Members of the Fort Scott community showed up to hear the announcement at the Legacy building (formerly Mercy Hospital).
Kansas Renewal Institute is opening its first location at the Legacy Building (former Mercy Hospital)at 401 Woodland Hills.
Jonathan Gross the CEO of JG Healthcare Solutions spoke for a few minutes about KRI opening their first location in Fort Scott. He said that KRI is a behavioral health company licensed for service to both adults and adolescents, and that they plan to bring a number of jobs to the community.
Fort Scott will be their first location. He said to visit their website for more details and job listing. While it wasn’t mentioned as part of the announcement, people close to the project say that it will be an inpatient clinic taking up a significant portion of the old hospital and is backed by JGHealthcare Solutions.
Below is a recording of the announcement that can also be viewed on Facebook here.
The following is some additional information about the company behind KRI along with links from public sources.
Jonathan Gross is the CEO of JGHealthcare Solutions which is the parent company to Kansas Renewal Institute. According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr. Gross founded his namesake company nine months ago. Before that, he spent nine months as the founder of Revelare Recovery in Atlanta. Prior to founding Revelare, he worked for 4 years as both a director and vice president of Discovery Behavior Health. Discovery is a Behavioral Health business based in California that, according to Linked In, employs over 1,000 people with clinics in 15+ states. They have 21 active job openings according to Linked In.
JG Healthcare Solutions’s Linked In profiles lists them as being located in Golden, Colorado located on the West side of Denver, says they have 5 to 11 employees, and list 3 LinkedIn in profiles that are affiliated with the company. That was not an address on their website, but Bizapedia lists an LLC in Golden by that name. The company was formed April 27th 2023. They are listed as being in good standing with the state of Colorado and show and address of 1015 Golden Park Pl Apt D. The location can be seen from Google Street view as shown.
Since the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department shut down operations in December 2023, there has been behind-the-scenes work with another healthcare entity to provide the needed services.
On January 23, at the Bourbon County Commission meeting, Commissioner Clifton Beth moved to allow Chairman Jim Harris to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bourbon County government and Amberwell Health Incorporated, according to the commission minutes.
Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.
Beth read the first paragraph of the MOU which states: The county is committed to ensuring the provision of quality emergency health services which includes an operating emergency room for a one year period to its residents; and Amberwell Health possesses expertise and resources to enhance and optimize the emergency health services within Bourbon County, according to the minutes.
The MOU states there could be a funding agreement that is mutually agreed upon by both parties, and additionally that Amberwell Health has to get the needed licenses, according to the minutes.
Beth stated “This is by no means ensuring an emergency room in any way shape or form, this is an MOU with Amberwell so they can continue to move in the process of trying to get us an emergency room.”
Commissioner Nelson Blythe seconded the motion and all approved it, according to the minutes.
Amberwell Health is a rural healthcare system in northeast Kansas with two complete care locations in Atchison and Hiawatha and five additional clinic locations. Amberwell Health is an innovative healthcare system with a mission to sustain and strengthen rural healthcare organizations, according to its website https://amberwellhealth.org/
Beth made a motion at the January 23 commission meeting to start working on a ballot for a half-cent sales tax to be put on the ballot in order to operate an emergency room and any additional health services. It would no longer be in effect if an REH is obtained, according to the minutes. Beth said this would give the county approximately $1.5 million that could go towards healthcare. Beth said the commission will let the public decide whether they want it. Blythe seconded the motion and all approved.
Rural emergency hospital (REH) is a new Medicare provider designation established by Congress through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, according to https://www.ncsl.org/health/rural-emergency-hospitals . REHs are meant to reinforce access to outpatient medical services and reduce health disparities in areas that may not be able to sustain a full-service hospital. Starting in January 2023, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and small rural hospitals with no more than 50 beds were allowed to apply for REH designation and receive Medicare payment for providing emergency services.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
I recently completed my annual wellness checkup, including the essential step of having my blood drawn. While I tend to procrastinate on this particular task, I am well aware of its vital importance. Now, let me share some valuable insights on the significance of knowing your numbers:
Cholesterol
A waxy substance found in the fats (lipids) in your blood crucial for building and maintaining healthy cells and hormones. It has no symptoms so many people may not be aware of their risk.
