Progress Health 2019

GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019 •

Special to the Great Bend Tribune Sunday, February 3, 2019

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Looking to the future

DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus plans on continuing the tradition of quality healthcare.

University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus moving forward

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

In January, the University of Kansas Health System named Jesse Mock as the new administrator for The University of

Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus.

This was the latest in whirlwind year that saw many changes at the health care facility, formerly known as Great Bend Regional Hospital. But,

Mock said UKHS is not resting on these accomplishments as it eyes the future.

“As part of The University of Kansas Health System, we want to continue building on the strong foundation the team

at our Great Bend Campus has created,” Mock said. “We will provide the highest quality care, offering patients around the area the right care, at the right time and in the right place.

We also will explore new ways

to do this, through technology, connectivity and collaboration with partners throughout the state and within the health system.”

See CAMPUS, 6

Make an appointment at one of our locations Family Medicine 1309 Polk St. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-5341

Committed to caring for these communities.

Expert physicians and healthcare professionals at The University of Kansas Health System locations in Great Bend, Hays and Pawnee County provide primary and specialty services to meet the needs of you and your family. And, as part of the region’s premier academic health system, we offer access to more specialists and resources to ensure the continued good health of the communities we serve.

Learn more at kansashealthsystem.com/community.

Great Bend Campus 514 Cleveland St. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-8833 Medical Pavilion 620-792-2151 HaysMed 2220 Canterbury Drive Hays, KS 67601 855-429-7633 Pawnee Valley Campus 923 Carroll Ave. Larned, KS 67550 620-285-3161 St. Rose Medical Pavilion 3515 Broadway Ave. Great Bend, KS 67530 620-792-2511

GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019 •

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‘Scentral Bark’ to be started in spring HUGO GONZALEZ Great Bend Tribune

Pictured is the proposed location for the Hoisington dog park, “Scentral Bark,� inside the north loop of Bicentennial Park walking trail.

Hoisington’s Bicentennial Park chosen for new dog park

BY VERONICA COONS vcoons@gbtribune.com

COURTESY PHOTO

The proposed Hoisington dog park, “Scentral Bark,� will be located inside the north loop of Bicentennial Park walking trail. In addition to a fenced in area, supporters of the park hope to install amenities like obstacles and benches. A donor wall is also planned.

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an additional stretch of 200 feet of fencing to divide the park in half to accommodate both small and large dogs.

Mitchell noted there are at least 500 registered dogs in Hoisington, so

he foresees it would be a welcome addition to the community.

City council members chose Bicentennial Park after careful consideration primarily because its location is already

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possibility of building and maintaining a dog park next to her facility south of the city. When it became clear that upkeep and maintenance would be cost prohibitive, the city began grabbed the ball and ran with it. Two designs were proposed in July 2018, one to be built at Bicentennial Park, the other at Heritage Park.

City Manger Jonathan Mitchell visited the Great Bend Dog Park located in Veterans Memorial Park, and described the size and amenities the park offered. He also contacted Eldridge Fencing of Great Bend for recommendations on height and type of fencing, and presented an estimate cost of $15,000 to encircle a park measuring 120 feet by 200 feet, with

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swim and socialization.

The weather was unseasonably chilly, but the turnout was promising nonetheless, Kipper said.

Another fundraising effort is coming in February. Local photographer Kelci Hall with Lily Pad Photography, is donating her services on Sunday, Feb. 10 from 2-5 p.m. at the Hoisington Fire Station at 114 E. Broadway.

For a suggested donation of $10, Hall will provide mini pet photography sessions, complete with five digital proofs.

During the first whole week of March, some Hoisington restaurants have agreed to donate a percentage of their proceeds towards Scentral Bark. More details will follow closer to March, Kipper said.

The City of Hoisington is now accepting donations for enhancements to the park such as benches and obstacles for dogs in both small and large dog areas. Donors will be recognized on a donor wall located in the dog park in the future.

For more information, contact Kipper at codeenforcement@hoisingtonks.org .

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HOISINGTON — In 2018, the Hoisington City Council approved a proposal to add a dog park to the recreational offerings at Bicentennial Park.

With Spring of 2019 in their sights, supporters have begun work raising $65,000 to build Hoisington’s first dog park, “Scentral Bark.� Spearheading efforts is Delores Kipper, Hoisington’s code enforcement officer. “As a dog owner I can tell you that when my dog gazes at me, it puts a big smile on my face and makes my heart flutter,�

Kipper stated in an email to the Tribune. “When I am able to take him for a walk and get the leash out, he can barely contain himself, he jumps and pounces with excitement.�

Kipper continued, pointing out the exercise that both she and her dog share together. In Hoisington’s quest to provide more healthy and active opportunities for its residents, this was the primary driver for the council’s approval. The benefits received go beyond mere physical activity, Kipper said. Outdoor recreation benefits the mental well being of both the dog and its owner. “I’m hoping that Scentral Bark will create many happy memories and physical fitness for dogs and their owners alike,� she said.

