Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine Clinic Shares Joy Through “Baby’s Welcome Bag”
Welcoming a baby is one of life’s most precious moments, but for some families, it can also bring unexpected financial challenges. To help ease that burden, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine Clinic has launched a heartfelt initiative called “Baby’s Welcome Bag” for newborns establishing care in our clinic. These bags are filled with baby essentials, giving mothers a little extra support as they begin their journey into parenthood.
The idea was brought to life by Jewel Davis, Director of Clinic Operations, whose vision was to ensure that every mother, regardless of circumstance, feels cared for, encouraged, and celebrated. Davis witnessed firsthand the needs of many new moms and wanted to create something that would provide comfort, practical help, and information about local and state resources.
“We wanted every mother who walks through our doors to feel seen, supported and empowered-especially during those early weeks of motherhood,” Davis shared. “That includes nursing mothers who may need extra encouragement or guidance as they care for their babies. These bags are a small reminder that they’re not alone; the clinic, along with our community, is committed to supporting both mother and baby as they begin this new chapter.”
Thanks to the generous contributions from the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary and the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation, the clinic is able to keep these bags stocked and ready for distribution. Their support highlights the strength of community partnerships and the impact they can have when working together to uplift families.
“Our Auxiliary loves finding meaningful ways to support our community through our hospital,” said Catherine Clapham, Auxiliary President. “Being part of this program focused on caring and kindness is something we’re truly proud of.”
“These bags are a reminder that our community stands behind its mothers,” shared Kyle Beckwith, Foundation Chair. “The program has already touched lives, with mothers expressing deep gratitude for the thoughtful gesture.”
The very first “Baby’s Welcome Bag” was given to Drew Smith, whose reaction captured the spirit of the program.
“This new initiative is such a great help to new moms like me. Having those essentials right when you need them makes such a difference, and I am extremely grateful to the clinic and everyone who made this possible.”
The Family Medicine Clinic looks forward to continuing the program and bringing joy, comfort, and the convenience of pediatric and well-child visits close to home. With multiple compassionate providers to choose from, each deeply committed to caring for children and families. Parents can feel confident they’re receiving personalized, heartfelt care without the need to travel.
Happy Kansas Day!
At Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, we’re proud to celebrate Kansas Day with the Larned community and all our surrounding neighbors. As we honor the day Kansas became the 34th star on the flag back in 1861, we’re reminded how grateful we are to care for and serve the people of this region and our great state.
To add a little extra fun to your celebration, enjoy a new, free printable coloring page at the link below. Take a moment to get creative and show your Kansas pride!
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Earns Statewide Recognition
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) has been named a recipient of the Healthcare/Non-Profit Merit Award at the 2025 To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The annual ceremony, hosted by Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Commerce, celebrates businesses and organizations across the state that exemplify innovation, resilience, and community impact.
The Healthcare/Non-Profit category highlights organizations that provide essential services and strengthen the well-being of Kansans. PVCH’s recognition underscores its role as a cornerstone of healthcare in Pawnee County, where access to medical services is vital for rural residents.
A Commitment to Rural Health
PVCH has long been dedicated to ensuring that residents of central Kansas receive quality care close to home. The hospital offers a range of services, from emergency medicine to specialized clinics, and has invested in modern facilities to meet the evolving needs of the community. Its emphasis on patient-centered care and outreach programs reflects the values celebrated by the To the Stars awards.
Governor Kelly praised honorees for their contributions to Kansas’ economic and social vitality, noting that organizations like PVCH embody the spirit of resilience and service that the awards were designed to recognize.
The To the Stars Awards
The To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards program includes both statewide winners and merit award recipients. Merit awards highlight organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact within their communities.
PVCH joins a distinguished list of healthcare and nonprofit organizations recognized in 2025, including Hays Medical Center, which also received a merit award in the same category. Together, these honorees exemplify the diverse ways Kansas institutions are enhancing lives and fostering community growth.
