Hays, KS – HaysMed is delighted to celebrate April as National Donate Life Month. This special month is dedicated to encouraging individuals to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors and to honor those who have saved lives through their gifts of donation. HaysMed also celebrates and acknowledges the selfless contributions of our associates who make these life-saving donations possible.

 

HaysMed proudly supports the ongoing efforts of its Donor Advisory Council, a dedicated group of nine HaysMed Associates along with esteemed members Nikki Dixon, Hospital Services Coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network and Kelly Falwell, Hospital Development Manager at Saving Sight. The council meets quarterly to discuss and enhance the services provided by HaysMed to the entire Western Kansas community.

 

Since its inception in 2008, the HaysMed Donor Advisory Council has evolved its awareness initiatives from a 5k run to an appreciation event for HaysMed Associates. This year, over 750 cookies were baked and distributed to not only day staff but also our hardworking night shift Associates, highlighting our appreciation for their dedication.

 

In collaboration with Midwest Transplant Network and Saving Sight, we continue to spread the word about the critical need for eye, organ, and tissue donations. Representatives from these organizations support HaysMed year-round.

 

Our community outreach doesn’t stop there. Key local entities such as Hays Regional Airport, Ellis County Emergency Medical Services, and the Kansas Department of Vehicles are instrumental in encouraging community members to opt-in for organ donation. The Donor Advisory Council also fosters educational opportunities at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and North Central Kansas Technical College and engages with the community during the annual Back to School Picnic at FHSU, drawing hundreds of students and community members each fall.

 

Highlighting our community engagement, the council participated in the April 20, 2024 Walk With A Doc event. Alongside Dr. Erin Hemphill, a hospitalist at HaysMed, and partners from The Transplant Network and Saving Sight, participants enjoyed an invigorating walk and learned about the vital impact of organ, eye, and tissue donations.

 

In 2023 alone, HaysMed saw remarkable donor participation, with 27 donated corneas, one organ donor, and nine tissue donors, each of whom has the potential to enhance up to 75 lives.

 

HaysMed is committed to saving and enhancing lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. We thank every donor, volunteer, and partner for their vital role in this noble cause.

 

Featured in photos:

Heidi Gohl, HaysMed Vascular Access, Key Contact

Karen Kisner, HaysMed Hospice Supervisor

Kelly Cole, HaysMed Education

Nikki Dixon, Hospital Services Coordinator at Midwest Transplant Network

Kelly Falwell, Hospital Development Manager at Saving Sight

HaysMed Security Protective Services

HaysMed Hospice

HaysMed Respiratory Therapy

 

At HaysMed, we’re incredibly grateful for our dedicated Occupational Therapy team who play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of our patients every day. Whether it’s helping individuals regain independence in daily activities or overcoming barriers to participation, our OTs are the unsung heroes behind countless success stories.

This month, we celebrate their unwavering commitment and expertise in improving patients’ abilities to perform activities of daily living. From mental and physical rehabilitation and support, their impact knows no bounds. Thank you, OT team, for your tireless dedication to making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

 

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Occupational therapy allows people of all ages to do the activities they want and need to do. Occupational therapy promotes health, well-being, and participation.  An occupational therapist will evaluate your situation and, with input from you (and perhaps your family, care provider, or friend), develop individualized goals that allow you to resume or pursue your valued occupations. After you develop goals with your occupational therapist, you will work together to decide a plan to help improve or maintain your ability to perform daily activities and reach your goals getting back to your life.

 

WHEN DO I NEED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

An occupational therapy practitioner will keep the focus on the things you need and want to do—your goals, your activities, your independence. With occupational therapy services you can:

• Stay as healthy and productive as possible at work or home, while managing a chronic medical condition.

• Maintain or rebuild your independence, such as using assistive devices to help care for yourself after a stroke or surgery.

• Achieve your goals to perform everyday activities after injury or hospitalization, such as dressing, grooming, transfers, and balance activities to increase safety and decrease risk for re-injury.

• Participate in everyday activities important to you that keep you involved in your community and make like worth living including taking care of your family, working, volunteering, going to school, playing sports, or creating art or music.

In short, an occupational therapy practitioner can help you live life to its fullest no matter your health condition, disability, or risk factors.

 

WHO ARE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTITIONERS?

Occupational therapy practitioners are either occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants. They are skilled health care professionals who use research and scientific evidence to ensure their interventions are effective. With strong knowledge of a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup, occupational therapy practitioners can evaluate how your condition (or risk for one) is affecting your body and mind, using a holistic perspective.

YOUR HAYSMED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS and OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS: 

Melissa Ginther, OTR/L (28 years)

Brett Johnson, OTR/L (20 years)

Alison Nuttle, OTR/L (11 years)

Leslie Olmstead, OTR/L (26 years)

Alicia Rymer, OTR/L (27 years)

Arian Schipke, OTR/L (1 year)

Lashelle Schroter, COTA (17 years)

Diane Staples, COTA (2 years)

 

To read more about HaysMed’s rehabilitation services, please click here.