Wright Memorial Hospital

08/21/2025

The Wright Memorial Hospital Gift Shop has stocked up on some new items!

The gift shop is operated by the Wright Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Proceeds from sales support the auxiliary's annual scholarship program for area students pursuing a degree in the health care field. It also supports many other initiatives in the hospital that benefit our staff and patients.

The gift shop, located in the hospital's main lobby, is open Monday through Friday, 8 to 11:30 a.m.

08/20/2025

Only a few hours left on this and there are some great deals, including a one-year new family membership to Riverside Country Club and a Ketcham Community Center Membership! There are also some great gift cards and gift baskets donated by local businesses and some great gift baskets put together by our department teams at the hospital. And we have several surplus items that would be great for an office, or work shed. Bid now to support the hospital's Oncology Nurse Navigator program.

Thank you for checking out the 2025 WMH Foundation's Online Auction! The auction begins Monday, August 11 at 8:00am and ends Wednesday, August 20 at 1:00pm.

08/19/2025

Shane (pictured, center), practice manager at Wright Memorial Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center, is part of a group organizing the fifth annual Leadership Northwest Music Jam, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 30, at Black Silo Winery in Trenton.

The country music fundraiser is a project Shane started in 2021 while participating in the Leadership Northwest Missouri program—a program for community leaders interested in the regional growth of northwest Missouri.

Wright Memorial Hospital and Hedrick Medical Center are premier sponsors for the event.

“I’m so proud to be a part of these hospitals and genuinely appreciate them supporting me from Day one to create this event from the ground up,” Shane says.

With a degree in music business from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Shane spent 12 years in Nashville managing artists like Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, and Dolly Parton. When tasked with raising funds for Leadership Northwest Missouri, he knew it had to be musical.

To celebrate the fifth year, the committee is bringing back 2022 headliner Ryan Griffin, a close friend from Shane’s Nashville years whose songwriting credits include the No. 1 hit “Dibs” by Kelsea Ballerini.

Proceeds support Leadership Northwest Missouri and fund scholarships for deserving high school seniors—one from Grundy County and one from any of the 19 counties in the region.

“Shane’s dedication to our local community and the region aligns perfectly with our mission at Hedrick Medical Center and Wright Memorial Hospital,” said Jordan Ferguson, senior marketing strategist for Hedrick Medical Center and Wright Memorial Hospital. "We’re proud to support his efforts in helping our communities not just thrive, but flourish."

08/16/2025

At Saint Luke’s, we’re proud to provide exceptional maternity care to families across the 816—and even prouder to help welcome the newest little ones into the world. 🍼👶

To celebrate 816 Day, newborns received special 816 onesies—a small gift to mark big beginnings in our community.

From Kansas City and beyond, we’re honored to care for families across the metro. 💙

08/15/2025

The 2025 Wright Memorial Hospital Foundation online auction is now live—and it’s packed with baskets, gift cards to local favorites, theme park tickets, and much more! 🎉

All proceeds will benefit the Wright Memorial Hospital Oncology Nurse Navigator program. The auction will close on Wednesday, August 20 at 1 p.m. Don’t miss out! Learn more and place your bids: https://heyor.ca/sFLw70

Thank you for checking out the 2025 WMH Foundation's Online Auction! The auction begins Monday, August 11 at 8:00am and ends Wednesday, August 20 at 1:00pm.

08/14/2025

Recently, there's been a lot of news about mRNA vaccines, which protect against COVID.

Dr. Sarah Boyd, a Saint Luke's infectious disease physician, appeared on KCUR 89.3 to discuss mRNA vaccines, how they work, and the potential impacts of recent funding cuts for medical research. Listen now: https://heyor.ca/FtiBb4

08/13/2025

Always in our health care era.

Fearless choices you make today mean a healthier forever and always. Begin again with healthy habits and speak now if you don't feel all too well. You belong with us at the intersection of innovation and hope.

08/12/2025

Jaylen thought his future as a football player was over after suffering a serious injury in high school. Thanks to Dr. Larry Frevert at Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists, he is now starting his freshman year of college on a football scholarship!

The summer before his junior year, Jaylen worked hard on his strength and speed to prepare for football season. Then, he was tackled during practice and broke his collarbone.

“It was the most physical pain I’ve ever felt,” said Jaylen. “And then there was the crushing feeling that I would never play football again."

After an initial evaluation at the nearest hospital, Jaylen saw a local orthopedic doctor in Lawrence whose plan was to wait for the injury to heal naturally. Jaylen and his parents wanted a second opinion, and Rockhill was the overwhelming recommendation from friends.

They made the 70-mile drive to Lee’s Summit to see Dr. Larry Frevert, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. He confirmed the injury could heal on its own, but it would take a long time and might leave lasting mobility issues. Instead, he offered a surgical solution that provided faster relief and fewer complications.

