The CareVan is parked in front of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, at 2322 S. Main Submitted photo.
Since August, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has offered CareVan, which provides transportation for all people in Bourbon County.
“We started rides the beginning of August taking a few people, then September our new driver completed training and we moved them to be Bourbon County only,” said Dee Yount, CareVan Program Manager, said.
They are storing the vehicle at Fort Scott CHC clinic, located at 2322 S. Main. The dispatch is in Pittsburg.
“Riders can go anyplace in the county, this is not a CHC-only service,” Yount said. “It is first-come-first-served, and we take same-day appointments. Our dispatchers answer and take trips when people call in, we try to find a way for everyone to get a ride.”
“We are trying to cover the entire county, Fort Scott is the point that most rides are from,” she said.
Highlights of the service:
Anyone can use this service
Their rides can go anyplace in the county
Last minute scheduling is available
Dispatch answers all calls or returns them within 20 minutes
It is free
The service is wheelchair accessible.
Transportation hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with dispatch hours of Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Services are based on availability, including same-day scheduling.
To schedule an appointment call 833-228-7433.
The project is funded in part by the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Public Transit Program and the Federal Transit Administration.
Contact info:
Dee Yount Program Manager’s phone number is 620. 215. 9626 or email [email protected]
Many area healthcare providers including CHC/SEK have begun to see an end-of-summer increase in viral
illness such as COVID, influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
Fortunately, for most people the COVID variants and the other viral illnesses are mild and generally resolve
without the need for treatment, says Dr. Linda Bean, Chief Medical Officer at CHC/SEK. However, individuals
who are at risk, either due to age or certain medical conditions, and have been exposed or suspect they have
COVID or influenza should follow up with a medical provider to discuss testing and treatment options.
At this point, do not expect mass testing associated with the 2020 pandemic to return. “With the public health
emergency declarations expiring signaling the end of the pandemic, we have also seen an end to the ability to
do mass testing for COVID,” Bean says. “Most health organizations including CHC/SEK now have less access to
testing supplies, and fewer resources dedicated to testing as we did during the pandemic.”
Additionally, the curbside and in-clinic testing once covered for patients during the public health emergency is
no longer “free,” and home testing kits are readily available through retail stores and on-line.
“COVID variants are always going to be around,” Dr. Bean says. “Now, beyond the pandemic, we need to shift
our thinking around them and other respiratory illnesses to managing our risks the best we can, including
staying up to date on COVID and influenza vaccines, which we believe will be available in the next couple of
weeks.”
What should you do if you develop symptoms or have been exposed to COVID, influenza or other
respiratory illnesses?
• Stay home, rest, drink fluids.
• Use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for
fever and body aches.
• For most viral illnesses, you can return to class or work when you have been fever-free for 24 hours
and symptoms are improving.
• If you have suspected or confirmed COVID or influenza, it is recommended that you stay home for 5
days from the start of your symptoms.
• Masks can help reduce transmission.
• Cover coughs and sneezes if you must be around others.
When should you be tested or see a medical provider?
• If you are sick and you are at an increased risk of severe illness due to medical conditions such as
asthma, diabetes, or other conditions that lower your immune system.
• If your symptoms are getting worse or you develop trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest,
dizziness or other symptoms that are concerning to you.
Bourbon County residents now have additional access to transportation through the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas CareVan program.
The ride service officially will roll out on Sept. 15, with a van featuring an accessible wheelchair lift designed to enhance the mobility of individuals with disabilities. Plans call to increase the
number of vehicles as they become available.
The project is funded by the KDOT Public Transportation Program.
Ride services are available 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Rides are scheduled by calling 833-228-7433. There is no charge to
patients for the service. Donations to the program are accepted.
“In rural communities, we understand that transportation is critical to an individual’s independence, so we do our best to get residents where they need to go,” says Dee Yount, CHC/SEK’s Transportation Program Manager. “We provide in-county trips to doctor’s
appointments, grocery shopping, work locations, social outings, and more, we want to remove the barriers that the lack of transportation can cause so our communities have every opportunity to thrive.”
Although CareVan provides rides to anyone in need of transportation services, Yount reminds potential riders that unlike an on-demand taxi service, reservations must be made and rides are
available on a first come, first served basis.
Riders who need additional support when traveling receive help from trained drivers who will escort riders with door-through-door service, Yount says. Dispatch and drivers are trained to provide more than just safe transportation, but positive social interactions and sense of community with each ride, Yount added. “Our mission is to provide our guests and the communities we serve with dignity, respect and compassion,” he says.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott, June 2023
FORT SCOTT – Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) invites women to celebrate their health at its 3D mammography event. “Celebrate You” will be from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 2 at 2322 S. Main St.
