HaysMed Receives Gold Award for Rural Stroke Care

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The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award recognizes efforts to address the unique health needs of rural communities

People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality, according to an American Heart Association’s presidential advisory on rural health. HaysMed and the DeBakey Heart Institute is committed to changing that.

For its efforts to optimize stroke care and reduce gaps in rural health outcomes, HaysMed has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When this happens, brain cells begin to die. Early detectionand rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, minimizing disability and supporting faster recovery.

The American Heart Association recognizes the importance of health care services provided to people living in rural areas by rural hospitals that play a vital role in initiation of timely evidence-based care. For that reason, all rural hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines – Stroke are eligible to receive award recognition based on a unique methodology focused on early acute stroke performance metrics.

This recognition goes to hospitals for their commitment to acute stroke care excellence, demonstrated through performance on guideline-directed measures including intravenous thrombolytic therapy, timely hospital inter-facility transfer, dysphagia screening, symptom timeline and deficit assessment documentation, emergency medical services communication, brain imaging and stroke expert consultation.

 
About Get With The Guidelines®
Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Saturday, July 11 Blood Screening at HaysMed

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HaysMed is proud to offer monthly Volunteer Community Blood Screenings to support the health and wellness of our community. These screenings are a convenient and affordable way to monitor key health indicators. We encourage all community members to take advantage of these screenings as part of their preventive health care. No appointment is necessary, just walk in!

Your health matters, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. We hope to see you on July 11 at HaysMed!

Time: 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Location: 2220 Canterbury Drive – Hadley Room 1

Available Tests & Pricing:

Please Note:

  • Fasting for 10–12 hours prior to your screening is recommended for accurate results.
  • Only cash and check payments are accepted at this time. HaysMed’s ATM is currently unavailable.

Upcoming 2026 Volunteer Community Blood Screening Dates:
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Saturday, December 5, 2026

Join Our 2026 Birth Center Classes and Get Ready for Baby

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Preparing for parenthood? HaysMed is here to help!

HaysMed’s Birth Center is offering a variety of in-person and virtual classes designed to support expecting and new families across western Kansas. Whether you’re welcoming your first baby or brushing up on the basics, our classes provide expert guidance and practical tips for every step of the journey.

All in-person classes are offered free of charge and are led by experienced HaysMed OB nurses and lactation consultants ensuring you feel informed, confident, and ready to welcome your new arrival.

Upcoming In-Person Classes:
Understanding Breastfeeding Class
August 19, 2026
November 18, 2026

Childbirth Talk and Tour
July 21, 2026
September 29, 2026
November 12, 2026

Understanding Newborn Care
August 31, 2026

Virtual Options Available
Can’t attend in person? We offer comprehensive virtual classes so families across western Kansas can access the same great support from home.

Ready to feel confident and prepared?
To register, please call The Center for Women’s Health at 785-623-5806. Our team is available Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

HaysMed Receives Prestigious 2026 Baby-Friendly Redesignation

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HaysMed is proud to announce it has received Baby-Friendly redesignation, reaffirming its commitment to excellence after a rigorous review process conducted by Baby-Friendly USA, the organization responsible for awarding this certification in the United States.

This distinguished honor demonstrates that HaysMed is adhering to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized for the hard work of our Associates throughout the Baby-Friendly redesignation process,” said Kristy Schlaefli, MSN, RN, Director of Acute Care and Obstetrics. The Birth Center at HaysMed is a family-friendly, state-of-the-art facility for labor and delivery, lactation services, postpartum and surgical care for women, and neonatal intensive care for babies.

HaysMed’s Lactation Services Team is made up of international board-certified Lactation Consultants/Registered Nurses (IBCLC/RN). Our team is available to assist with inpatient and outpatient breastfeeding support or concerns.

Jill Rozean, BSN, RN, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant in the Birth Center expressed, “HaysMed has long been a recognized leader in the care of women and newborns. This designation is a tribute to our commitment to ensuring that every woman who delivers a baby at our facility is given the resources, information and support needed to help her and her baby get the best, healthiest start in life.”

“We are committed to implementing evidence-based care through the Baby-Friendly designation to ensure that mothers delivering in our facility who intend to breastfeed, as well as those who cannot or decide not to breastfeed, are fully supported” said Jessica Seib, MSN, RN, IBCLC, OB/NICU Staff Development Coordinator and Lactation Consultant.

HaysMed joins a growing list of more than 20,000 Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers throughout the world. These facilities provide an environment that supports breastfeeding while respecting every woman’s right to make the best decision for herself and her family.

 

About HaysMed

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2024, HaysMed was named as one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association and earned the prestigious five-star designation in the 2024 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. Learn more at haysmed.com.

 

About Baby-Friendly USA

As the accrediting body and national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in the United States, Baby-Friendly USA is responsible for upholding the highest standards in infant feeding care by coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the prestigious Baby-Friendly designation and ensure the widespread adoption of the BFHI in the US. Learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and the BFHI at www.babyfriendlyusa.org.

HaysMed Welcomes New General Surgeon Dr. Ragnar Peterson

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HaysMed is proud to welcome Ragnar S. Peterson, MD, FACS.

Dr. Peterson is known not only for his surgical skill, but also for his energy, vision, and passion for building strong programs. In 2018 he established the states only Comprehensive Hernia and Abdominal Wall Center which became a regional referral center attracting patients not only from across Kansas, but from surrounding states as far as Arizona and Texas.