“Dr. Frevert wanted to see me make a full recovery,” Jaylen said. “He didn’t want me to go back to playing sports with a lifetime of pain or a potential injury. That gave me a lot of peace of mind.”

Dr. Frevert surgically repaired Jaylen’s collarbone. Eight weeks of physical therapy later, Jaylen was back on the field. He is now preparing for his first season at MoWest.

Read how this young athlete got to keep chasing his dreams pain-free: https://heyor.ca/pKarR4

08/11/2025

From birthday parties to college, weddings, and now sharing the same hall at Bishop Spencer Place, Carol and Jean's friendship has stood the test of time—nearly 95 years strong! 💙

In celebration of , Carol and Jean shared their story with KMBC 9. Watch their heartwarming story: https://heyor.ca/GXbYCd

08/07/2025

The cardiovascular surgery team at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City earned extra praise for their incredible teamwork that saved a patient's life.

The team was preparing to operate on a patient when their blood pressure and heart rate dropped rapidly. Anesthesiologist Dr. Brad Kelsheimer and the cardiovascular surgery team immediately responded and worked together to stabilize the patient's condition to ensure their safety before proceeding with the essential procedure. Thanks to their fast actions and collaboration, the patient was able to go home a week later.

Thank you for your outstanding, patient-focused teamwork! 💙

08/05/2025

Congratulations to Misty, a physical therapy assistant at Wright Memorial Hospital, for being honored as the hospital’s Employee of the Quarter! 🎉

The Employee of the Quarter Award recognizes an employee who provides exemplary service, goes above and beyond to support colleagues, or assists and comforts patients and their families.

“Misty is compassionate and always listens and supports her patients,” her nominator said. “She is a great team member and brings joy to the department each day. Misty goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional care. She motivates her patients while demonstrating core values in her daily work.”

Thank you for all the work you do, Misty! 💙

08/05/2025

Families visiting The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City were treated to a special cooking demonstration with Grace, a registered dietitian, as part of Saint Luke's "Healthy Plate, Healthy Family" sponsorship. Grace showed them how to use healthy ingredients like sunflower butter, oats, and h**p hearts to make delicious birthday cake energy bites. Look for her next cooking demo at Wonderscope in October!

For adults, Grace teaches healthy recipes in the Food As Medicine Every Day (FAME) program through Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center. The next series begins Aug. 12. Learn more: https://heyor.ca/iyucfk

08/04/2025

BJC Health System has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Women. 🎉

This recognition reflects our continued commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where women can thrive through leadership development, flexibility, and opportunities to grow.

“At BJC Health System, we believe every team member makes a difference in making BJC a premier place to work,” said Jackie Tischler, chief people officer of BJC Health System. “Women make up a little more than 80% of our BJC workforce, and it’s important they feel empowered to utilize their strengths and skills to care for our patients and serve our communities.”

See the full list: https://heyor.ca/EcuSjD

08/01/2025

When a patient's family takes the time to nominate a caregiver, you know they made a lasting impact. That's exactly what happened with Marissa (center), a nursing assistant in the Progressive Care Unit 3 at Saint Luke's South Hospital. We congratulated her by presenting her with the Saint Luke's Be Exceptional Every Day (BEE) Award!

The patient's loved one described Marissa as “an extraordinary empath” who “loves her patients like family” and serves as a supportive counselor. They praised her work ethic, vast knowledge, and deep understanding of what families go through when a loved one is hospitalized.

“Marissa understands the concerns a family has when their loved one is in the hospital. She is superb!”

Congratulations, Marissa, and thank you for being extraordinary! 💙

07/31/2025

Our new four-legged therapist at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute is making an immediate impact on patient care this year. Henli, the facility dog, assists with physical, occupational, and speech therapy in her own special canine way. Patients love her, and she motivates them to work even harder. 🐾 💙

Watch Henli’s TV debut on KSHB 41: https://heyor.ca/0CgSUO

07/30/2025

Motivated by the stories and ideas shared during Community Health Improvement Week, the team at Saint Luke’s Primary Care–Shoal Creek gathered nearly 100 pounds of food during a drive to support Harvesters - The Community Food Network.

Community Health Improvement Week takes place in June and serves to highlight the importance of addressing social drivers of health. Harvesters is one of Saint Luke’s social impact initiative organizations that provides meals to families facing food insecurity across the region.

“Our team was proud to collect 93 pounds of non-perishable food donations,” says Krista, Shoal Creek clinical supervisor. “I admire their dedication to caring for our community both inside and outside the clinic walls.”