For women age 40 to 74 years of age, it is recommended to have a screening mammogram every one to two years. CHC/SEK is proud to offer 3D mammography services to area women. According to the American Cancer Society, several studies have shown 3D mammograms provide more detailed imaging and can detect up to 40 percent more cancers than 2D mammograms.
No appointment or referral is required to attend the event. Most insurances are accepted however, no one is denied care. Those who attend will receive free refreshments and a gift. For information about this event, call 620-223-8484.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott, June 2023
FORT SCOTT — Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is hosting a mammography screening event on Aug. 2 at its new clinic located 2322 S. Main St, Fort Scott.
For women aged 40 to 74 years of age, it is recommended to have a screening mammogram every one to two years. Stop by the clinic any time between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to get screened. No referral or order required. Most insurances are accepted, no one is denied care at CHC/SEK.
Jennifer Dugan and Barb Dunlap, diagnostic imaging staff bring items into the new building this morning.
Today is move day for Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott, and the facility was buzzing with employees who are helping in the relocating of their new clinic.
The move will allow more space and services in one location, at 2322 S. Main.
More than 120 employees are helping this weekend, but staging for the move began earlier this week, according to a press release from CHC.
“It has been a massive effort and I would like for staff to get recognized for their hard work,” Krista Postai, CEO and president said.
On Friday, April 14, today, the Woodland Hills clinic will close at 1 p.m.
Apothecare Pharmacy at Woodland Hills will follow and be closed all day Saturday, April 15, as staff prepare to relocate.
Lisa Wells, CHC Vice President of Pharmacy at Fort Scott was helping with the move -in this morning.
On Sunday, April 16, CHC/SEK Walk-In Care on National Street will close at 1 p.m. as they relocate to the new facility.
The walk-in clinic and the pharmacy will both have separate entrances when the new facility opens on April 17. Traci Reed is the practice manager of the walk-in clinic.
The new clinic will be open to see patients on Monday, April 17,with all CHC/SEK services including Primary care, Walk-In Care, Behavioral Health Care, Pharmacy, and specialty services at the new location.
Baily Davis, CHC Practice Manager at Fort Scott is on-hand today with the transitioning.
“It’s finally happening!” said Baily Davis, CHC/SEK Fort Scott Practice Manager in the press release. “The new 43,000-square facility is beautiful and efficient and will provide more room to offer more services,” “And, for the first time, Walk-In Care, Primary Care, and our Pharmacy will all be in one easy-to-find location with more convenient parking. I think our new facility will benefit the community in ways we couldn’t imagine before,” she said.
The relocation realizes CHC/SEK’s plan to create a comprehensive health center with all of its services in one location, according to the press release. The building was purchased in 2021, and with remodeling and new equipment purchases, the health center expects its investment to be $9 million.
The new location offers 36 exam rooms and a larger Walk-In Care Clinic, expanding to eight exam rooms (there were only three at National St.) with services available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Patients will have access to the clinic’s advanced diagnostic imaging equipment now all under one roof, including digital X-ray, ultrasound, mammography, bone density, and a newly purchased 64-slice Computerized Tomography (CT) scanner. In an urgent situation, having CT locally allows patients to be scanned quickly to rapidly assess their condition, and having CT in-house makes these scans accessible and affordable.
Kimberley Wass, CHC Radiology Technology Lead, left, and Kaylynn Simpson, x-ray CT technician show the new scanner. The clinic will be able to do many more procedures with this addition.
Outpatients requiring laboratory services will find the new space more convenient with expanded 7a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. “We want patients to be able to stop in for a quick lab draw and be on their way,” Davis says.
Apothecare Pharmacy, a subsidiary of CHC/SEK, is now open to everyone (non-CHC/SEK patients) providing a full range of prescriptions and open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. every day. It offers a drive-through pick-up window and “to-your-door” home delivery within 15 miles. The pharmacy accepts most insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid and commercial plans.
The medical staff include Dr. Sarah Bradshaw, Dr. Holly Gault, Dr. Pankaj Gugnani, MD, and Dr. Maxwell Self. Advanced Nurse Practitioners include Amanda Stice, Kayla Tinsley and Whitney Dickerson.
The Apothecare staff include Kelsey Burford, PharmD, Cetra Horton, PharmD, Adam Malone, PharmD Blake Martin, PharmD, Julie Pellett, PharmD, and Darin Treiber, PharmD.
__________________________________
Specialty Care offered within the clinic:
Diabetic Care: APRN Becky French is providing diabetic care and education.