The recommended target cholesterol level is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood.
About 25% of cholesterol comes from food (meat, fish, dairy), and the rest is produced by the body.
There are two forms of cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) — also known as the “bad” cholesterol much can form plaque, clogging arteries and leading to heart disease and stroke.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) — the “good” cholesterol, helps clean the artery walls and removes excess bad cholesterol.
Triglycerides
A type of fat in the bloodstream that provides energy for body tissues to function
Like cholesterol, high triglyceride levels (over 200 mg/dL) increase the risk of heart disease.
Dietary and lifestyle changes help lower triglyceride levels:
Avoid fatty foods and foods high in cholesterol such as processed meat, fried food, and whole-fat dairy products
Choose to eat fruits, vegetables, and nonfat or low-fat dairy
Opt for foods high in good, unsaturated fats.
Blood Pressure
Is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries and can vary due to many factors
Normal blood pressure is usually less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury)
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Facts
Factors like age, diet (too much sodium, too little potassium, calcium, magnesium), excess alcohol, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, stress, and insulin resistance can contribute. It often has no obvious symptoms but can damage the heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) Facts
Happens when blood flow is lower than normal and can be caused by dehydration and nutrient deficiency. Signs can include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, thirst, lack of concentration, blurred vision, nausea, and fatigue.
Blood Sugar
Blood sugar, or glucose, is a type of sugar in the blood and is a primary fuel for the body. It comes from carbohydrates including sugars, starches, and fiber.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet with healthy carbohydrates including: Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables without added sugar, whole grains, Low-fat dairy, beans and legumes, and limited sugar
Fasting blood sugar, which is measured six to eight hours after a meal provides an accurate measure in non-diabetic individuals.
The normal range of blood sugar is approximately 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter. After a meal, blood sugar will rise but not usually above 135 to 140 milligrams per deciliter, leaving a fairly narrow range of blood sugar throughout the entire day.
Track Your Heart Health Stats, Together
Keeping a log of your blood pressure, weight goals, physical activity, and if you have diabetes, your blood sugars, will help you stay on a heart-healthy track. Ask your friends or family to join you in the effort. Check out NHLBI’s my health tracker here: https://bit.ly/3OfjjEF.
Today’s information comes from Keys to Embracing Aging: Know Your Health Numbers Fact Sheet. More information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
Lavetta Simmons, Teresa Davenport, and Joy O’Neal, the founders of Care to Share. Submitted photo.
After 16 years in an organization she helped found, Lavetta Simmons is retiring.
The genesis of the organization was a Relay for Life of Bourbon County event in 2007, at that time Teresa Davenport was going through her cancer fight, Joy O’Neal was a cancer survivor and Lavetta Simmons had been a caregiver to both her parents who had died of cancer.
“Teresa Davenport said, ‘When I get cancer-free, I would like to start a cancer support group,'”Simmons said. Joy O’Neal and Lavetta Simmons volunteered to help.
That cancer support group started in 2007, with a Fort Scott family’s four-year-old daughter who had been diagnosed.
Through the efforts of Davenport and her classmates, along with O’Neal and Simmons, a fundraiser was formed and close to $7,000 was raised for the family. Today, that girl has moved into her future.
“We each had our things to do to make it happen and we made it happen!” Simmons said.
In 2008, during the group’s first meeting at Mercy’s McAuley Center, the name Care to Share was chosen and a decision was made to meet quarterly.
“Our first year, we cared and we shared, through calls, visits, and prayer,” Simmons said. “During this time we were able to see the financial suffering that our fighters were going through as we gave them emotional support.”
In 2009, Lavetta announced at a meeting that she would like to help the cancer fighters financially
“That’s when The Sharing Bucket was added to the Care to Share Cancer Support Group, with the idea of fundraising with our group and our bucket never going empty,” she said. “The three of us came together, met with a lawyer to form a non-profit 501c3 organization…and chose a board of directors.”
The group introduced itself to the community at the 2009 Home and Garden Show.
“The year 2009 was a financial struggle for all of us with some very God-given moments and stories to pass on”, she said. “During this time, we added that Care To Share is ‘God Given, God Driven.'”