From food insecurity and housing challenges to lack of transportation or community support, social drivers of health are barriers that directly affect patient well-being. Saint Luke’s collaborates with trusted organizations like Harvesters to strengthen our social impact and help patients and community members navigate challenges that extend beyond clinical care.

“Through these collaborations, we’re working to empower patients to achieve better outcomes,” says Meredith, Community Health Initiatives program manager. “When we connect patients with food resources, safe housing, or transportation, we’re not just solving short-term problems—we’re building long-term pathways to healthier lives.”

Thank you to the Shoal Creek Primary Care team for supporting our shared mission! 💙

07/29/2025

BJC Health System has received more than 100 recognitions for clinical excellence by U.S. News and World Report, with multiple BJC hospitals ranking among the best in Missouri: Barnes-Jewish Hospital and its physician partners from WashU Medicine Physicians, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Saint Luke's East Hospital, and Christian Hospital. Pediatric hospital rankings will be released later this fall—in 2024, St. Louis Children's Hospital ranked nationally in 10 pediatric specialties.

We are incredibly proud of our clinical teams and are thankful for their expertise, compassion, and dedication to excellence. We are honored by this recognition and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care to our communities across the Midwest.

See the complete list of BJC Health System honors: https://heyor.ca/hxjOQQ

07/25/2025

Leaving a child inside your car during the summer heat can be lethal. The temperature inside can reach triple digits in under ten minutes, even if it’s parked in the shade with the windows covered.

Courtney and Shellie are child passenger safety technicians at Saint Luke's East Hospital. Learn their tips and tricks for keeping children safe in the car this summer on Health News You Can Use.

Remember, look before you leave.

07/14/2025

When it's hot outside, your car is even hotter. ☀️ Children are more susceptible to heatstroke than adults, and rolling down the windows or parking in the shade isn't enough to keep them cool.

Courtney and Shellie, certified child passenger safety technicians at Saint Luke's East Hospital, share a simple but effective tip with KMBC 9 and KCTV5 News Kansas City to ensure you never leave a child in a hot car: https://heyor.ca/TPpIEj.

Historically, July has seen the highest number of preventable deaths caused by leaving children in hot cars. Here are steps caregivers can take to avoid these tragedies.

07/04/2025

Fireworks are fun, but injuries are not. Last year, more than 14,000 people in the U.S. went to the Emergency Department on the Fourth of July with fireworks-related injuries.

Dr. Greg Tanquary, an Emergency Department physician at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, spoke with FOX4 News Kansas City about common fireworks-related injuries treated in the ER, tips on preventing injury, and extra precautions to take to stay safe over the holiday. Watch now: https://heyor.ca/sUxN6n

Last year, the U.S. saw a 52% jump in fireworks-related injuries compared to 2023. Dr. Greg Tanquary, a Saint Luke's Emergency Department Physician, has tips on staying safe this Independence Day.

06/25/2025

Congratulations to Rich Liekweg, BJC Health System CEO, who announced his plans to retire on October 1, 2025, concluding an extraordinary career spanning almost 40 years in health care, the last 16 of which were devoted to BJC.

“It has been an honor to serve and lead our team members these past 16 years as they deliver exceptional care to our patients and communities,” said Rich. “Together, we successfully navigated through unprecedented times in the industry, never losing sight of our singular purpose to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. I am deeply proud of our caregivers, the culture we have created, and the values we share that place the patient at the center of all we do.”

BJC is pleased to announce that Nick Barto, current BJC Health System President, will succeed Rich as President and CEO of BJC Health System.

“I am honored to be selected to succeed Rich Liekweg as BJC Health System’s President and CEO,” said Nick. “I look forward to working with our 47,000 team members to build on Rich’s vision that grew BJC into a super-regional health care leader, to continue to provide extraordinary care to the communities we serve, and to position BJC as a mission-oriented academic health care leader for all future generations.”

Read more here: https://heyor.ca/j1yUMR

06/23/2025

Summer is a season of warmth and light, but for older adults, it can also bring unique mental health challenges. While the sunny season offers opportunities for connection and activity, it’s important to recognize how summer impacts emotional well-being. Programs like group therapy can be a valuable resource to help older adults thrive during the summer months and beyond.

Our Senior Life Solutions outpatient group therapy program is designed to meet the unique needs of older adults experiencing depression and anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging or chronic diagnosis.

Learn more about how the summer months can impact older adults and how we can help:

Summer is a season of warmth, light, and activity, but for older adults, it can also bring unique mental health challenges.

06/20/2025

When you experience perimenopause, there’s more to account for than just hormone levels. Lots of changes happen in the body, and it’s different for each person.

Dr. Bret Gordon, OB-GYN division chair and physician at Saint Luke's Women's Health, says they believe in caring for the whole person by attending to their specific needs. Hear more from him on Health News You Can Use.