Looking Ahead
For Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, the award is both a recognition of past achievements and a motivator for future growth. Hospital leadership has expressed gratitude to staff, patients, and community partners whose support made the honor possible. As rural healthcare faces ongoing challenges, PVCH’s recognition serves as a reminder of the critical role local hospitals play in sustaining Kansas communities.
This award places Pawnee Valley Community Hospital among Kansas’ most respected healthcare providers, affirming its mission to deliver compassionate, accessible care while contributing to the vitality of Pawnee County.
Williams joins ED staff at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital
Throughout his almost three-decades-long nursing career, Ron Williams has been drawn to emergency care for patients throughout Kansas and in other states.
That attraction has now led him to the Emergency Department (ED) at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH).
“I have always worked in emergency care,” said the advanced practice registered nurse. “This includes my first ED position at HaysMed, and later serving as a trauma nurse at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and flight nurse with EagleMed.
“I also worked with Docs Who Care, an opportunity that allowed me to enjoy working in rural hospitals across Kansas. These experiences helped me learn about creative problem-solving, while navigating different health systems, each with their own unique challenges and resources.”
Williams has been at PVCH only a short time, but is already impressed with the staff and the many services the hospital has to offer locally.
“The progress under the hospital’s leadership and the medical staff, along with community support is a testament to professionalism and compassion,” Williams commented. “The atmosphere illustrates that the staff understands that healthcare truly does begin at home and everyone deserves the best possible care.
“In addition, the staff has been welcoming and accommodating, ensuring we have a smooth transition.”
Williams noted he is building strong working relationships with Director of Nursing Kendra Hagerman and other staff members, while enjoying access to “excellent equipment and ancillary services.”
Hagerman noted that “with Ron’s 28 years of healthcare experience, he brings an extensive range of knowledge to our hospital. He is a valuable asset to our team and enhances the level of care we provide our patients and their families.”
Williams grew up in northwest Kansas and graduated from Brewster High School. He earned an associate’s degree in nursing at Colby Community College, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at The University of Kansas Medical Center.
Other employers include: Weatherby Health Care; Rooks County Health Center; Doctors Without Delay; HaysMed Convenient Care Clinic; and First Care Clinic in Hays.
Williams also served on the adjunct nursing faculty at Fort Hays State University.
“My wife, Tammie, and I are very happy with our decision to be part of the Larned-area community,” he commented. “We look forward to becoming part of the family at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.”
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Earns 2025 Performance Leadership Award in Quality
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) is proud to announce that it has once again earned the Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Quality from The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This marks the fifth consecutive year that PVCH has been recognized among the top quartile of rural hospitals nationwide.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition for the fifth year in a row,” said Melanie Urban, Administrator at PVCH. “This award reflects the dedication of our incredible team, who dedicate themselves every day to ensure our patients receive consistent, high-quality healthcare close to home. Their commitment to excellence is what makes this achievement possible.”
The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework used to measure rural hospital performance. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems, hospital Associations, and state offices of rural health to evaluate quality, operations, and financial outcomes.
“The Performance Leadership Awards highlight the commitment, diligence, and innovation with which America’s rural hospitals deliver care to their communities,” said Troy Brown, Network Consultant, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “It is a privilege to recognize the outstanding efforts of this year’s award winners and celebrate their achievements as part of National Rural Health Day.”
PVCH is a 25-bed facility offering a wide range of services, including 24/7 emergency care, surgery, advanced imaging and laboratory testing, rehabilitation, and a sleep and diagnostic center. The hospital also provides acute, skilled, and specialized nursing, wound care, and more. Through Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine, patients have access to comprehensive primary care services for all ages, as well as specialized women’s health services.
This fifth consecutive award underscores PVCH’s unwavering commitment to providing outstanding healthcare services and improving the health of the communities it serves.
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital congratulates Mandee Birzer as a Healthcare Star
The PVCH Foundation Healthcare Stars program was created to recognize those healthcare professionals who have provided exceptional patient care. In doing so, nominators are encouraged to give a gift to honor the individual or group nominated. These gifts to the PVCH Foundation directly support the care PVCH healthcare professionals provide by purchasing new equipment and technology to improve and expand hospital services. The Healthcare Stars program serves as an encouragement to the healthcare professionals at PVCH while also recognizing their outstanding dedication to patient care.