“In 2010, Fort Scott lost a very caring lady to cancer. She had struggled for many years,” Simmons said. “She left her memorials to us. We had never thought about receiving memorials. She was the first, and her memorials were $7,840. She blessed us with an
amount that was way beyond our dreams. The family asked that we invest a portion of it with the idea that Care To Share Cancer Support/The Sharing Bucket would go on forever. So we did, and we have grown it to a very nice amount today.”
“Our community has joined us and blessed us over and over again,” she said. “Each meeting we grew, each fundraiser we grew, each visit we grew. It has been the most amazing heart-touching God Driven; God Given thing, and has driven us all closer and closer
to God.”
“Last year we cared and shared financially 1,274 times with a total amount of $97,137.89!” she said. “That was only financial assistance, not counting the calls, texts, messages, emails, meals, rides, Ensure supplements, etc.”
“We never know where God is directing us next,” she said. ” We have followed and believe if God brings you to it, God will bring
you through It.”
The caring and sharing community made it possible, she said.
“But, I also want to mention that this could never happen without my family, and my extended family… My family has lived the journey. We were there when my parents took their last breaths. We have been there for so many cancer fighters and their families in our communities and we have been there for every fundraiser that has been put together for The Sharing Bucket.”
Her immediate family has all grown up, she said.
“They now have families of their own,” she said. “…So there comes a time when maybe we have to let go?? How do we do that? We don’t know?”
“Well, we figured it out. God, Family, Care to Share has always been our motto,” she said. Now she is caring and sharing with her family.
” I now care for two of my great-grandbabies,” she said. Daily her time is given to Lillian, 3, and Austyn, 1 month,
“Care to Share Cancer Support Group/The Sharing Bucket has blessed me over and over, through our caring and sharing with every cancer fighter and their families, and through caring and
sharing through our wonderful giving community. I will always have a place close to my heart for it.
THANK YOU FOR CARING AND SHARING,” Simmons said.
The group shares this scripture with the cancer fighters, “as we believe in it and want to give them faith as well, Matthew 17:20
IF YOU HAVE FAITH AS SMALL AS A MUSTARD SEED, NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU,” she said.
Cory Bryars, Vice President of the Care to Share Board wrote this about Simmons:
“They say charity can come in the form of time, talent, and treasure. For most of us, we have to choose which one or maybe two of those to give as we take care of the rest of our lives. Lavetta gave all three, zealously,” he said.
“As a co-founder of Care to Share and as a leader of day-to-day activities as well as the Board of Directors, Lavetta has helped generate over $1.2 million in support of our local cancer communities,” he said.
“She has given her time taking countless calls at all hours of the day and night from families desperate for support during the difficulties of their cancer journeys. Lavetta has visited cancer survivors and their families in times of dire need with open arms, an open heart, and an open Care to Share wallet to help them get over whatever hurdle they were facing that day,” he said.
“Lavetta’s commitment and passion brought generous giving from her family and friends, and our entire community is immeasurably better off through her efforts,” he said. “She is warm, caring, compassionate, organized and efficient and she gave those talents to SEK cancer fighters through Care to Share.”
“We thank and honor Lavetta for her vision, her passion, and her dedication and support as she passes the torch to the next round of Care to Share leadership.”
Care to Share continues with Teresa Davenport as the president, Joy O’Neal died in 2022.
There will be an open house at the Care to Share new office located at 401 Woodland Hills on January 22.
Lucia Crellin, 29, will be the new administrator of Medicalodge Fort Scott, following the retirement of Lynette Emerson in December 2023.
“I started with Medicalodges Coffeyville on Midland in May 2023 as an Administrator in Training with KACE (Kansas Adult Care Executives), and I have just accepted the Administrator Role for Fort Scott Medicalodges and will be acquiring my Kansas Licensure as well as my NHA Licensure at the first of the year. “
She has a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies and a focus in health science from Emporia State University and also has her Kansas Certified Nurse Assitant License, through Neosho County Community College.
“I started training under Lynette on December 18th, and as of January 2, I will be taking over the position,” Crellin said.
