With a long-standing commitment of Improving Health Trough Christian Service, Shawnee Mission Health has an unwavering devotion to new growth initiatives to better meet the needs of the Kansas City community. Over the past five years, SMH has proven its dedication not only through the building of new facilities, but also through the creation of outreach programs aimed to support members of the community and associates alike.
Meeting Growing Demands
SMH is growing, and its new facilities are making a big impact. Most recently, the organization started construction on SMH – Blue Valley to meet the health care needs of a rapidly growing area south of the Kansas City metro. The new hospital will feature
an emergency department, laboratory, imaging center and a medical office building for physicians in a variety of specialties. The expansion will provide better access to a wide variety of health services for people of all ages.
In an effort to meet the growing demand, the Bariatric Surgery Program at SMH – Prairie Star expanded its inpatient medical/surgical unit. With a record-breaking 1,514 bariatric procedures performed in 2015, the program helps patients with weight-related health conditions begin the journey to a healthier life.
SMH expanded its urgent care network in September 2015 by opening its first Centra Care Shawnee Mission Urgent Care location. Staffed with Board-certified physicians, Centra Care offers conveniences for those seeking walk-in care. Currently, SMH has two Centra Care locations with plans to open two additional locations by the end of the year.
With the opening of the Shawnee Mission Cancer Center in early 2014, patients receive the full continuum of care—from diagnosis through inpatient and outpatient services and even prosthetics, support groups, classes and spiritual renewal—all on one campus. Patients have the opportunity to learn about the Seven Levels of Healing as well and participate in survivorship, spiritual, wellness and fitness programs designed to treat the whole patient.
In February 2013, SMH opened the Shawnee Mission Birth Center offering expert, compassionate care with a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In 2015, the Center set a record with more than 5,000 births. SMH delivers more babies than any other hospital in the Kansas City area.
Community Care
Giving back to the local community is the cornerstone of SMH’s mission, and facility growth is just one way the organization con- tributes. For the past three years, SMH has partnered with City Union Mission to make a difference in the lives of homeless men in Kansas City. SMH associates volunteer their time regularly to serve meals and o er fellowship to the Mission’s Long-Term Men’s Group.
As part of a partnership with Johnson County Med ACT, SMH sponsors a CPR school program that adds thousands of lifesavers to our communities through providing training at area schools as part of the regular health curriculum.
To assist SMH associates, the Spiritual Ambassadors Program opened a food pantry within the hospital. The Food Pantry is open year round and provides food and other items to associates needing support.
A new doctor match resource from SMH, MyHealthKC.com, helps patients find the right doctor in a matter of seconds.
After answering a 12-question survey, visitors see a selection of primary care doctors in the SMH network who share their approach to health care, as well as personal interests, needs and lifestyles.
SMH’s latest announcement includes plans to build the B.E. Smith Children’s Center, a unique place where the Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center can help children with special needs and their families become better prepared for the future through therapeutic treatment and early edu- cation. The new center will also house the SMH Early Learning Center, which offers Christian-based early education to 600 children of associates and physicians.
Anthony V. Vera Cruz is the director of Marketing and Brand Strategy for Adventist Health System.
