You’re Invited! Join us at the HaysMed Volunteer Bazaar, Craft & Bake Sale
Friday, October 31 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hadley Rooms – 2220 Canterbury Drive
Shop handcrafted items and delicious baked goods made with love by our amazing HaysMed Volunteers! Come support local volunteers and kick off the holiday season with us!
At HaysMed, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and courage, and few embody these values more than Jeff and Melissa Dewey.
Melissa, HaysMed Volunteer Gift Shop Manager, has been a joyful presence at HaysMed since 2024, bringing warmth and kindness to everyone she meets. Her journey to Hays began in 2020 with her husband Jeff and their three sons, the youngest of whom recently graduated from Thomas More Prep-Marian High School. Originally from Ness City and Cimarron, the Deweys are true western Kansas folks, deeply rooted in rural values and community spirit.
Jeff and Melissa Dewey family.
Before joining HaysMed, Melissa worked as a paraeducator to stay close to her boys, while Jeff built a career in banking and agriculture, driven by a lifelong passion for the cattle market. Their shared interest in real estate led them to form Team Dewey with Coldwell Banker Executive Realty in Hays, where they quickly became known for their energy and teamwork, often jokingly referring to themselves as “Bonnie and Clyde.” Their entrepreneurial spirit also led them to open Doghouse Liquor, which they successfully ran for three years before selling in 2024 to focus on family and health.
That decision became even more meaningful when Jeff’s lifelong battle with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) reached a critical point. Diagnosed years ago after his father received a kidney transplant from Jeff’s mother, Jeff has lived under the weight of this genetic condition. When the time came for his own transplant, Melissa stepped forward, not just as a caregiver, but as a donor.
Jeff Dewey outside the Center for Transplantation
On October 14th, Jeff and Melissa underwent the kidney transplant surgery in Kansas City. Melissa’s recovery is expected to take 4-6 weeks, while Jeff’s will be slightly longer, followed by a few weeks of close monitoring. Throughout this journey, they’ve been supported by a team of caregivers, including Lisa Dinkel, HaysMed’s Director of Imaging Services and Melissa’s lifelong friend. Lisa, who has served HaysMed for 35 years, even volunteered to be tested as a donor herself. Though she was a match, Melissa’s markers proved to be the best fit.
Lisa Dinkel, HaysMed’s Director of Imaging Services during her donor testing process.
Their story is one of resilience, love, and the incredible power of giving. Melissa shared how the donor process opened her eyes to the thorough care and support provided to donors, including full health screenings and lifelong priority should they ever need a transplant themselves.
At HaysMed, we are honored to walk alongside the Dewey family during this chapter of their lives. Melissa’s presence in our Volunteer Gift Shop has brought joy to our halls, and her story reminds us all of the profound impact of community, family, and selfless love.
Please join us in sending your thoughts and support to Jeff and Melissa as they recover and continue to inspire us all.
Jeff and Melissa Dewey
Stories that inspire. Care that delivers.
HaysMed is proud to deliver five-star care, and we’re excited to introduce a new series sharing authentic five-star reviews that reflect how HaysMed is making a difference, one patient at a time.
“After 35 radiation and 8 chemotherapy treatments as well as numerous follow-ups, I am forever grateful for the superb care I received at the cancer center. The entire staff is incredible.”
— Eber Phelps
HaysMed is proud to celebrate Rodrigo Perez Gonzalez, who has been honored with the 2025 Breath of Fresh Air: Respiratory Therapist of the Year award during our annual Respiratory Therapy Week Celebration.
This prestigious recognition highlights Rodrigo’s commitment to excellence in patient care. He was selected for his active role in delivering high-quality respiratory therapy that helps optimize patient outcomes. Rodrigo’s dedication extends beyond clinical care, he is a passionate educator, consistently providing exceptional guidance to patients, families, Associates, and students.