“I grew up in the halls of long-term care as my…mother put herself through nursing school to become a Registered Nurse and pursue her career goals being a Director of Nursing, Administrator, Nurse Consultant, and now Director of Education. For the last couple of years, I have been learning the ins and outs of the administration role among long-term care nursing homes.”
“I entered this career because there is a great need for quality administrators and nursing staff among long-term care settings/nursing homes,” she said. “I think that sometimes people forget that our older generation of folks are still human beings and they deserve to continue living their best life at whatever stage they may be in,” she said. “I want to make a difference in the lives of residents staying in our nursing homes whether it be for a short-term skilled stay or a long-term stay. I want to make residents feel safe and comfortable in their homes/our nursing homes. I want our residents and our future residents and their families to know that I care, and will always care and advocate for them.”
The greatest challenge?
“I think the greatest challenge is the fact that I am a single mother and a brand new administrator,” she said. “The work-life balance will certainly be a challenge, and dedication and commitment are both important to be successful at both. This can place a challenge when both take such a high priority and both are physically demanding as well as 24/7 jobs. In healthcare and especially healthcare leadership there is no time off. Even when you are ‘off’ you really are not off. When your phone rings regarding your child, you answer. When your phone rings regarding your facility, you take that call. It’s not challenging to do all of that, the challenge will be overcoming the toll that this can take, and knowing everyone and everything depends on you, and knowing you are the one to be held accountable because all will have to be accounted for by you, and answered for and fixed with my oversight. But with all that being said, I have a great support system within my company and my family, and I am looking forward to overcoming any challenge that comes my way.”
Crellin lives in Yates Center and commutes.
She has a four-year-old daughter, Elayna, and a significant other, Taylor.
Lynette Emmerson has been a licensed long-term care administrator in the community for almost thirty years.
“After both of my parents passed away this past year and after becoming a grandparent for the first time, I re-evaluated my priorities,” she said. “With the help of my family, I realized I can look for a career in which I have less pressure and responsibility. I prayed about it and God opened a door. I have the opportunity to spend more time with my growing family, which includes a daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and a future son-in-law.”
As of January 2, 2024, Emmerson will be a new secretary at Fort Scott Middle School.
She has been at Medicalodge, Fort Scott, for the past nine-and-a-half years.
The best part of her job is helping people.
“Whether it is our residents, families, or staff,” she said. “I love to help people find resources. I especially loved hands-on care and spending time with so many residents over the years.”
“The challenges: being responsible for the decisions and actions staff make and working in a job in which I am on-call continuously because in healthcare you are never closed for business.”
Through the decades, there have been changes in long-term care.
Emmerson noted that long-term care residents in nursing homes need a higher level of staffing and experienced nurses than when she first started her career.
“Hospitals are not admitting or keeping people as long anymore so skilled nursing facilities must be prepared to provide that kind of care,” she said.
Another difference, is “Over the years, residents have been referred to us from all over the region from Kansas City to Wichita to Joplin while in the beginning, it was more local- Fort Scott and the surrounding communities.”
“Also, less of the workforce seems to want to work in long-term care so it is very important to recruit and retain staff who love caring for the elderly and individuals who need long-term care,” she said.
“The loneliness of grief can be comforted,” said Laura Meeks, a local leader of GriefShare. “GriefShare is a nationally recognized support for those left with the pain of the death of a loved one.”
“We invite you to GriefShare to help you recover from the death of your loved one,” she said. “We are sorry for the reasons that bring you to this group, but we welcome you. If you are uncomfortable taking this step and don’t know what to expect by joining a small group, your feelings are normal.”
The first GriefShare meeting led by Meeks starts on Tuesday, January 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic School, 714 S. Eddy in Room 203, which is across from the parish office.
“Thirteen sessions will be held for our group each Tuesday at the same time and place,” she said. “This is a non-denominational grief recovery program. Hospitality will be provided and you will be given a helpful book to support your journey.”
“After the first of thirteen sessions ….you will start noticing you find it helpful to be around others who also are dealing with their emotions, questioning, and feeling exhaustion,” she said.
“We all grieve differently,” Meeks said. “There are no rules nor measurements such as time.”
