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Category Archives: Area News
CFSEK Celebrates 25th Anniversary

CFSEK Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2026. This release is the first part of CFSEK’s new story series honoring the 25-year history of the organization, while also looking ahead to the next 25 years of positive impact in Southeast Kansas.
Wednesday, February 28th, 2001, was a day of philanthropic beginnings in Southeast Kansas that would create a positive impact for decades to come, even if the 23 community leaders present didn’t fully realize it at the time. That afternoon at Crestwood Country Club, the Pittsburg Area Community Foundation was founded to serve the people of the Pittsburg area.
Growing quickly, in May of 2005, it was determined that the name should be changed to the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas because the organization was already serving communities outside of Pittsburg and Crawford County. What started as a goal of serving people in one community quickly grew into a dream of helping people throughout the entire Southeast Kansas region.
“It’s incredible to see how a simple goal set by a small group of community leaders blossomed into a regional powerhouse for good,” said CFSEK Executive Director Devin Gorman. “Over the last 25 years, CFSEK has become the bridge between passionate donors and the most pressing needs of our communities, proving that when Southeast Kansans pull together, we can do incredible things. ”
In the 25 years since CFSEK’s founding, more than $28 million has been reinvested directly back into Southeast Kansas to causes and projects that help make our corner of the state a great place to call home!
“The $28 million we’ve granted since 2001 represents more than just a number; it represents new programs and services, new community amenities, vital healthcare support, thousands of student scholarships, critical support for our local nonprofits, and so much more. Past leaders of this organization have succeeded in growing from a single office into a regional catalyst for change that touches every corner of Southeast Kansas,” said Gorman.
CFSEK has seen many changes over the past 25 years. The Foundation’s physical growth mirrors its community impact—moving from a single, borrowed office at the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce to its current home in the Commerce Bank building, and expanding from a lone part-time employee to a dedicated full-time staff of six. Through it all, the goal has stayed the same: benefiting the common good and the quality of life in Southeast Kansas.
“Our first quarter-century was about building a foundation of trust and generosity that would be a permanent resource for our region. The next 25 years will be about building on that legacy—ensuring that Southeast Kansas remains a vibrant, thriving place to call home for future generations,” said Gorman.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.
2026 CHC/SEK Community Health Needs Assessment
Regional Health Challenges Highlighted in New CHC/SEK Study
PITTSBURG, Kan.—The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has released the results of its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment—a detailed look at the biggest health challenges facing people in Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. The organization conducts this study every three years to determine what matters most when it comes to healthcare and how best to help.
To create the assessment, CHC/SEK staff talked directly with patients through surveys, interviews, and group discussions. Additionally, staff consulted a wide variety of public health data as well as needs assessments from other local health organizations. The organization’s board of directors, many of whom are patients themselves, helped guide the work.
“At CHC/SEK, listening is at the heart of what we do. Our neighbors know what they need when it comes to healthcare, and as a local organization, we’re committed to hearing them as we plan ahead,” said Jason Wesco, CHC/SEK President and Chief Strategy Officer.
Why Where You Live Matters for Your Health
CHC/SEK staff looked at how living conditions affect people’s ability to get care and stay healthy. Studies show that up to 70% of a person’s health is shaped by their environment outside the doctor’s office—where they are born, where they live, and where they work. Especially in rural areas, these everyday conditions create major obstacles to good health and contribute to higher disease rates.
What’s Getting in the Way
CHC/SEK identified several barriers to better health in the region:
- Fewer people living in rural areas and changing demographics
- Struggles with poverty and finances
- Shortage of healthcare providers and difficulty accessing care
- Challenges with housing and community infrastructure
- Lack of affordable childcare
- Social isolation and weak community connections
- Gaps in education and unhealthy habits
Top Health Problems
The region sees higher-than-average rates of chronic disease, mental health issues, and preventable deaths. The most common health problems include heart disease, cancer, obesity and lack of physical activity, diabetes, mental health conditions, substance use, lung disease, pregnancy and infant health challenges, injuries and accidental deaths, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
What Comes Next
Based on what was learned, CHC/SEK has developed a strategic plan that includes specific programs, more efficient use of resources, and partnerships with other organizations—all aimed at tackling health challenges while making care easier to access and focusing on prevention.
“Our region faces serious challenges: a shrinking population, widespread poverty, fewer healthcare resources, and rising costs. Healthcare providers can’t just keep doing things the old way—we need new approaches to long-standing problems,” said Wesco. “Working together isn’t optional; it’s essential if we want healthier communities. We hope this report sparks conversations and leads to action as we build a healthier future for everyone.”
The full CHC/SEK Community Health Needs Assessment is available at chcsek.org/2026/02/2026-chna.
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.
Nevada Hospital Offers Free, Take-home Colon Cancer Screening Kits
NRMC to Make Free Colon Kits Available
Nevada Regional Medical Center is joining other healthcare organizations around the country to observe Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month during March. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with about 2 million cases diagnosed each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer death despite the fact that effective screening techniques exist that can greatly reduce the number of deaths.
NRMC Internal Medicine physician, Dr. John Fox recently said, “The good news is that a simple colonoscopy allows a physician to quickly spot and remove polyps before they ever become cancerous. It’s one of the few cancers that we can spot early and deal with before it becomes a problem.”
NRMC will have free, take home colon cancer screening kits available to the public starting Monday, March 2nd, throughout the month as supplies last. The kits can be picked up any weekday between 8:00 and 4:30 at the Information Desk in the hospital’s main lobby. Instructions on how to mail in the samples are provided with the kits. For further information the public is asked to call 417-448-3710.
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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, NRMC is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital providing comprehensive health care services. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties including ear, nose & throat, family practice, general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, pain management, pediatrics, psychiatry and wound care services. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in cardiology, dermatology, neurology, podiatry, pulmonology and urology.
NRMC is centrally located between Kansas City and Joplin along the I-49 corridor.
Night to Remember Prom for Special Needs Individuals Is Feb. 27

