Category Archives: Health Care

AD: Kansas Renewal Institute is Hiring For All Positions!

401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Kansas Renewal Institute, a behavioral healthcare treatment center will open soon.

The Kansas Renewal Institute, located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. in Fort Scott, is a pioneering behavioral healthcare center specializing in treating adults and adolescents.

Our mission is to provide exceptional, accessible behavioral health services across Kansas, fostering resilience and renewal in our communities.

Kansas Renewal Institute offers full-time, part-time, and per-diem employment for all persons wishing to become a part of an exciting team of behavioral health professionals.

We need dedicated, responsible, caring individuals who have a passion for assisting others throughout their treatment process.

Join Our Team!
If you have a passion for helping others, join Kansas Renewal Institute to be part of a team that is saving lives! Our team provides compassionate treatment for children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with their mental health and/or substance
use concerns.

We work to meet each patient’s unique needs to help them achieve mental wellness so they can live happier lives full of hope.

Located in Fort Scott, our residential treatment programs provide modern, safe, and patient-friendly environments that encourage positive interactions conducive to health, hope, and healing.

Behavioral Health Technicians Needed: A Great Career Starter
Helping children as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) could be your calling! No experience, certification, or college degree is necessary – we will train you on the job! Applicants must be 20 years or older with a high school diploma or GED. As a BHT, you will provide care and support to patients ages 6 to 18 who are
struggling with their mental health. We invite you to be their bridge to better health!

Masters Level Therapist (must be licensed in Kansas or eligible for licensure):
Monday- Friday (days).

Case Manager: Monday-Friday (days).

Behavioral Health Technician providing direct care for Patients. Day, Night, and Weekend Shifts are needed.
(Applicants will be subject to a Drug Test and Background Check if hired)

If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.com

The beginning date is 03/25/2024.

Taking Care of Our Team

The heart of our work is helping people. That means offering our employees a robust benefits package that ensures they’re able to care for themselves and their families, while they help children in need. Benefits include:
 Competitive pay for the industry
 Medical plans with generous employer contribution
 Tuition, CEU and licensure reimbursement
 Generous paid time off
 A strong focus on promoting internally
 Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
 AND MUCH MORE!

**Must be at least 20 to apply.

If interested, please send an Inquiry to Jessica Allison @
jessica.allison@kansasrenewal.com

Colon cancer screening a potential life-saver

Lisa Schmidt. Submitted photo.

For the past six years, Ascension Via Christi’s Cancer Outreach and Risk Assessment program has offered colorectal screening kits, while supplies last, at no cost to anyone 45 and older. Those whose stool samples test positive for blood are followed up by a nurse navigator and, if they need and cannot afford a colonoscopy, funding is available through a grant from the Colon Cancer Coalition.

That effort will continue again this year, through grant funding from the coalition to continue these efforts.

“The screening and follow-up colonoscopy may well have been a life-saver for patients who needed it,” says Lisa Schmidt. “Colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons we have against colorectal cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined.”

That’s because regular screening can detect polyps so that they can be removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer, a process that can take 10 to 15 years. It also helps detect colorectal cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.

Schmidt, who had two pre-cancerous polyps removed during her first colonoscopy more than a decade ago and has had no findings during the two she has undergone since then, says taking part in the screening is easy.

Simply call 316-268-5890 to arrange for a kit to be mailed to you. Then follow the instructions provided for collecting a stool sample and return it in the self-addressed envelope provided with the kit. If the sample tests negative, the results will be sent by mail within a few weeks. If the specimen tests positive for traces of blood, an Ascension Via Christi nurse navigator will call you to discuss your results and recommended next steps.

According to the American Cancer Society, which recommends that anyone 45 or older get tested, the five-year relative survival rate is about 90 percent when colorectal cancer is found before it has spread. But only about four out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at this early stage. When cancer has spread outside the colon or rectum, survival rates are lower.

Symptoms can include rectal bleeding or blood in stool, changes in bowel habits and changes in bowel appearance; anyone experiencing any of these should see his or her doctor.

Learn more about cancer care at Ascension Via Christi by visiting ascension.org/ViaChristiCancerCare.

###

About Ascension Via Christi

 

In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 134 other sites of care and employs more than 6,400 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. In FY2023, Ascension provided $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes more than 150,000 associates and 40,000 aligned providers. The national health system operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 139 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Visit www.ascension.org

Health Advisory, Safety Tips for Prescribed Fire Season in Flint Hills

 

TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reminds Kansans that March and April are when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned by prescribed fire, especially within the Flint Hills.