The proposal was first introduced in 2015 by one patron that the city should have a dog park similar to the one at Great Bend’s Veterans Park. For the next couple years, local veterinarian Mitchell explored the

heavily utilized, and its proximity to Hwy 4 and the Rodeway Inn would be beneficial to travelers. It’s distance from neighborhood traffic and its proximity to parking were also pluses. Supporters went to work raising funds.

According to Kipper, the park will be located in the North loop of the walking trail and will be split into two sections: small dogs (35 pounds or less) and large dogs (greater than 35 pounds).

A double-gated entry will help assure the safety of your pets.

The park will be funded in part by grants received by Pathways Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Wheatland Electric, the City of Hoisington and other donors. Already, most of the money has been secured to build Scentral Bark to the specifications envisioned. Another $24,036 is needed.

In September, 2018, the city hosted its first “Pooch Plunge� marking the end of the 2018 swimming season. For a $5 donation per dog, owners could bring their pets to the pool for a

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019

DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

Pictured is Jan Morton from Essential Elements explaining the contents and purposes of the CBD products.

CBD Oil an alternative medicine for numerous ailments Two local entrepreneurs seek to provide education and quality products

BY VERONICA COONS vcoons@gbtribune.com

In recent years, interest in CBD oil derived from hemp has garnered a lot of interest nationwide, as it promises to deliver the medicinal effects of marijuana without the drawbacks associated with using a controlled substance still considered illegal by the federal government despite its state-by-state legalization. CBD comes from plants in the Cannabis family. Hemp is a member of that family, but unlike most of its family members, it contains so little of the hallucinogenic compound THC that is considered practically THCfree. According to the 2014 Farm Bill which defined the difference between marijuana and hemp, “the concentration of THC (by dry weight) defines a Cannabis plant as either marijuana (if it has more than 0.3% THC) or industrial hemp (if it is at or below 0.3% THC). This is the only distinction between marijuana and industrial hemp.�

According to one University of Kentucky report, “hey are the same plant species and look and smell exactly the same while growing. A simple analogy might be to compare sweet corn and field corn. They are both Zea mays L. and look very similar, but the biochemistry is very different between the two. The same is true for marijuana and industrial hemp�

A few years ago, Essential Elements opened in Great Bend. Owners Jan and Bryon Morton began selling products containing CBD.

For many years, Jan, a Registered Nurse, suffered with chronic pain and multiple issues that included rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, back pain, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder and insomnia. Her prescriptions included a Phentynol patch, Loritab, and many more. She was miserable, because over time, her body had reset its tolerance level to the medications and she was already taking the highest dosages of pain medications her doctor felt was safe for her to take, she said. That was five years ago. She was searching for alternatives that could work for her when she heard about CBD oil and decided to learn all she could about it and give it a try. She sampled many products from several vendors, and encouraged Bryon and other family members to try them too. Then, about two years ago, the Morton’s, convinced of the benefits that CBD offered, decided to go into business selling CBD products, and began carrying two lines, Mary’s Nutritionals and Charlotte’s Web. Morton’s story is similar to that of Brittney Sorenson, a Hempworx authorized seller residing in Ellinwood. Sorenson works about half the week in Colorado at a freestanding emergency room as an ER nurse, then returns home to her family’s rural property south of Ellinwood, where she runs her business marketing hemp products, and now CBD oil.

Sorenson, too, suffered from chronic back pain, and last May underwent surgery to have disks fused. She was prescribed Oxycodone and another anti-inflammatory

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drug, but months later was still experiencing pain. She didn’t want to risk years of dependence on opioids, so she began considering alternatives. CBD oil had been recommended to her. “Even though Colorado legalized

marijuana, as an ER nurse, I’m subject to random drug testing, and I didn’t want to jeopardize my career,� she said. “CBD oil made sense.�

See CBD, 5

GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019 •

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COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured are CBD products from Essential Elements Great Bend.

CBD, from page 5 She began researching products on the market, and was impressed with Hempworx. In August, she began using Hempworx CBD oil on herself because she wanted to make sure it was a quality product, she said. Then, in October 2018, she began selling it to the public.

Both Morton and Sorenson recently were exhibitors at the Central Kansas Health and Wellness Expo, hosted

by The Great Bend Tribune in January, 2019. They agreed to share with us their knowledge and experience with CBD oil, and what they see on the horizon in this industry that Bryan Morton describes as in its infancy.

Both the Mortons and Sorenson agree, providing a quality product and educating their customers are top priorities.

With the recent passage of the 2018 Farm Bill that federally legalized hemp, Jan Morton said, she is looking forward to the possibility she may someday be able to purchase locally sourced CBD oil and hemp products. Already, she is in the process of reaching out to farmers in the area that will begin growing industrial hemp in 2019, and she’s looking forward to testing the value added products that some are considering bringing tot he market.

She’s also looking forward to being able to begin accepting electronic payment for product she hopes to sell on her website. Prior to the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill, banking laws concerning deposits from the sale of cannabis related products complicated sales. In recent weeks. Now, she anticipates her company will be able to grow in new and exciting ways.

In the coming year, Essential Elements will expand the services it provides and products it carries, Morton said. As research into CBD continues, she foresees new and more responsive products will be developed.