Originally from Lindsborg, Kansas, Dr. Peterson brings the experience of more than 10,000 surgical procedures over a 20-year career as a surgeon and educator.  He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and completed his medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine followed by a General Surgery Residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center.  He has been designated as a Surgeon of Quality by the American Hernia Society every year since 2023, the first year the award was available.

In summing up his philosophy to patient care, Dr. Peterson states “The secret to caring for the patient is caring for the patient.”

At HaysMed, he joins a highly regarded group of surgeons including Dr. Brandon Cunningham, Dr. Charles Schultz, Dr. Paul Teget, and Dr. Zurab Tsereteli who have built a trusted and comprehensive general surgery program serving patients across western Kansas.

With Dr. Peterson’s addition, HaysMed continues to expand its specialty care offerings, ensuring patients don’t have to travel far for advanced surgical care.

As the only tertiary hospital in this part of the region with 24/7 trauma surgery coverage, HaysMed plays a vital role in delivering critical, life-saving care when it’s needed most. The strength of its surgical team further reinforces that commitment to the communities it serves.

Joben Rieth Appointed to Kansas State Board of Nursing

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HaysMed is proud to announce that Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has appointed Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, to serve as interim on the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

The Kansas State Board of Nursing plays a vital role in protecting public health, safety, and welfare by overseeing the licensure and regulation of nursing professionals across the state. Through its work, the Board helps ensure that Kansans receive safe, high-quality care in every healthcare setting.

Joben’s appointment represents a significant professional achievement and an important moment for healthcare across the region. His selection reflects a high level of trust in his leadership, clinical expertise, and commitment to excellence in patient care.

Equally important, this appointment brings a strong voice from Western Kansas to a statewide leadership role. Rural healthcare systems face unique challenges and opportunities, and having representation at the state level helps ensure those perspectives are included in decisions that impact the future of nursing and patient care.

As a member of the Board, Joben will contribute to shaping policies and standards that influence the nursing profession and healthcare delivery throughout Kansas, impacting not only providers, but the patients and families they serve.

Please join us in congratulating Joben Rieth on this distinguished appointment and thanking him for his continued dedication to advancing the nursing profession and serving communities across the state.

 

Related articles:
HaysMed Achieves National Distinction for Zero CAUTI Rate
HaysMed Honors Emma Dinkel as First-Ever BEE Award Recipient
HaysMed Earns National Recognition for Zero CLABSI Rate
HaysMed Appoints Joben Rieth as Permanent Chief Nursing Officer

July 4th Weekend Holiday Hours – Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic

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From all of us at HaysMed, we wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe Fourth of July! As you enjoy time with family, friends, and community celebrations, your health and safety remain our top priority. If you need care over the holiday weekend, our team is here for you.

Our Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic will be open during the holiday:

  • Friday, July 3: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 4: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 5: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Whether it’s a minor illness, injury, or a last-minute health concern, you can count on us for convenient, quality care, with no appointment needed.

Have a wonderful Fourth of July filled with fun, relaxation, and celebration!

Medical Pavilion Pharmacy Early Closure Notice For June 30

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The Medical Pavilion Pharmacy at HaysMed will close early at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, to allow staff time to complete annual inventory.

We apologize for any inconvenience this temporary change in hours may cause and appreciate your understanding.

The Medical Pavilion Pharmacy is a full-service pharmacy located on the first floor of Entrance B (Miller Pavilion), directly behind the elevators. Pharmacy services are available to HaysMed patients and employees, as well as members of the community.

Regular Pharmacy Hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Closed Saturday & Sunday

For questions or prescription needs, please plan accordingly ahead of the early closure. The pharmacy can be reached by visiting the pharmacy website, calling 785-650-2789 or by emailing mmc@haysmed.com.

HaysMed Recognized by Midwest Transplant Network for Excellence in Tissue Donation

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HaysMed has been honored by Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) with a 2026 Excellence in Donation Award for Tissue Donation, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to supporting organ, eye, and tissue donation and helping deliver lifesaving opportunities to patients and families.

Based on 2025 donation outcomes, the Excellence in Donation Awards recognize hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance in facilitating donation in eligible cases where authorization is granted. Midwest Transplant Network collaborates with more than 240 hospitals across Kansas and western Missouri, making this recognition a meaningful distinction.

“This award reflects the compassion and professionalism of our clinical teams who support patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments,” said Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “Tissue donation offers the chance for healing and hope beyond loss, and we are proud of our staff for honoring donors and their families with dignity, respect, and exceptional care.”

Midwest Transplant Network’s 2026 awards feature butterfly imagery, symbolizing transformation, renewal, and the lasting impact of donation. Through the generosity of donor heroes and their families, tissue donation can restore mobility, heal injuries, and improve quality of life for countless recipients.

“At HaysMed, collaboration and education are key to supporting donation,” said Heidi Gohl, Vascular Access, RN and key contact for donation services at HaysMed. “This recognition affirms the strong partnership we share with Midwest Transplant Network and highlights the commitment of our teams who ensure donation opportunities are handled thoughtfully and according to each family’s wishes.”

HaysMed remains committed to advancing donation awareness, supporting families through the donation process, and partnering with Midwest Transplant Network to extend hope and healing throughout the region.

For more information about organ, eye, and tissue donation, visit the Midwest Transplant Network website.

Photo includes from left to right Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Heidi Gohl, Vascular Access RN, and Nikki Dixon, Midwest Transplant Network Hospital Services Coordinator.

 

ADDRESS

2220 Canterbury
Hays, KS 67601

855-429-7633

CONVENIENT CARE

3216 Vine, Suite 20
Hays, KS 67601

785-261-7065

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