Mandee Birzer, a nurse in the Acute Care Unit at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, was recently recognized as a “Healthcare Star” for the outstanding care she provided Joan Speed Basgall during her hospitalization. Joan’s brother, Noel shared, during a difficult time for the family , one nurse’s compassion and professionalism shone brightly.
Even after Joan chose to discontinue further treatment and transition into comfort care, Nurse Birzer continued to go above and beyond. She performed her duties professionally and with genuine kindness and empathy, ensuring Joan’s final moments were met with dignity and peace.
Family members shared that Nurse Birzer kept them well-informed about the comfort care process, explaining what to expect and offering guidance throughout the difficult journey. She also ensured Joan’s family and friends were comfortable and supported during her last hours.
“Nurse Birzer made an unbearable time easier with her compassion,” the family said. “Her caring nature will never be forgotten.”
PVCH is honored to celebrate Mandee Birzer on this well-deserved recognition!
PVCH Honors Marley Palmer as Associate of the Quarter
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital has named Marley Palmer, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, as its Associate of the Quarter, recognizing her exceptional dedication and compassion.
Palmer recently stepped up in an extraordinary way by taking on responsibilities well beyond her role, which are typically managed by nursing staff. Her commitment during this time ensured patients continued to receive timely, quality care.
“Additionally, she worked late into the evenings with us, always without complaint,” said Jewel Davis, Director of Clinic Operations. “Her commitment isn’t just to the clinic—it’s to every patient, whether or not they’re assigned to her.”
Palmer’s initiative and selflessness have made a lasting impact. Her consistent support over the past few months, along with her ongoing willingness to help since joining the family medicine clinic in 2024, exemplifies the values PVCH holds dear.
Each quarter, our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) determines the recipient based on the many outstanding peer nominations received.
Kershner serves OT patients at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital
Anyone facing limitations while trying to perform day-to-day activities might be a good candidate for Occupational Therapy, said Addie Kershner, who recently joined the rehabilitation team at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH).
“These limitations could result from injury, illness, developmental delays or other challenges,” said Kershner, a Rush Center native. “When someone struggles with getting dressed, eating or working, we can focus on improving functional skills and participating in meaningful activities.”
As an Occupational Therapist, Kershner’s main responsibility is helping people of all ages participate in activities through evidence-based practices to achieve functional independence.
This includes: evaluating patients’ challenges; developing treatment plans; and providing interventions to improve overall function and general well-being.
OT also provides rehabilitation for shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands.
“These OT services can make a real difference in a person’s daily life,” Kershner noted. “It is rewarding to help people live more independently and safely, while enjoying a meaningful life.
“This is why I chose this career path. It allows me to help improve the quality of patients’ lives.”
Kershner continues to be impressed with the staff and services at PVCH. “Everyone is extremely welcoming and supportive. It is a great environment to step into because everyone strives to provide high-quality services with comprehensive and personalized care.
“In addition, PVCH offers up-to-date, evidence-based, and tailored equipment and services to meet the diverse needs of patients for optimum recovery.”
The new OT earned a bachelor of science education degree, majoring in community health and minoring in applied behavioral science at The University of Kansas. She then earned her entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy at The University of Kansas Medical Center.
Kershner served as a therapy technician for three years in an orthopedic outpatient clinic. She has hands-on OT clinical experience with inpatient, outpatient, community-based and mental-health services.
Her parents are Bruce and Ellen Kershner of Rush Center. She and her fiancé, Kody, recently bought a home in Larned and “are thrilled to be part of the local community.”
Jason Rath, rehabilitation manager, said “Addie is a great addition to our rehab team. Her personality fits in great with her colleagues and her compassion for patients is obvious. Addie is a hard worker and has hit the ground running.
“We are lucky to have her knowledge and expertise as we enhance our specialties at PVCH. I am eager to watch her grow in her profession, while providing excellent patient care.”