|
OUR MISSION:
To Enrich the Health and Lives
of the People We Serve
| |
|
I’m Retiring
After more than 400 board meetings, 250 medical staff meetings and a lifetime of “other” meetings I have decided to call it a career! There comes a time when one realizes that it’s time to step aside and let a new generation of leadership move forward. I have informed the Board of Directors of my intent to retire this summer – July 12, 2024. I have committed to assisting the Board in any manner they see fit through this search and transition. If a successor is found prior to July 12, I am willing to gracefully step aside and leave my position early.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your support over, what will be nine years, at CHCS. This is an amazing organization whose best years are still ahead of it. We are blessed with a truly incredible medical staff supported by a strong and dedicated Board of Directors while our associates are committed to providing the very highest level of care – every day - to our patients and communities.
A friend of mine once said “retirement is great – because every day is Saturday!” I can truthfully say that that has a certain amount of appeal. It will be wonderful to see our grandchildren more frequently and it will be nice to be available to help my parents who are facing health issues of their own. Moreover, Nancy and I have a long list of places we want to visit!
Thank you for all you have done to welcome Nancy, DeMario and myself to CHCS and Onaga. It’s been a great experience for all of us. In the meantime, there is a lot I still want to accomplish before I leave. And yes, you may have to put up with occasional reminiscing and musings from an old man, but I’ll try to keep it short.
One last thing, this is all very surreal and strange to me. So, let’s make it fun!
Todd Willert, CEO
| | |
Scholarships Available
Healthworks, a division of the Kansas Hospital Association, is now accepting scholarship applications. Applicants must be planning to attend college to earn a Heathcare degree or seeking a healthcare license. Individual scholarships of up to $1,500 will be given in the following categories:
-
Undergraduate HealthCare: Undergraduate students in non-nursing health care fields. Examples include physical therapy assistant, clinical lab scientist, phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, occupational therapy assistant and medical imaging.
-
Undergraduate Nursing: Undergraduate students who have been accepted into a licensed or degreed nursing program. Examples include licensed practical nurse, registered nurse and bachelor of science in nursing.
-
Advanced Clinical Practice: Graduate-level students in any clinical health care discipline. Sample degrees include Doctor of Nursing practice, Master of Social Work, family nurse practitioner, Doctor of Pharmacy and doctorate in physical therapy.
-
Faculty: Graduate-level students in the final courses necessary to become health care faculty.
-
Health Care Administration: Students in a health care administration, whether under- or graduate level, such as organizational leadership, health care administration, leadership, Master of Science Management and health care management – sponsored by the Kansas Association of Health Care Executives.
-
Human Resources: Students in health care human-resource-related field, whether under- or graduate level. Sample degrees include human resources or another degree with a concentration in human resources – sponsored by the Kansas Hospital Human Resources Association.
Click HERE to find the application and guidance.
Priority will be given to hospital employees, particularly those who work in facilities licensed for 25 or fewer acute beds.
The submission deadline is February 28. Applications may be started and saved for completion at a later date. In addition, letters of recommendation may be added by either the applicant or their employer. All documents must be uploaded as a PDF.
The Kansas Association of Health Care Executives and the Kansas Healthcare Human Resources Association partners with Healthworks to administer these scholarship programs.
| |
|
CHCS Staff Serves on Committees
CHCS encourages our associates to serve on professional associations either statewide or on the local level. Participation helps build relationships with one's peers; provides opportunities to learn from others; helps develop leadership skills; and is a way to “pay it forward” through sharing one's time and talents.
Congratulations to Karen Elliott for her commitment in serving as the President of the Heart of America Association for Professionals in Infection Control group (APIC). Karen also acts as the lead on the organization’s Legislative Committee.
We appreciate Karen’s efforts!
| |
 | |
Women and Heart Disease
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 it vital for all women to understand their personal risk factors and family history. Women can also experience unique life events that can impact their risk, including pregnancy and menopause. Furthermore, research shows that stress may impact health, making it important for women to understand the mind-body connection and how to focus on improving both their physical health and mental well-being.