Already, the oil can be used as a tincture that provides internal benefits, and it can be used in creams and lotions to provide topical relief for inflammation. She is currently working with one area masseuse who is providing CBD massage.

Her ultimate goal is for Essential Elements to become a destination business drawing people in search of education and relief to Great Bend, she said.

Sorenson noted that interest in CBD has resulted in a warmer reception to her new online venture than she anticipated. According to Morton, customers have reported doctors and specialists have recommended CBD oil as an alternative treatment.

Both CBD entrepreneurs recommend those contemplating trying CBD do their research and ask questions. “When you are paying $60 or more for a product, you want to make sure you are getting something that is going to work,� Morton said. Whether face to face, or over the phone, its important to talk to someone who has experience both using and working with people who have used the products. “We can read a lot of stuff online and still not understand.�

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019

CAMPUS, from page 2 New leadership Mock leads the Great Bend Campus, St. Rose Medical Pavilion, and the primary care physician group (formerly Central Kansas Family Practice). “Jesse Mock has extensive experience in successfully leading hospital and outpatient operations. He shares our health system’s commitment to ensuring every patient receives not only high quality care, but also the very best care experience,� said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Health System. “We are excited to welcome Jesse to the leadership team at The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend.�

Mock brings more than 20 years of healthcare operational leadership experience to his new role. Previously, Mock has overseen acute care, outpatient and ambulatory care, and physician practices, as well as patient experience management. “The team at Great Bend is committed to providing quality care,� said Mock. “I’m excited to join this great team of physicians and staff, and I’m looking forward to putting down roots in the Great Bend community.�

Most recently, Mock served as vice

president and chief administrative officer for Epic Management L.P./Beaver Medical Group in Redlands, Calif. Prior to joining Epic Management, he was a vice president at Loma Linda University Health for 11 years. Earlier in his career, Mock was on the leadership team at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in suburban Kansas City.

As administrator at The University of Kansas Great Bend Campus, Mock will report to Page. Jodi Schmidt, who served as interim executive at the Great Bend Campus, will resume her role as director of regional outreach for the health system.

Looking back It was last August that the University of Kansas Health System announced it has completed the purchase of Great Bend Regional Hospital and its affiliated clinics, including Central Kansas Family Practice and Heartland Regional. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Great Bend Regional Hospital will become part of The University of Kansas Health System, which includes The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, HaysMed in Hays, St. Rose Health Center in Great Bend, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned and The

University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka (in partnership with Ardent Health Services). Great Bend Regional Hospital was renamed The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus.

HaysMed, St. Rose, Great Bend Regional and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital have historically competed for patients and market share. Now they will be part of one system, with complementary services and providers, not competing but collaborating, focusing together on the needs of the community, company officials said. “Our mission is to provide the highest quality care to Kansans. As healthcare across the country evolves, we are taking a new approach in Kansas. Our health system providers in Great Bend, Hays, Larned, Topeka and throughout the Kansas City metro area are keeping care close to home while expanding access to the most advanced treatment options only an academic medical center can provide,� said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Health System. “Together, we can ensure people in Great Bend and across the state of Kansas have access to

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the right level of care, delivered in the most effective way.�

The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus will remain a strong employer and healthcare provider for the Great Bend community as a result of this purchase, he said. Great Bend physicians, nurses and staff will be important additions to the health system, with substantially all the current workforce remaining in place, Page said. Patients will continue to receive care from their current doctors and practices. Moving forward, The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus will be led by local management, and The University of Kansas Health System will establish a local board for the hospital and clinics.

To mark the occasion, the University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus celebrated the integration of the Great Bend hospital and affiliated clinics with physicians, nurses, staff and local community partners.

On the same day, St. Rose Health Care, purchased by HaysMed in 2017, was renamed “The University of Kansas Health System St. Rose Medical Pavilion.�

To learn more, visit kansashealthsystem.com/onekansashealth.

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019 •

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Move, feel and function your best with Dr. Beugelsdijk Spending hours of your day sitting, standing on your feet, or performing lots of bending, twisting, or lifting can become a real pain in the back, said Great Bend chiropractor Dr. Sam Beugelsdijk. “When the spine gets out of its proper alignment, it loses its normal motion, causing pain and disruption of your daily home and work routines,� he said. As an experienced chiropractor, Beugelsdijk has been helping his patients relieve their pain and live healthier, more active lifestyles. “The best time to have your spinal alignment checked is before the pain begins,� Beugelsdijk said. “Over time, minor issues get ignored, and flare-ups turn into big problems.�

Beugelsdijk often hears from patients who wish they would have sought out chiropractic care sooner. “By being proactive with your health, chiropractic can help you move, feel, and function your best.�

After more than six years practicing at a successful chiropractic clinic in Manhattan, Beugelsdijk and his family recently moved to Great Bend for an opportunity in a great community. Dr. Beugelsdijk (also known as Dr. B by his patients) took over Dr. Jesse Grove’s practice, Grove Chiropractic & Sports Injury, last April.

He and his wife, Jaimee, both graduated from Buhler High School before continuing their education at Kansas State University.

