Hospital's Annual Gala Recognizes Leaders in Healthcare

For the first time in two years, the Excelsior Springs Health Care Foundation held their Annual Gala in person, returning to the historic Elms Hotel and Spa. This year was the 30th year for the celebration. Foundation President Kent Powell, DDS, gave an update on the Health Care Foundation and thanked sponsors for their support in bringing the event financial success. Funds raised from the event will be used for medical equipment throughout the hospital.

*Excelsior Springs Hospital Kristen DeHart offers updates on what is happening at the hospital.* Photo by Courtney Cole

Excelsior Springs Hospital CEO Kristen DeHart offered updates on new services and physicians that have just been hired. She then presented the hospital’s Up and Coming Award, Commitment to Caring, and Director of the Year awards. Each year hospital employees are nominated for the awards. This year’s Commitment to Caring award was given to Dr. Brad Hoffman, ER Physician, Jacent Hood, Radiology, and Kristina Busby, Nursing. Those nominated included Maria Florez-Archer, Radiology, Samantha Henson, Radiology, Courtney Jones, Radiology, Amanda Romazon, Director of Finance, Chris Wier, Nurse Practitioner, and Nate Williams, ES Parks and Recreation.

In the Up and Coming category, Krysta Beattie, Financial Counselor, Michelle Harvey, Primary Care Receptionist, Theresa Horn, Nutritional Services Manager, Sheila Lunn, Benefits Coordinator, and Kelley Miller, House Supervisor, Nursing were all awarded. Those nominated in the category included Aaron Collins, CPD Buyer, Shannan Conner, Speech Therapist, Skylar Donaldson, Outpatient, Jamie Farris, Nursing, and Shannon Spiking, Nursing.

New last year, the health care foundation also recognizes a Director of the Year. This year Jerad Blocker, Plant Operations Director and Lisa Fielder, Director of Med/Surge/ED were both awarded. Those nominated included Tonya Deason, Director of Radiology, John Freeman, Environmental Services Manager, and Deann Schoenfield, Revenue Cycle Director.

In addition to the award presentations, followed was a Live Auction auctioneered by Chip Glennon. Throughout the night Molly Roberts of Molly Roberts Studio in downtown Excelsior Springs worked on a painting in the lobby of The Elms. This allowed attendees to step out and see her progress over time. Traditionally, her painting is then sold as the last Live Auction item of the night. There were many bids going back and forth, but it was Hospital Director of Laboratory Services Frank Sanchez that won the bid at $1,000!

The hospital continues to thrive under the leadership of DeHart. During her short tenure the hospital has added a Primary Care Clinic and Community Pharmacy to the campus. Outpatient Clinics and specialty services have expanded to offer more options for residents to get care close to home. Even in the city of Lawson the hospital has purchased and renovated a new primary care clinic to the downtown. Continuing in the upward direction, DeHart announced pediatric services have now been returned to the City with the hiring of Dr. Joshua Umscheid. Thanks to receiving a grant for $350,000, from the Clay County Children Service’s fund, DeHart has hired Dr. Roshan Dasari, MD, MPH as the Psychiatrist and Behavioral Health Medical Director, who will be building a psychiatry program with first intentions meant to provide immediate mental health support to the area’s youth. However, over time, the intention will be to grow those services to offer all citizens services in behavioral health.

To continue to stay updated on activities of the Excelsior Springs Hospital and Excelsior Springs Health Care Foundation, visit the hospital’s website at eshospital.org or follow them on Facebook.