Ascension Via Christi will be closing its Family Medicine clinic in Fort Scott as of Nov. 11.
On the heels of that closing, Girard Medical Center is planning to reopen its practice in Ascension Via Christi clinic’s current location at 109 S. Main St, which will be staffed by Katrina Burke, MD, the clinic’s current physician provider.
“Our goal when we established the clinic was to ensure Fort Scott residents’ access to primary care services,” says Drew Talbott, president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. “This transition of the clinic to a new owner does that, which is in keeping with our overall goal of using our resources to ensure rural Kansans’ continued access to close-to-home care.”
To receive care at the Fort Scott clinic after Nov. 11, patients will need to call 620-232-0453 to request a transfer of their medical records.
“Our Fort Scott Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, established almost four years ago when the Fort Scott hospital closed, will continue to provide 24/7 Emergency Care,” says Talbott.
### About Ascension Via Christi In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty infiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
Jason Anglin, CEO of NRMC,announcesthatafter many months of discussions and planning that Nevada Medical Clinic is to become a part of Nevada Regional Medical Center. At the August meeting, the Nevada Regional Medical Center board of directors votedto approve the Nevada Medical Clinic becoming a hospital clinicand toconsolidateoperations with the clinic andits physicians.The decision was made after months of research anddetailed analysis. Inearly2022, Drs Jennifer Conley and Heather Russell, of theNevada Medical Clinic approachedhospital administrationwith their intent to change their business model.They explained that theyhadexplored options for theirfutureincluding:closing the clinic and finding new positions elsewhere, acquisition of the clinic by an outside health system,and acquisition by Nevada Regional Medical Center. “Themedical delivery system andfinancial structure have changed significantlyover the years.Now, government payments are extremely unfavorable for independentphysiciansanddramatic increases in medical liability and health insurance premiumshave made continued private ownership of Nevada Medical Clinic no longer financially viable,”said Dr.Conley. Nationwide, the percentage of physician–owned practices hassteadily declined as more doctors are seekingemployment.“More than half of all physicians in the United States are now employed,” said Holly Bush,Chief Quality Officer at NRMC. “And that number continues to rise every year.” “Those physicians who wererecruited to Nevada Medical Clinic in the past fourteen years left after three to five years for employment models,”said Conley.“A large number of local physicians retired from their practices between 1999 and 2015. This has caused the workforce to decrease from as many as twelve physicians to the current five. There is no real prospect for adding more physicians without a change in structure.” Presented with this dilemma, hospital administrators worked with outside consultants to research the riskassociated with losing the neighboring clinic andtodevelopa financialanalysistodetermine the feasibility ofsaving the practice. “What we found in our assessment was that the loss of the Nevada Medical Clinic and its physicians would be detrimental to healthcarein our community. Strategically, working together with Nevada Medical Clinic is critical to NRMC. We had to find a way to keep these services here,”saidAnglin. “Acquisition by an outside health system wouldrequire the physicians maintain outpatient–only practices with cessation of obstetric services. Maintaining OB services is essential for NRMC to continue to qualify for the disproportionate share hospital program (DSH) and for the pharmacy 340B program. Together those programs provide over $5 million to NRMC every year. A loss of these programs jeopardizes NRMC survival.Working together with Nevada Medical Clinic physicians allows NRMC to continue tomaintainthese essential programs.
From a communityservice perspective, OB isvital to our community as all of the nearby hospitals have closed their units. Without OB in Nevada, our residents would have to travel a significant distance to deliver their babies. It is time to recruit new obstetric physicians for NRMC, but this process is lengthy, challenging, and very expensive. We cannot let the doctors we have here go, stated Anglin.”The clinic wouldalso provideNRMC with added space for recruitment of other physicians. Currently, the long–term care facilities in Nevada rely on theclinicphysicians for medical care and medical directorships.Loss of this coverage could be detrimental to these, already struggling, entities. The financial pro forma that was developedand presentedto the board showedthat additionof the clinic and employment of its physicians and staff is possible for NRMC, even under their current state of financialstrain. “We will be able to designate the Nevada Medical Clinic as aHospital BasedRural Health Clinic like our other campuses,” said Dana White, Chief Financial Officer at Nevada Regional Medical Center. “That designation is what makes the payment system from Medicare and Medicaid more favorable for a clinic.” “Despite our financialposition, we are compelled to make this transition with the Nevada Medical Clinic as we believe it is vital for the future of both organizations,” said Bob Beaver, Chairman of the NRMC board of directors.“Given the state of today’s healthcare system, this should help sustain great doctors in our community for many more years and give us the space to recruit more.” Anglin stated,“We intend to move forward with as little disruption to the patients as possible. We found that Nevada Medical Clinic was a lean organization that operates very efficiently, which is what made this possible. It is our intention to continue with what works.” Nevada Regional Medical Center andNevada Medical Clinic are targeting for the transition to occur soon. ######################
SEK Muliti-County Health Department, located at 6th and Lowman Streets, Fort Scott.
