Category Archives: Health Care

Area News, Health Care

Freeman Women’s Pavilion Earns Full ACR Mammography Accreditation  

Leave a comment

 

 

Joplin, Mo.—Freeman Health System is proud to announce that Freeman Women’s Pavilion has been awarded full mammography accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for a three-year period, marking a significant milestone for the organization’s women’s health services.

 

As part of the ACR’s accreditation review, all randomly selected mammography cases met image quality and clinical evaluation standards. These cases were selected and reviewed independently by the ACR, without any opportunity for prescreening by the facility.

 

“The ACR accreditation process is one of the most demanding in medical imaging,” said Hector Juarez, Vice President of Imaging at Freeman Health System. “Successfully meeting ACR standards across all randomly selected images reflects the consistency, growth, discipline, and commitment to excellence of our imaging team and breast imaging program.”

 

This accreditation reflects Freeman’s ongoing work to strengthen its breast imaging program through improved quality processes, enhanced staff training, and a deep commitment to excellence. These efforts help ensure patients can feel confident choosing Freeman for their care.

 

The ACR conducted an Additional Mammography Review to confirm sustained improvements in image quality following corrective actions previously implemented by the organization. There are no outstanding contingencies associated with this accreditation, and the ACR has notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as required.

 

“This accomplishment reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality, reliable, and patient centered care,” Juarez added. “We are incredibly proud of the professionals who made this achievement possible and grateful for the trust our patients place in us.”

 

The American College of Radiology is widely recognized as the gold standard in imaging accreditation, ensuring facilities meet nationally accepted standards of care and safety.

For more information about Freeman Women’s Pavilion and its imaging services, visit www.freemanhealth.com.

 

 

###

 

 

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

 

 

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

54 Graduate Nurses Sign to Join Freeman Health System

Leave a comment

Caregivers and Lifesavers 

Nurses Recognized During Special Signing Day Ceremony

                                     

Joplin, MO – Smiling, sharing hugs, and waving to a max-capacity audience, a graduating class of 53 graduate nurses (GNs) and graduate practical nurses (GPNs) were honored during a unique Freeman Health System ceremony held Wednesday evening.

 

Just as athletes sign letters of intent to play at the collegiate level, these nurses signed their names to join “Team Freeman.”

 

“Tonight is a celebration,” said Freeman Senior Vice President Chief Nursing Officer Jeanee Kennedy. “This moment marks your transition from preparation to performance, from training to team. Each of you deserves your place here for your great discipline, long nights, and an unwavering commitment to care.”

 

During the ceremony, held on the Missouri Southern State University campus, family and friends gathered around the signing table to celebrate their loved one’s hard-earned achievement, often punctuated by cheers and chants from the audience.

 

“You are signing on to a profession that changes lives every single day,” Kennedy continued. “You are choosing a department, a mascot, and a team that will shape you, and will be shaped by you.”

 

The nurses—who will enter various Freeman departments such as the birthing center, pediatrics, cardiology, emergency department, orthopedics, and transitional care unit (TCU), among others—will take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing the exam, they will become either registered nurses or licensed practical nurses at Freeman.

 

“This is a huge moment,” said Nathan Cantwell, Director of Freeman’s TCU, Cardiac Medical Unit, and Infusion Center. “What you guys are doing tonight represents all the late nights that you’ve spent studying, all the early mornings, all the caffeine over the years, all the stress and anxiety. I hope tonight you can take a moment to step back and just appreciate the finish line that you are now walking across.”

 

The 53 GN and GNP class marks the largest graduate nursing class since Freeman created the ceremony years ago.

 

“We are deeply grateful that you have chosen Freeman Health System as your place to grow your nursing career,” said Kristan Eaton, Freeman Senior Vice President Chief Human Resource Officer. “Your journey allows you to provide the care, compassion, and excellence that will make a meaningful difference to our patients and our community.”

 

###

 

 

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Boil Water Advisory Still In Effect For City of Uniontown

Leave a comment
Uniontown is located 17 miles west of Fort Scott.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinded a boil-water advisory for the Bourbon County Rural Water District # 2 public water supply system on April 23, according to the KDHE website press release. But the City of Uniontown, located 17 miles west of Fort Scott, is still under a water boil order. That boil order should end this afternoon, if the water samples submitted are cleared.

The City of Fort Scott was cleared to stop boiling its drinking water on April 21, following water samples sent to a KDHE-approved lab.

“Fort Scott has to be cleared first, then Water District #2, and then Uniontown,” said Uniontown City Clerk Haley Arnold.

“(Uniontown City Superintendent) Bobby Rich took the water samples yesterday to the lab at Frontenac to submit them. They have to incubate for 24 hours, so we should find out by 2 p.m. today.”

“Some people thought we were out of the boil order because Water District 2 is our supplier, but we are following the guidelines we have been given,” she said.

The advisory was issued last weekend because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The Boil Water Advisory is still in effect for the City of Uniontown public water supply system, according to the press release.

“Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory,” according to the press release.

“Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Bourbon Co RWD 2C system indicates no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

“For consumer questions, please contact the Bourbon Co RWD 2C water system at 620-223-1110, or the city of Uniontown water system at 620-756-4742, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, please visit our webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service.”

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Boil Order for Water Will Be In Effect For Days

Leave a comment

 

Bourbon County with Township designations, from the Bourbon County KS website.