For more than 25 years, GriefShare has helped over 1 million people heal from the pain of grief, according to a press release from Meeks. Professionally developed videos and a workbook help you meet people who have faced grief and share what helped them. You get practical suggestions from counselors and pastors, experts in grief recovery who have also experienced deep loss.
“Pastor Fr. Yancy Burgess recommended this program when I told him I wanted to help those who faced the death of a loved one,” Meeks said. “He referred me to his former Kansas Parrish GriefShare leader who guided me as I prepared. Last July, Fr. Burgess ordered all the materials we needed to provide this support for the community specifically intending to include all, in this non-denominational approach. He has a formidable background in bereavement support and provides support to us.”
To find more information about GriefShare go to griefshare.org or email [email protected].
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Meeks, by calling: 740-317-6379, or emailing [email protected] for questions or registration support. To register directly go to griefshare.org/findagroup.
Another GriefShare will be available in fall 2024.
At the end of November, Community Christian Church just finished a 13-week course, led by Jon Bailes and Jeanette Perry, according to Jamie Beckham, at CCC.
“They are preparing to do another in the fall,” she said.
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott signed an agreement with Ascension Via Christi to provide equipment and furnishings for emergency room services in 2019, following the hospital’s closure in December 2018. Ascension Via Christi pulled out of this site on December 20.
The doors are locked once again at the former Fort Scott Mercy Hospital Emergency Room. Ascension Via Christi closed them on December 20, 2023, after four years of service. This following AVC’s announcement that they experienced “a decline in visits and …. other economic challenges,” according to a press release.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott has been preparing for the Ascension Via Christ Emergency Department departure by recruiting more providers, planning more training, and purchasing additional supplies.
CHC in Fort Scott provides care to about 125 to 150 people daily in its Walk-In Care department, which is part of the center at 2322 S. Main, Krista Postai, CEO of CHC/SEK said.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott is located at 2322 S. Main, on Hwy. 69. The Walk-In Clinic is left in this photo.
The Fort Scott Walk-In Care department sees people from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Editors note: Taken from the CHC Facebook page
All CHC/SEK Walk-In Care locations will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Sunday, Dec. 24.)
All CHC/SEK locations will be closed on Christmas Day (Monday, Dec. 25). Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26.
Postai said after visiting with the AVC administration she found that “their late evening/late night volume… was minimal,” It was then determined to keep their Walk-In Care hours as established.
“All our clinics are accustomed to having individuals walk in with serious problems (e.g. having a heart attack) and we are going to anticipate more and are preparing for these situations,” Posai said.
“We have been working to ensure that in addition to the medical provider ( a Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant) ), there is always a more experienced registered nurse on duty and we have been recruiting for additional RNs for that purpose,” she said. “We have evaluated staff skill levels, supplies, and other resources and will provide additional training and supplies as necessary. We already have lab and diagnostic imaging (including CT scanning) and excellent clinical staff in place.”
Krista Postai. Submitted photo.
“We have also met with local law enforcement and Emergency Medical Service staff and are working with them to coordinate care for patients, as well as visiting with Via Christi staff and Dr. Stebbins (their ER physician director) to discuss opportunities for closer collaboration on our referrals down to Pittsburg,” she said.
“We have reached out to Amberwell Health after reading of their interest in potentially staffing the ER and urged them to connect with us on their next visit to Fort Scott,” she said. “Unfortunately, we have yet to meet with them.”
“The concept of participating in the new Rural Emergency Hospital program was researched, but it was determined that only hospitals were eligible and, at this point in time, it is unlikely that will change,” she said.
“We are indeed very sorry to see Ascension Via Christi withdraw from Fort Scott, but understand there are other factors influencing their decision,” she said. “We have urged them to reconsider if these matters get resolved but recognize that southeast Kansas is not a major market for Ascension.”
Bourbon County EMS
Bourbon County EMS Director Teri Hulsey said “AVC closing is sad for the community, but we are fully staffed and ready for any call. We have six full-time paramedics and six full-time Emergency Medical Technicians and several part-time.”
“The only change will be transport times,” Hulsey said.
