Osawatomie State Hospital

09/10/2025

Do you have any books that you want to donate. Mark your calendars we will take books on this day at location stated on flyer.

09/06/2025

🌹 Honoring a Legacy: Stanton Adams 🌹

It is with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude that we recognize Stanton Adams for an incredible 67 years of service to Osawatomie State Hospital.

Stanton was more than just a dedicated volunteer—he was part of the very foundation of our mission. As one of the original founders of the Friends of the Mentally Ill Foundation, Stanton worked tirelessly to ensure that patients received the support, care, and joy they deserved.

From helping maintain the beauty of our Rose Garden and Old Main Memorial alongside the grounds crew, to organizing countless fundraisers and even collecting cans so that every penny could go back to our patients, Stanton’s impact is woven into every corner of our community. His efforts brought holiday parties, activity items, and personal needs directly to the individuals we serve—making a difference in ways that will never be forgotten.

Stanton’s unwavering kindness, commitment, and generosity leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire us all. While we are deeply saddened to see him go, we are forever grateful for the decades of love and service he devoted to Osawatomie State Hospital.

💙 Thank you, Stanton—you will truly be missed.

09/04/2025

Here at Osawatomie State Hospital, we are deeply committed to preserving our history and honoring the significance of the buildings and artifacts which tell our story. While there are always differing views on what holds historical value, it is with sadness we share the news that Carmichael and Rush have been, or are in the process of being, razed. These buildings played an important role in the early days of the hospital and have witnessed many changes over the years. Unfortunately, after sitting vacant for a long time, they became too costly to maintain and repair and eventually posed safety concerns for both staff and patients. Though it is difficult to say goodbye to such meaningful parts of our campus, we remain steadfast in our mission—to create a safe, supportive environment for those who need the care Osawatomie State Hospital and Adair Acute Care provide. We are dedicated to continuing this work, fostering new programs, initiatives, and hope for individuals across the state of Kansas for many years to come.

09/02/2025

Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the food truck on grounds today! Located by the gym and Administration parking lot. Opens at 11am-2pm.

08/29/2025

We extend our sincere appreciation to Francis Atkins and Virginia Adams for their generous donation of a 1960s nurse’s uniform from the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital School of Nursing. This uniform serves as a tangible piece of history, reflecting the professional attire worn by nurses at Osawatomie State Hospital during that period. Historical records indicate nurse’s aides were expected to wear the complete white ensemble—including uniform, stockings, shoes, and cap—while on duty, symbolizing both professionalism and dedication to patient care.
Preserving uniforms such as this allows us to honor the legacy of nursing, offering a glimpse into the traditions, expectations, and daily lives of those who dedicated themselves to caring for others.
Here at Osawatomie State Hospital, we are committed to preserving our history and artifacts through the creation of a Memorial Hall, where these pieces will be displayed to showcase the hospital’s rich past. Over the years, some items have been lost or passed into the hands of community members, and we would love to see them returned so they may once again be part of our shared story—allowing staff, patients, and visitors to enjoy a true walk through history.
If you or someone you know has historical items connected to Osawatomie State Hospital, we warmly invite you to contact us—we would be honored to include them in our Memorial Hall.

08/28/2025

Happy Retirement Galen Critchfield!! Thank you for your 10 years of service. Enjoy all your new adventures.

08/27/2025

🌟 Congratulations to all of our Employee of the Quarter nominees and winners! 🌟

We are so proud to recognize the hard work, dedication, and compassion that each of you bring to Osawatomie State Hospital/ AAC every day. Your commitment to our patients, your teams, and our mission does not go unnoticed.

👏 A huge thank you to all of our nominees for going above and beyond, and an extra round of applause to our winners who were celebrated during today’s ceremony. Your efforts make a difference and inspire us all!

💙 We are grateful for everything you do to make OSH/AAC the best it can be—congratulations again!

08/25/2025

Thank you to the members of the Osawatomie Rotary Club for the backpacks for our patients!!!

08/22/2025

📖 A Look Back at Our Beginning

Osawatomie State Hospital has a long and meaningful history in Kansas. Established in 1863, it was the first mental health hospital in the state and one of the earliest west of the Mississippi River. The hospital was created in response to a growing need for compassionate care during a time when individuals with mental illness had few resources or support.

One of the earliest and most well-known structures on the hospital grounds was The Lodge, built in the late 1800s. The first patient was admitted on November 5, 1866. At that time, The Lodge contained two wards that could accommodate 12 patients and was staffed by just two employees. Though modest in size, this beginning marked a turning point in Kansas history, providing hope and dignity for those in need of mental health care. Over time, The Lodge became a central part of life at Osawatomie State Hospital, representing the foundation of the institution. While the original building no longer stands, its story continues to live on as a vital piece of our legacy.

From those early days, the hospital has grown, changed, and adapted to better serve patients, while always staying true to its original mission of care and dignity.

Today, we not only continue this legacy of service but also work to preserve our history—a story built by the patients, staff, and community members who shaped this institution. Each artifact, document, and memory connects us to where we began and reminds us of the vital role Osawatomie State Hospital has played in Kansas history.

08/21/2025

We are selling Mums again this year. Mark your calendars and come check out our sale in September.

08/15/2025

Food Truck today in the Administration parking lot. All are welcome 11am-2pm.

08/05/2025