Senator Jerry Moran Announces $675,000 Investment in Phillips County Health Systems

The funding was secured through the Congressionally Designated Spending program and will allow Phillips County Health Systems to make several important investments that directly support patient care, safety, and access to healthcare close to home.

During the event, Senator Moran spoke about his priorities for serving Kansans and highlighted the importance of protecting rural healthcare. Moran shared that after visiting Phillips County Health Systems approximately one year ago and seeing firsthand both the challenges and opportunities facing the organization, he worked to secure funding to help address immediate infrastructure needs and support the hospital's long-term sustainability.

"Strong rural hospitals are vital to strong rural communities," Moran said. "Access to healthcare close to home impacts families, businesses, schools, and the future of communities across Kansas."

Following Senator Moran's remarks, Phillips County Health Systems CEO Tara Overmiller discussed how the funding will be used and what it means for local patients and families.

The largest portion of the funding will support upgrades to the hospital's Operating Room air handling system, a critical project that helps maintain proper temperature and humidity levels required for safe surgical care. Additional investments include a new operating room table, a C-Arm imaging system used during surgical procedures, bariatric patient beds, and equipment that will allow the Clinic to convert provider office space into additional patient exam rooms and expand patient capacity.

Overmiller explained that while many of these improvements occur behind the scenes, they play a vital role in ensuring patients can continue receiving quality care locally.

"These investments are much more than equipment and infrastructure projects," said Overmiller. "They represent access. They represent safety. And they represent our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare close to home. Whether it's a surgery, a clinic appointment, rehabilitation services, or emergency care, having those services available locally matters to the families we serve."

She noted that the funding addresses both current needs and future opportunities for healthcare in Phillips County.

The Operating Room air handling project, which represents the largest investment, will help support the surgical services provided by four surgeons who utilize the facility. Additional equipment purchases will improve patient safety, support evolving patient needs, and increase access to care through expanded clinic capacity.

Overmiller also spoke about the changing landscape of rural healthcare and the challenges many rural hospitals face, including workforce shortages, rising costs, aging infrastructure, and increasing regulatory requirements.

"Rural healthcare is changing rapidly, and hospitals like ours are navigating challenges that would have been hard to imagine even five years ago," said Overmiller. "What gives me confidence about the future is the spirit of collaboration that exists in this community. Healthcare cannot be done alone. It takes dedicated physicians and providers, exceptional employees, engaged board members, Foundation supporters, volunteers, community leaders, and elected officials who understand the importance of rural healthcare. This funding is a great example of what can happen when people work together toward a common goal."

Overmiller thanked Senator Moran for his advocacy on behalf of rural healthcare and recognized the many individuals who continue to support healthcare services in Phillips County.

She also emphasized that access to local healthcare remains one of the most important assets a rural community can have.

"A strong local hospital means faster access during emergencies, more healthcare services available close to home, good jobs for local families, and greater stability for our entire community," said Overmiller. "Healthcare is not just another service in a rural community. It's part of the infrastructure that allows families to stay here, businesses to grow here, and future generations to choose to build their lives here."

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which Senator Moran discussed federal legislation he has co-sponsored that would establish a 0% USDA loan program for Critical Access Hospitals. The proposal is intended to provide rural hospitals with additional financing options for major facility and infrastructure projects while reducing the financial burden on local communities.

The investments announced Friday are part of Phillips County Health Systems' ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services and ensure local residents can continue receiving more of their care close to home rather than traveling long distances for services.

"While these investments improve the care we provide today, they also help position us for the future as we continue planning for the next generation of healthcare facilities and services in Phillips County," said Overmiller. "As healthcare continues to change, our commitment remains the same. We will continue working together to provide exceptional care, expand access to services, and build a strong healthcare system that our community can rely on for generations to come."