Respiratory issues: Paden Shaffer APRN, sees patients for pulmonology & sleep disorders/CPAP management
Pain Management and Infectious Disease: Dr. Julie Stewart
Wound Care: Dr. Michael Nagle, Todd Carl, APRN
Freeman Orthopedic clinic: Greg King, FNP
Wellness Center: The new facility will allow CHC/SEK to continue to cultivate a culture of health and wellness for both patients and staff. The Wellness Center features cardio and strength equipment and is staffed by Physical Therapist & Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, Jessie McGown, DPT, Registered Dietitian, Patrick James, RD, and Chiropractor, Dr. Dave Miller, DC. The staff offer individualized treatment plans for each patient to best meet their health and wellness goals. Together, they teach and support healthy eating habits, improve overall strength and mobility, and better manage pain.
CHC/SEK INCREASING PATIENT AWARENESS AS MEDICAID UNWINDING BEGINS
On March 31, thousands of Kansans with Medicaid coverage (KanCare) are at risk of losing their coverage as the state moves forward with eligibility redeterminations for more than 500,000 KanCare recipients. The process has been referred to several ways, including “unwinding,” eligibility reviews, renewals, redetermination. The Medicaid unwinding process also affects Medicaid recipients in Missouri and Oklahoma and in all states, the redetermination process begins when the Medicaid recipient receives a letter from their respective state that they must respond to in order to remain covered.
At Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas about 20,000 patients are enrolled in Medicaid coverage and Community Health Workers are working to inform covered patients that renewals are coming back, and to be looking for a letter from their state plan.
At the start of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which included a provision that state Medicaid programs keep recipients continuously enrolled through the end of the month in which the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ends, in exchange for enhanced federal funding.
Three years later, the continuous enrollment provision is set to expire on March 31, and states including Kansas are starting to re-determine annual eligibility for all of their Medicaid recipients. All beneficiaries will receive a Medicaid eligibility redetermination letter requesting information that they must respond to in order to remain covered.
Some patients will no longer be eligible due to income, age, or health status change.
“One of our concerns at CHC/SEK is that we know the pandemic displaced many KanCare/Medicaid] recipients from their traditional mailing addresses,” says Leah Gagnon, Director of Patient Engagement. “Our worry is whether or not they thought to notify KanCare or their respective agency of their address change, because if not, they might not know to respond to their redetermination letter.”
Gagnon says there are three important questions every KanCare or other Medicaid patient or their guardian needs to ask themselves They are, “Have I moved in the last three years? If so, did I report my change of address to the appropriate Medicaid agency? And, have I seen an official redetermination letter in my mail box and responded to it? If not, you are at risk of losing Medicaid coverage.” she says.
CHC/SEK has planned an extensive awareness campaign including signs and flyers, text messaging, social media posts and videos to educate Medicaid enrollees of the importance of the coming redetermination letters.
At CHC/SEK clinics, Community Health Workers and Benefits Enrollment Specialists are available to assist patients in the process and can reach them directly by calling 620-240-8919.
Medicaid Recipients can also go to Medicaid.gov and click on their state map, where it takes them to their state Medicaid website to update their address and other information.
Medicaid recipients can also contact their appropriate agencies by telephone. The number for Kansas Kancare is 800-792-4884 For Missouri, the MoHealthnet number is 573-751-3425 and, for Oklahoma the Oklahoma Health Authority/Soonercare number is 800-987-7767.
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Ft. Scott Clinic opened in January 2019 to fill the primary care gap when Mercy Hospital closed in December 2018, after over 100 years in the community.
On April 17, the new facility at 2322 S. Main will be open to the public, following the move from the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills.
With the move to a new facility, residents have services not previously offered, including expanded clinic hours, expanded Walk-In Care, expanded pharmacy, telehealth and behavioral health services, according to a press release from CHC.
Benefits of the the new services at the new facility:
A Larger More Efficient Medical Clinic
The new location expands to 36 exam rooms including, telehealth, according to the press release.
It features updated furnishings and efficient design to save steps for both patients and the staff.
There is an integrated model of care with a wide array of enabling services including behavioral health via telemedicine, patient navigation, and care management.
The medical staff include Dr. Sarah Bradshaw, Dr. Holly Gault, Dr. Pankaj Gugnani, MD, and Dr. Maxwell Self. Advanced Nurse Practitioners include Amanda Stice, Kayla Tinsley and Whitney Dickerson.
Specialty Care offered within the clinic:
Diabetic Care: APRN Becky French-diabetic care and education.
Pulmonology: Paden Shaffer APRN-pulmonology and sleep disorders/CPAP management.
Pain Management and Infectious Disease: Dr. Julie Stewart.