Sam studied Kinesiology earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees before deciding to continue his education at chiropractic school. “I had a really positive experience with my chiropractor in high school after a day of tubing at the lake. I was really sore and out of alignment, so I went to go see my local chiropractor,� Dr. B said. “I could barely move when I came in, but I felt like a new person when I left. After my time at Kansas State University, I knew I wanted

COURTESY PHOTOS

Dr. Sam Beugelsdijk’s chiropractic office is located at 1309 Williams St., Great Bend. Pictured below is a roller table (left) and spinal decompression table (right).

two full time employees and one part time employee. His specialties include the Webster Technique, a specific pelvic analysis and adjustment for expecting mothers to help restore proper pelvic alignment during pregnancy. Dr. B will also offer a variety of services for athletes, including Kinesio Tape and soft tissue instrument-assisted mobilization known as the Graston technique. “My techniques are tailored to each individual, and I can see all ages of patients starting at infancy,� Dr. B says. “Sports chiropractic is a big part of this practice, so I will continue to offer these services.�

to help people move and feel their best so chiropractic was an obvious choice.�

He and Jaimee knew they wanted to relocate to a more rural setting like the one they were raised in, and Dr. B’s family had roots in Hudson, Kansas so they started looking at opportunities closer to the center of the state. “My grandpa Al helped run the Stafford County Flour Mill for over 70 years, and my mom grew up there. We were familiar with the area, and were excited to see a practice available in Great Bend.�

Dr. Beugelsdijk will be keeping the same experienced staff, with

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Some of the most common ailments treated with chiropractic include back and neck pain, joint or nerve pain, headaches, TMJ, tingling or numbness, dizziness, scoliosis or sciatica, as well as injuries from accidents or athletics. Dr. B has two different types of chiropractic tables where patients have the choice to be treated on either one. He offers both manual and instrument chiropractic adjustments.

The office located at 1309 Williams will be open 9 a.m. to noon and 2-5 p.m. every weekday, with late hours until 7 p.m. on Thursdays and weekend hours from 9

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a.m. to noon on Saturdays. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were most attracted to Great Bend because of the wellestablished practice with a lot of history in the community,â&#x20AC;? Dr. B says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We see our family being here for the long run, and we have received a very warm welcome from our patients and neighbors.â&#x20AC;?

The couple lives in Great Bend with their three children, Leo (age 6), Marlowe (age 4), and John (age 1) as well as their black lab, Rosie.

Beugelsdijk Chiropractic is located at 1309 Williams Street in Great Bend. For more information, visit greatbendchiropractic.com or call 620-792-3678.

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019

CBH & clinics enhance behavioral, mental health services for patients SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE

HOISINGTON — Over the past year, Clara Barton Medical Clinic has been focused on treating the whole body through the introduction of mental and behavioral health therapy. Offering mental health services in the clinic setting has made it possible for patients to be treated for both their medical and mental health needs all in one convenient location. Licensed Master Social Worker, Pam Middleton, has been with CBMC since the introduction of mental health services to the clinic, providing help to patients with anxiety, ADHD, school troubles, everyday life issues, stress, and other mental health needs. During her time at Clara Barton, Middleton has also been working toward her addiction counseling license in hopes to better serve those with substance abuse and other addictions. Clara Barton Medical Clinic is excited to announce that Middleton has officially attained her Master’s Addiction Counselor License and will now be providing therapy for those struggling with addiction.

Middleton graduated with her Bachelors in social work in 1996 from Fort Hays State University and received her Masters from Kansas University in 2016.

She has over 20 years of experience in the Social Work profession ranging from working with the Department for Children & Families (DCF) to Foster Care Case Management, Family Preservation & In-Home Family Services.

“Addiction has always been a part of my work over the years when I worked with families at DCF and did investigations,” said Middleton.

“There is a huge population that struggles with addiction and it ties in with abuse, neglect, domestic violence, trauma, and unhealthy coping skills.”

Having her Addiction Counselor License will allow Middleton to accommodate a wide variety of patients struggling with alcohol, drug, and other substance abuse and addictions. Signs of addiction can be identified by changes in social interaction, hiding/lying about drug or alcohol

Pam Middleton use, loss of control and constant thoughts of using, disregard for physical or mental harm that may come to themselves or others, and neglecting obligations like work, family, or school.

Clara Barton Medical Clinic implemented mental health services in their clinic after identifying the need for mental health resources in the community. Recent studies have shown a correlation between a variety of chronic illnesses and childhood experiences.

The research referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) demonstrates that childhood events can have lasting effects on an individual’s health, behavior and potential for success. More negative experiences mean there is an increased chance for negative health and well-being outcomes.

“The need for mental healthcare and substance abuse counseling is widespread in our community and offering integrated services at our medical clinic is crucial,” said Middleton. “There are several older patients that are struggling with chronic illnesses like depression, anxiety, diabetes, congestive heart failure, COPD and it correlates with their adverse childhood experiences of abuse and neglect. It all connects to what we’re seeing on both sides of healthcare.”