Bourbon County is still under a boil advisory, following the mainline water break in Fort Scott on April 18.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Rural Water District # 2C, and City of Uniontown public water supply systems located in Bourbon County on Saturday.
The city of Fort Scott experienced a mainline water break on Burke Street between Eighth and Ninth Streets at around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, said Scott Flater, Public Utility Director.
“It wasn’t reported until  6 a.m,” he said.
“I’m collecting water today that will be sent back to the lab,” Flater said.
As soon as the city sends the water sample, it has to incubate for 24 hours. Then the Rural Water District #2 will get notifications to take water samples, to send in to KDHE, which must be incubated for 24 hours as well. Once the samples are cleared, the boil order will be lifted, according to Mark Pollmeir, RWD#2 spokesman.
This advisory does not affect customers of the City of Fulton, nor Bronson, who are both in separate water districts, but does affect all the other small rural towns and rural residents in the county.
City of Uniontown Clerk Haley Arnold said she has put notices up at Union Station (gas station), the Uniontown Post Office,  City Hall, and her personal Facebook page asking others to share the news, to help get the word out about the boil order.
Communicating to residents in rural areas about these events is difficult, and Arnold is open to suggestions for getting the word out, she said.
Lou Howard, Bourbon County Emergency Manager, said she called the local radio station to help get the word out and published it on the Bourbon County website.
Both receiving and delivering communication has been difficult regarding the boil advisory, Howard said.
“While communicating the boil water advisory presented some challenges, we will continue working to improve how important information is shared with the public,” she said.
“Residents can receive emergency alerts and general community information through several sources, including local television and radio stations, wireless cell phone alerts, official websites, and other online resources. Important updates are also often shared through friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers,” Howard said.
“Community members are encouraged to help ensure information reaches everyone. If you know someone who does not regularly use the internet or a cell phone, please consider sharing important alerts and updates with them so they can stay informed and prepared,” she said.
Emergency alerts are transmitted through:
or for this specific boil order for rural residents:
Consolidated RWD2 website to register for their alerts – Home | Consolidated Rural Water Dist. 2.
Jack Ripper, Bourbon County Water District #4, which serves Bronson and the surrounding area, said he had not heard of the boil order for the rest of the county.
“We have our own lake for our water supply,” he said. “So we are not affected at all.”
According to the KDHE notification sent out by the City of Fort Scott on its Facebook page, customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
1) Boil water for one minute before drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
2 ) Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
3) If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
4) Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
5 ) Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on April 18, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.
KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system, resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination, according to the press release.
The City of Fort Scott water system provides water to Bourbon Co RWD 2C, which distributes water to Bourbon County.
Only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, contact the City of Fort Scott water system at 620-223-5160, or Bourbon Co RWD 2C water system at 620-223-1110, or the city of Uniontown water system at 620-756-4742, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.
Bourbon County, Health Care

Boil Advisory for Fort Scott and Uniontown As Of April 18

Leave a comment
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C and City of Uniontown, Bourbon County (Taken from the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page)
TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C, and City of Uniontown public water supply systems located in Bourbon County. This advisory does not affect those customers of city of Fulton nor those of city of Prescott.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on April 18, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system, resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. The City of Fort Scott water system provides water to Bourbon Co RWD 2C, who provides water to city of Uniontown.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, please contact the City of Fort Scott water system at 620-223-5160, or Bourbon Co RWD 2C water system at 620-223-1110, or the city of Uniontown water system at 620-756-4742, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.
Consumer Information Regarding a Disruption in Water Service | KDHE, KS
kdhe.ks.gov
Consumer Information Regarding a Disruption in Water Service | KDHE, KS
Bourbon County, Health Care, K-State Extension

Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal Presentation Offered on March 23

Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
K-State University Southwind Extension District

K-State University Southwind Extension District invites you!

Beyond the Bite: Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal

Because one bite can change a life.

Ticks are more than just a nuisance, they can carry diseases and in some cases, trigger long-term , life-altering health conditions, such as Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

Monday, March 23rd

6pm

@ Fort Scott Community College Ellis Meeting Rooms
2108 Horton St.

Call 620-244-3826

by March 20th to Register!

The program will feature two K-State experts:

Priscilla Brenes, MPH, Ph.D.

*How Alpha-Gal affects the body

Nutritional strategies for managing life with AGS

Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D

*Tick species, life cycles, and behavior

*Diseases associated with ticks

*Prevention and personal protection tips

Whether you spend time outdoors for work, recreation, or everyday life, this program offers practical, research-based information to help reduce risk and increase awareness.

Click HERE to visit the

Southwind Extension District

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

K-State Extension Southwind District

website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott, Health Care

Fort Scott Community Foundation Grant Purchases Life-Saving AED Trainers

Leave a comment

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

620-431-7655

 

 

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

2026 CHC/SEK Community Health Needs Assessment

Leave a comment

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.

###


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.

 

 

Area News, Health Care

Nevada Hospital Offers Free, Take-home Colon Cancer Screening Kits

Leave a comment

 

 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.

 

 

###

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.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Health Care

Buck Run: A New Public Sauna Available The End of February

Leave a comment
The Buck Run Community Center Sauna.
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.
Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which Buck Run Community Center is a part.
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.
Area News, Health Care, Youth

Nevada Welcomes New Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Leave a comment

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.