The DeBakey Heart Institute at HaysMed announces Dr. Kent Gleed’s retirement, effective October 31, 2024. During his tenure, Dr. Gleed provided complex cardiology services to his patients and provided the region with care only found in larger cities. HaysMed extends its heartfelt thanks for his years of service and dedication and wishes him the best in his retirement.

HaysMed is also pleased to introduce Dr. Jacob Morgan, who joined the DeBakey Heart Institute in September. As a board-certified cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology, Dr. Morgan manages heart rhythm disorders and complex cardiac conditions. His recent collaboration with Dr. Gleed has fully prepared him to uphold the high standards of care that HaysMed patients rely on.

Dr. Morgan expressed his enthusiasm about joining HaysMed, stating, “In the two months that I’ve been at HaysMed, I’ve witnessed firsthand the hard work and passion of our entire HaysMed team— from nurses and clinic staff to billing—everyone works together for the betterment of Hays and our broader healthcare community. Having always called Western Kansas home, I am thrilled to contribute to the success of the DeBakey Heart Institute.”

Originally from Stockton, Kansas, Dr. Morgan graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, completing his postgraduate training in electrophysiology at Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His dedication to patient care and his expertise are key to supporting HaysMed’s mission of delivering superior healthcare and ensuring access to advanced treatments for all its patients.

HaysMed provides a highly successful team of cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, with the DeBakey Heart Institute team as the sole provider of this advanced service in rural western Kansas, delivering state-of-the-art care to our patients.

At HaysMed, we are committed to keeping your heart healthy.

The HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute is located at 2220 Canterbury Drive, Entrance A, Hays, KS 67601. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 785-625-4699 for appointments and assistance, or visit the HaysMed website.

Dr. Kent Gleed

Dr. Jacob Morgan

HaysMed is pleased to announce the addition of Amanda Ray, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), to the team at the Convenient Care Clinic.

Amanda Ray, APRN, earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Nursing from Fort Hays State University and went on to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. She has previously served at HaysMed in the Pulmonology and ENT Clinic, as well as the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute.

Ray and the team at HaysMed’s Walk-In Convenient Care Clinic provide high-quality care that is quick, convenient, and affordable for patients of all ages, from children to adults. The clinic addresses conditions that require immediate attention but are not life-threatening or severe enough to warrant a visit to the emergency department.

Ray’s addition represents a significant step in HaysMed’s ongoing efforts to expand and improve its services in response to the evolving healthcare needs of the Hays community.

Office of the Kansas Governor

HAYS – Governor Laura Kelly today toured HaysMed in Ellis County as she relaunches the “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” tour.  Governor Kelly will be touring the state, meeting with Kansans to discuss the importance of Medicaid expansion before the legislature returns at the end of the month.

When legislators return on April 26, Senators will have the opportunity to bring Medicaid expansion to a debate and vote in the Senate.

“When they return on April 26^th, the legislature will decide if they want to keep moving Kansas forward,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By voting to expand Medicaid, Kansans in in every corner of the state would have access to the affordable, high-quality health care they deserve.”

In January, Governor Kelly’s Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act was introduced in the Kansas House and Senate.  The legislation would increase access to health care for 150,000 Kansans while injecting $1.2 billion in annual federal funding into Kansas’ economy and creating 23,000 new jobs.

The upcoming vote on Medicaid expansion comes after legislators met in March for a joint session of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and an informational hearing in the House Health and Human Services Committee. More than 900 pieces of written testimony were presented in those meetings. Edward Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed was one of the Senate conferees that spoke about the impact of not expanding Medicaid has on his hospital.

“As the HaysMed President and CEO overseeing healthcare delivery, I can attest firsthand to the critical need for Medicaid expansion,” said Edward Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed. “Our hospitals are on the frontline, serving those in need regardless of their ability to pay. Medicaid expansion isn’t just a policy; it’s a lifeline for countless individuals and families, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. We would like to thank Governor Kelly for her support in this critical initiative of expanding Medicaid for Kansans.”