Prescribed fire is a tool used by landowners and managers to help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce the air quality and health impacts.

KDHE will activate the Kansas smoke modeling tool in early March, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke and air quality impacts to downwind areas. There are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.

“We are entering the 14th year that we have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire community,” Jayson Prentice, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air, said. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize smoke modeling resources, such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate potential air quality impacts.”

Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include: burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, children and the elderly are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

  • Healthy people limiting or avoiding strenuous outdoor
  • Vulnerable people should remain
  • Keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of
  • Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe

For more information about the prescribed burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions and the smoke modeling tool, please visit The Kansas Flint Hill Smoke Management Website.

###

                              

NRMC to Offer Free Colon Health Screening

 

  

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) will offer free colon health screening kits beginning on Monday, March 4th in observance of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  The free kits will be available in the main lobby of NRMC from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the month while supplies last.

Colorectal cancer is one of the 5 most common cancers in men and women in the United States. It is just as common among women as men. Colorectal cancer is also one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. Although there are no symptoms in the beginning, colorectal cancer is highly preventable through screening. This type of cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colorectal cancer before it starts.

To help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer:

  • Get to and stay at a healthy weight
  • Be physically active
  • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
  • Eat a diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less red or processed meat.

 

The American Cancer Society recommends screening for colon cancer every year beginning at age 50 for people with no risk factors other than age.  Testing is painless, can be done in the privacy of your own home, and can save your life.  For more information or to begin with a consultation, call Nevada Regional Medical Center’s Professional Practice Clinic at (417) 448-2121.

 

 

About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

 

 

Heart Health Month: Stopping tobacco use

 

Stopping tobacco use can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other serious health problems. Within a few months after you stop smoking, you may notice improved breathing, circulation, and overall energy levels.

“There are so many benefits from stopping tobacco use,” Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Clinical Pharmacy Services Manager Jennelle Knight, PharmD, CDCES, says. “It can improve your mental health, reduce stress and increase your lifespan. We at CHC/SEK are committed to assisting all who want to take back control of their health and gain freedom from tobacco.”

CHC/SEK helps patients take the first step towards stopping tobacco use including smoking, vaping, chewing and other forms of tobacco. The health center has a team of counselors, healthcare professionals, and peer support that can provide individual counseling, group counseling, nicotine replacement therapy and other resources.

Patients are provided with the information and support they need to make an informed decision about their health. Staff help patients develop a plan that is tailored to their individual needs. CHC/SEK offers several treatment options to help you stop using tobacco products.

Even for long-term heavy tobacco-users at any age, it can increase life expectancy. Additionally, stopping can improve quality of life as it can reduce the risk of respiratory infections, gum disease, and improve sense of smell and taste.

Tobacco Cessation Medications

Utilizing FDA-approved medication in addition to counseling can more than double your chances of success.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a proven and effective way to stop using tobacco. It works by supplying the body with small doses of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco. Nicotine is an addictive substance — tobacco contains harmful chemicals. These small doses of nicotine from NRT help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping the use of tobacco such as smoking, vaping, and chewing. NRT comes in various forms such as gum, lozenges, and patches.

There are also prescription-only treatment options available to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Health Benefits of Stopping Smoking

Stopping smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing smoking-related diseases, even if you’ve smoked for many years. The health benefits start almost immediately after you stop smoking, and they continue to improve over time.

Within twenty minutes of stopping smoking, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. Within twelve hours, your carbon monoxide levels return to normal. Within two to twelve weeks, your circulation improves, and lung function increases. These improvements make it easier to exercise and breathe.

Health Benefits of Stopping Vaping

Stopping vaping can have tremendous health benefits, both in the short and long term. By stopping vaping, you are reducing the risks of lung, heart, and brain damage, improving your overall health and well-being.

Within twenty minutes of stopping vaping, your blood pressure and pulse return to typical levels, and the blood circulation throughout your body improves. Your lungs have already begun to clear out mucus and other debris that may have accumulated from vaping. Within 8-12 hours, the high levels of carbon monoxide in your blood significantly decrease, making more oxygen available quickly.

By stopping vaping, you give your body a chance to heal and recover from the damage caused by vaping. You will breathe easier, have more energy, and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.

