Labette Health

Five area healthcare organizations are forming a healthcare cooperative to improve and strengthen rural healthcare in southeast Kansas. Leadership teams from Labette Health, Wilson Medical Center, Labette Center for Mental Health Services, Four County Mental Health Center, Inc., and Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center have created a formal agreement, via a charter, to establish Southeast Kansas Health. Southeast Kansas Health is designed to help navigate the evolving healthcare landscape by bringing the region together to help develop a sustainable healthcare model – while remaining independent. “As an RN with many years of experience and a lifetime resident of southeast Kansas, I understand the importance of access and have a passion to continue providing high-quality care close to home,” said Kathi McKinney, RN, President of Southeast Kansas Health. “This is not a merger or acquisition. This is a strategic collaboration aimed to improve and sustain access to both behavioral and physical healthcare services. We’re working smarter, not harder, by bringing these resources together.” The cooperation comes at a time when nationally, hundreds of rural healthcare organizations have closed or have been bought by larger healthcare systems as well as the impending long-term impacts of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’. According to national data, Kansas has more rural hospitals at risk of closure than any other state due to a number of factors, including declining populations, higher Medicare and Medicaid populations, too many inpatient hospital beds for the population served, and duplication and dilution of services and resources. “With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and the Rural Health Transformation Program contained within the bill, there has never been a better time with a clearer direction for healthcare providers to work together in strategic coordination and collaboration”, said Doug Stacy, President and CEO of Wilson Medical Center. Southeast Kansas Health will hopefully serve as a catalyst for southeast Kansas collaboration and anticipates future members. The charter’s primary goal is to leverage the collective strengths of its members to enhance the quality of patient care, increase access to specialized services, and improve operational efficiency across the region by working in coordination and collaboration. To achieve this, Southeast Kansas Health will focus on several key areas: • Resource sharing: Establish joint teams to share best practices in clinical care, patient safety, and administrative processes. • Patient access: Coordinate services - ensuring patients have access to a broader network of specialists and resources. • Financial and operational efficiency: Work together on supply chain management, technology adoption, and administrative functions to reduce costs without compromising a high standard of care.

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🌟 Honoring Legacies, Celebrating Service 🌟 At Labette Health’s Annual Retiree Brunch, we had the privilege of celebrating the careers and legacies of four remarkable individuals whose service has left a lasting mark on our community. We recognized Dr. Stephen Miller and Dr. Terry Rothstein for their decades of dedicated service, leadership, and compassionate care. Their legacies continue to inspire all of us. We also honored Susan Souders, RN, a true healthcare hero whose career spanned critical care, oncology, and even a return during the pandemic to serve once more. Her legacy lives on through her daughter and granddaughter, who have followed in her footsteps. Lastly, we proudly presented the Becky Hunn Legacy Award to Rosemary Steeves, RN, whose 45 years of service touched countless lives. From the medical floor to the operating room, Rosemary’s presence was a source of comfort and strength to patients and staff alike. To each of these individuals: thank you for your unwavering dedication. Your impact is immeasurable and deeply appreciated. 💙 #LabetteHealth #HealthcareHeroes #LegacyOfCare #RetireeBrunch #ThankYou

We're going live on February 23 with our new, single Electronic Health Record. This transition brings significant advantages to Labette Health, our clinics and the communities we serve. Visit our website at www.labettehealth.com for more information!

The 340B Program creates healthier Kansas communities. Hear from our team at Labette Health how the 340B Program supports better health for those in our community. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gc-ZaBTd