The providers at Clara Barton Medical Clinic work directly with Middleton to ensure that patients can receive quality integrated services. No physician referral is needed to make an appointment and patients do not have to be an established patient at Clara Barton Medical Clinic to receive mental

COURTESY PHOTOS

Clara Barton Medical Clinic is proud to announce that Pam Middleton, LMSW has recently received her Master’s Addiction Counselor License and will now be providing therapy for those struggling with addiction, in addition to other mental health therapy services offered at CBMC.

therapy services.

Middleton provides mental health therapy for patients at all three Clara Barton Medical Clinic locations in Hoisington, Great Bend and Russell.

Appointments are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at Clara Barton Medical Clinic in Hoisington, including latenight appointments on Mondays and Thursdays until 6:00 p.m. Middleton also sees patients Wednesday afternoons at the Russell Family Medical Care Center in Russell and Friday afternoons at Clara Barton Medical Clinic in Great Bend.

To schedule an appointment or for more information about how these services could benefit you, please call the Clara Barton Medical Clinic at 620-653-2386.

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019 •

A community cornerstone

DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

Central Care Cancer Center has served as an integral part of Great Bend’s only comprehensive cancer treatment center since the clinic’s inception nearly 16 years ago.

Central Care Cancer Center continues to advance care in 2019 SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE

Central Care Cancer Center has served as an integral part of Great Bend’s only comprehensive cancer treatment center since the clinic’s inception nearly 16 years ago. The cancer center began as a collective vision and a partnership by Central Care Cancer Center, Catholic Health Initiatives, and local healthcare professionals who shared the goal of bringing comprehensive cancer care to the Great Bend area.

“We recognized that a comprehensive cancer center was of the utmost importance for Great Bend and central Kansas,” explained Dr. Claudia Perez-Tamayo, president and oncologist for Central Care Cancer Center. “This is a place where people seek out to live, to raise their families, and to retire because Great Bend is so centralized. There are excellent doctors and tremendous healthcare options here, along with a solid infrastructure to promote great quality of life.”

See CCCC, 10

COURTESY ILLUSTRATION

Pictured from left to right are Drs. Claudia Perez-Tamayo, Mark Fesen, Thomas Hegarty and Greg Nanney. The experienced team of board-certified oncologists has been serving the central Kansas area for many years.

Expert Cancer Care

Right Here, Right Now.

in Great Bend

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204 Cleveland St 620-792-5511 | cccancer.com Front Row: Claudia Perez-Tamayo, MD, FACR, FACRO; Thomas J Hegarty, MD; Mark Fesen, MD, FACP Second Row: Julie West, PA-C; Lori Williams, PA-C; Greg Nanney, MD

9

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019

COURTESY PHOTO CENTRAL CARE CANCER CENTER

Dr. Claudia Perez-Tamayo discusses treatment with a patient and verifies setup of the innovative TrueBeam STx system at Heartland Cancer Center. The advanced medical linear accelerator treats cancer anywhere in the body, including lung, breast, prostate, and head and neck. It has the power to treat quickly while delivering high dose rates with microscopic accuracy.

CCCC, from page 9

Center has grown to multiple facilities and offers a large variety of services Throughout the years, Central Care Cancer Center has provided fulltime radiation oncology, medical oncology and hematology services.

Central Care has continually expanded its services, keeping cancer care close to home for patients by following national protocols, offering second opinions, and access to clinical trials through partnership with other leading organizations.

Additionally, Central Care has continued to provide the most advanced technology available, including the use of telemedicine.

Telemedicine, commonly referred to as telehealth, allows healthcare professionals to evaluate and treat patients using telecommunications technology, such as video conferencing or Interactive Television (ITV). With advanced technology, Central Care Cancer Center has collaborated with other oncology experts from leading universities and cancer centers across the United States.

This advancement in technology gives patients the opportunity to consult with a cancer specialist without the need to drive long distances; this can all be done within many of the Central Care Cancer Center locations.

Central Care continues to recognize the needs of patients, as it has established a strong financial counseling program over the years.

The program assists patients by helping them understand their insurance coverage and billing. Financial Counselors seek out opportunities for grants through various foundations in order to ease the financial burden for patients.

In fact, Central Care Cancer Center earned

a “Champion of Farmworker Health Award” in 2016 by the Kansas Statewide Farmworker Health Program (KSFHP), for helping patients qualify for cancer care through financial counselling service.

“We see everybody,” said Dr. Mark Fesen, oncologist for the Great Bend clinic, who has served central Kansas patients for more than 25 years. “You walk in, we see you; we find a way to care for you. We do our best to find any and all resources to treat you.”

Along with Drs. PerezTamayo and Fesen, the oncology team for Great Bend has remained much the same over the years, with Drs. Greg Nanney and Thomas Hegarty also caring for patients in Great Bend.

Thirty years ago, Dr. Perez-Tamayo left her position as a leading researcher at the University of MichiganAnn Arbor to practice and serve as the cancer center medical director in Salina.

Because of her expertise in the field of intensitymodulated radiation therapy (IMRT), she was soon seeing oncology patients from across the state. She recognized the need for comprehensive cancer care in the rural communities across Kansas.

