Healing Close to Home
Wound care is something most people do not think about until it becomes a problem. Maybe it is a sore that has been there longer than it should be, a surgical incision that is not healing quite right, or a spot on a foot or leg that just does not seem to be improving. It can be easy to assume it just needs more time. But sometimes, it needs more than that.
As we recognize Wound Healing Awareness Month, it is a good time to talk about what wound care really is and when it might be time to take a closer look. Chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, and non-healing surgical wounds are more common than many people realize. For some patients, healing is not as simple as time and a bandage. Without the right care, wounds can worsen and lead to infection, hospitalization, or other serious complications.
At Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, wound care goes beyond just treating what you can see. Heather Holaday, DNP, APRN, takes a comprehensive approach, looking at the full picture of a patient’s health. That can include blood sugar levels, medications, nutrition, circulation, and overall health, all of which can play a role in how well a wound heals. Holaday also works closely with a patient’s care team, which may include primary care providers, surgeons, orthopedics, podiatry, infectious disease, vascular specialists, therapy services, nutrition, and home health. The goal is to make sure nothing is missed and that care feels connected, not pieced together.
Wound care services at PVCH include treatment for traumatic injuries, burns, surgical and non-healing incisions, cysts and abscesses, pressure injuries, and diabetic ulcers. Treatment may also include advanced wound dressings, debridement, compression therapy, and other techniques tailored to support healing and recovery. Patients also have access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy through PVCH’s partnership with HaysMed Wound Care, led by medical director Dr. Tsereteli.
Patients who may be at higher risk for wounds that do not heal as expected include those who are immunocompromised, living with diabetes, or experiencing conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency or peripheral neuropathy.
One of the most important things to know is that you do not have to wait for a wound to become “chronic” before seeking care. Even wounds that have been around longer than expected can often improve with the proper care. If something just doesn’t seem quite right, it’s worth having it checked.
For some patients, wound care can feel isolating or difficult to talk about, but it does not have to be that way. At PVCH, Holaday and her team provide consistent, compassionate care so patients feel supported every step of the way.
If a wound is slow to heal, the right care can make all the difference. Wound care is available right here in Larned, with convenient scheduling and care that stays close to home. If you or someone you care for has a wound that is not healing as expected, it may be time to take a closer look.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 620-910-7080. Referrals are not typically required. Some insurance plans, including certain VA coverage, may require one. Our team is happy to help guide you through the process.
Barnes joins Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation trustee board
When Kim Barnes, Larned, recently began serving as a Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) Foundation trustee, he had a few Bible verses in the front of his mind.
The scriptures, from the gospels of John and Matthew, note that Jesus cared for the sick, hungry and imprisoned, while calling on people to “brighten the corner where I am.”
“The community has allowed me the opportunity to fulfill these scriptures by helping the Foundation provide funds for resources in all hospital departments,” said Barnes, a lifelong Pawnee County resident. “By supporting the Foundation, we allow the hospital to fulfill its mission of caring for the sick and those in need.
“Financial donations ensure the hospital’s prosperity for future generations,” he continued. “Everyone can be assured each trustee is a good steward of our resources. It takes all of us to pull together. You see this in action every day throughout PVCH and through its great Auxiliary.”
Barnes noted that his parents instilled in him “that all people matter, and should be seen and appreciated.”
Because Barnes was born with a cleft palate, he knows first-hand the value of quality medical care. His treatment entailed years of travel and uncertainty.
“But today, technology can identify a potential birth defect, and plans can be made,” Barnes said. “I want to do my part to pay forward the kindness given to my family while ensuring those in need receive the care they deserve from our compassionate, professional hospital staff. We trust in this generous community to support our hospital.”
Barnes recently began his 54th year at Pawnee County Cooperative Association; his titles have included chief financial officer, corporate secretary and grain merchandiser. He began his career in 1973 at Garfield Cooperative, which merged with the Pawnee County Co-op in 1992.
“I am blessed to work for this cooperative. Even though I have worked in all aspects of the business, I am still learning and mentoring.”
Barnes, president of the Larned City Council, has a varied community-service background. He served as Garfield mayor and councilman; and on the USD 495 Board of Education, Pawnee County Economic Development Commission and the legislative committee of the Kansas Co-op Council.
Barnes also served on the PVCH doctor-recruitment team and was a volunteer fireman for 19 years.
“My fellow trustees and I want to brighten the corner where we are and provide a higher quality of life for the whole community,” Barnes summarized. “We want to serve others, even when no one else is watching, and be a resource to one and all.”
Barnes and his late wife, Susie, had two children, Jessica and Austin. Jessica and Thomas Moore have two children, William and Cassie Moore. Austin and his wife, Kendra, have two children, Gavin Barnes and Shea Salyers.