Wound Care:Dr. Michael Nagle. Todd Carl, APRN
Freeman Orthopedic clinic:Greg King, FNP
A Larger Walk-In CareClinic
The new Walk-In Care service features a larger waiting area, more privacy and expands to eight exam rooms. There were three at the prior one. Hours of operation are 7 AM- 7 PM every day.
Expanded Imaging Services
Advanced diagnostic imaging equipment is under one roof including digital x-ray, ultrasound, mammography, bone density, and a newly purchased 64-slice Computerized Tomography (CT) scanner.
The CT is an important addition to the clinic providing a detailed look at what is happening inside of the patient’s body, according to the press release.
“In an urgent situation, having CT locally is important so patients can be scanned quickly to rapidly assess their condition,” according to the press release. “CT scans can often be difficult to access and quite expensive for patients. Having CT in-house makes these scans accessible and affordable. For patients receiving discounted charges through the sliding scale program for uninsured and underinsured patients, the cost of a CT scan can be as low as $50 including the physician’s read.”
Expanded Pharmacy
Apothecare Pharmacy is a subsidiary of CHC/SEK, and is now open to the public providing a full range of prescriptions, according to the press release. “The Apothecare staff include Kelsey Burford, PharmD, Cetra Horton, PharmD, Adam Malone, PharmD, Blake Martin, PharmD, Julie Pellett, PharmD, and Darin Treiber, PharmD. They work directly with the medical staff to ensure patients get the medications they need, affordably, quickly, and safely.”
Apothecare pharmacy is open 7 AM-7 PM, seven days a week, with a convenient drive-through pick-up window and to-your-door delivery within 15 miles. Apothecare accepts most insurance plans Medicare, Medicaid and private commercial plans.
Laboratory
Outpatients requiring laboratory services will find the new space and expanded 7AM-7 PM Monday-Saturday hours more convenient. “We want patients to be able to stop in for a quick lab draw and be on their way,” said Baily Davis, CHC/SEK Fort Scott Practice Manager.
Wellness Center.
“CHC/SEK has long recognized that ‘health’ and ‘wellness’ go hand in hand,” according to the press release. They will continue to cultivate a culture of health and wellness for both patients and staff.
The center features cardio and strength equipment and is staffed by Physical Therapist and Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, Jessie McGown, DPT; Registered Dietitian, Patrick James, RD; and Chiropractor, Dr. Dave Miller, DC.
There are individualized treatment plans for each patient to best meet their health and wellness goals, which includes teaching and supporting healthy eating habits, improving overall strength and mobility, and pain management, according to the press release.
Teaching Opportunities
“Since its beginning, CHC/SEK has focused on education,” according to the press release. “To have a thriving… community, rural America needs to train and retain future healthcare workers to replace the retiring workforce, and meet increasing healthcare needs.”
“The new clinic will allow space to collaborate with teaching institutions for students to train alongside staff. CHC/SEK supervises approximately 250 students (medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, behavioral health, etc.) per year, and has an accredited family practice residence program with Kansas University for training and retaining rural physicians.
Group Therapies
Expanded meeting space will allow group therapies for addiction treatment, diabetic education, tobacco cessation, and SNAP-ED classes to offer to patients and the community.
2022 CHC Service to the Community
Last year, the clinic saw more than 60,000 patients, including medical, behavioral health, wellness and support services.
During 2022, staff provided more than 1,700 mammograms, Apothecare Pharmacy filled more than 70,000 prescriptions and the clinic provided more than 4,500 COVID-19 tests and administered more than 8,000 immunizations.
Help For Uninsured, Underinsured
CHC/SEK offers a sliding scale discount for uninsured and underinsured patients based on the household’s annual income and the number of individuals living in the household. All patients seeking care at CHC/SEK are eligible to receive services regardless of income or ability to pay.
Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott is making plans to move from the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills, to the former Price Chopper building at 2322 S. Main during the weekend of April 14.
The CHC Fort Scott buildilng at 2322 S. Main.
“It’s going to be a beautiful facility,” said CHC’s Director of Communication and Marketing Robert Poole. “And we have a great crew.”
“The new 43,000-square foot plus facility provides more room to offer more services,” said Baily Davis, CHC/SEK Fort Scott Practice Manager. “And, for the first time, walk-in care, primary care, and our pharmacy will all be in one easy-to-find location with more convenient parking,” she said.
“The move is being coordinated to minimize interruptions of patient care and is being staged in three phases,” according to information from Poole.
On Friday April 14, the Woodland Hills clinic will close at 1 PM.
Apothecare Pharmacy at Woodland Hills will follow, and be closed Saturday, April 15 as staff prepare.
