11-1-25

For the month of November, the Community Outreach Committee at Gove County Medical Center is focused in on Women’s Health.  We asked Nicole Walt, DPT at the GCMC Physical Therapy Department to provide us some information on the misconceptions of women’s pelvic floor health. We hope that the information below will provide solutions for women who are dealing with very common issue.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is non-surgical approach to rehabilitation of dysfunctions in the pelvis that contribute to bowel, bladder, sexual health, and pain complaints. Approaches may include behavioral strategies, manual therapies, modalities, therapeutic exercise, education, and functional re-training.

What is the ‘pelvic floor?’

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a supportive, hammock-like structure at the bottom of the pelvis. It stretches from the pubic bone in the front to the tailbone in the back, and from side to side across the sitting bones.  In addition to muscles, the pelvic floor contains nerves and fascia (connective tissue), all of which play a role in pelvic health. 

There are five major functions of the pelvic floor muscles:

–Supports internal organs: The pelvic floor muscles provide a strong and stable base for the abdominal organs (bladder, intestines, etc) and the reproductive organs in women and men.

–Controls bladder and bowel movements: The pelvic floor muscles have a sphincteric function. They must contract to prevent leakage and relax to allow for urination and bowel movements.

–Stabilizes the core: These muscles work with your deep abdominal and back muscles to stabilize your spine and pelvis. They help your body handle pressure from activities like lifting, coughing, and sneezing.

–Contributes to sexual function-Aids in circulation: The pelvic floor muscles help pump blood and lymphatic fluid, which reduces inflammation in the pelvis. 

–Aids in circulation: The pelvic floor muscles help pump blood and lymphatic fluid, which reduces inflammation in the pelvis. 

What happens when the pelvic floor is unhealthy?

Pelvic floor muscles can become too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated, leading to pelvic floor dysfunction. This can be caused by various factors, including: 

–Childbirth: The trauma and stretching can weaken the muscles.

–Aging: Muscles naturally lose strength over time.

–Straining: Repeated heavy lifting, chronic constipation, or a persistent cough can weaken the muscles.

–Surgery: Procedures like a hysterectomy or prostatectomy can impact pelvic floor function. 

What conditions can be treated with pelvic floor physical therapy?

Urinary incontinence including stress and urge incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, chronic constipation, pregnancy (prenatal and postpartum rehab), pudendal neuralgia, painful bladder syndrome, pain with intercourse, overactive bladder/frequent urination, and many more!

A physical therapist can provide biofeedback (cueing) and a personalized treatment to work on improving pelvic floor health and function.

For more information, contact the GCMC Physical Therapy Department 785-754-5167.

Nichole Walt, DPT

10-1-25

On Friday, September 13th, Gove County Medical Center hosted the 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Event at the Quinter High School Track. The evening brought together approximately 120 registered participants for a night of remembrance, support, and community connection.

The event ran from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and featured a meal, a silent auction, and the lighting of 150 luminaries in honor of loved ones lost or those still struggling. The silent auction was a highlight of the evening, made possible thanks to the generosity of Quinter Building Materials, Ray’s Pharmacy, Vintage Soul (WaKeeney), Shear Heaven (Ellis), Janice & Larry Manhart, Ruth Blackwill, Martin & Carolyn Schoenberger, Emery Waldman, Eagle Communications (Hays) and all departments at GCMC and Bluestem Clinic. Their contributions helped make the event a success.

The proceeds from the auction and other donations will go toward Operation Hope of Western Kansas, a program that assists families with lodging and travel expenses while their loved ones seek treatment.

This event carried deep meaning during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., with more than 49,000 lives lost in 2022, according to the CDC.    For ages 10–34, it is the second leading cause of death. But behind each statistic are families and communities profoundly affected.

Did you know?

· Someone in the U.S. dies by suicide about every 11 minutes.

· Rural areas often face higher suicide rates due to barriers like limited access to care and stigma around seeking help.

· The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support for anyone in crisis.

The Suicide Prevention Awareness Event was more than a fundraiser. It was a chance for the community to come together, honor loved ones, support those in need, and spread a message            of hope—that suicide is preventable, and help is available.

GCMC extends its heartfelt thanks to all who participated, donated, and volunteered. Together, we are making a difference.

9-1-25

The Community Outreach Committee at Gove County Medical Center continues its work in the city of Quinter by painting house numbers on curbs. This effort is more than just a beautification project—it’s about safety. Clear and visible house numbers help emergency personnel locate homes more quickly, ensuring faster response times when minutes matter most. Currently, about 50% of Quinter is complete, and the committee would like to remind residents that if your curb hasn’t been painted yet, it soon will be. For homes without curbs, we have an option to display numbers in another way, so every household will be covered. This project is being completed entirely by employee volunteers, showing once again how GCMC staff are willing to give their time and energy to support the community.

While the curb project strengthens safety, the committee is also preparing for one of the most meaningful initiatives of the year. In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, GCMC will host the 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Event on Friday, September 13th at the Quinter High School Track. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs through 11:00 p.m. Registration can be completed by scanning the QR code in this newsletter or stopping by the GCMC Business Office.