A program geared to all aspects of a mother and young child’s life will start weekly appointments in Fort Scott, next Wednesday.
The Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) federal program is for low-income pregnant women and follow up care, and also for children five years and under who are at nutritional risk.
The program will start on October 5 by appointment in Fort Scott at the Southeast Kansas Multi County Health Department, 6th and Lowman Street.
Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.
Some of the benefits of the program, according to the US Dept. of Ag website
Supplemental nutritious foods. Examples of WIC foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, juice, fish, whole grains, cereal, peanut butter, beans (dried or canned), fresh fruits and vegetables, infant formula and baby food.
Nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics.
screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services.
“WIC has been available to the county for years now by the Crawford County Health Department, but will be now located in one location rather multiple locations,” said Becky Johnson
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer at the SEK Multi-County Health Department. “Since the Bourbon County Health Department moved to a much larger building, we have been working to acquire other services here at our new location.”
“Previously WIC was at Buck Run Community Center, Mercy Hospital and for the last couple of years it has been at our new location about three days a month,” she said.” We are excited to have it housed in one location and are very glad to be able to provide this program to our residents.”
Monday, 7:00am To 5:30 pm
Tuesday, 7:00am To 5:30pm
Wednesday, 7:00am To 5:30pm
Thursday ,7:00am To 5:30pm
Note: Closed for lunch from noon-12:30pm.
The health department can be reached at (620) 223-4464.
Also offered for women at the health department is a mother’s support group:
Breastfeeding Help
“We also will be starting training for a new service next month which is the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program through WIC,” she said. ”
“Breastfeeding Peer Counselors (BFPC) are women in the community with personal breastfeeding experience similar to WIC participants including: age; language; similar ethnic/cultural background; current or previous WIC participation; and an enthusiasm for breastfeeding. Peer Counselors provide education and support for WIC mothers. Programs vary but in general peer counselors are available to WIC clients both inside and outside usual clinic hours and the WIC clinic environment,” according to https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1433/Breastfeeding-Peer-Counselor-Program
Holly Fritter. Submitted photo.
“Our Breast Feeding Peer Counselor, Holly Fritter, has been working for us since 2019 as the Home Visitor for Bourbon County,” Johnson said. “Home visiting for families with young children is a longstanding strategy offering information, guidance, risk assessment, and parenting support interventions at home.”
“The typical ‘home visiting program’ is designed to improve some combination of pregnancy outcomes, parenting skills, and early childhood health and development,” Johnson said. “Holly works out of our Fort Scott office, but will also cover Allen, Anderson and Woodson Counties for the BFPC Program. These programs are an asset to our counties, as it is free to the clients, and provides much needed support and guidance to mothers and families. ”
The Bourbon County Health Department (524 S. Lowman, Fort Scott) will be the location where WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Program will be held at in Bourbon County from here on out. It is every Wednesday, starting October 5th. If anyone has questions, we’d be happy to help and our number is 223-4464.
We do have flu shots available now as well as the new COVID-19 Bivalent Booster shots.
Submitted by Becky Johnson
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
SEK Multi-County Health Department
Throughout the United States, September is observed as Suicide Prevention Awareness Prevention Month. And, while it may seem pretty apparent that suicide is a national problem, it may feel like it’s a problem only for the mental health community to solve. However, that’s not true at all. Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center therapists have a few tips for helping someone who may be considering suicide or is in a mental health crisis leading them toward hurting themselves.
Be Proactive. Having a conversation with someone about their mental health will probably be uncomfortable. However, it can make a HUGE difference. Instead of waiting for someone you see struggling to ask for help (which they may never do), ask them some questions and start up the conversation.
