Language Matters - A Better Way to Talk About Mental Health
April 25, 2024
Did you know that the language we use to talk about mental health may contribute to the stigma, prejudice and discrimination of individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition? We are all unique individuals and want to be treated as such. There is much more to each person than their mental health condition and, many times, in our field of work, we see patients at their worst. Person-first language refers to speaking and writing in a way that acknowledges the...
Community HealthCare System Awarded Sunflower Foundation Grant
April 4, 2024
Community HealthCare System (CHCS) was recently awarded a $75,000 grant from the Sunflower Foundation to support implementation of an integrated care delivery model to increase access to behavioral health services. CHCS will receive the funds over the next nine months as grant milestones are met.
“We are grateful to receive these funds from the Sunflower Foundation,” said Todd Willert, CHCS Chief Executive Officer. “These funds will help support our continued...
Celebrating National Pulmonary Rehab Week
March 11, 2024
Even though diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been diagnosed for many years, pulmonary rehab has only been around since the late 1990’s. Those suffering from COPD used to be told to avoid physical activity. But, in 1952 Columbia University staff member Alvan Barach first noted the importance of continued exercise for those with COPD. Later Thomas Petty would develop the first pulmonary rehabilitation outpatient program. Now today, it is widely...
Onaga Community Hospital receives redesignation as a Level IV Trauma Center
February 20, 2024
Onaga Community Hospital has been recertified as a Level IV Trauma Center by The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Designated trauma centers are evaluated every three years to assure they meet all essential criteria and certify trauma care capability and institutional performance as determined by the American College of Surgeons and endorsed by the Kansas Advisory Council.
“This achievement is hard-earned as the requirements are rigorous to verify...
Community HealthCare System Welcomes Daniel Samani, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon
February 12, 2024
Community HealthCare System (CHCS) has announced that Daniel Samani, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint care, is joining the CHCS orthopedic team. With nearly 30 years of experience in joint replacement and reconstruction, Dr. Samani brings expertise that enables CHCS to offer a comprehensive Total Joint Program to patients in northeast Kansas, a first for the growing hospital.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Samani join our team. Meeting our communities’...
Willert to Retire from CHCS
February 9, 2024
Justin Boswell, Community Healthcare System of NE Kansas (CHCS) Board Chairman, has announced the upcoming retirement of Todd Willert, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for CHCS. Boswell stated Willert’s last scheduled day is July 12, 2024.
Willert joined CHCS in March 2015 while the new hospital was already under construction. During his tenure, CHCS has brought on a general surgeon and additional family medicine providers, while expanding surgical and orthopedic services. ...
Women and Heart Disease
February 2, 2024
Categories: General
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That's one-third of our mothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, coworkers and more.
Cardiovascular disease impacts some women at higher rates than others, but the simple truth is that most cardiovascular diseases can still be prevented with education and healthy lifestyle changes.
Heart disease and stroke can affect a woman at any age, making...
CHCS Awarded Grant
December 27, 2023
Community HealthCare System Awarded Patterson Family Foundation Grant
Community HealthCare System (CHCS) recently received a $50,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to help purchase replacement invasive monitoring equipment used in their Surgery, Anesthesia, Obstetrical, and ER/Medical-Surgical departments.
“We are so appreciative of the Patterson Family Foundation for these grant funds,” said Todd Willert, CHCS Chief Executive Officer. ...
Community HealthCare System Announces Apprenticeship Program
November 13, 2023
Community HealthCare System (CHCS) announced today the launch of their Health Care Apprenticeship Program which will provide careers in healthcare, offering paid, on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and certification opportunities. According to the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship, CHCS is the first hospital in Kansas to officially embark on a healthcare apprenticeship program.
Kansas hospitals continue to see historically high vacancy and turnover rates, with nearly 1 in...
Department Spotlight - MDS Coordinator/Infection Preventionist at St. Marys Manor
October 26, 2023
Categories: Department Spotlight, General
Chelsea Dillon is the MDS Coordinator/Infection Preventionist at St. Marys Manor. Her position is part of the Administrative Nursing Team.
The MDS Coordinator is essentially responsible for the St. Marys Manor facility being paid or reimbursed for taking care of residents. Chelsea completes assessments on each resident upon admission, quarterly, annually and anytime there is a significant change. The patient data is then transmitted to CMS. This information helps compute...