Category Archives: Health Care
Study will guide long-term success for Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital
Feasibility Study Initiated
Joplin, MO. – Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Fry has initiated a comprehensive feasibility study to help strategically guide both development and long-term success of the proposed Southeast Kansas Hospital on the 55-acre Frontenac site.
The study will delve into all critical aspects of the $168 million hospital, including market dynamics of the region, consumer demand, construction cost validation, and operational sustainability.
According to Fry – who has been assessing and strategically coordinating efforts since joining Freeman two months ago – conducting this study “will best determine how to move forward in service to Southeast Kansas residents.”
A feasibility study is a standard and detailed analysis conducted prior to significant construction investment, examining all critical facets of a proposed building project.
The construction project is currently in the initial phase which includes site development, utilities, and roadways. Engineers are completing the Phase 1 environmental assessment of the site in Frontenac and are now in the process of geotechnical investigations of the subterranean condition.
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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 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. In 2024, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, 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.
Nevada Regional Medical Center Hosts Free Skin Cancer Screening
Nevada Regional Medical Center is hosting a free skin cancer screening on Tuesday, May 27th, from 8 am until noon. Participants must call to register for a time slot at 417-448-3801.
Each May, awareness is brought forward regarding the warning signs of skin cancer. It is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting 1 in 5 Americans in their lifetime. Approximately 9,500 new diagnosis are made each day. However, it is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early.
Some of the most common risk factors are:
– Skin that burns easily
– Blonde or red hair
– History of excessive sun exposure
– Tanning bed use
– Immune suppressing diseases or treatments
– History of skin cancer
Take precautions in protecting your skin by wearing protective clothing, seek shade when outside, wear sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher and avoid tanning bed usage. If you have moles or other skin spots, keep note of the following: changes in size, shape, and color of moles or other skin lesions; new moles or growths on the skin; and sores that don’t heal, itch, or bleed. Signs of melanoma can include changes in asymmetry, border, color, or size. If you notice changes, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.
$33 Million is Terminated for Health Care and Mental Health Service Grants
Trump Administration Cuts Critical State
Health Funds, Eliminating Access to Vital Services During Disease Outbreaks
~Grant Terminations Harm Mental Health Programs
and Response to Disease Outbreaks~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that the Trump administration’s abrupt unilateral termination of more than $33 million in health care and mental health service grants has forced the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to abolish 56 positions in vital health posts, leaving communities without access to critical services. This marks the first large-scale state employment dismissal initiated by the Trump administration’s cuts to congressionally authorized funds.
On Tuesday, March 25, the Trump administration notified KDHE and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) that six of the grants they administer were immediately terminated as of the previous day, Monday, March 24.
The mission of the grants and employees paid through that funding was to strengthen the state’s epidemiology and laboratory work, monitor and respond to disease outbreak, administer critical programs that provide vaccines for children, and address health disparities for underserved communities and rural Kansans. These actions also eliminated $7.4 million in funding that goes directly to local non-profits in Kansas.
After receiving notification that the grants were terminated, Governor Kelly called upon Attorney General Kobach to bring a case on behalf of Kansas to fight back against federal cuts to vital state health services. The attorney general declined.
“The Trump administration’s abrupt and unilateral funding cuts will have severe and immediate consequences for the health, safety, and quality of life of Kansans across the state, especially in rural areas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These cuts come when Kansas is in the midst of fighting two outbreaks — tuberculosis and measles — and has no additional resources to continue this work.”
The governor is committed to pushing back against the Trump administration’s harmful actions that impact Kansans and has directed the Department of Administration to take proactive steps to provide resources to those affected by the separations, including rapid response, outplacement services, and mental health assistance. The Kelly administration will continue to monitor federal actions taken and inform employees, partners, and stakeholders of any relevant developments in a timely manner.
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Celebrating 50 years of Caring with Cindi Lipe
Cindi Lipe has given 50 years of her wonderful caring and dedication to the residents in Fort Scott since 1976, here in this building, when it was originally a nursing home.
What better time to celebrate her than during Nurses Week!
Please stop by Guest Home Estates on Friday, May 9th, 1 pm-4 pm to say hello to Cindi!
Guest Home Estates is located at 737 Heylman, Fort Scott.
Safe Sleep Baby Shower is June 3 by Local Health Department
Nevada Clinic and Hospital Open Following Storm Damage
NowCare clinic is open & available to see patients today. in Nevada, MO.
The hospital is open with limited services due to power outages. The Emergency Room is staffed with additional help to assist with triage of patients needing care.
Jennifer Eaton
Executive Assistant to CEO
Community Relations/Marketing
Foundation Director
Office: (417) 448-3710
Fax: (417) 448-3848
800 South Ash
Nevada, MO 64772
Nevada Regional Medical Center
Kansas Has 23 Cases of Measles
Kansas has 23 cases of Measles according to KDHE, according to information from Becky Johnson, BSN-RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2314/
“You can get to the above link as well by way of the link below from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/
Below is the link to the MMWR article from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices regarding MMR vaccination:
https://www.immunize.org/wp-
To clarify:
During a measles outbreak, infants aged 6–11 months should receive a single dose of MMR. This would be followed by the 2 dose series at the recommended periods (12-15 months and 4-6 years).
**This would be for residents of counties with outbreaks**
The ACIP generally considers those individuals born before 1957 to have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella, thus does not recommend vaccination with the MMR vaccine for this group.”
