in Ellinwood. Monthly and yearly single and family memberships are available. Corporate rates for Ellinwood

munity events at various times during the year, too. There is always current information posted on our Facebook Page (Claflin Recreation Center) and more info can be found on our website – claflinrec.weebly.com.

The recreation commission is ran through a fiveperson elected board.

Claflin recreation has been around for some time but only had summer baseball/softball for

businesses including Ellinwood District Hospital and USD 355 school district memberships are available, with discounts available to first responders, including police officers and firefighters. The facility offers a variety of cardio equipment, circuit

most of those years, until 2013. Now we offer fitness center, gymnasium, yoga/ Tai Chi, and youth sports. The rec operates off of tax dollars and fitness center membership fees and our youth sports operate through their fees.

Hours during the school year, Mondays through Wednesdays noon-4:30 p.m., Thursdays noon-3 p.m., and Fridays, noon-1 p.m.

and free weights stations. The Wellness Center opened in 2015 as a function of the Ellinwood Recreation Commission with assistance of community members. The room space also hosts classes and special programs.

p.m.

Comfort Pro

A Local leader for plumbing, heating & air, radon mitigation, water softeners, RO filtration systems, humidifiers, and more! We have the largest team of licensed and insured plumbers and HVAC technicians with more than 25 vans serving all of Central Kansas!

Comfort Pro was founded in 2008 by Barry Stalcup and his wife Daphne. He began with one truck in Great Bend, Kansas. In December of 2014, Stalcup bought M&F plumbing and merged the two companies into what is now Comfort Pro, Inc. Since its launch, the company has more than 20 trucks and 25 employees with locations in Great Bend, Larned, and Russell, Kansas. Stalcup continues

D & A Testing Pros, LLC

D & A Testing Pros, LLC is a brand new business here in Great Bend. Ruth Joiner began training and earned her certifications in August 2022. She opened her doors in September 2022. We specialize in DOT and non-DOT urine drug collection and breath alcohol testing, hair follicle testing, saliva testing and instant testing. We have a broad range of testing technologies, which includes instant testing for those in which a quick turn around and response is necessary. We also provide pre-employment and random drug testing, with certifications in both DOT & NonDOT services. We are committed to having fast and convenient service that helps mitigate the risk of injury and property damage and helps companies establish a strong safety culture. We provide mobile onsite testing, 24 hour post accident testing, Brick and Mortar site access testing and 24/7 via phone after hours testing. We are currently working towards future services including DNA paternity testing and becoming

to focus on growth and expansion while providing the same quality and local service his customers have come to expect.

We love our community and we are always excited when we get the chance to give back! We do this through both monetary donations as well as volunteering hundreds of hours annually.

Comfort Pro is committed to ensuring your en-

a consortium group for DOT compliance. We are located at 1702 Main Street, Great Bend, with office hours running MondayFriday 8 am-3:30pm. Contact Ruth Joiner at 620-791-7759 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Fitness

I am Jim Schneider, owner of Anytime Fitness in Great Bend. I’ve had the business for almost four years. We’ve made a lot of changes by making more space and adding new equipment.

vironment is safe for you and your family, including your pet family. Quality indoor air and clean water are basic health needs. Between the gases emitted from paint and carpeting in new home construction to the flushed prescriptions contaminating our water supply, there’s a definite need for protection. We are your healthy living home environment advocate.

I don’t consider this a business but a way to help people with their lives. Exercise can help physically but also mentally. We are kind of a family here as our staff and even members try to help others out by showing how to use the equipment or just to talk about their issues. We are a 25/7 facility where you can come anytime at your convenience (hence no excuses). Follow us on Facebook and come for a tour. I always say come sad and leave happy.

Leisure Homestead Association

Leisure Homestead is a killed nursing facility. They offer long-term care, dementia care, rehabilitation, respite care and Hospice care and adult day care. They are close to doctors and a hospital with 66 total nursing beds. There is is 24 hour professional nursing. Included in the Leisure Homestead Association are home delivered meals and independent

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living cottages. The association offers two locations: 405 Grand Ave. in Stafford and 402 N. Santa Fe in St. John, KS. Check them out on www.leisurehomestead.com