Cardiac patients will be transported to AVC in Pittsburg. Moms about to give birth can go to Nevada Regional Medical Center in Missouri or Pittsburg AVC. “It’s the patient’s choice,” Hulsey said.
“We have two first-out ambulances when a call comes, those go out,” Hulsey said. “For trauma (car wreck, a stroke, fall out of a tree) if we can get a helicopter either Joplin, MO or Overland Park Regional or Kansas University Medical Center in the Kansas City area. If a flight is not available, the patient will be transported.”
The Bourbon County EMS has seven ambulances that are supplied with “everything we need,” Hulsey said.
Teresa Davenport, president of Care to Share, and Cory Bryars, vice president, hold the organization’s banner in front of the front desk area of the former Mercy Hospital which is the new office for the organization.
A local grassroots helping organization is reorganizing and expanding to a space in the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
Care to Share is a cancer support group that provides both emotional and financial help to cancer fighters and their caregivers.
All services and items for the cancer fighter/caregivers are free.
The 501c3 cancer support group formed in July 2007, said Teresa Davenport, president of the group.
For about 15 years the group has had a small office in the building at 902 S. Horton. First Mercy Hospital, then Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas owned the building, and Fort Scott Community College briefly from June to December 2023. Now USD 234 is purchasing the building for an expanded preschool program.
The Care to Share group began to think about a different site for the organization to have an office and talked to Bourbon County Commissioner Jim Harris, said Cory Bryars, vice president for the group.
Harris in turn talked to Rob Harrington.
“Legacy Healthcare Foundation owns the building and…gave the go-ahead for them to move in,” Harrington said. “I contract with Legacy to do property management for them so I was the initial contact. I want people to know that they are giving back to the community. ”
On Sunday, December 17, Care to Share volunteers moved the items stored at 902 S. Horton to 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
Cory Bryars stands in the room behind the front desk with all the items that were moved and now need to be organized.
At both sites, both Mercy and Legacy have given rent and utilities for free to the organization, for which they are grateful, Davenport said.
The New Space Has More Rooms
“When you walk in (the former Mercy Hospital building), you can go to the front desk,” Davenport said. “It will be… more availability to the public.” The front desk is the first thing seen when entering the facility.
Behind that front desk, thereis a large room with door access to the desk and several smaller rooms.
The smaller rooms are envisioned to be for trying on wigs and bras, a room for consultation, a large storage room, and a room for all the equipment that Care to Share loans to people who need them.
Some of the smaller rooms in the hall will be used by the organization. Here Bryars unlocks a door to a small room, which was a former registration clerk’s office.
Community Fundraisers Help Save Lives
Last year, Care to Share gave over $97,000 to cancer fighters and their caregivers, mostly gasoline money for appointments and treatments, and other personal concerns of the people with cancer, such as housecleaning, meals( including Ensure-a highly nutritional drink), respite care for caregivers, mowing of lawns, etc.
The year-round fundraisers in the three counties they serve contribute to the Sharing Bucket, the financial arm of the organization. Besides Bourbon, they also serve people in Crawford and Linn Counties.
A Care to Share Donation Jar can be placed at a business for those wanting to support this organization. Some employers might be interested in starting a payroll deduction plan to support the organization’s goals for cancer fighters at a local level, said Cory Bryars. Submitted photo.
“All those tournaments, bake sales, etc. have raised over $1.5 million since 2009,” Davenport said. “We run strictly by volunteers, no one gets paid.”
“I want the communities to know they are saving lives with this community involvement,” she said. “Helping them get to treatment.”
In January 2024 they will be reorganizing following the resignation of Lavetta Simmons, a founder of the group.
“We had a volunteer meeting last week,” Davenport said. ” We have a ride coordinator, a meal coordinator, and a chore coordinator to better serve the counties. We are separating all the volunteer’s responsibilities. We want to serve more efficiently.”
“Delegating all this volunteer stuff, I’ll be able to do more grant writing, etc.,” Davenport said.
Following the move on December 17, the volunteers will be working on and off at the new site to organize the office space.
“We’ll need help organizing the new space,” she said.