Exhibit genuine interest and ask questions. Questions might include:
“It seems like you’re not yourself today. Do you want to talk about what’s wrong?”
“I’ve noticed you’re a little down. Can we talk about how you’re feeling?”
“You look like something might be bothering you. What’s on your mind?”
Encourage them to keep talking and offer support. As the conversation gets started, really listen to your friend or family member. Hear what they have to say. Express concern about their worries and empathize with them. Offer support. Statements could be:
“I can imagine how tough this must be for you.”
“I’m so glad you’re telling me about what’s going on and how you’re feeling. Thank you for sharing with me.”
“I’m right here with you. Nothing changes how I feel about you.”
“Wow – this situation sounds difficult. How can I help you get through this?”
Be direct with questions about suicide. Trust your instincts if you get the feeling someone is considering harming themselves or committing suicide. Research indicates saying “suicide” will NOT push someone to action or put the idea in their head. Do NOT pass judgment. Examples are:
“Are you thinking of doing something to end your life?”
“Does it sometimes get so tough you are thinking of killing yourself?”
“Do you have plans to hurt yourself?”
Talk it through. Even though it’s scary to think your friend or family member is mentally preparing to take their own life, it’s up to you provide a calm voice. Stay with them. Help them remove lethal means. Encourage them to seek help. Assist them in finding resources.
Don’t assume they’re talking to others. It’s a mistake to think they’re sharing their situation with others. You might be the only person your friend or family member has confided in. Take their words seriously and never discount their concerns. Help them create a safety plan. Assist them in putting together a list of people they can talk to for help, including mental health professionals and loved ones who can offer support and love.
Be patient. It’s hard for someone to talk to you about their problems. They may need encouragement and patience along the way as they share their emotions. Many people experience shame, anxiety and despair as they share their suicide thoughts with others. You may not have the right words – or even know what to say at all when they share their thoughts. Sometimes, it’s enough to just sit and be with someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis that is making them consider suicide.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs of ending their life, encourage them to reach out for help. One resource is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.
About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.
Sept. 11, 2022 (IOLA, Kan.) – Throughout September, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is observing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Nearly everyone will feel the ripple effects of suicide in their lifetime. Those left behind experience grief, sorry and, often, regret. But, repeatedly, experiences show that suicide is preventable when caught in time to help. To build awareness about suicide prevention, it’s essential to know the warning signs and risk factors.
10 Warning Signs
Depression: Frequently, suicide is accompanied by long-lasting sadness, despair and a feeling of hopelessness. People who seem to withdraw from family and friends or isolate themselves from usual social activities may be exhibiting signs they are thinking about ending their lives.
Untreated mental health condition: It’s common for people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders or mood disorders (along with other mental health conditions) to experience thoughts of suicide. It’s even more likely that people with undiagnosed or untreated issues may consider suicide.
Substance use: Any kind of substance abuse can increase the likelihood that a person may consider ending his/her life. When a person’s substance use increases or escalates in severity, it’s a strong warning sign that something is amiss and needs attention.
Reckless behavior: It’s a warning sign that someone may be having thoughts of ending their life when they begin engaging in reckless behavior or taking unnecessary and excessive risks, such as participating in unsafe sex or driving while under the influence. It’s especially worrisome when someone who normally acts with caution and care acts with reckless abandon without caring about the consequences.
Statements about suicide: People who say they want to die usually mean it. Anyone who says they are considering killing themselves is definitely at risk. Suicidal people may say they feel hopeless or they have no reason to live. Searching online for suicide methods or buying a gun can also indicate someone is a serious threat to themselves.
Final preparations: Making a will or setting up life insurance policies is responsible adulting. However, when someone sets about to making final preparations it may, also, be a sign they are planning to hurt themselves. Other indicators of final preparations might include: giving away prized belongings and informing others about their life insurance policies, will, burial arrangements or who will get their assets. Another sign can be making it a point to clean their house or garage, being sure to not leave any loose ends to burden their loved ones.
Unusual display of emotion/affection: A person who suddenly makes it a point to share their love and affection for a friend or family member may be showing a sign that they are considering suicide. Many times, people who are thinking of ending their lives will unexpectedly visit family members and friends and deliver an exaggerated goodbye when they see someone they care about. These behaviors can be signs they are in severe distress.