“I have always been a believer that oncology patients shouldn’t have to travel far to receive quality healthcare,” explained Dr. Perez-Tamayo. “Because I was seeing patients from all regions of Kansas, I witnessed the need to bring quality cancer care to those areas. With the hardships that confront cancer patients - the pain, the anxiety, and the mechanical difficulties we wanted to try to ease those burdens in every possible way. It became our mission to bring

oncology expertise and technology to people in rural communities.”

In three decades,

Central Care Cancer Center has grown to include more than a dozen locations across

the state of Kansas and southwest Missouri with the goal of keeping cancer patients and their families close to home while receiving treatments. Today, Central Care Cancer Center has a network of nearly 20 oncology providers.

Because of her notable contributions to the field of radiation oncology, Dr. Perez-Tamayo has been awarded prestigious

fellowships to both the American College of Radiology and the American College of Radiation Oncology. She is the only combined ACR and ACRO fellow in the state of Kansas. She was awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Wichita Business Journal in 2018 for her role in bringing cancer care close to home in communities across the state of Kansas.

When cancer strikes, you want the best care possible from someone you trust. The Medical Oncology Department of the Hutchinson Clinic is here when you need help most. With Ă ƚĞĂŵ ŽĨ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĐĂŶĐĞƌ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ƌĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ Ăůů ŝŶ ŽŶĞ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ͕ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ƚŽ ǁŽƌůĚͲĐůĂƐƐ ĐĂƌĞ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƉĞƌƟƐĞ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ŚĂǀŝŶŐ ƚŽ ďĞ ĂǁĂLJ ĨƌŽŵ LJŽƵƌ ĨĂŵŝůLJ͕ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ͘ >Ğƚ ƚŚĞ ,ƵƚĐŚŝŶƐŽŶ ůŝŶŝĐ ďĞ LJŽƵƌ ĐŚŽŝĐĞ ĨŽƌ ĐŽŵƉƌĞŚĞŶƐŝǀĞ ĂŶĚ compassionate cancer care.

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019 •

11

Mental health first aid courses available

BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbtribune.com

Many people have taken the time to learn what to do in a medical emergency — perhaps they’ve taken a cardiopulmonary resuscitation class or learned basic first aid — but fewer people know about mental health first aid. Kristian Pearson is one of three mental health first aid trainers at The Center for Counseling and Consultation in Great Bend.

“Mental Health is something we talk about frequently, but often feel ill-equipped to do anything about,” Pearson said. “From responding to violent events like mass shootings, to understanding more innocuous problems like solving employee turnover rates, mental health affects every aspect of our public and private lives. Mental health first aid is the first real, practical, and doable step in addressing a society’s hunger for understanding and recovery.”

The class provides education on mental health conditions like non-suicidal self-injury, anxiety, and depression, and symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia.

“Long-term mental health has an effect on our physical health as much as diet and exercise,” Pearson said.

“Learning mental health first aid doesn’t replace good mental health. It does, however, teach us and help us practice the skills that will improve our mental health, and it empowers us to support others in healing with their

mental health.”

As the primary mental health first aid teacher at The Center, Pearson offers a course for adults in general and one for those who work with youths. He’s also certified in teaching specialized modules for fire/EMS, public safety, and rural areas.

Who should take this class?

“The target audience is literally everyone in the community, from secretaries, parents, teachers, pastors, law enforcement officers, hostesses and servers, check out clerks, and greeters,” Pearson said. “There is no one that this course does not want to reach.”

When asked for one mental health first aid tip that people can use now, Pearson answered, “The best advice I can give the average person is begin practicing truly listening when we ask someone how they are. When we don’t, we often miss someone who is truly needing a listening ear.”

For more information contact The Center by email at contact@ thecentergb.org or call 620-7922544. The Center has offices at 5815 Broadway in Great Bend; 820 Broadway in Larned; 217 E. Ave. N. in Lyons and 402 N. Santa Fe in St. John.

Maybe it’s more than just the Winter Blues?

Did you know mental health services can include support in the community?

The Center can provide help where you live, work and go to school.

We can work with your counselor to see if you qualify. Ask your provider about how you can receive case management services.

How are you feeling today?

The Center for Counseling and Consultation, Great Bend, offers a quick online mental health survey at thecentergb.org. Users are directed to brief screenings to determine if the users or someone they care about should connect with a mental health professional. These screenings cannot be linked to one individual, so they remain anonymous. Billed as a “checkup from your neck up,” each screening takes only a few minutes and can help you determine if your recent thoughts or behaviors may be associated with a common, treatable mental health issue.

5815 Broadway, Great Bend, KS 67530 Toll Free: 800-875-2544 Website: www.thecentergb.org COURTESY PHOTO

Pictured in this photo is Kristian Pearson and the Center for Counseling’s booth at the 2019 Central Kansas Health and Wellness Expo.

All Major Insurances Accepted Sliding Fee Schedule Available

12

â&#x20AC;˘ GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE â&#x20AC;˘ SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019

HUGO GONZALEZ Great Bend Tribune

Debbie Stephens, director of Hoisingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GPS Kids Club, demonstrates how to transplant seedings into the garden made possible through a Pathways grant.

