Leah Jones Honored as DAISY Award Recipient
April 26, 2024
Categories: News
Leah Jones RN, acute nursing in Onaga, has been awarded the spring 2024 DAISY Award by Community HealthCare System (CHCS). The DAISY award is presented for exemplary nursing.
Jones was nominated by Jessica Ireland who shared her story of Leah’s respect, kindness and unconditional care shown to her husband during the family’s difficult time.
As Ireland stated, “She did not make my husband feel worthless like so many do. She understood our frustrations, concerns,...
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...
CHCS to hold Health Fair April 27 in Holton, St. Marys
March 19, 2024
Categories: Community health news, News
Regular health screenings are important no matter your age or health status. Community HealthCare System will make it easier to obtain those screenings on April 27 with a Health Fair in both St. Marys and Holton.
The Health Fair at both locations will offer low-cost labs from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Individuals can receive a complete blood count, chemistry panel, thyroid screen, cholesterol panel, and hemoglobin A1c for diabetes screening for $30. A prostate specific antigen, or PSA, test...
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...
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
March 6, 2024
Categories: News
Who does colorectal cancer affect?
One in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with colorectal (colon or rectal) cancer in their lifetime. This disease affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people 50 years or older.
Incidence in those younger than 50, or young-onset colorectal cancer, is on the rise. Among those under age 55, the incidence rate is increasing by 1.5% every year. According to the latest data,...
Community HealthCare System Expands Orthopedic Care With Launch of Total Joint Program
March 4, 2024
Categories: Community health news, News
To meet the growing demand for specialized joint care in northeast Kansas, Community HealthCare System (CHCS) has expanded its orthopedic services to include a comprehensive Total Joint Program. This expansion, made possible in part by the recent addition of orthopedic surgeon Daniel Samani, MD , brings a more advanced level of joint care to the region, marking a significant milestone for the hospital and its surrounding communities.
"We...
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. ...