For Cammie Townley, RN, military service and nursing have always had a lot in common: commitment, responsibility and taking care of the people beside you.

Townley first began her career at HaysMed in 1982 and has held numerous roles across the organization over the years. Originally from Cedar, Kansas, in Smith County, she has worked throughout the organization in roles including the Emergency Department, ICU, obstetrics, pediatrics and NICU, and previously served as Emergency Department Director. Today, she serves as HaysMed’s Trauma Program Manager and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program Manager.

Her nursing career has been varied, but critical care has remained a constant passion. “I appreciate everything about nursing, but I’ve always had a strong passion for critical care, trauma and caring for people dealing with drug and alcohol issues,” Townley said. “Mental health is underserved, and it’s an area where people deserve compassion. I think your story is important.”

Finding Her Place in the Army

Townley’s military career began while she was attending Fort Hays State University, continuing her education from LPN to BSN while also working full time at HaysMed. She joined the ROTC program at FHSU and quickly realized military service was a good fit.

Townley went on to serve 15 years in the U.S. Army Nurse Corp, attaining the rank of Major. Her military experience took her to locations including Tacoma, Washington; Oklahoma; Germany; Alaska; and several other locations. She also spent time at Fort Sam Houston, gaining experience in a Level I trauma center emergency department.

As an Army nurse, Townley especially valued the opportunity to care for service members and their families. “I loved taking care of soldiers and their families. It was an honor,” she said. Her service also gave her something else she continues to value: the relationships formed between people who serve together.

A Different Perspective on Nursing

Working as a nurse in both military and civilian settings changed the way Townley approached patient care. “It gives you a different perspective and a different appreciation,” she said. That perspective has stayed with her throughout her work at HaysMed, particularly in trauma, emergency care, mental health and caring for people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Reflecting on her career, Townley is quick to recognize the people around her, noting that exceptional patient care is truly a team effort. She has great respect for the nurses she has worked alongside over the years, as well as the many Associates across HaysMed who each play a role in caring for patients. That appreciation extends to the organization as a whole. “HaysMed does a really nice job and puts effort into its staff,” she said.

Remember the Families, Too

Military service remains personal for Townley in another important way. She is the mother of three sons, including a son who serves in the military. For all her own experience wearing the uniform, she is direct about one of the toughest roles she has experienced. “The hardest thing to be is an Army mom,” she said.

While assisting with a Family Readiness Group at Fort Riley, Townley worked with families whose soldiers were deployed. The experience reinforced something she believes deserves greater recognition on Veteran’s Day and throughout the year. “Please remember military families,” Townley said. “They are committed right along with their soldier.”

Her message is equally simple when it comes to supporting veterans and those currently serving. “It’s important to listen to veterans, soldiers and their families,” Townley said.

For Townley, Veteran’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the people who served, but also to pay attention to what they have experienced and what they may still carry with them. Sometimes, honoring someone starts with listening.

What does a healthier, stronger community look like for Ellis County and the surrounding region? HaysMed is inviting residents, business owners, community leaders and other local stakeholders to help answer that question through the 2027 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).

The community survey is now open and takes less than five minutes to complete. Responses are confidential, and the survey will remain open through November 20, 2026.

Take the 2027 Community Health Needs Assessment survey

Over the next several months, HaysMed will work alongside community partners and area leaders to better understand the needs, challenges and opportunities affecting the health and well-being of Ellis County residents.

The assessment is about more than healthcare. Community health is influenced by many factors that affect how people live, work and thrive. The CHNA provides an opportunity for community members to share their perspectives about the needs of Ellis County and the region and help identify opportunities to strengthen the community as a whole.

Building on previous assessments completed in 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024, the 2027 CHNA will evaluate progress on previously identified priorities while gathering current perspectives and ideas from residents. VVV Consultants LLC, an independent research firm based in Olathe, Kansas, has been retained to conduct the countywide assessment.

All Ellis County residents, as well as area business and community leaders, are encouraged to participate in the survey, regardless of whether they currently receive healthcare services from HaysMed. Participation is voluntary, and responses are confidential.

In just a few minutes, community members can provide valuable input that will help identify priorities and opportunities to strengthen the health and well-being of Ellis County and the surrounding region.

Ready to share your perspective? The survey takes less than five minutes and is open through November 20.

Take the 2027 Community Health Needs Assessment survey

Following the survey, HaysMed will host a Community Health Needs Assessment Town Hall on February 11, 2027, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center, 2510 Canterbury Dr., Hays. The town hall will provide another opportunity for community members to learn about the findings, discuss identified needs and help prioritize opportunities for Ellis County and the surrounding region.

Community participation is an important part of the CHNA process. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, residents can help HaysMed and community partners better understand local needs and identify opportunities to support the long-term health, well-being and vitality of the communities they serve.

For questions regarding the 2027 Community Health Needs Assessment, please call 785-623-2265.

Each year, the Breath of Fresh Air Award recognizes a respiratory therapist who exemplifies excellence in patient care, teamwork, professionalism, and service to others. We are proud to announce that Claire Childs has been selected as the 2026 Respiratory Therapist of the Year.