Respiratory therapists play a vital role in hospitals by helping patients who have trouble breathing. They treat conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, and provide critical support in emergency and intensive care settings, including managing ventilators and administering oxygen therapy. Their expertise is essential in improving lung function and overall patient recovery.
Known for his positive attitude and warm smile at the bedside, Rodrigo embodies the spirit of compassionate care and professionalism. His presence uplifts both patients and Associates, making a meaningful impact every day.
We commend Rodrigo on this well-deserved honor and thank him for his continued contributions to the health and well-being of our community.
Congratulations, Rodrigo!
Left to right: Brian Pfannenstiel, Director of Critical Care, Rodrigo Perez Gonzalez, 2025 RT of the Year, and Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer.
October 29 marks World Stroke Day, a global effort to raise awareness about stroke prevention, recognition, and treatment. At HaysMed, we encourage everyone to take a moment to learn the signs of stroke using the BE FAST method, it could save a life.
BE FAST stands for:
Knowing these signs and acting quickly can make a critical difference in stroke outcomes.
The American Heart Association shares five key facts about stroke that everyone should know:
Stroke can affect anyone, and awareness is the first step toward prevention and timely care. HaysMed is proud to support stroke education and encourages our community to share this life-saving information. Learn more at stroke.org.
At HaysMed, our commitment to safety extends beyond our walls, it starts with empowering you at home.
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury at home, but many can be prevented with a few simple changes. Use this checklist to identify and fix common hazards around your house, especially in high-risk areas like stairs, floors, and bathrooms.
Simple changes around the home can make a big difference in preventing falls and keeping you and your loved ones safe. Improving lighting, clearing pathways, and installing grab bars are all effective ways to reduce risk. Even your choice of footwear plays a crucial role- shoes with non-slip soles, a secure fit, low wide heels, good traction, stable support, and a lightweight design are ideal. Avoid flip-flops and loose-fitting shoes, as they can increase the chance of slipping or tripping. Prioritizing safety in these small ways can lead to a safer, more confident daily routine.
Below are some safety tips to keep in mind in your home:
Stairs & Steps (Indoors & Outdoors)
Floors & Living Spaces
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
A safer home starts with awareness. Take a few minutes to walk through your space and make small changes that can make a big difference.
HaysMed is wrapping up its 2025 community flu shot season with one last opportunity to get vaccinated — now extended to 11:00 AM to better accommodate children and families.
Join us on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Entrance B (Miller Pavilion), Parking Lot B. No appointment is needed, and flu shots are available for individuals 6 months and older.
This year marks a new chapter in HaysMed’s flu shot tradition. After 25 years of drive-thru clinics, we’ve transitioned to a more flexible format by integrating flu shots into our monthly blood screening events. This change reflects evolving community needs and increased access to free vaccines at local pharmacies.
What to Expect:
Community Impact Continues: We encourage attendees to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Community Assistance Center, continuing a tradition that has collected nearly 13.5 tons of food since 2007.
Thanks to the HaysMed Foundation and our partners at Fort Hays State University and North Central Tech, we’re proud to keep our community healthy, strong, and connected.
For more information, visit haysmedfoundation.org/flu.
Wave of Light – October 15 at 7 PM
Tonight, the HaysMed OB Department joins the global Wave of Light movement to honor and remember the precious lives lost to pregnancy and infant loss. At 7 PM, candles will be lit around the world, creating a continuous wave of light across time zones- a symbol of love, remembrance, and solidarity.
We invite you to join us in this heartfelt tribute. Like, comment, and share this post to help spread awareness and support. Your voice matters, and your light helps others feel less alone.
Together, we shine brighter.
Pastoral Care Week | October 19–25, 2025
This week, we recognize the compassionate work of our Pastoral Care team at HaysMed, the quiet strength behind emotional and spiritual healing for patients, families, and staff. Our chaplains offer more than comfort. They bring presence, peace, and purpose to moments that matter most. Their work is deeply personal, often unseen, but always felt.