Allisa Spain, PVCH Foundation executive director, noted that “we are fortunate to welcome Kim Barnes as a trustee. He is one of the kindest, most giving and philanthropic people I know.
“Kim has a heart for service and is always looking for ways to make his corner of the world a little brighter. It is truly an honor to have him join our board.”
PVCH Names Jason Rath Director of Rehabilitation Services
A longtime member of the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital team has stepped into a new leadership role.
Jason Rath has been promoted from Rehab Manager to Director of Rehabilitation Services at PVCH, where he has served patients and the community since June 2013.
“Jason has been an integral part of our organization for many years, and his dedication to patient care and commitment to serving our community make him a natural fit for this leadership role,” said PVCH Administrator Melanie Urban. “We are excited to see him continue to grow our rehabilitation services and support the well-being of our community.”
Rath brings more than a decade of education and experience in rehabilitation and sports medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training from Fort Hays State University and completed an internship with the Denver Broncos. He later earned a Master of Arts in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine from Tennessee Technological University, where he served as a graduate assistant athletic trainer for football and baseball.
He went on to complete his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Tennessee State University and gained additional clinical experience through internships with the Tennessee Titans, as well as clinical rotations in occupational health and long-term rehabilitation.
In his new role, Rath will continue leading PVCH’s rehabilitation services while supporting both patients and staff. His familiarity with the department and clinical background position him well to guide the team moving forward.
“I’ve been fortunate to work at PVCH for more than 13 years, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead,” Rath said. “We have an amazing team in the Rehab Department, and it really makes coming to work at PVCH every day something I enjoy.”
Rath is also actively involved in supporting local student athletes. He offers a Monday morning walk-in screening clinic for USD 495 students, helping assess injuries and determine whether additional treatment or a primary care referral is needed. He also works with coaches and instructors on activity modifications and provides on-field sports medicine coverage for home football games.
Outside the hospital, Rath is involved in the community through youth sports, including coaching Larned Recreation teams, Dirtbags Baseball and the Larned Junior Indian Wrestling Club.
He and his wife, Kara, have two sons, Jayden and Riley. In his free time, Rath enjoys spending time with family, golfing and working on landscaping projects.
Local Speech‑Language Pathologists Help Kids Stay on Track This Summer
Summer break is a welcome change of pace, but for some children, stepping away from their regular speech‑language services can make it harder to maintain progress and transition confidently into the next school year. To continue supporting kids as they grow, communicate, and build independence in their skills, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital’s Rehabilitation Department is offering summer speech‑language pathology therapy services for individuals from birth through high school.
Families who enroll will have the opportunity to work with Mary Vilaysing and Ashley Luna Gonzalez, PVCH’s speech‑language pathologists. Their work supports individuals of all ages, helping people strengthen communication, improve speech and language skills, navigate social interactions, and address feeding or swallowing needs through personalized, one‑on‑one care.
This program is especially meaningful in May, which is recognized as Speech, Language, and Hearing Month, a time to highlight the importance of communication and recognize the professionals who help people be heard and understood. The care and expertise Mary and Ashley bring to the community reflect the heart of this national observance and the lasting impact speech‑language therapy can have at every stage of life.
Summer availability is limited, with insurance billing and private‑pay options available. To learn more or get started, families can contact the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Center for Rehabilitation at 620‑285‑8605 or visit pawneevalleyhospital.com.
Ramsey reflects on first year as Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation trustee
Jenny Ramsey had always known that the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) Foundation is important to central Kansans’ health and well-being.
But after her first year as a trustee “I have a much deeper appreciation for its impact. The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting healthcare services, equipment and programs that directly benefit patients, families and healthcare professionals in our community.”
As a lifelong resident of Pawnee County, Ramsey wants to give back to the community “that has given so much to me and my family. I am passionate about supporting access to quality healthcare in rural areas, while being part of the decisions that strengthen and sustain the services our hospital provides.
“It is important to me to help ensure that Pawnee County continues to have a strong, reliable healthcare presence for future generations.”
The Foundation’s goals focus on continuing to grow support for PVCH through fundraising, community engagement and strategic investment in healthcare resources, Ramsey outlined.
“Long-term, we want to ensure the sustainability and advancement of healthcare services in our region so that future generations also receive high-quality care close to home,” she commented. “I am very fortunate to serve alongside dedicated and community-minded individuals on the board.
“Each trustee brings valuable experience and perspective. And it is clear that everyone shares a common goal of doing what is best for Pawnee County residents.”
Ramsey earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Washburn University and began her career in financial planning as a suitability specialist.
She currently serves as a compliance associate with CreativeOne, a financial marketing organization based in Overland Park.