Two nearby Missouri congregations are planning a special prom event for people with special needs. Food, dancing, prizes, and games will help make the night one to remember.
“Maybe you’ve heard of Tim Tebow’s ‘Night to Shine'”, Pastor Kevin Moyers asked. ” Rinehart Christian Church and Community Christian Church in Nevada are teaming up to have a ‘Night to Remember’ for special needs people in our area.
The event will be held at the Rinehart Christian Church, located northwest of Nevada, at 9443 S. 900 Road, Richards, MO on February 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. It is a casual dress event.

“The churches are really excited to offer this special evening,” according to Pastor Moyers, “We want to send a message that Jesus loves everybody. Oftentimes, this is a group of people that is overlooked by the world, but to be sure they are not overlooked by Jesus.”
“He loves everyone the same, and this will be a night that we emphasize that message. We’ll have fun, and there will be great food provided and games and dancing, all in a Christian atmosphere.”

“The theme for the evening will be ‘Enchanted Forest.’ There will be a walk-in at 5 p.m. and the event itself will be from 6-8 p.m, including a meal that will be served,” Moyers said.
“Cooper Black, from the Nevada area, has volunteered to be the disc jockey for the night. There will be a good amount of Christian music played, along with line-dancing music, and bingo will be an option too. Prizes will be given out to people all through the evening, and prizes for bingo winners.”
“Several Nevada businesses are making this special evening possible, along with the two churches. Food is being provided through the money donations, and also the prizes for the evening. We will have a special acknowledgement and thank you to those businesses after the event.”

“Pictures will be taken by Alisha Walker. A video will be put together of the event by Marli Walker. Be sure to watch for all of this on the church’s FACEBOOK pages after the event.”
“The churches have been planning this event for a few months, and have a team of volunteers that have taken a leadership role.” Moyers said.
Josh Smith is the Pastor at the Community Christian Church in Nevada.

“People have been responding to the invitations given, and we’re expecting around 100 people to attend as special guests. These folks are from Nevada, El Dorado Springs, and Fort Scott.”
“If the public would like to come for the walk-in at 5 p.m. they are welcome to come and cheer on the special guests as they arrive.”