Other facts you may not know about women and cardiovascular disease include:
-
Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined and yet only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.
- Among females 20 years and older, nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and less than 50% of women entering pregnancy in the United States have good heart health.
-
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and accounts for over one-third of maternal deaths. Black women have some of the highest maternal mortality rates.
-
Going through menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, but the approach of menopause marks a point in midlife when women's cardiovascular risk factors can accelerate, making increased focus on health during this pivotal life stage is crucial.
- Most cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, eating smart and managing blood pressure.
-
51.9% of high blood pressure deaths, otherwise known as hypertension or the “silent killer,” are in women, and out of all women, 57.6% of Black females have hypertension — more than any other race or ethnicity.
- While there are an estimated 4.1 million female stroke survivors living today, approximately 57.5% of total stroke deaths are in women.
Know your risks for cardiovascular disease and commit to a healthier lifestyle.
| | | |
Fun at St. Marys Manor
The activity department at St. Marys Manor has been doing regular spirit days in the last couple of months and today, (1/31/24) was "Twin Day."
Residents and staff have gotten together and have had fun!
Pictured below is, Cheryl Herrman, restorative aide/activities, Linda Gregory, resident of SMM and Rebecca Myerkorth, Transportation, Activities, and restorative aide.
| | |
|
Sara Dirks-Onaga/Speech Therapy: 2/2
Martina Riccomini -St. Marys Manor: 2/3
JoAnne Myers-Onaga/Human Resources: 2/5
Kandi Gosvener -Eastridge: 2/5
Marcy Evans -Onaga/Emergency:2/6
Mona Lisa Meade-Eastridge: 2/6
Heather Sergent-St. Marys Manor: 2/6
Katherine Kufahl -Onaga/Labor & Delivery: 2/7
Caroline Cain -Onaga/Acute Nursing: 2/8
Claire Blumer-Centralia/Provider Clinic:2/8
Samantha Budreau- St. Marys Manor: 2/8
| |
New Employees
Madison Emmons - PT - Onaga
Taylor Prockish - MLT - SM Clinic
Christian Phillips - EVS - FT - Onaga
| | |
|
Registration is now open for the Run for Your Life 5K promoting mental health and suicide awareness.
This FREE 5K race is sponsored by the BWELL grant at Washburn University School of Nursing, for which Michelle Riesinger serves as the Primary Investigator.
This will be a chip timed event coordinated by Manhattan Running Company and timed by Red Dirt Race Management for competitive runners.
There is also a fun walk for those who want to come and enjoy the spring weather.
When: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Where: Lake Shawnee - Shelter Houses 1&2.
Only 300 can particiapte!
Please share the link with family, friends, or anyone who would enjoy the activity. It is fine to forward the information on social media. There will be mental health vendors on-site with regional resources and freebies such as gun locks, med boxes, medication disposal kits, and fingers crossed free Naloxone kits (pending). Brenda Quigley will be one of our vendors from the local area.
Register at the link below!
https://register.chronotrack.com/r/76754
| | |
|
The Spirit Squad has planned a few events for February! We hope you will join in on the fun!
| |
Coffee Time
Next Week's Special:
Mocha Latte:
Espresso, Milk & Chocolate
16oz - $4, hot or cold
Coffee Shop Menu
| | |
|
Call the Gift Shop today at ext. 5059 to purchase one of our new dip and cheeseball mixes. Choose from:
- Greek Goddess
- Chocolate Pistachio
- Strawberry Amaretto
- Refried Bean
- Chipotle
- Bakun Chive
As always, we can courier items to you!
| |
|
You only have a few more days left to order your
Valentine's Day Cookie Bouquet!
Call the Gift Shop at ext. 5059 to order!
| |
|
All orders must be received by
Friday, February 9th at 3pm!
| | |
|
|
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
| |
|
Did you miss your Connection?
Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.
| |
Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to news@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome! | | | | |
