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Category Archives: Health Care
Fort Scott Community Foundation Grant Purchases Life-Saving AED Trainers
Thanks to funds from the Fort Scott Community Foundation and the John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund, Tri-Valley Developmental Services purchased six AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Training Devices and supplies. These devices provide students in Tri-Valley’s CPR/1st Aid Class firsthand experience on the proper use of an AED. Tri-Valley offers multiple CPR/1st Aid classes throughout the month for Tri-Valley Staff, Persons Served, and Community Members.
“Thanks to the Fort Scott Community Foundation and the John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund, we are able to train not only our staff, but persons served and other community members on life saving techniques.” said Alisa Miner, Training Coordinator. “These trainers provide the opportunity for hands-on training. Class attendees have benefited from learning on these trainers. It is exciting!”
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond. FSACF is an affiliate of Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK). Call CFSEK at 620-231-8897 with questions about FSACF.
Tricia Campbell
Special Projects Coordinator
Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc.
PO Box 518
Chanute, KS 66720
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.
Buck Run: A New Public Sauna Available The End of February
The Buck Run Community Center will begin offering a new service to our community.
And with the snow and frigid temps, this new service is perfectly timed.
A new sauna is being installed in the facility and will be used by the staff at first, to get to know the unit, and then it will be available to the public at the end of February.
Thirty-minute limits will be placed on users of the unit, said Katie Chipman, office manager of the center.
The infrared sauna is for one person at a time and is being installed in a small room near the front lobby.
Several people who work out in the fitness center have asked about the availability of a sauna, and “it’s something Lucas has wanted to do since he’s been the manager,” she said.
“It is funded through the Steele Foundation Trust that donates money to the Community Center each year,” said Lucas Kelley, manager of the center.
The sauna will include built-in Bluetooth speakers, an easy-to-use control panel, and chromotherapy options.
Chromotherapy is a method of treatment that uses the visible spectrum (colors) of electromagnetic radiation to cure diseases, according to
The infrared light in the sauna is designed to support healing and revitalization, according to info that Kelley provided.
“The Sauna will open later this month after we finish the final touches,” Kelley said.
It will be available during the center’s regular business hours:
Sunday – 1-5PM
Monday 5 AM – 9 PM
Tuesday 8 AM – 9 PM
Wednesday 5 AM – 9 PM Thursday 8 AM – 9 PM Friday 5 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 8 AM – 5 PM
Call 620-223-0386 for more information.
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.
Suicide Lifeline Is A Critical Resource For Kansans
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Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan Program Announced
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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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Kansas Gas Service Shares Essential Tips to Prepare Homes for Winter
As temperatures drop and heating systems begin to
work overtime, Kansas Gas Service encourages customers to take proactive steps to keep families
safe, and homes heated efficiently throughout winter.
“Winter preparation is essential for both safety and comfort,” said Lisa Holleron, Vice President of
Operations at Kansas Gas Service. “Taking time now to winterize your home and maintain your
natural gas appliances can prioritize safety and potentially reduce energy costs all season long.”
Tips for a Safe and Warm Winter:
• Install and Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place detectors on every level of
your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test monthly and replace batteries twice a
year.
• Schedule Appliance Inspections: Have a qualified technician inspect your natural
gas furnace, water heater and other gas appliances before the cold sets in.
• Seal and Insulate: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks and add
insulation to attics and crawl spaces.
• Smart Thermostat Settings: Keep your home at 68–70°F during the day and lower
at night to save energy.
• Know the Signs of a Gas Leak: If you smell rotten eggs or hear a hissing sound,
leave immediately and call 911 and Kansas Gas Service at 888-482-4950.
Were Here to Help
Kansas Gas Service offers various programs to help customers manage winter heating costs,
including payment arrangements. More information is available at kansasgasservice.com/cares.
For more information about winter safety and energy efficiency tips, visit
www.kansasgasservice.com.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and
is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent
regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is
included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
Nevada Community Blood Drive on December 1
CHC/SEK Names New Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer: Ashley Hopkins
CHC/SEK Names Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer
PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Ashley Hopkins has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer.
Hopkins joined the CHC/SEK team in January 2023 as the Vice President of Human Resources. She has more than 10 years of experience in human resources and has served more than 19 years in the healthcare industry. Hopkins also currently serves as a STARS board member. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from Pittsburg State University.
“During her tenure at CHC/SEK, Ashley has been instrumental in the complete reorganization of our human resources division,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She has spearheaded a variety of initiatives including improving recruitment and benefits, maximizing our payroll system, simplifying and tracking staff education, and increasing employee engagement.”
In her new role, Hopkins will continue to oversee the human resources division. Her new responsibilities will include serving on the CHC/SEK leadership team, participating in the Board of Directors meetings, and serving as coordinator of the Board’s personnel committee.
“Our staff is our greatest asset,” said Postai. “It is imperative we have HR in the room during all key organizational decisions.”
“I’m excited to expand my role within CHC/SEK. Growing with an organization that empowers HR to be more than just completing tasks and checking boxes is truly inspiring,” said Hopkins. “Our team remains focused on supporting employees at every stage of their careers as well as strengthening the culture that makes CHC/SEK such a special place to work. When we take better care of our employees, they can focus more on the quality, compassionate care they are known for.”
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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.