“My professional background in financial services and compliance provides me with a strong foundation in accountability, risk management and strategic decision-making,” Ramsey noted. “Combined with my lifelong connection to Pawnee County, it allows me to bring a professional perspective and personal commitment to supporting healthcare needs in our community.”
Ramsey and her husband, Ben, have two sons – Eli and Ryan.
“We value being close to our extended family and maintaining strong roots here,” she said. “Much of our family lives in the area, which makes Pawnee County an especially meaningful place for us to call home.
“We are blessed to be close to my parents, Bert and Karla, as well as two of my sisters, Tricia and Kristin, and their families.”
Allisa Spain, Foundation executive director, said “the PVCH Foundation is grateful to have Jenny Ramsey serving as a trustee. She is someone you can always count on. Whether Jenny is supporting her kids, local schools, our hospital or other causes she believes in, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work.
“She brings care and dedication to everything she does, and we are thankful for her leadership on the Foundation board.”
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.
PVCH Announces Kristi Engle as Associate of the Quarter
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is proud to recognize Kristi Engle, Lab Supervisor, as our Associate of the Quarter. This honor is selected by the Patient and Family Advisory Council based on peer nominations and recognizes Associates whose work reflects our mission and makes a meaningful difference for patients and families.Kristi is widely known for leading the PVCH Health Fairs each spring and fall, providing affordable access to important lab testing for Associates, Auxiliary members, and residents of Pawnee County and surrounding communities. She also works closely with community partners to offer education and resources that promote preventive care and overall wellness.
Behind the scenes, Kristi ensures test results are processed accurately and shared in a timely manner, offering reassurance and follow-through for those awaiting answers. Her dedication, attention to detail, and willingness to step up are highly valued by her colleagues.
This recognition is especially timely as it coincides with Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, highlighting the essential role lab professionals play in patient care every day. Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is grateful for Kristi’s leadership and for the lab team who support her efforts and help make events like the community health fairs possible.
Pictured with Kristi Engle are members of the Pawnee Valley laboratory team who support the Community Health Fairs and daily lab services, including Art Crider, Joselin Garcia, Megan Grandy, Nikki Hiss, and Katie Kneiling. Not pictured: night shift Associates, Sherri Marker and Shivaun McCarthy and Diana Crotinger, PRN.
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Celebrates Doctors’ Day 2026
Doctors’ Day gives us the chance to pause and say thank you to the physicians at Pawnee Valley who care for our friends, families, and neighbors every day. As a rural community hospital, our doctors make it possible for high‑quality, compassionate care to remain close to home, where it matters most.
Our physicians do much more than treat illnesses. They build relationships, support families during difficult moments, and help keep Pawnee County and the surrounding region healthy and strong. We are proud to recognize the medical professionals who serve our community with skill, dedication, and genuine care.
Our Physicians
The following doctors currently serve patients through Pawnee Valley Community Hospital’s clinics and specialty services:
- Arlo Reimer, MD – Family Medicine
- Mark Van Norden, MD – Inpatient Care
- Aaron Pfeifer, MD –Emergency Department Medical Director
- Son Truong, MD – Sleep Medical Director, Specialty Clinic
- Brandon Cunningham, MD – Procedural Care, Specialty Clinic
- Keith Green, MD – Pain Clinic
Doctors’ Day is an opportunity for all of us, patients, families, and Associates, to express our appreciation. Our physicians care for us during life’s most vulnerable moments and remain invested in the long‑term health of the region we call home.
From all of us at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, thank you to our incredible medical team. We are thankful for everything you do.
Diabetes Solutions Classes
Diabetes Solutions is a comprehensive educational program accredited by the American Diabetes Association. The class content includes information about:
- Diabetes
- Healthy eating
- Being active
- Monitoring blood sugars
- Diabetes medications
- Problem solving
- Reducing risks
- Healthy coping
This is a comprehensive program that consists of two, five-hour sessions. Each session runs from 8:45 am to 2:30 pm and includes lunch. You are not required to attend consecutive classes in the same month.
A physician referral is required and participants must submit registration two weeks prior to the class (printable class schedule). Getting into the class is easy: ask your doctor to fill out this referral form, sign it, and fax it back to us at 785-623-5108.
For more information about the class, call 855-429-7633.
2026 Class Dates
Tuesday, March 3
Tuesday, March 10
Tuesday, May 5
Tuesday, May 12
Tuesday, July 7
Tuesday, July 14
Tuesday, September 1
Tuesday, September 8
Tuesday, November 3
Tuesday, November 10
Class Time
8:45 am – 2:30 pm
Location
St. Joseph Meeting Room
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital
923 Carroll Avenue
Larned, Kansas