Mt. Carmel Foundation Grants Application Period Starts
CFSEK Launches Annual Mt. Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant Cycle
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the opening of the 2026 Mount Carmel Foundation Grant Cycle, with an application period from February 1-28, 2026.
On April 14, 1903, the Mount Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg opened its doors. For over 100 years, the hospital was a cornerstone of healthcare in the Southeast Kansas community. The Mount Carmel Foundation (MCF) was formed in 1983 to ensure everyone in Southeast Kansas had access to quality healthcare. That mission continues today through the Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy grants through CFSEK.
“The success of our inaugural cycle last year proved that the spirit of the Mount Carmel Foundation is still very much alive in Southeast Kansas,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “Being able to facilitate the largest grant cycle in CFSEK’s history was a proud moment for all of us. We are eager to keep that momentum going in 2026, partnering with nonprofit providers to strengthen healthcare throughout our region.”
The Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant Cycle through CFSEK is open to nonprofit healthcare providers in Southeast Kansas that share the vision of the Mount Carmel Foundation: to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare for SEK residents.
Applications are available at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App, and more information about the granting fund is available at SoutheastKansas.org/MtCarmel.
Nevada Welcomes New Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
NRMC Welcomes Child Psychiatrist
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Janell Tabora to our team of specialty physicians. Dr. Tabora is a Board Certified Psychiatrist, specially trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Focusing on a holistic approach to treatment, Dr. Tabora enjoys listening to a patient’s life journey to select the right path toward mental health and wellness. Some common conditions that Dr. Tabora can evaluate are the following:
- ADHD
- Anxiety disorders
- Attachment disorders
- Autism
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
- Early Onset Schizophrenia
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Panic disorder
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Dr. Tabora is accepting new patients, ages 5 to 25, via convenient telehealth visits. When on-site, her office is located within the Primary Care Clinic. Appointments can be made by calling 417-448-3600.
Nevada Hospital CEO Responds to Lawsuit From City of Joplin
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is a longstanding regional provider of inpatient medical and
psychiatric services caring for patients from across the state. We treat patients regardless of their economic
and housing status. There currently is a significant shortage of facilities and professionals who care for
patients with mental and behavioral health conditions in the state and the nation. Some of these patients
come from Joplin. Our duty is to care for patients regardless of their circumstances. Once treatment is
completed at NRMC and there is a safe discharge plan, patients are discharged. NRMC respects the
freedom of all patients to go about their lives following their discharge from the hospital. NRMC cannot
hold patients without a Court Order.
The City of Joplin has voiced public concerns, singled out NRMC and has filed a lawsuit about patients
discharged from NRMC who traveled to Joplin. Unfortunately, other than a threatening letter and the
lawsuit, the City has made no attempt to talk about this issue, discover the actual facts of the discharges in
question, or to resolve what they believe is the problem. It is unclear why the City of Joplin is pursuing
legal action against another governmental entity in the State that also struggles to provide services to the
homeless. NRMC emphatically denies all claims of inappropriate discharges from the hospital. The two
patients who chose to travel to Joplin in 2025 following discharge is not a material contributor to the
number of homeless in Joplin. Further, cities receive state and federal funds to assist in providing many
forms of public services in their community. This financial assistance is not limited to or intended
exclusively for citizens that originate from the community.
NRMC still invites and welcomes an open and sincere conversation with the City of Joplin. I’m confident
that there is a peaceful and cost-effective solution to this problem.
Sincerely, Jason McCormick, CEO of NRMC
Heartland REC Expands Future Foundations Scholarship Program to 12 Awards