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Ten Cases of Measles In Kansas Are Reported
Per the Kansas Dept. Of Health & Environment: “As of March 21, 2025, Kansas is reporting 10 measles cases in Grant, Morton, and Stevens counties, with no hospitalizations or deaths reported. The CDC is also reporting increases in measles with 378 cases nationwide across 15 jurisdictions. Due to measles’ highly contagious nature, additional cases are expected, especially among unvaccinated individuals in Kansas and nearby areas. The KDHE advises healthcare providers to promptly report suspected cases and to submit specimens to the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory for testing. KDHE is providing new vaccine recommendations for those in outbreak-affected areas.”
If you live in or near the counties listed and have questions about your measles immunity, please contact your local health department.
There are no known cases of measles in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon or Woodson Counties at this time.
Submitted from Becky Johnson, Administrator/Southeast Kansas Local Health Officer
NRMC obtains Hospital Accreditation
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Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality seal
NRMC obtains Hospital Accreditation
Hospitals that participate in the Medicare program must be in compliance with the Conditions of Participation by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). NRMC was recently surveyed by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) and has successfully met the requirements for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating compliance with CIHQ Standards. They have been NRMC’s deeming authority for 12 years.
NRMC was subjected to a rigorous unannounced onsite assessment February 4-6, 2025. The CIHQ team toured the hospital, reviewed medical records, observed care practices, and interviewed staff and patients. The hospital is surveyed every three years & NRMC team members spent months preparing for their arrival.
“CIHQ’ goal is to partner with hospitals to improve the care provided in our communities,” states Richard Curtis, Chief Executive Officer of CIHQ. “CIHQ is proud to recognize Nevada Regional Medical Center for achieving accreditation.” When asked what this means for patients at Nevada Regional Medical Center, Chief Operating Officer Holly Bush noted “the goal of the survey process for hospitals is to continue to improve the care provided in our community. This recognition reflects NRMC’s commitment to safety and quality patient care.”
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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
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.
Freeman Health System Breaks Ground for New Frontenac Hospital
Freeman Health System Breaks Ground for New Southeast Kansas Hospital
Frontenac, KAN. – With ceremonial shovel scoops of dirt, what was once a wind-swept Southeast Kansas soybean field will quickly transform into Freeman Health System’s newest full-service hospital.
Wearing her iconic pink hard hat while gripping a gold-colored shovel, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker led selected dignitaries – including Frontenac Mayor Steve Morrison and Frontenac City Manager John Zafuta – through the much-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for the 50-bed, 170,000-square-foot Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital.
“Today we mark a historical first for Freeman Health System and the entire region,” Baker said. “We’re honored and grateful for this opportunity to improve healthcare in Southeast Kansas and beyond.”
The $168 million hospital, located on Highway 69, is set to serve a significant healthcare need.
“The region,” Baker said, “deserves the best, and that’s why we’re building here.”
Freeman Health System hired HMN Architects of Overland Park, Kansas, to design the hospital.
The construction project will be completed in three phases, over a 24- to 34-month time period, Baker said during her speech. Phases include:
- Site development, utilities, and roadways;
- Construction of a two-story Ambulatory Surgery Center, with the top floor dedicated to medical and physician offices; and
- Construction of Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital itself.
The new Freeman hospital will provide much-needed emergency care; cardiac care, including a catheterization laboratory; an ICU; maternity care; pediatrics; outpatient and inpatient surgery – including robotic procedures; medical and radiation oncology; pulmonary care; radiology; and other key services.
Freeman engineers, Baker said, are working with City of Frontenac engineers to design and upgrade sewer and water infrastructure to serve the hospital and the future of the community.
“Frontenac officials began planning for water and sewer upgrades several years before we selected this site,” she said during her speech. “The timing couldn’t be better, because they are nearly ready to start construction of a new water tower, with new pumps and piping.”
Freeman Health System is also coordinating with Kansas Department of Transportation and recently conducted a comprehensive traffic study projecting the impact of increased traffic at the hospital site, Baker said.
Once completed, the new hospital is expected to create 500 to 1,000 jobs for the area. The health system, the largest employer in the region, already serves Southeast Kansas with primary and specialty care clinics, an outpatient surgery center, and a comprehensive medical oncology program. Just down the road, Freeman will open this year a 24/7 emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital in Fort Scott, Kansas.
“This is truly a dream come true for Freeman Health System, and for me personally, because I grew up in Pittsburg and will always hold the area close to my heart,” Baker said.
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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 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. In 2024, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, 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 Hospital Groundbreaking Ceremony Near Frontenac is March 7
Continued Steps Forward
Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital
What: Groundbreaking for Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital
When: 10:00 am Friday, March 7, 2025
Where: Take US Route 69 north through Pittsburg and Frontenac. Turn right off US Route 69 at East 600th Ave. – look for Freeman arrow signs for the turn (and large Chicken Annie’s restaurant sign). On East 600th Ave. heading east, the groundbreaking parking area is located to the left on 50-acre hospital site.
Background: Freeman Health System will break ground for the long-awaited Freeman Southeast Kansas Hospital Friday morning.
Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker, accompanied by a distinguished list of Frontenac, Pittsburg and Cherokee County dignitaries, will don hard hats and grab shovels to officially launch the state-of-the-art building’s construction.
The $168 million, 50-bed hospital will offer a full array of comprehensive care, including an emergency department, cardiac services and catheterization lab, an intensive care unit, maternity, pediatrics, outpatient/inpatient surgery – including robotic procedures – as well as medical and radiation oncology, among other key services. Overall, the hospital will create at least 500 to 1,000 new jobs in Pittsburg.
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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 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. In 2024, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, 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.