The event will include a meal and a silent auction featuring items donated by community members and local businesses. All proceeds will go toward Operation Hope of Western Kansas, which assists families with lodging and travel expenses while their loved ones seek treatment.

Why does this event matter so much? Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 49,000 lives lost in 2022, according to the CDC. For young people ages 10–34, it is the second leading cause of death. And behind each statistic are families and communities left grieving. Even so, suicide is preventable. For every life lost, more than 20 attempts are estimated, meaning early intervention and awareness truly can save lives.

Did you know?

· Someone in the U.S. dies by suicide about every 11 minutes.

· Rural areas, like ours, often see higher suicide rates due to limited access to care and stigma around seeking help.

· The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support with trained counselors, ready to help anyone in need.

The Suicide Prevention Awareness Event is more than a fundraiser—it’s a chance for us to stand together as a community, to remember those we have lost, to support those who are struggling, and to spread a message of hope.

Please mark your calendars and join us on September 13th for this important event. Together, we can make a difference.

8-1-25

Gove County Medical Center developed their Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV)  with Community identified as one of five core values. Additionally, six strategic priorities were created, including the goal of “being the difference in the community.” Since then, community involvement has been central to who GCMC is and what we stand for.

From the MVV, a plan was developed to address and implement each element. Several committees were formed to focus on specific priorities, one of which was the Community Outreach Committee, tasked with organizing employee volunteerism to meet local needs.

One urgent need identified was the lack of visible curb numbers on homes, which can hinder EMS response times during emergencies. From there, the “Day of Caring” initiative was born—organizing groups of employee volunteers to paint curb numbers throughout Gove County communities. The Quinter City Council graciously donated $500 in supplies to help launch the project.

Weather delays caused multiple postponements, but work is now underway. To ensure success, city blocks have been assigned to different hospital departments, with the goal of completing Quinter by early fall before expanding to neighboring towns.

GCMC employees dedicate themselves daily to serving others and saving lives. This initiative carries that same spirit, as clear curb numbers can help save lives in emergencies. Volunteering is never required but reflects the heart of GCMC—to truly be the difference in our community.

The Community Outreach Committee thanks the City of Quinter for their support and every employee who has given their time and energy, block by block. Stay tuned to the Community Outreach Corner for updates on this project and future outreach efforts.

 7-1-25

At Gove County Medical Center, community support goes beyond hospital walls—and this past month, our Community Outreach Committee has continued to make an impact through action, compassion, and collaboration.

In recognition of UV Awareness Month, the committee proudly donated and delivered a sunscreen dispenser to the Quinter Pool. Our dedicated lifeguards now have extra protection under the summer sun, and they took a moment to smile for the camera with their newest safety addition. Public health starts with small steps—and we’re proud to support sun safety in our community!

Looking back on May, we are truly inspired by our GCMC staff, who logged approximately 316 hours of volunteer service to help clean up the Grinnell community following the devastating tornado. The outpouring of support showed the heart of our organization. Employee volunteerism is one of our core outreach values, and your dedication to helping others in times of need is nothing short of heroic.

Coming Up: Days of Caring – July 10th, 11th & 12th

We’re carrying that same spirit forward with our Days of Caring, now scheduled for Thursday, July 10th (5–7pm), Friday, July 11th (5–7pm), and Saturday, July 12th (10am–12pm). This volunteer initiative will involve repainting curb address numbers around Quinter to assist emergency responders with faster identification and improved response times.

We are encouraging all staff to get involved! This is a simple yet powerful way to give back—and to once again show what GCMC teamwork can accomplish.

Don’t Miss: Walk, Talk, and Wellness with Dr. Doug

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 9th from 8:30–9:00 a.m. for our next Walk, Talk, and Wellness event, starting in the Bluestem Clinic Southside parking lot. In honor of UV Awareness Month, we’ll also be handing out free sunscreen—so come prepared to walk, learn, and protect your skin!

As we head into summer, we are reminded that outreach isn’t just a program—it’s part of our identity. Thank you to every GCMC staff member who continues to show up, give back, and make a lasting difference.

5-31-25

The Gove County Medical Center (GCMC) Community Outreach Committee continues to lead by example, bringing care, compassion, and service beyond the walls of the hospital and into the heart of the community. During the month of May, two major outreach efforts highlighted the spirit of giving and resilience that defines our county.

Community Baby Shower: Giving Families a Head Start

On Wednesday, May 28, GCMC hosted a drive-thru Community Baby Shower on the south side of Bluestem Clinic. This event invited the public to donate new or gently used baby items—especially diapers—to help support families with young children in our community. Donations collected will be distributed to local families in need, offering much-needed relief for parents preparing to welcome or care for a new baby.

Adding to the event were the children from the Gove County Early Learning Center, an extension of GCMC, who ran a cheerful Lemonade Stand. All proceeds from the stand will go toward purchasing books, toys, and educational supplies to enhance their classroom experience. Not only did this give the children an opportunity to participate in giving back, but it also demonstrated the importance of community involvement from an early age.

While the amount of donations are still being compiled, the generosity is unmistakable. Events like this one remind us of the impact we can make when we come together to support one another.