To help this organization through talent or time, one can contact Davenport at 620.238.0902 or email [email protected] or Bryars at 913.269.3122 or email [email protected]
Upcoming Events
On Sunday, January 22, Care to Share will have an open house at the new site for the public and also provide a sign-up sheet for potential volunteers.
The first Saturday in February, they will reinstate cancer support meetings, which will be held at the McAuley Center, she said.
Starting on March 6 there will be a volunteer manning the front desk each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“If people need things in the meantime, call us,” she said.
Lavetta Simmons, who is a founding member of the organization, resigned in October and her last day is December 31, 2023.
“My priorities have always been God, family, and Care to Share,” Simmons said. “Family is overshadowing Care to Share at this point in my life, I will be taking care of two great-grandchildren.”
With Davenport and Bryares serving on the board starting in this new year are Carol Hill, treasurer; Kathy Clark, Tammy Miller, Leah Lewis, Richard Long, JoVoli Clark, Joyce Nicholson, and Jerry Witt. Simmons will be an emeritus member and Dr. Boban Matthews is an ex-officio member.
“On this newly reorganized program, we are looking for a secretary for the board that will start in January,” she said. “There are two open positions on the board, that we would like a nurse or doctor to fill.”
Ascension Via Christi will cease operations at its emergency department in Fort Scott on Wednesday, Dec. 20. This decision was made after a thorough analysis of trend data, patient census, and the current and future challenges and opportunities facing this facility.
Over the past several years, a multidisciplinary team that includes Ascension Via Christi clinical and operational leaders have been working together to understand the current operating environment at the Emergency Department in Fort Scott. This department has seen a steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census. These factors, coupled with other economic challenges, have limited the emergency department’s ability to continue operations.
“After exploring the options available, it was clear that this was the only option for us. There are other providers in the region positioned to serve the residents of Fort Scott and neighboring communities. These providers will help us ensure continuity of care for our patients as we approach closure,” says Drew Talbott, president of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.
Ascension Via Christi is committed to supporting associates, patients and community members through this transition.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and nearly 80 other sites of care and employs approximately 6,200 associates. In FY2023, Ascension Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. 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.
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA–APHIS), has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two egg layer facilities — one in McPherson County and one in Rice County. This marks five cases of HPAI in Kansas this fall; since the start of the outbreak in 2022 there have been 21 cases of HPAI in Kansas.
KDA is working closely with USDA–APHIS on a joint incident response at the affected premises in the two affected counties. According to KDA’s animal health officials, the facilities both increased their biosecurity upon the initial HPAI outbreak in 2022 and have been continuously monitoring their flock. Upon noticing clinical signs of HPAI in their birds, they immediately contacted KDA. The affected premises were placed under quarantine and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner to prevent the spread of the disease.
In addition, KDA will be establishing a 20-km surveillance zone around the infected premises, and other farms or properties with poultry that fall within that zone will not be allowed to move birds or poultry products on or off their property without permission from KDA. The animal health team is working to locate all poultry owners in the area to ensure they know the symptoms of HPAI and are taking critical steps to protect their birds. If you own poultry and live in McPherson or Rice counties, please contact KDA at 833-765-2006 or [email protected]. You can also self-report your birds at https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html.
This outbreak of HPAI is primarily spread by migrating wild waterfowl, so a critical part of protecting your flock is to establish separation between your domestic birds and wild birds as they migrate through your region. Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Poultry owners should attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.
If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern or a food safety concern. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.
For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states and more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Adjustment Act that would allow previously closed rural hospitals to potentially re-open and apply for the Rural Emergency Hospital designation if they can demonstrate they met all eligibility requirements between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 27, 2020.
The REH designation was created as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to enable certain hospitals to convert to the new Medicare provider designation, which helps rural hospitals to continue operating with limited services rather than closing. Currently, hospitals are only eligible for the designation if they met the requirements when the legislation was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020.
“Access to outpatient and emergency services often determines if a rural community can survive,” said Sen. Moran. “More than 100 rural hospitals have closed since 2015, and this legislation will allow these hospitals an opportunity to re-open and serve their communities.”
The Rural Emergency Hospital Adjustment Act would extend the eligibility date back to Jan. 1, 2015, for hospitals that were either critical access hospitals or rural hospitals with no more than 50 beds.
