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Regional Health Challenges Highlighted in New CHC/SEK Study
PITTSBURG, Kan.—The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has released the results of its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment—a detailed look at the biggest health challenges facing people in Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. The organization conducts this study every three years to determine what matters most when it comes to healthcare and how best to help.
To create the assessment, CHC/SEK staff talked directly with patients through surveys, interviews, and group discussions. Additionally, staff consulted a wide variety of public health data as well as needs assessments from other local health organizations. The organization’s board of directors, many of whom are patients themselves, helped guide the work.
“At CHC/SEK, listening is at the heart of what we do. Our neighbors know what they need when it comes to healthcare, and as a local organization, we’re committed to hearing them as we plan ahead,” said Jason Wesco, CHC/SEK President and Chief Strategy Officer.
Why Where You Live Matters for Your Health
CHC/SEK staff looked at how living conditions affect people’s ability to get care and stay healthy. Studies show that up to 70% of a person’s health is shaped by their environment outside the doctor’s office—where they are born, where they live, and where they work. Especially in rural areas, these everyday conditions create major obstacles to good health and contribute to higher disease rates.
What’s Getting in the Way
CHC/SEK identified several barriers to better health in the region:
Top Health Problems
The region sees higher-than-average rates of chronic disease, mental health issues, and preventable deaths. The most common health problems include heart disease, cancer, obesity and lack of physical activity, diabetes, mental health conditions, substance use, lung disease, pregnancy and infant health challenges, injuries and accidental deaths, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
What Comes Next
Based on what was learned, CHC/SEK has developed a strategic plan that includes specific programs, more efficient use of resources, and partnerships with other organizations—all aimed at tackling health challenges while making care easier to access and focusing on prevention.
“Our region faces serious challenges: a shrinking population, widespread poverty, fewer healthcare resources, and rising costs. Healthcare providers can’t just keep doing things the old way—we need new approaches to long-standing problems,” said Wesco. “Working together isn’t optional; it’s essential if we want healthier communities. We hope this report sparks conversations and leads to action as we build a healthier future for everyone.”
The full CHC/SEK Community Health Needs Assessment is available at chcsek.org/2026/02/2026-chna.
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.
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On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2026 Early Childhood Spring Fling. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 23rd from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. All children ages birth-six years old and their families are invited to attend.
For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families. We will provide space and a table for your activity. During the event, you will also have an opportunity to visit with families and distribute flyers, handouts, giveaways, etc. Our goal is for children and families to interact, be active, and learn about the resources available in our community. If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families. We also welcome you to set up an activity and table for your program.
If you plan to attend our event, please complete the short form below by Friday, April 17th so we can have a table reserved for your organization. If you have questions, please let me know.
Nick Johnson, FSPC Principal
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Nancy Ann Stewart, 79, of Fort Scott, went to be with the Lord on February 22, 2026.
Nancy was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts to Lillian and Bjame Haugland, and grew up and went to school in San Diego, California.
She married Chuck Stewart, December 3, 1964, while he was in the Navy in San Diego. Before their marriage she wrote to his parents conveying that she was “taking good care of their son and not to worry”.
Upon discharge from the Navy, they moved to Kansas.
Nancy was a graduate of Madison High School in San Diego and attended Fort Scott Community College while tutoring her husband in College Algebra.
They are the proud parents of three sons: Charles Jr., Michael, and Len, five grandchildren: Tracy, Katie, Bobby, Mary, and Johnny, and 2 great grandchildren: Henry and Simon.
She was a stay- at-home mom making sure her children had the very best in care in their younger years. Since she loved to work with children, she bought a preschool in Eldorado, KS having 62 young students. Later, she accepted a position as Children’s Director at First Baptist Church in Fort Scott.
Nancy was a very intelligent person and gifted in crafts and interior decorating. She loved her old Victorian House and held open house about every year displaying many of her homemade crafts and sewings.
She was a very loving person and loved to be around people. She loved the lord and expressed that through holding a weekly bible study in her home.
Nancy was preceded in death by their son, Len, who was in an automobile accident at the age of 20.
She will be cremated and family will privately gather in El Dorado, Ks to place her ashes at Len’s gravesite.
She will be SO MISSED by her husband who lovingly took care of her for the last 12 years of her life while she was suffering from Frontal Temporal Dementia.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
There will be no funeral.
MARILYN MATTHEWS GILMORE
Marilyn M. Gilmore, 74, formerly of Garnett, Kansas, passed away at her home in Fort Scott, Kansas on February 20, 2026. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 26, 1951, the daughter of Arthur Ray and Alice Maissa Matthews. She married Arthur Earl Gilmore on May 27, 1989, in Sacramento, California, he preceded her in death in 2018.
Marilyn was a nurse for many years and served in the United States Air Force for 3 years.
She is survived by three daughters, Tanya Lowe of Fort Scott, Kansas, Pamela McSwane of Gardner, Kansas, and Robin Gilmore of Chico California, a son, David Gilmore of Ash Flat, Arkansas, a brother, Robert Matthews of Fort Scott, Kansas, 13 grandchildren, Kaycee, Cooper, Matthew Mullin Jr., Mitch McSwane, Mike McSwane, Marcus McSwane, Bryan Gilmore, Aaron Gilmore, Jocelyn Wells, Shawn DuChene, Erin DuChene, Kelly DuChene, Ronnie Camilari, and Jamie DuChene, great granddaughters, Rakelle and Kaiden Brown, as well as many other great and great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.
Services and burial will be in California at a later date.