Health Benefits of Stopping Chewing

Chewing tobacco is a harmful habit that can lead to serious health problems. Not only does it increase your risk of oral cancer, but it can also damage your teeth and gums, cause bad breath, and even contribute to heart disease and stroke.

Stopping chewing tobacco can have dramatic health benefits. Within just twenty minutes of stopping, your blood pressure and heart rate begin to reduce, and within a year, your risk of oral cancer decreases by half. Additionally, your sense of taste and smell will improve, and your teeth and gums will become healthier and less prone to decay.

 

Bourbon County Community Health Workers: Addressing Health Inequalities

Left to right: Lindsey McNeil, Community Health Worker, and Lisa Robertson, Community Health Worker. Submitted photo.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) contracted with Kansas University Medical Center to implement the  Communities Organizing to Promote Equity, (COPE Grant) program and hired Community Health Workers.

One of the workers, Lindsey McNeil,  was hired in partnership with KU Medical Center, and one, Lisa Robertson,  in partnership with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. They are housed in the HBCAT office, on 104 North National Avenue in Fort Scott. They are also part of a coalition, Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), that helps develop strategies to address health inequities in our area.

“Equity looks different for us all,” said Robertson. “We serve others without judgment and want better for them and for them to live their best life.”

“We have been able to help about 400 clients with their specific needs,” said McNeil.  “We have helped house over 40 people, including nine of our chronically homeless individuals. Through our LHEAT we have been able to bring FREE public transportation to the county (BB-Go), we have partnered with two different local laundry mats to bring FREE laundry programs to the county, and we have helped fund multiple other things with partner organizations like CORE, First United Methodist Church, etc.

McNeil has been a Bourbon County Community Health Worker,  serving residents, since October 2022.

She is paid by KU Medical Center, through the COPE Grant, which is a grant through the Center for Disease Control (U.S. Government) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Robertson has been a social worker for 29 years and employed through the grant, since March 2022.

“We link individuals to needed services in the community such as Kansas Works for a job, local housing resources, medical and mental health providers, transportation providers the Department of Children’s and Families for SNAP Benefit or application for Medicaid,” Robertson said. “We help them get access to clothing, blankets, utility resources, food pantries and hot meals through Feeding Families in HIS Name.”

“I truly have a passion for doing this work,”  Robertson said. “It is not an 8-5 job that you just walk away from. You think of things in the middle of the night that may help someone so you make yourself a note or text your co-worker so you don’t forget to run an idea by them. It takes teamwork. I go to garage sales or thrift stores and buy something because I know someone can use it.”

“We have amazing Community Partners that without them we could not do our jobs,” Robertson said. “Our partners help us when we need help or resources. We are blessed to live in a community that works together for the benefit of others.”

The following are excerpts from two testimonials by people helped through this program: 

“They helped me find a place to live when I was facing homelessness again and connected me with resources such as SNAP, the Beacon and HCBS services.​

“They have walked alongside me and supported me in my sobriety journey and have helped connect me to other people who are fighting the same battles as me.​” ~Kelly

” I suffered a brain aneurysm and was put into a coma for my safety. By the grace of God, I survived. I woke up to a divorce, no home, and I had to start over. ​

“I had to relearn to read, write and try to make it…. I had nowhere to go, no job and no means of transportation. I found a hotel that worked with me and my service dog… I was able to find a job at Walmart. I still had no transportation, so I walked everywhere.” ​

“God put those CHWs in my life…They helped me look for a place, took me to doctor appointments and gave me rides wherever needed, and they have been huge supports in my life. With their help, I am back on my feet with a place to live and I am currently working on getting a vehicle. I appreciate them for all they do!” ​     ~ T.

“The COPE grant was established in 2021 and was meant to only be around for 2 years,”  McNeil said. “It was originally supposed to end in June of 2023. However, the grant was able to be extended until May of this year. Our grant officially ends on May 31st, 2024, so we are desperately seeking ways to continue funding the CHW positions in Bourbon County.”

To contact

Lindsey McNeil,

Cell: (620)952-3966

[email protected]\

 

Lisa Robertson

[email protected]

(620) 687-2782

Left to right: Lindsey McNeil, Community Health Worker, Rachel Carpenter, Executive Director of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and LHEAT Lead and Lisa Robertson, Community Health worker. Submitted photo.

 

 

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg earns High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition

A photo of part of the OB team.  Submitted.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg earns High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has continued its commitment to infant and maternal health by once again earning High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.