Trauma/life crisis: Many people who think about committing suicide have a history of serious childhood trauma; physical, emotional or sexual abuse; neglect; or bullying in their lives. It’s also common for those on the verge of ending their lives to have recently experienced some other circumstances that makes them especially vulnerable: the loss of a loved one; unemployment; money crisis; or a relationship break up.
Chronic/fatal health condition: Anytime someone is diagnosed with a severe health condition, it can impact their mental health. If they are in constant pain or discomfort, it increases the chances they’ve considered suicide. Many people worry about how their health condition will continue to affect them, fearing they will be/are a burden to their loved ones.
Sudden calm or cheer: It’s relatively common for someone contemplating suicide to seem suddenly calm, at peace and, maybe, in good cheer. But it can be a warning sign of suicide that someone who is usually anxious, depressed or upset is relaxed and good with the world. It’s extremely possible they are no longer at war with themselves and have settled on their decision to end their life.
There is not just one single warning sign that can help prevent suicide. But, by being aware and making connections with others, it’s possible to notice the signs that are very clear indicators that someone is not ok.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs of ending their life, encourage them to reach out for help. One resource is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.
About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.
CHC/SEK-FORT SCOTT SCHEDULES SATURDAY SEPT. 17 DRIVE-THRU FLU SHOT CLINIC
By getting a flu shot now, you can protect yourself and your family and friends!
Flu season is coming, and the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is offering a “drive-thru” flu shot clinic on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9AM – 2 PM. The event will be held in the parking lot at 2322 S. Main Street, the future location of CHC/SEK’S new clinic, presently under construction.
The drive-through flu clinic is recommended for everyone six-months of age and older, because it effectively decreases flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.
There is no out-of-pocket cost for participants. It only takes a few minutes to get vaccinated. To help keep the vaccination line moving, please wear clothing where your shoulder is easily exposed.
By getting a flu shot now, you will protect yourself and your family and friends!
Flu vaccines and good hand hygiene are still the go-to recommendations for prevention; however, public health officials say it is just as important to contain the virus, which means staying home when you are sick.
Flu shots are also available at all CHC/SEK clinics on a walk-in basis or by appointment.
Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.
The new boosters are formulated to better protect against COVID-19 variants
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is now offering updated COVID-19 booster, Pfizer-BioNTech Bivalent vaccine.
The BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the omicron variant are currently causing most cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and are predicted to circulate this fall and winter.
The updated boosters are available at most CHC/SEK locations at no out-of-pocket cost to the recipients. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis, or by appointment at most CHC/SEK locations.
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent
Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent if it has been at least two months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.
The bivalent vaccines, which are also referred to as “updated boosters,” contain two messenger RNA (mRNA) components of SARS-CoV-2 virus, one of the original strains of SARS-CoV-2 and the other one in common between the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.
“COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, continue to save lives and prevent the most serious outcomes (hospitalization and death) of COVID-19,” said Linda Bean, D.O., FAAFP Chief Clinical Officer atCommunity Health Center of Southeast Kansas.
“As we head into the fall and winter season with the potential for greater virus spread in schools and at work, now is the time for everyone who is eligible to consider receiving a booster dose with a bivalent COVID-19 vaccination to provide better protection against currently circulating variants.”
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Observes September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
#BeThe1To
Sept. 1, 2022 (IOLA, Kan.) – Suicide doesn’t discriminate. Suicide doesn’t care whether you’re young or old. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the United States with an average of 130 suicides daily. All month mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members, including Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, are observing September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Organizations and communities will create awareness with tools and resources to empower people to make a difference and save lives. Special attention comes on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and during National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4-10) to share resources and promote suicide prevention awareness.
Many activities are planned throughout the region during the month of September. SEK Mental Health Center will be joining the effort by distributing awareness ribbons and bookmarks to area schools and local libraries, along with an active social media campaign.
How can Southeast Kansas Participate in other ways?
Use #BeThe1To1: Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center encourages community members to be the one to make a difference. Students, teachers, neighbors, coworkers, parents, friends – we can all be the one to listen, persuade and help. Use #BeThe1To in social media posts about suicide prevention awareness and tag SEK Mental Health Center. Also, feel free to post wearing your suicide prevention ribbon or the colors teal and purple in support of awareness.
Connect: Reach out to loved ones to show them you care. Check in through a text or a quick phone call just to say, “How are you?” or “Thinking of you!”
