Community Health Center to open in Baxter Springs

By Rebecca Atherton White

BAXTER SPRINGS — When Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas was dedicating its Pittsburg clinic, one patient rode her red bicycle to the ceremony and made a $5 donation towards its construction. “We were proud to add her name to the same plaque that included our $350,000 donors, as every dollar helps,” explained Krista Postai, Chief Executive Officer. “That five-dollar bill represented a lot of money to our patient, but it demonstrates the kind of support CHC/SEK enjoys,” she added. “This is a non-profit organization; our patients own us.”

The demand for a new clinic in Baxter Springs, a satellite of CHC/SEK Pittsburg, is obvious. Forty-five percent of Cherokee County residents are uninsured and fifty percent are children. Cherokee County is one of the poorest counties in Kansas, according to most recent US Census reports.

Groundbreaking took place on May 20, and workers are just beginning to move dirt for the clinic, which will be located at 2990 Military Avenue in Baxter Springs, next to Wal-Mart. “This location will be more accessible to local residents plus we expect patients from Missouri and Oklahoma because of the proximity,” Postai said. The location is just three miles from the Oklahoma border.

“The new location will help patients seeking primary and preventative health care services that previously were not accessible to them because of financial and transportation issues, language and other barriers,” said Postai. “The patient base in Cherokee County alone will save 3,000 patients the drive to Pittsburg, as Cherokee County is an under-served area,” said Postai.

Services at the new clinic will include medical, dental, and mental health services: primary medical services for adults and children; prenatal, obstetrical, newborn care; immunizations on a walk-in basis; physicals for back to school, employment, sports; mental health testing, treatment and therapy; laboratory; and the ability to help determine Medicaid eligibility. CHC/SEK will also offer prescription assistance and possibly legal services at the clinic. Hours have not yet been established, but evening and Saturday hours will be offered.

“All fees are based upon a patient’s ability to pay, but no one will be denied care because of their inability to pay,” Postai said. All insurance plans are accepted and a sliding scale is available for those without coverage.

“We hope to hit the ground running in January,” said Postai. Community Health currently has 110 employees in four location, including 30 health care providers. Their total annual budget is approximately $8.5 million, with an average salary is $47,000 plus benefits. The Baxter clinic will initially be staffed with a family practice physician, two advanced registered nurse practitioners, two dentists, a hygienist, and six support staff. The operating budget will add about $1.0 million a year to the local economy.

Physician recruitment is almost complete. Dr. Joshua Brueggemann, already practicing in Pittsburg, will work in the new clinic.

Tri-State Construction was awarded the contract to do the building, 4,225 sq. ft. at a projected cost of $621,000, paid with stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Total investment, including equipment, will be over $1 million. “Tri-State will be following Davis Bacon regulations, meaning prevailing wages are paid,” said Postai.

The Ronald O. Thomas Foundation in Baxter Springs donated funds for medical equipment and Pittsburg dentist Dan Minnis donated the land. Other donations are being solicited in order to fully equip the clinic.