“Our OB team takes pride in caring for their patients and has continued to set the bar high,” says Janelle Wade, director of Inpatient Services, which includes Women’s Health. “I am so proud of their commitment to helping the approximately 600 babies born at our hospital each year get the healthiest possible start in life.”

Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg first received High 5 recognition in 2018 and has maintained it each year since that time.

High 5 for Mom & Baby provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals implement 10 evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce racial and ethnic health disparities.

To obtain this recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and must follow five of its 10 evidence-based practices:

  • Have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all 10 High 5 for Mom & Baby practices supporting breastfeeding
  • Maintain staff competency in lactation support
  • Provide all expectant mothers with information and instruction on breastfeeding
  • Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth
  • Provide all families individualized infant feeding counseling
  • Give no food or drink to newborns other than breastmilk unless medically indicated
  • Allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
  • Encourage feeding whenever the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods
  • Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants
  • Provide mothers with information about community resources for breastfeeding support following their discharge from the hospital

These steps are designed to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in the state of Kansas. Factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace, and access to community support.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, six out of 10 mothers stopped breastfeeding sooner than they had planned.

“We aim to provide the support that mothers and babies need to be successful through delivery and then breastfeeding, for as long as they desire to do so,” says Miranda Caskey, RN, the certified lactation consultant who led the hospital’s High 5 Mom & Baby efforts. “By empowering them to have better breastfeeding outcomes, we’re uplifting the health of our community.”

That support is critical, particularly during a pandemic, which is why Ascension Via Christi converted its lactation and childbirth education classes to virtual offerings led by a registered nurse and offered them at no cost to parents. Breastfeeding mothers also can schedule in-person follow-up appointments and weight checks with Caskey to help ensure a successful breastfeeding experience.

Earlier this year, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg also earned designation from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care, showing it demonstrates expertise and a commitment to cost-efficient quality care for vaginal and cesarean section deliveries and have better overall patient satisfaction.

To learn  more about Labor and Delivery at Ascension Via Christi, visit viachristibaby.com.

For more information on the High 5 for Mom & Baby, contact Cara Gerhardt, program coordinator, at [email protected], or visit the website at https://www.high5kansas.org/

 

Behavioral Health In-Patient and Out-Patient Service Will Open This Spring In Fort Scott

 

401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
The new,  upcoming venture at 401 Woodland Hills in Fort Scott,  will be known as the Kansas Renewal Institute.
“Our mission is to provide comprehensive Behavioral Health Services for both adults and adolescents,” said T. J. Denning, the chief operating officer of Kansas Renewal Institute. ” We are completing the state licensure process and anticipate offering a detailed list of services to the community shortly.”
What is behavioral health?
“Behavioral health generally refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms. Behavioral health care refers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of those conditions.,” according to the American Medical Association website https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-behavioral-health
Matthew Wells, Fort Scott Commissioner, said the business will benefit the community with new jobs.
” As we progress from our initial opening to full operational capacity, the Kansas Renewal Institute will employ a diverse team of 20 to 100 professionals.,” Denning said. “This team will expand in response to the needs of our patient population and will include a wide range of positions from senior leadership and administrative staff to medical personnel and direct care staff across various levels of pay and licensure.”
“The website will be updated shortly with job listings,” Denning said.
“We are pursuing licensure to operate 68 beds, and an outpatient (service), which will occupy three full wings of the facility, including the restaurant and areas designated for support staff,” he said.
“All of the old patient care areas, OB, ICU, and Medsurge as well as the old admin offices (will be used),” according to Fort Scott Commissioner Wells.
“The ownership and leadership of J.G. Healthcare, the entity behind the Kansas Renewal Institute, comprise a seasoned group of behavioral healthcare professionals with over 70 years of combined experience,” Denning said. “This collective expertise is focused on implementing best practices in behavioral health to address the increasing needs of Americans.”
There are private investors with a history in large growth companies who are investing in this operation, Denning said.
Administration
The top administrator at the Fort Scott site will be Joe Tinervin and plans are to start operations by late March or early April at the site, according to Denning.
Joe Tinervin, from his LinkedIn site.
According to Tnervin’s LinkedIn site here is his experience and education:
  • JGHealthcare Solutions

  • Discovery Behavioral Health logo

    Discovery Behavioral Health

      • Served as an integral part of Discovery Behavioral Health’s senior leadership team and was responsible for developing, implementing, and achieving operational goals through partnering with world-class professionals and shaping a culture that provides safe and successful treatment for those who are struggling with a wide range of complex behavioral health disorders.