Claire is widely respected for her unwavering commitment to patients and the positive impact she has on everyone around her. Colleagues consistently describe her as someone who is always willing to help, maintains an optimistic attitude during stressful situations, and approaches every interaction with kindness and professionalism. Whether supporting a fellow caregiver, mentoring a student, or providing compassionate care at the bedside, Claire continually goes above and beyond what is expected.

One of Claire’s greatest strengths is her dedication to teaching and collaboration. She is known for taking the time to explain treatments and procedures to patients, helping them feel comfortable and informed throughout their care. Nurses and students alike benefit from her willingness to share knowledge, offer guidance, and provide hands-on support. Her ability to educate while delivering exceptional care makes her an invaluable resource across the organization.

Claire’s commitment extends well beyond traditional respiratory therapy responsibilities. Fellow Associates frequently recognize her readiness to assist with patient care needs, whether repositioning a patient, responding to a staff request, or evaluating a patient who needs respiratory support. Regardless of whose patient it is, Claire is always willing to assess the situation, provide recommendations, and ensure the patient receives the best possible care.

Patients and Associates alike appreciate Claire’s warm presence. Her smile, encouragement, and genuine concern for others help create a positive environment for both patients and staff. She builds meaningful connections with patients by listening to understand their needs and advocating for their perspective within the care team. Her collaborative approach with physicians, nurses, and fellow respiratory therapists strengthens the delivery of patient-centered care and improves outcomes.

Those who work alongside Claire describe her as hardworking, dependable, thorough, and compassionate. Whether working days, nights, or picking up extra shifts to support the department, she consistently demonstrates a patient-centered approach and dedication to her team. Many colleagues have remarked that they would trust Claire to care for their own family members, a testament to the confidence and respect she has earned throughout the organization.

Claire Childs embodies the very qualities the Breath of Fresh Air Award was created to celebrate: professionalism, compassion, teamwork, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care. Her dedication to patients, colleagues, and the profession of respiratory therapy makes her truly deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations, Claire Childs, on being named the 2026 Respiratory Therapist of the Year and recipient of the Breath of Fresh Air Award! Your positive spirit, commitment to excellence, and compassionate care make a difference every day.

HaysMed is pleased to welcome Mark Sanderson as its new Pastoral Care Chaplain Supervisor.

Sanderson brings extensive experience in pastoral care, chaplaincy, leadership, mentoring, crisis counseling and spiritual support. Most recently, he served as a full-time inpatient hospice chaplain with Chapters Health System/Good Shepherd Hospice in Lakeland, Florida, providing spiritual care and support to patients and their loved ones. In that role, he worked closely with physicians, nurses and social workers to develop individualized spiritual care plans and provide support to patients and families during end-of-life care.

Throughout his career, Sanderson has held numerous pastoral and leadership positions, including Executive Pastor and Chief of Staff at Victory Christian Center of the Desert in Palm Springs, California, and Associate Pastor at Faith Family Church in North Canton, Ohio. His experience includes pastoral care, crisis counseling, hospital visitation, staff leadership, mentoring and supporting individuals and families through difficult circumstances.

Sanderson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Theology from Southern California Christian College and completed a two-year ministerial training program with an emphasis in administration at RHEMA Bible Training College. He is also an ordained minister and is continuing his clinical pastoral education through Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI).

Sanderson also has longstanding ties to western Kansas, with family in Hays and the surrounding area, as well as connections to Scott City, spanning more than 30 years. His new role at HaysMed provides an opportunity to bring his extensive pastoral care experience to a region with which he and his family have a meaningful connection.

“We are pleased to welcome Mark to HaysMed,” said Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “His extensive background in chaplaincy, hospice care and leadership will be a valuable addition to our team and enhance the compassionate support we provide throughout HaysMed.”

As Pastoral Care Chaplain Supervisor, Mark Sanderson will work alongside HaysMed’s experienced part-time chaplains, providing spiritual and emotional support to patients and their loved ones while leading the continued work of the Pastoral Care program.

HaysMed is proud to recognize Brandy Herring, RN, of the Surgical Unit, for receiving a DAISY Award nomination in honor of the exceptional care and compassion she provides to patients and families each day.

The DAISY Award is an international program that celebrates nurses for the extraordinary clinical skill, compassion, and commitment they demonstrate while caring for patients. Brandy was nominated by a patient’s family member who shared a heartfelt account of the difference she made during a difficult hospital stay.

In the nomination, the family described Brandy as an “exceptional nurse” who provided not only excellent clinical care but also encouragement and support when it was needed most. They praised her transparency, professionalism, and willingness to answer questions while helping a loved one navigate recovery from a possible small bowel obstruction. Most importantly, they noted how Brandy connected with their family and offered reassurance throughout the patient’s stay.

“Brandy represents the very best of nursing at HaysMed,” said Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and families, and Brandy exemplifies that every day through her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to exceptional care. We are grateful to have her on our team.”

HaysMed congratulates Brandy on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for the outstanding care she provides to patients across western Kansas.

The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes and honors nurses worldwide for the extraordinary care they provide to patients and families. To nominate a nurse or team at HaysMed for the Daisy Award, individuals are encouraged to visit the official website at https://www.haysmed.com/daisy-nomination-form/.