Marina
EMPORIA (KSNT) – In a significant step toward improving healthcare access in rural Kansas, Newman Regional Health announced it has received a $485,000 grant from The Patterson Family Foundation.
This funding aims to expand and modernize the hospital’s telehealth infrastructure, enabling better healthcare delivery to underserved communities.
About the Patterson Family Foundation
Based in Kansas City, the Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led philanthropic organization dedicated to continuing the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson.
The foundation’s mission focuses on helping rural communities thrive through improved healthcare, education, and economic initiatives.
The latest grant to Newman Regional Health underscores the foundation’s commitment to supporting innovative healthcare solutions in rural regions.
Enhancing Telehealth Access Across Rural Areas
According to Cathy Pimple, CEO of Newman Regional Health, this grant represents a major step forward in breaking down barriers to care.
“We are deeply thankful for this financial support,” said Pimple. “It allows us to remain 100% committed to the communities we serve, ensuring that high-quality care is about access and equity, not geography.”
With this expansion, both inpatient and outpatient telemedicine services will be upgraded to provide specialized care remotely, ensuring patients can access expert consultations without long-distance travel.
Targeted Areas of Improvement
The telehealth expansion aligns with the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, which identified several high-priority areas requiring attention. The project will focus on enhancing services in:
- High-risk obstetrics
- Behavioral health
- Advanced cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Infectious disease management
By improving these key healthcare services, Newman Regional Health aims to:
- Strengthen maternal health outcomes
- Enhance chronic disease management
- Address mental health challenges
- Reduce costly patient transfers and care delays
The $485,000 grant from The Patterson Family Foundation marks a pivotal moment for Newman Regional Health and the rural communities it serves.
This initiative ensures that quality healthcare is no longer limited by distance, offering patients timely access to specialists and advanced medical support.
By expanding its telehealth capabilities, the hospital is setting a new standard for accessible, equitable, and modernized care across Kansas.