On Sunday, April 16, CHC/SEK Walk-In Care on National Street will close at 1 PM as they relocate to the new facility.
All services will be re-open on Monday, April 17 at 2322 S. Main St. including primary care, walk-in care, behavioral health care, pharmacy and specialty services, which will all be in one location from that point on.
Hours of operation at the new site:
Primary Care is 8 AM-6 PM- Monday through Thursday, and 8 AM-5 PM Friday.
Walk-In Care is from 7 AM- 7 PM, Monday-Sunday
Apothecare Pharmacy 7 AM- 7 PM, Monday-Sunday
“Many of the CHC/SEK staff are your friends and neighbors in the community,” according to the information provided by Poole. “101 of the 124 of the Fort Scott clinic employees live in Fort Scott or Bourbon County. The health center believes in investing in its employees with good jobs, education, growth opportunities and progressive benefits. The starting entry-level wage at CHC/SEK begins at $15 per hour, more than twice the federal minimum wage.”
Part two of this story will be published next week, detailing the new services.
Mercy Building: Other Tenants
Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department
The emergency room will continue services to the county in the same location on the south side of the Mercy building.
“The move will not affect our operations and the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott will continue to provide care as normal,” according to AVC Marketing and Communications Specialist Reagan Rosenhamer.
Legacy Health
The following is from Troy Schell, chairman of the Legacy Health Foundation, Glendora, CA. when asked for an update on the foundation plans since receiving ownership of the Mercy Hospital building on Nov. 17, 2022.
“Legacy Health has devoted significant efforts to collaborating with both Ascension and USD 234 in order to develop and sustain crucial services within the community,” Schell said. “Furthermore, our organization is actively pursuing the establishment of new specialty clinics, including those specializing in cardiology and urology, in addition to partnering with Freeman Orthopedics to extend their established presence within the community.”
“As we move forward with our initiative, we eagerly anticipate engaging with key figures in the business and government sectors to ensure that the available resources are utilized optimally to provide the essential services required for the growth of the community and the region,” he said. “Additionally, we remain committed to supporting local non-profit organizations and community groups by providing necessary resources to support the most vulnerable individuals in the community.”
Because I Am Rehab, a physical therapy business and gym, and Diamonds in the Rough Beauty Salon are not affiliated with CHC, they will remain in the lower level of the former Mercy Hospital and continue business as usual, according to a spokesman for I Am Rehab.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
Bourbon County REDI moved its office in February from the Landmark Bank building to the administration wing of the former Mercy Hospital on the north side of the building, in Suite 100.
The banking hours and holidays did not fit the needs of the staff of REDI, according to Rob Harrington, Director, although “We loved being at that location.”
“I am now able to be in the office early and stay late, and there is a conference room available,” Harrington said.
REDI employees are Suzette Torres, marketing and program assistant; Emily Wiebolt, grant manager and Tayton Majors, intern from Lead For America.
The Fort Scott Tourism Department, which was housed with REDI at the bank office, is now at city hall, Harrington said.
CHC originally projected the Price Chopper building would be completed by the end of 2022, it is currently now March 2023..
“There is a Santa Claus,” Krista Postai, CEO of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas said.
U.S. Senator Moran called Postai last Friday to let her know some good news for CHC/SEK.
Krista Postai. Submitted.
“Senator Jerry Moran contacted CHC/SEK on December 23 to notify us that our request for $5 million to offset the cost of renovating and equipping a comprehensive full-service medical facility (the former Price Chopper building) in Ft. Scott, was approved,” Postai said. “Total cost of the project has been estimated at approximately $10 million including the installation of a CT Scanner.”
CHC’s request was included in Moran’s Congressionally Directed Spending appropriations approved in the Fiscal 2023 Omnibus spending package, Postai said.
“The $1.7 trillion bill to fund the U.S. Government was signed by President Joe Biden shortly after it was approved by the Senate (on Thursday) and the House on December 23,” she said. “Also contributing to the cost of our new facility is the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, through the Community Care Network of Kansas’ Capital Investment Grant which awarded us $40,000 to help equip the wellness section of the facility; funding for diagnostics is coming through the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress in 2021. The balance of the cost will be covered directly by CHC/SEK offset partially by the sale of its buildings at 902 Horton Street and 1624 S. National Ave.”
Completion of the new clinic is now expected in March due to supply chain delays and unanticipated construction issues.
“The primary supply chain issues were the heating/cooling system and doors and flooring. They were delayed,” she said. “We also had to fill in the underground tunnels we found throughout the building with concrete. Apparently they were there to support the utilities necessary for the store’s refrigeration system…. renovation always bring surprises.”