Curious about how they care for others, and themselves? Read the special Q&A with our Pastoral Care team.
William Chad Pritchett
Chaplain | Baptist
13 years in pastoral care, 2 years at HaysMed
Q: What’s something people might not realize about the role of a chaplain in a hospital setting?
A: Chaplains do more than spiritual care. We advise, we help deescalate situations, we provide emotional support and care for patients and associates. We are trained in Crisis Intervention Stress Management for first responders. We are patient advocates and many times advocates for associates and family members.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from patients that has stayed with you?
A: Each person is created uniquely and has their own challenges in life. To have a listening ear is the greatest gift we can give someone.
Q: How do you care for your own emotional and spiritual well-being while supporting others?
A: I love spinning bike at the Center for Health. Being able to go and spin for 30–40 minutes allows me to let the stress and care of the world go for a little while. I also love my family and spending time with my grandchildren. Each morning, I get up before anyone else and start the day by asking God to lead and guide every encounter that I will have in the hospital. Knowing that God is in charge and directing my path removes the burden of performance.
Q: How do you build trust with someone you’ve just met in a vulnerable moment?
A: One of the most trusted aspects of our jobs is meeting someone who is vulnerable. We must address their need for safety, acknowledge what they are going through, facilitate understanding through empathy and a discerning ear, and encourage them in their journey. Once trust is lost, it is nearly impossible to get back.
Steve Schulze
Chaplain | Foursquare Gospel (Liberty Foursquare Church)
25 years in pastoral care (21 years at Labette Medical Center), 4 years at HaysMed
Q: How do you work with nurses, doctors, and other staff to support holistic care?
A: It is my desire to make everyone around me that I have the privilege of working with, the best that they can be. I recognize that it requires different ways at different times. The principle that I have learned and live by is from the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew where it says, ‘You are the light of the world … so let your light shine before all men.’
My desire is to light up other people’s lives whether it might come from:
• an encouraging word
• a high-five
• a special treat (a scone)
• a smile
• a hug when needed
• or maybe most important, a listening ear.
Vanlalhmachhuani (Amy) Gelatt
Chaplain | North Oak Community Church
4 years in pastoral care, all at HaysMed
Q: How do you help patients and families from different faiths or backgrounds feel spiritually supported?
A: Peace is a deep need for the soul and spirit in distress. It is a privilege to be an empathetic and caring presence. Although I know I may not be able to provide that peace, I can surely intercede for them. Sometimes just being there without any clever words but for them to know that there is an individual who is willing to be there for them across differences just because they matter as individuals is an opportunity that I would take for anyone. I believe that every human is fearfully and wonderfully made. Everyone is valuable and important, even in our most vulnerable times.
Q: How do you work with nurses, doctors, and other staff to support holistic care?
A: I consider it a high honor to support the professionals. Sometimes each are occupied with their specific roles and although they may want to invest in the families and friends of patients, they simply are unable to do so in order to care for the urgent physical need of the patient. I am able to close some communication gaps and provide attention and sometimes pray with the families who so desire.
David Kumer
Chaplain | Mennonite Brethren
3 years in pastoral care, 1 year at HaysMed
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from patients that has stayed with you?
A: Not to put a time limit or expectation on any visit. Any patient visit could go to a million different places and needs. Allow the patient to have the time needed to feel comforted or allow them to have space as needed. Perhaps today is not the day to have a long visit, perhaps a shorter visit is better today. Follow the nonverbal cues and verbal cues from the patient.
Q: How do you help patients and families from different faiths or backgrounds feel spiritually supported?
A: Connecting them with a spiritual leader of that faith or background. If they are a Christian, then walking through the promises of the Christian faith with them. If they are of another faith background, reaching out as the patient desires to a spiritual leader of that background in the community.
Let’s take this week to reflect on the invaluable role our chaplains play in healing, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Their presence is a gift, and their care is a cornerstone of our mission at HaysMed.