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.