Education

Timothy Denning, from his LinkedIn site.

Denning said he has ties to this area because he was born and raised in Nevada, Missouri.

From Denning’s LinkedIn site here is his experience:

  • JGHealthcare Solutions logo

    JGHealthcare Solutions

    · Full-time
  • Discovery Behavioral Health logo

    2 yrs 3 mos

  • Acadia Healthcare logo

    Acadia Healthcare

     

    Jonathan Gross, from his LinkedIn site.

    The following is Gross’s experience and education taken from his LinkedIn site.

    Experience:

    • JGHealthcare Solutions logo

      J G Health Solutions · Self-employed .United States

    • Revelare Recovery logo

      Revelare Recovery · Self-employed

    • Discovery Behavioral Health logo

    • Recovery Ways logo

      Recovery Ways

      Greater San Diego Area
    • Acadia Healthcare logo

      Acadia Healthcare

      Education:

      • Georgia State University logo

T. J. Denning is the Chief Operating Officer, Joe Tinervin is the Chief Executive Officer and Jonathan Gross is the owner of the parent company JG Healthcare Solutions, according to Denning.

Contact T.J. Denning at 417-392-7307.
Two addresses for contact

KRI, 4601 E. Douglas Suite 150, Wichita, KS 67218

JG Healthcare Solutions, 619 Garden Street, Golden CO 80403

Strategies Will Be In Place For Patient Discharge
“Addressing community concerns regarding patient discharge, especially for those without local family support, we emphasize a holistic continuum of care,” Denning said. “This includes pre- and post-care strategies encompassing transportation to and from our institute, reinforcing our commitment to the successful reintegration of our patients into the community. Our dedicated team of discharge planners, alumni support staff, and community liaisons will ensure every patient receives a tailored integration plan, providing the necessary support to apply the skills learned during their stay at our institute effectively.”

Kansas Renewal Institute Opens First Location

Members of the Fort Scott community showed up to hear the announcement at the Legacy building (formerly Mercy Hospital).

Kansas Renewal Institute is opening its first location at the Legacy Building (former Mercy Hospital)at 401 Woodland Hills.

Jonathan Gross the CEO of JG Healthcare Solutions spoke for a few minutes about KRI opening their first location in Fort Scott.  He said that KRI is a behavioral health company licensed for service to both adults and adolescents, and that they plan to bring a number of jobs to the community.

Fort Scott will be their first location.  He said to visit their website for more details and job listing. While it wasn’t mentioned as part of the announcement, people close to the project say that it will be an inpatient clinic taking up a significant portion of the old hospital and is backed by JGHealthcare Solutions.

Below is a recording of the announcement that can also be viewed on Facebook here.

The following is some additional information about the company behind KRI along with links from public sources.

Jonathan Gross is the CEO of JGHealthcare Solutions which is the parent company to Kansas Renewal Institute. According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr. Gross founded his namesake company nine months ago. Before that, he spent nine months as the founder of Revelare Recovery in Atlanta. Prior to founding Revelare, he worked for 4 years as both a director and vice president of Discovery Behavior Health.  Discovery is a Behavioral Health business based in California that, according to Linked In, employs over 1,000 people with clinics in 15+ states. They have 21 active job openings according to Linked In.

JG Healthcare Solutions’s Linked In profiles lists them as being located in Golden, Colorado  located on the West side of Denver, says they have 5 to 11 employees, and list 3 LinkedIn in profiles that are affiliated with the company. That was not an address on their website, but Bizapedia lists an LLC in Golden by that name. The company was formed April 27th 2023. They are listed as being in good standing with the state of Colorado and show and address of 1015 Golden Park Pl Apt D. The location can be seen from Google Street view as shown.

 

Bo Co Commission Signs an Memorandum of Understanding with Amberwell Health

Since the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department shut down operations in December 2023, there has been behind-the-scenes work with another healthcare entity to provide the needed services.

On January 23,  at the Bourbon County Commission meeting, Commissioner Clifton Beth moved to allow Chairman Jim Harris to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bourbon County government and Amberwell Health Incorporated, according to the commission minutes.

Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.

Beth read the first paragraph of the MOU which states: The county is committed to ensuring the provision of quality emergency health services which includes an operating emergency room for a one year period to its residents; and Amberwell Health possesses expertise and resources to enhance and optimize the emergency health services within Bourbon County, according to the minutes.