GIRARD, Kan. — Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Foundations Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships of $1,000 each to high school seniors who live in homes served by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative and are preparing for careers in high-demand fields.
This year marks an expansion from eight scholarships to 12, with three scholarships available in each of Heartland’s four voting districts.
The program provides financial support to students in Heartland-served households who are pursuing careers in nursing, teaching, and the skilled trades at Kansas-based schools.
“We’re seeing a critical need for skilled workers across our communities,” said Doug Graham, Heartland REC Communication Specialist. “Whether it’s nurses, teachers, or tradespeople, these careers are essential to ensuring our rural communities can continue to thrive.”
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a current high school senior with a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Live in a household served by Heartland REC
- Plan to enroll in a Kansas-based trade school, training program, or college for fall 2026
- Be pursuing a career in nursing, teaching, or a skilled trade including linework, plumbing, HVAC, construction, IT, and others
Applicants must submit a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, and an official high school transcript by end of day Friday, March 13, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be selected through a random drawing and notified by April 1, 2026.
Complete eligibility requirements and the application form are available at heartland-rec.com. Questions can be directed to Doug Graham at (620) 724-5526 or [email protected].
About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes members in 12 counties, including Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.
Heartland REC is a non-profit, member-owned cooperative that traces its roots back to three original rural electric cooperatives: Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company in Iola, Sugar Valley Electric Cooperative Association in Mound City, and Sekan Electric Cooperative Association in Girard. Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company joined with Sugar Valley in 1975 to form United Electric Cooperative; United Electric Cooperative joined with Sekan Electric Cooperative Association in 1996
New Book Titles in the SEK Library System
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CHC/SEK Announces New Pharmacy Residency Program
PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has expanded its graduate medical education offerings with the addition of a community-based pharmacy residency program.
CHC/SEK, with a long-standing commitment to clinical education, also offers a family medicine residency developed in partnership with the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Both residency programs were created to address the healthcare workforce shortage by cultivating a new generation of professionals committed to delivering quality, compassionate care to rural communities.
Located in Pittsburg, Kansas, the 52-week program enables residents to build upon the skills learned in pharmacy school and provides them with hands-on experience caring for underserved and rural populations. Each year, CHC/SEK will welcome two pharmacy residents, and the first class will arrive in June 2026. The residents will join the team at Apothecare, CHC/SEK’s in-house pharmacy.
“Residents will become an integral part of our healthcare team, learning not just by observation but by taking an active role in patient care,” said Amanda Treiber, PharmD, CHC/SEK Director of Pharmacy. “Supported by dedicated preceptors and a culture of continuous learning, residents will receive structured training that empowers them to grow as empathetic, skilled, and community-focused pharmacists.”
Residents will develop expertise in patient-centered care, education, leadership, administration, pharmacy practice, professional development, specialty pharmacy, and the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, which helps ensure patients have access to lower-cost medications.
“One of the standout features of this program is the opportunity it offers residents to explore many different aspects of community pharmacy practice,” said Megan Martin, PharmD, CHC/SEK Pharmacy Residency Program Director. “It’s our goal to help residents find fulfillment in their careers while equipping them with the skills and experiences they need to excel as pharmacists.”
The program features a personalized approach to professional development, giving residents the flexibility to explore and expand their expertise in their areas of interest. “We’ll tailor each resident’s experience by aligning their training with their personal career goals. For example, if a resident has an interest in specialty pharmacy, we’ll include additional time and mentorship with our specialty pharmacy team,” said Treiber.
Through this residency program, CHC/SEK strives to nurture a strong commitment to caring for all patients, regardless of their financial circumstances, and ensuring they have the medications they need. “This program provides the foundation for a career defined by leadership, compassion, purpose, and lifelong learning,” said Martin. “This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to grow their clinical skills while making a meaningful impact on countless patients’ lives.”
The CHC/SEK pharmacy residency program has an accreditation pre-candidate status with American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
CHC/SEK is currently accepting applications into the program. For more information, contact Megan Martin at 620-258-5731 or [email protected], or visit chcsek.org/pharmacy-residency.
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.
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CHCSEK Announces New Pharmacy Residency Program 12-18-25.docx
NRMC Welcomes Neurologist
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Thomas Zabiega to our team of specialty physicians. Dr. Zabiega is Board Certified in Neurology and completed his residency at the University of Chicago Hospitals. He has over 20 years’ experience and can provide care for the following:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain injuries
- Epilepsy
- Headaches (including migraines)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nerve disorders
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke related issues
Dr. Zabiega will provide services one week a month and his office will be located in the Specialty Clinic at NRMC. He is accepting new patients and self-referrals are welcome. Appointments can be made by calling 417-448-2121.
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