The Sabetha Herald

July 21, 2003

New SCH facility called town's "economic bridge"

Sabetha Community Hospital celebrated the dedication of its new facility Sunday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours throughout the afternoon. Approximately 600 area residents, hospital staff and area dignitaries were in attendance. "When we started strategic planning more than five years ago, we knew there were two choices," Rita Buurman, Hospital CEO, said. "We could do nothing and eventually we would see the demise of healthcare in this community, or we could create a vision and move forward." Before making her remarks, Buurman recognized special guests in attendance, including Dr. Fred Wrightman's granddaughter, Lisa Kinderknect of St. Marys. She also read aloud letters from Rosalie Wrightman, Dr. Wrightman's daughter, and Congressman Jerry Moran. Lavon Wenger represented the Hospital Board of Trustees, along with John Lehman. State Director Chuck Banks represented the USDA Rural Development program, and presented Buurman with a mock $5 million check representing the department's financing for the project. He said the SCH project was one of the Rural Development program's largest projects to date. Banks was joined by Gary Smith, USDA community and business programs director. "The delivery of health care services to rural Kansans is one of the basic foundations to maintain and improve the quality of life for Kansans, in addition to enhancing economic development," Banks said. Don Wilson, president and CEO of the Kansas Hospital Association, joined Buurman in addressing the crowd gathered near the new facility's main lobby and entrance.