The MOU states there could be a funding agreement that is mutually agreed upon by both parties, and  additionally that Amberwell Health has to get the needed licenses, according to the minutes.

Beth stated “This is by no means ensuring an emergency room in any way shape or form, this is an MOU with Amberwell so they can continue to move in the process of trying to get us an emergency room.”

Commissioner Nelson Blythe seconded the motion and all approved it, according to the minutes.

Amberwell Health is a rural healthcare system in northeast Kansas with two complete care locations in Atchison and Hiawatha and five additional clinic locations. Amberwell Health is an innovative healthcare system with a mission to sustain and strengthen rural healthcare organizations, according to its website https://amberwellhealth.org/

To view the Memorandum of Understanding:

Signed Amberwell MOU

Sales Tax To Fund Healthcare Is In the Works

Beth made a motion at the January 23 commission meeting to start working on a ballot for a half-cent sales tax to be put on the ballot in order to operate an emergency room and any additional health services.  It would no longer be in effect if an REH is obtained, according to the minutes. Beth said this would give the county approximately $1.5 million that could go towards healthcare. Beth said the commission will let the public decide whether they want it. Blythe seconded the motion and all approved.

Rural emergency hospital (REH) is a new Medicare provider designation established by Congress through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, according to https://www.ncsl.org/health/rural-emergency-hospitals  . REHs are meant to reinforce access to outpatient medical services and reduce health disparities in areas that may not be able to sustain a full-service hospital. Starting in January 2023, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and small rural hospitals with no more than 50 beds were allowed to apply for REH designation and receive Medicare payment for providing emergency services.

Know Your Numbers for a Healthy You

 

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

I recently completed my annual wellness checkup, including the essential step of having my blood drawn. While I tend to procrastinate on this particular task, I am well aware of its vital importance. Now, let me share some valuable insights on the significance of knowing your numbers:

Cholesterol

  • A waxy substance found in the fats (lipids) in your blood crucial for building and maintaining healthy cells and hormones. It has no symptoms so many people may not be aware of their risk.
  • The recommended target cholesterol level is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood.
  • About 25% of cholesterol comes from food (meat, fish, dairy), and the rest is produced by the body.
  • There are two forms of cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) — also known as the “bad” cholesterol much can form plaque, clogging arteries and leading to heart disease and stroke.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) — the “good” cholesterol, helps clean the artery walls and removes excess bad cholesterol.

 

Triglycerides

  • A type of fat in the bloodstream that provides energy for body tissues to function
  • Like cholesterol, high triglyceride levels (over 200 mg/dL) increase the risk of heart disease.
  • Dietary and lifestyle changes help lower triglyceride levels:
    • Avoid fatty foods and foods high in cholesterol such as processed meat, fried food, and whole-fat dairy products
    • Choose to eat fruits, vegetables, and nonfat or low-fat dairy
    • Opt for foods high in good, unsaturated fats.

Blood Pressure

  • Is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries and can vary due to many factors
  • Normal blood pressure is usually less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury)
  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Facts

Factors like age, diet (too much sodium, too little potassium, calcium, magnesium), excess alcohol, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, stress, and insulin resistance can contribute.  It often has no obvious symptoms but can damage the heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys.

  • Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) Facts

Happens when blood flow is lower than normal and can be caused by dehydration and nutrient deficiency.  Signs can include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, thirst, lack of concentration, blurred vision, nausea, and fatigue.

 

Blood Sugar

  • Blood sugar, or glucose, is a type of sugar in the blood and is a primary fuel for the body. It comes from carbohydrates including sugars, starches, and fiber.
  • The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet with healthy carbohydrates including: Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables without added sugar, whole grains, Low-fat dairy, beans and legumes, and limited sugar
  • Fasting blood sugar, which is measured six to eight hours after a meal provides an accurate measure in non-diabetic individuals.
  • The normal range of blood sugar is approximately 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter. After a meal, blood sugar will rise but not usually above 135 to 140 milligrams per deciliter, leaving a fairly narrow range of blood sugar throughout the entire day.

 

Track Your Heart Health Stats, Together

Keeping a log of your blood pressure, weight goals, physical activity, and if you have diabetes, your blood sugars, will help you stay on a heart-healthy track. Ask your friends or family to join you in the effort. Check out NHLBI’s my health tracker here:  https://bit.ly/3OfjjEF.

 

Today’s information comes from Keys to Embracing Aging:  Know Your Health Numbers Fact Sheet.  More information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service