By Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic
ELLINWOOD, Kan. — Friday, September 6th, 2024, marked the official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic. While the facility has been open since mid-July, EHC wanted the opportunity to celebrate this monumental adventure with the community. The amount of support and effort that has been given on all fronts is truly an amazing feat.
The Ceremony began with a Blessing of the Building done by Pastor Wesner of First Baptist Church and on behalf of the local Ministerial Alliance representing the community churches to bless the new Hospital & Clinic and the employees under it. The event was concluded with a Flag Raising Ceremony presented by local Veterans, Ken Lebbin, Lloyd Kurtz, Howard Herter and Dale Kraus while ‘To The Colors’ was played on the bugle. The flag pole sits in a small, decorated area in front of the building with a Dedication Stone that was donated from American Legion Post 320 when the original Hospital was built back in the ‘50’s. The stone was relocated to the new building and was incorporated into the Grand Opening of the new facility as well. Both of these acts are genuinely appreciated because it includes the approval of the community on this historical milestone. Without the amazing community of Ellinwood and beyond, there would be no new facility.
The event featured a number of keynote speakers including Dr. Christopher Brown, Chief of Staff; Kile Magner, CEO; Representatives from HFG, Project Architect and McCownGordon, Project Construction Manager; along with David Gonzales, EDH Board of Trustee. Bill Athey, Project Manager for the facility, was presented with an award by Justin Lear, EDH Board of Trustees, Treasurer/Secretary for his hard work, dedication, and commitment to the cause.
Dr. Brown, MD, gave an incredibly moving speech speaking on the past, present and future. He said, “We have a unique past starting in the 1950’s, an exciting present and a promising future.” When he first came to Ellinwood, he was introduced to a community of generosity and one that held affection to each other. Dr. Brown said, “I hope that we never lose that commitment and kindness to each other. And that the medical community can persist to treat your family like our family. We didn’t know what would happen with the future but we had a vision. Let’s continue to improve upon that.”
Kile Magner, CEO, gave a speech highlighting that this Hospital & Clinic was a passion project, which took a lot of people with the same passion to accomplish. He said, “We believe in the values that a small town in Kansas can bring, and we decided and will continue to decide to survive.” He spoke about the strength of the community of Ellinwood to accomplish the completion of this project and how much every single person truly cares about this town, along with its future.
Upon conclusion of the speakers, the official Cutting of the Ribbon was done in front of the new facility. Kile Magner and Joyce Schulte, EDH Board of Trustees, President cut the ribbon while guests gathered around in support for the photo. The guests were then invited to view the public areas of the new facility. Overall, the event brought forward many emotions but most of all pride. Pride in Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic and it’s Staff and the bright future ahead for this incredible community of resilient people.
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Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital and Rural Health Clinic. With a 24/7 Emergency Room with 2 beds, the hospital provides inpatient acute care, skilled swing bed, and intermediate swing bed care and many outpatient services: endoscopy, physical and occupational therapy, a full-service medical laboratory, and a full range of imaging services – traditional x-ray, CT, mobile mammography, mobile US/sonography, mobile MRI.
The Ellinwood Clinic offers full family care, from newborn to geriatric care, provided by practitioners that truly care about you and your health. The Clinic offers endoscopy specialty services, as well.