Strong community involvement Health for Life Coalition improving health of northern Barton County with Pathways Grants SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE

HOISINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Health for Life Coalition for Hoisington and Northern Barton County teamed up with Pathways to a Healthy Kansas and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BSBSKS) in July of 2016 to change the attitude and landscape of wellness in our community. Since that time the partnership has established strong community involvement and is witnessing numerous healthy environmental and policy changes to help all employees, students, patrons and community members live longer and better quality lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been exciting to witness the transformation of Hoisington and Northern Barton County and actually feel the culture shift,â&#x20AC;? said Karla Crissman, assistant clinic administrator at Clara Barton Hospital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The data from our community perception survey reveals that our community has embraced healthy living as a way of life. We are not sitting on the sidelines but leading by example.â&#x20AC;?

Those committed to healthier living by implementing changes or policies focused on physical activity, healthy eating and tobacco cessation have been rewarded with grant dollars from BCBSKS. Participants during the 2018 calendar year included the following: â&#x20AC;˘ Community Wellbeing:

Partnered with Chef Alli who presented 4 on-site cooking classes at Claflin, Hoisington, Olmitz and GPS Kids in Hoisington, in addition to 8 online facebook live classes straight from Chef Alliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen. The Program kicked off March 2018 and ended in December. â&#x20AC;˘ Community Wellbeing: Providers Guide It Walkers Stride It Program. Once a month join a Clara Barton Health Professional for a walk and talk. A Provider shares insights on a healthy topic, answers questions and takes participants on a walk. Held the 3rd Wednesday monthly at Clara Barton Hospital at 6:45a.m. All presentations are shown on Facebook Live. â&#x20AC;˘ Baileys Food Bin: Re-wired light fixtures with LED retro-fit lighting. â&#x20AC;˘ Clara Barton Hospital: Installed outdoor fitness equipment to encourage community fitness. â&#x20AC;˘ Squeegyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar and Grill: Re-wiring of walk-in cooler and pizza oven. Installation of walk-in cooler and vent hood hook up. â&#x20AC;˘ GPS Kids Club: Outdoor Garden â&#x20AC;˘ Youth Center: Replaced the front windows and door. â&#x20AC;˘ USD 112 Central Plains: Installed four water bottle filling stations in schools. â&#x20AC;˘ Mi Terra Restaurant: Replaced heating/cooling unit. â&#x20AC;˘ Hoisington Dairy Queen: Added a glass counter top case

to display healthy items such as fresh salads and replaced ice machine. â&#x20AC;˘ The Odin Store: Replaced the flooring in the West eating area. â&#x20AC;˘ City of Claflin: Revitalizing a vacant lot on Main Street.

Building a community pavilion. â&#x20AC;˘ USD 112 and USD 431: Trained staff from Hoisington, Claflin and Wilson on the All Star Program. The primary goal of this program is to prevent youth from engaging in behaviors that will put their health and well-being at risk. â&#x20AC;˘ USD 431 Middle School: Outdoor classroom for greenhouse education.

On the Horizon for 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ Automated flashing crosswalks with push button activation and 3 radar speed signs approved by KDOT to be placed on Highway 4. â&#x20AC;˘ USD 431 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Roosevelt Elementary â&#x20AC;˘ Cervâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;˘ Taproom â&#x20AC;˘ Claraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner CafĂŠ â&#x20AC;˘ Town & Country Supermarket â&#x20AC;˘ Dog Park â&#x20AC;˘ Bicentennial Park Upgrades Employers working on Worksite Wellness initiatives include: City of Hoisington, First Kansas Bank, USD 431, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Hoisington Chamber of Commerce and Clara Barton Hospital.

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE â&#x20AC;˘ SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019 â&#x20AC;˘

13

Medicalodges Inc. takes over former Cherry Village facility Medicalodges Inc., a Kansas longterm care provider headquartered in Coffeyville, last July announced its acquisition of Cherry Village Benevolence Inc., a long-term care provider located in Great Bend, as it assumed ownership and the operations of the nursing facility located at 1401 Cherry Lane, Great Bend.

The transaction closed in August, at which time Medicalodges took over the 70-bed skilled and residential care

Great Bend facilities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We feel this will be very advantageous to our residents and our employ-

ees,â&#x20AC;? Pamela Lewis, president of Cherry Village Benevolence said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Medicalodges will offer its Employee Stock Ownership Program and will provide death, retirement, and/or disability funds to our employees.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Medicalodges is a 57-year-old company with in excess of 1,800 employees and which operates over 30 facilities in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma,â&#x20AC;? said Garen Cox, president and chief executive officer for Medicalodges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We take

pride in providing quality care and we feel that the residents of the Great Bend area are in need of continuing services that were offered by the Cherry Village Facility and we are honored to enter this market.â&#x20AC;?

The company also offers facilities that serve those with developmental disabilities, home health services and residential care. In all, there are 33 locations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

COURTESY PHOTO

Medicalodges Inc., a Kansas long-term care provider out of Coffeyville, acquired Cherry Village Benevolence Inc., a long-term care provider located in Great Bend last year.