Know the signs and have the conversations: Learn the signs of mental health crisis or suicide indicators. It can feel awkward, but it’s essential to engage with those you see in distress. Learn more about the signs of and risk factors for suicide2.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.
About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.
Ascension Via Christi Hospital’s trauma program recognized for quality
Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg’s Level III Trauma Program, which treats patients who have critical injuries threatening life or limbs, was first accredited by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma in 2008. Now, it has passed re-accreditation for another three years.
The program, which will turn 15 next year, was recognized for its quality, improvement, maturity and focus, as well as for its trauma leadership and outstanding relationship with regional EMS.
“A Level III Trauma Program accreditation designates our hospital as one that has resources and expertise to care for our community and neighbors when any trauma occurs,” says Brett Dunbar, DO, hospital surgeon . “As a trauma center, our team is committed to improving and providing evidence-based care through our involvement at the local level as well as at the state level.”
The ACS Trauma Survey is designed to help hospitals evaluate and improve trauma care as well as provide objective, external review of capability and performance. A Level III Trauma Center designation indicates that the hospital has demonstrated an ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations.
This achievement allows Ascension Via Christi Hospital to continue to provide Southeast Kansas with quality care close to home and when it’s needed the most.
For more information about Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, go to ascension.org/pittsburgKS.
###
About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia
Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) clinics has received the recently authorized Novavax vaccine as the latest tool in the fight against COVID-19. To date, the Baxter Springs, Coffeyville, Columbus, Fort Scott, Iola, Parsons, Pittsburg, and Pittsburg South clinics have received doses. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis, or by appointment. There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive the vaccine at CHC/SEK.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is the latest authorized and recommended vaccine to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death caused by the virus. Novavax is manufactured using a familiar type of protein-based vaccine technology that has been used for more than 30 years in shots that help prevent diseases like shingles, hepatitis B, the flu and other illnesses.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine on July 13 for the prevention of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 12 years of age and older who have not received a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine previously.
Access to multiple types of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC gives people more options and flexibility to choose their vaccine.
The Novavax vaccine is given in a two-dose primary series, with a second dose administered between three-to-eight weeks after the first.
Neither a booster nor a third dose is authorized at this time.
“We now have another tool to manage COVID-19,” said Linda Bean, D.O., FAAFP, Chief Clinical Officer at CHC/SEK. “Novavax provides another option for a safe, effective and free vaccine. With the BA.5 variant continuing to spread, now is the best time to get a vaccine if you haven’t already.”
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is moving forward on the renovation of the former Price Chopper building on South Main.
“We are waiting on (City of Fort Scott) building permits before moving forward on the Price Chopper building, so there is nothing major to report,” CEO and President of CHC/SEK Krista Postai, said. “Apparently, the engineer is on vacation.”
Update later in the day from Postai: “We were issued a temporary 90-day-permit yesterday and we’re back to work,” she said.
The land given CHC on the west side of the former Mercy building, which they had made plans to build a new facility on, is being given back to Bourbon County who owns the building.
“Regarding the land,” she said. “Which is basically the large parking lot behind the hospital plus the helipad, we were told by the county, it would be needed by whoever opted to assume responsibility for the hospital. Our Board agreed to exchange the land, which actually cost us about $125,000 in legal and platting fees, for our remaining rent on our clinic in the hospital. We do understand that was approved by the county commission and they would be in touch with us to finalize the agreement.”
“Once we have the transfer formalized, it will go to the CHC/SEK Board for final approval, Postai said. “It was suggested to us that there is another potential group interested in reopening the hospital now that Noble has moved on.”
Commissioner Beth Comment on The Former Mercy Building
Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth said the county is “still trying to engage with several entities to do something with the building. We’ve been doing this for two years. I want to make sure we have an emergency room in Bourbon County and sustainable health care.”
Recent Mammogram Walk-In
“We had a record number of women get a mammogram at our Walk-In event from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 27th in Ft. Scott,” she said. “Ninety-one women over age 40 ‘walked in’ and received a 3D mammogram regardless of ability to pay. CHC/SEK continued the effort August 2 and 3rd at their Pittsburg clinic. The goal is to increase the number of women who have had mammograms in southeast Kansas – which falls far below the state and national averages.”
Jobs at CHC
The following are the current list of job openings in Fort Scott for CHC:
