April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, “Together We Act, United We Change,” emphasizes the critical importance of collective action in addressing and preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. This national campaign, provided by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, aims to enhance public understanding of sexual violence, amplify the voices of survivors, and empower communities to work together to promote safety and well-being.

Understanding Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Statistics reveal that over 53% of women and over 29% of men have reported experiencing contact sexual violence. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for education and action to create safer environments for everyone.

Education is the first step to action, empowering our communities to be part of the solution. When workplaces, schools, and communities work together to uphold safety and respect, we make progress in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.

HaysMed’s Commitment to the Community

At HaysMed, we are dedicated to supporting survivors and enhancing community safety. We are proud to have a team of nine specially trained forensic nurses serving Ellis County and the surrounding communities. These professionals provide compassionate care and essential services to those affected by sexual violence. The HaysMed team provides medical care, counseling, and resources to help individuals heal and regain control of their lives. This collaboration connects our community with advanced services and direct access to cardiologists and advanced practice providers, ensuring comprehensive care close to home.

Trisha Haskell, HaysMed Forensic Program Coordinator said, “At HaysMed, we are dedicated to providing specialized forensic nursing services to support individuals affected by violence. In our rural community, it is essential to offer comprehensive care to people of all ages. We strive to work closely with community partners to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of everyone we serve.”

Throughout April, HaysMed will raise awareness for sexual assault, and we invite you to join us in making a positive impact. “Together We Act, United We Change” is more than a theme—it’s a call to action. By working together, we can address and prevent sexual violence, support survivors, and promote the safety and well-being of everyone in our communities.

Related article: HaysMed Highlight – Forensic SANE Program

HaysMed Pulmonology is dedicated to providing a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic services for lung and respiratory system disorders, sleep disorders, and critical care. The HaysMed team includes highly qualified providers, Douglas Tangel, MD and Lesa Klozenbucher, APRN. Dr. Tangel brings extensive expertise, having completed fellowship training in both Pulmonology and Critical Care at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver.

The specialized pulmonary services at HaysMed encompass a variety of advanced procedures and treatments. They offer bronchoscopies and endobronchial ultrasounds, which are essential for diagnosing and managing complex lung conditions. The pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed to help patients improve their lung function and overall quality of life. Additionally, the state-of-the-art sleep lab provides comprehensive evaluations and treatments for sleep disorders, ensuring that patients receive the care they need to achieve restful and restorative sleep.

HaysMed is committed to providing comprehensive care for adults with a wide range of respiratory system disorders. Their services address conditions such as asthma, acute and chronic pulmonary embolism, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive lung diseases, lung cancer, obstructive and central sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and tuberculosis. Each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

In addition to pulmonary services, HaysMed Pulmonology offers critical care and intensive care management, including ventilator management. This means that when patients are placed in intensive care, they receive expert management from specialized pulmonology providers. The team is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care, utilizing the latest advancements in medical technology and treatment protocols.

For advanced, specialized pulmonology care, contact HaysMed at 785-261-7450 or visit their website at HaysMed Pulmonology. The team is there to support patients with the expertise and compassion they deserve.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and HaysMed is committed to keeping you informed and proactive about your health.

Are you at risk? How often should you get screened for colorectal cancer? Understanding your risk factors is the first step in prevention, regular screenings are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

Take control of your health today! Talk to your primary care provider about screenings, and visit the HaysMed Health Library for more information- Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer

10:00 AM Update: Due to worsening conditions and power outages, all HaysMed clinics and outpatient services will be closed for the remainder of the day, Wednesday, March 19.

This includes the HaysMed Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic, HaysMed Family Medicine, The Center for Health Improvement, retail pharmacy, and all other HaysMed clinics.

Please be safe and remember the HaysMed Emergency Department is open 24/7 for emergent needs.

Overcoming health challenges is never easy, but expert medical care and a supportive environment can make a significant difference. Ms. Janelle Predmore experienced this firsthand when she began her rehabilitation at HaysMed after suffering a stroke in early January 2024. Admitted to the Acute Rehabilitation Unit, her journey highlights the high-quality care and dedication of the HaysMed team, as well as her own strength and determination in recovery.

In early January 2024, Ms. Janelle Predmore faced a life-altering challenge when she suffered a stroke. Admitted to the Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Hays Medical Center (HaysMed), she embarked on a rigorous recovery journey. Over the course of nearly a month, Ms. Predmore demonstrated remarkable resilience and made substantial progress, thanks to the dedicated care and tailored rehabilitation programs provided by HaysMed.

Ms. Predmore and her husband reside in Glen Elder, KS and were grateful to have inpatient rehab services close to home. Before the stroke, Ms. Predmore was independent and enjoyed spending time with her animals as well as being outdoors. Her goal was to go home with her husband so that they could continue to enjoy each other’s company.

During her hospitalization, she began working with nurses, physicians, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Her understanding of conversation and ability to communicate were limited by the stroke. She was unable to transfer out of her bed without help and could only walk two feet at a time. Ms. Predmore required help with bathing and dressing as she had no use of her right arm.

Over the next 15 days at the HaysMed inpatient rehab unit, she was extremely motivated and worked hard so she could go home. At times, she struggled to stand, had moments of extreme fatigue, and faced the frustration of “saying the wrong word” when trying to communicate her needs.

When she was ready to discharge home, she was able to transfer from sitting in a chair to standing with just someone to steady her and she was able to walk almost 400 feet as well as climb 12 stairs. She was able to perform her basic self-care with a little help from her husband who was able to meet with occupational therapy for training. With speech therapy, she was able to tell stories and put multiple sentences together with rare instances of word finding difficulty. Her husband credits the HaysMed rehab team for her incredible recovery and expressed their gratitude countless times throughout their visit.

Picture includes fom left to right: Courtney Barger, Program Director, Daniel Williams, Case Manager/Licensed Social Worker, Dana Chleborad, OT, Janelle Predmore, patient, Mr. Predmore, Leslie Kvinge, PT, Emma Biltoft, SLP