OPEN LATE

Clara Barton Medical Clinic Welcomes

Behavioral & Mental Health Therapy Great Bend Medicalodges Inc. has been serving communities in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma since 1961.

Offering rehab to home, short term care, long term care and skilled nursing services in your hometown.

Give us a call at 620-792-2165 1401 Cherry Lane in Great Bend.

for children and adults Appointments available until 6 PM Mondays & Thursdays to accommodate patients school & work schedules

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019

BCSO deputy earns DRE certificate

BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbtribune.com

Central Kansas law enforcement has a new weapon in the war on drugs, now that Barton County Sheriff ’s Office Deputy Lucas Herl has earned Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) certification.

More and more often, a motorist who appears to be driving under the influence (DUI) hasn’t been drinking. While DUI can refer to driving under the influence of drugs OR alcohol, making a DUI arrest for the former can be tricky. An officer must have “reasonable suspicion” to stop a driver and make an arrest.

Sheriff Brian Bellendir notes that with Colorado legalizing recreational marijuana use and the increase in addiction to prescription drugs, the number of drivers on the highway who are under the influence of drugs has increased significantly.

That means the dangers of drugged driving to the public have also increased.

“It is hard (to recognize impairment other than alcohol) unless somebody is trained to recognize whether someone has a medical problem or some other issue,” Bellendir said. “That is what these guys do. They are also trained to give tests for different types of drugs.”

Created by LAPD The Los Angeles Police Department originated its Drug Evaluation & Classification Program in the early 1970s after officers noticed many of the individuals arrested for DUI had very low or zero alcohol concentrations.

“The officers reasonably suspected that the arrestees were under the influence of drugs, but lacked the knowledge and skills to support their suspicions,” according to information from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). “In response, two LAPD sergeants collaborated with various medical doctors, research psychologists and other medical professionals to develop a simple, standardized procedure for recognizing drug influence and impairment.

Their efforts culminated in the development of a multi-step protocol and the first drug recognition expert (DRE) program.”

BCSO Deputy Herl estimates it took around 200 hours of training for him to become certified.

“The DRE program is an international program, overseen by the IACP, which is highly selective of officers who apply,” Herl said. There were prerequisite trainings to complete before he

COURTESY PHOTO

The Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training prepares law enforcement officers to detect when someone is driving under the influence (DUI) of something other than alcohol.

could even apply for the program.

“It is a highly demanding program which also requires continuing education and evaluations to maintain a DRE’s certification,” Herl said, noting Kansas only has a few officers with the designation.

Bellendir said the amount of training involved discouraged him from asking any of his deputies to seek the certification. Fortunately, Herl was interested and willing to do the extra work. “He approached me about it,” Bellendir said.

“This takes a lot of work.

I decided it would be beneficial to us.”

Herl’s certification required more than 100 hours of in-depth classroom/practical training at the Kansas Highway Patrol Academy in Salina. Lt. Matthew Payne of the KHP is the DRE state coordinator.

“After the classroom portion of the training was completed, we went to the Maricopa County Jail in Arizona to complete our certification,” Herl said. “At the MC jail we tested individuals who were incarcerated to determine if they were impaired by drugs other than alcohol and, if so, what the drug category was. All of our findings needed to be supported by toxicological evidence for us to advance with our training. After this was completed, a final knowledge exam is the final step. This test takes on average eight hours.”

Since completing the program last May, Herl has been asked to assist on multiple cases involving impaired drivers — and not just in Barton County. Just as other counties may request use of trained K-9 officers, Barton County is now asked to assist other counties with investigations of impaired drivers, Bellendir said.

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

This file photo taken Feb. 19, 2015, shows a Chevy Tahoe, left, and a Ford Explorer after a head-on collision south of Great Bend. Three adults were seriously injured and now one driver faces charges of aggravated battery while driving under the influence of drugs. The case has not yet come to trial in Barton County District Court. Everyone involved in the crash survived.

Hutchinson Clinic Specialty Care in Great Bend, Hoisington & Ellinwood GREAT BEND: Hutchinson Clinic Great Bend (3715 6th Street) Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Cardiologist Dr. Aaron Thiessen, Ear, Nose & Throat Tricia Gilligan, PA, Pulmonology Natalie Williams, PA, Pulmonolgy

ELLINWOOD: Ellinwood Medical Clinic (611 N. Main) Dr. Lindsay Nordwald, OBGYN HOISINGTON: Clara Barton Medical Clinic (250 W 9th St) ƌ͘ ŽƐƚLJ DĂƩĂƌ͕ ĂƌĚŝŽůŽŐŝƐƚ ƌ͘ ŚƌŝƐƟŶĞ ^ĂŶĚĞƌƐ͕ K 'zE Dr. Curt Thompson, /ŶƚĞƌǀĞŶƟŽŶĂů ZĂĚŝŽůŽŐŝƐƚ

Dr. Steven Ronsick, Pulmonologist

džĐĞƉƟŽŶĂů ĂƌĞ ůŽƐĞ ƚŽ ,ŽŵĞ Call for an appointment: 620.669.2500 www.hutchclinic.com

FEBRUARY 18 -– FEB. 15, 2018 March 29 APRIL 1, 2018

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2019