This tour allowed HaysMed to further emphasize to legislators the need for Medicaid expansion and the impact access to essential health care services has on rural Kansans and the communities they represent.

The hospital invited legislators representing Ellis County and the surrounding area to the tour.

The most recent survey data from the Sunflower Foundation shows that nearly 70 percent of Kansans support Medicaid expansion. This includes a majority of Republican primary voters and 83 percent of small business owners.

“I urge Kansans in every corner of the state to write, call, or meet with their legislators,” Governor Kelly said. “Tell them Medicaid expansion must be debated and passed now. Let them know how critical this is for your family and your communities.”

This year was the first time Medicaid expansion had been given a hearing in four years.

Kansans can find contact information for their local legislator here.

HAYS, KS – HaysMed is thrilled to announce in-person classes tailored for perspective parents at the Birth Center, complementing its existing array of educational resources. Registration for all in-person classes will secure two spots, allowing for the attendance of prospective parents or a support partner. Online registration is now open at www.haysmed.eeds.com.

February 21, 2024, the HaysMed Birth Center will host its first Understanding Breastfeeding course from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. This comprehensive 2-hour session aims to equip attendees with essential knowledge on breastfeeding newborns, covering fundamental topics such as feeding latch, positioning techniques, and fostering support.

The Understanding Breastfeeding in-person class will cost $25 and includes a teaching booklet and access to a dedicated mobile app. Classes will be made available every three months.

On February 28, 2024, the Birth Center will present the Childbirth Talk and Tour, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This enlightening session offers a guided tour of the Labor and Delivery, OB/Postpartum, and NICU facilities. Attendees will gain insights into birthing basics at HaysMed, covering essentials such as breathing techniques and labor management.

Participation in the Childbirth Talk and Tour class will allow each attendee to be accompanied by one support person. Monthly classes are available at a fee of $25, which covers the cost of educational materials and grants access to the mobile app.

HaysMed is also introducing a new in-person class, Understanding Newborn Care, with the first class scheduled March 18, 2024. This 2-hour session will delve into essential newborn care practices, encompassing diapering, bathing, safe sleep guidelines, and more. For forthcoming scheduling dates, please visit www.haysmed.com/education.

In addition to the in-person offerings, HaysMed has expanded its repertoire of online classes, accessible for a duration of nine months post-purchase. Prices for online classes range from $20 to $50 per course, with offerings including Understanding Birth, Understanding Breastfeeding, Understanding Your Newborn, and Understanding Sibling Preparation.

Understanding Birth (online) Can’t come to a childbirth class? We’ll bring it to you! Consider the Understanding Birth eClass your go-to guide for answers you can trust on childbirth. This interactive online course covers essential information on labor and more, and highlights ways partners can help throughout the process. You’ll also get a sense of what labor is really like as you watch several birth stories. You’ll even have an opportunity to create your own birth plan!

Understanding Breastfeeding (online) Making the decision to breastfeed is one of the best things you can do for your baby! As with any new experience, you probably have lots of questions. Consider the Understanding Breastfeeding eClass your go-to guide for answers. This interactive online course covers the essentials, including clear animation and plenty of video examples. It lets you know when to call for help and includes partner tips throughout. You will also have the opportunity to track feedings with an easy-to-use tracker!

Understanding Your Newborn (online) Congratulations on your growing family! Since newborns don’t come with an owner’s manual, consider the Understanding Your Newborn eClass your go-to guide for infant care. This interactive online course covers essential information, including clear video examples of bathing, feeding and diapering, and lets you know when to call the doctor. You will also stay organized with a variety of helpful checklists and trackers!

Understanding Sibling Preparation (online) Growing your family? Help your child become a super sibling! This online sibling preparation class teaches you how to support your child (or children) as they grow into their role of big brother or sister. You will learn how to answer tough questions, ways to help your child feel involved, how to reduce jealousy, and more. Plus, to encourage your sibling-to-be, there are fun lessons to do together, complete with kid-friendly video clips, coloring pages, and activities (recommended for ages 3-7).

For more information or to register for classes, please visit www.haysmed.com/education or call the HaysMed Education Department at 785-623-5500.