Tornado Relief Efforts in Grinnell

Earlier in the month, tragedy struck the town of Grinnell, Kansas, when a tornado caused significant damage and disruption. GCMC quickly mobilized to provide relief and support to our neighbors in need. Under the leadership of GCMC CEO Conner Fiscarelli, the hospital organized daily volunteer groups to assist in cleanup efforts, including debris removal and property recovery.

In addition to the hands-on help, GCMC also donated 300 meals to residents and responders—ensuring nourishment for those working tirelessly to rebuild their homes and lives. This initiative reinforced the hospital’s mission to serve not only with medical care but with compassion, presence, and meaningful action.

Looking Ahead: Day of Caring

The GCMC Community Outreach Committee is already looking to the future. In June, the team will lead a “Day of Caring” project, focused on painting house numbers on curbs across the community. This simple but important act is designed to improve mail delivery accuracy and emergency response times, helping first responders and postal carriers identify homes more quickly and efficiently.

Whether it’s a community outreach or a response to unexpected disaster, GCMC remains steadfast in its commitment to serve. The Community Outreach Committee thanks everyone who has participated, volunteered, or donated—and encourages all to continue finding ways to give back. Together, we make a stronger, safer, and more caring community.

4-30-25

April was a busy month for the Community Outreach Committee at GCMC. The month kicked off with raising awareness for National Donate Life Month. This campaign focused on educating the public about the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor to help save lives. For more information or to register, please scan the QR code on this page.

Stress awareness was also a major focus throughout the month. Stress balls were handed out to staff, and Dr. Doug Gruenbacher hosted a “Walk, Talk, and Wellness” event, inviting staff and community members to discuss stress management strategies while enjoying some healthy exercise.

Another highlight in April was the visit from renowned speaker John Beede, made possible through the sponsorship of GCMC, GCMC’s Operation Hope of Northwest Kansas, and a coordinated effort with a grant from the Gove County Community Foundation and Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation.

The event was hosted by Quinter High School, where John spoke to students from both Quinter and Wheatland/Grinnell schools in the afternoon. He shared his inspiring message about resilience and overcoming self-doubt.

John Beede’s impressive achievements include summiting Mount Everest and climbing the highest peak on every continent, including Antarctica. His adventures have been featured on 60 Minutes, The Weather Channel, and numerous media outlets around the world.

John’s engaging and energetic presentation style made a big impression on local youth, capturing their attention and encouraging interaction. An additional community session was held in the evening. Although bad weather limited attendance, John delivered his powerful message to those present with the same enthusiasm he’s shared with millions worldwide.

Thank you to everyone who made April a great success! We’re looking forward to an equally exciting and inspiring May.

4-1-25

Community outreach is the act of providing services and information to communities, especially those who might not otherwise have access to them. The goal is to build community engagement and improve the lives of community members. 

This last month employees gave of their time to appear on camera to bring awareness to colon cancer.  With four videos in total, each employee stated a “Did You Know” fact about colon cancer.  The Community Outreach committee titled their colon cancer campaign as “Get Your Rear in Gear.” Thank you to all the employee who agreed to be filmed and bring awareness to this terrible disease.

We have great news for the month of April. Renowned public speaker John Beede will be coming to Quinter on April 23rd to talk about resilience, overcoming doubt and boosting overall mental health. John will speak at a school assembly that will include both Quinter and Wheatland schools.  The assembly will take place in the Quinter High School gym starting at 1:45pm for grades 7-12 and at 7pm for the community.

The community outreach committee would like to thank the Gove County Community Foundation and Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation for a generous grant to help fund this event.  In addition, the committee would like to thank Operation Hope for Northwest Kansas for helping fund this event.  Please mark your calendars and see the event information below.

2-25-25

Community outreach is the act of providing services and information to communities, especially those who might not otherwise have access to them. The goal is to build community engagement and improve the lives of community members. 

At Gove County Medical Center, a Community Outreach Committee was formed recently to ensure that health information and support services are offered to the community.  The first of these outreach events occurred during the Gove County Shootout on February 11th.  GCMC employees worked with Quinter High School to set up a booth at the basketball game where health information could be given out and to support the awareness of American Heart Month in February.  Employees performed free blood pressure checks and also became the patients as students who had recently been taught how to use a blood pressure cuff wanted use them on the GCMC staff members.  A similar event took place on February 25th at the Senior Citizen’s Center in Quinter, where the Bluestem Clinic Care Manager and Senior Life Solutions staff performed blood pressure checks and provided educational materials. 

The committee is also finalizing plans for a national speaker to speak at a school assembly for both Quinter and Wheatland-Grinnell Jr & Sr. High School students focusing on mental health and resilience There will also be an evening session for the community. GCMC is currently writing a grant to help cover expenses for this event. 

As this committee is in it’s infancy, they are excited about all of the future monthly events being planned.  GCMC will continue to keep the community updated through this monthly article in the Gove County Advocate, the GCMC Pulse Newsletter and social media posts.  We encourage the community to join with us as we try to make a healthier Gove County through learning, coping and empowerment.