Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan

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Manhattan, KS
Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan

Delivering personalized care to the Flint Hills and northeast Kansas regions.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas delivers specialty care and 24/7 emergency care. We provide advanced surgical care for serious and life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Our care teams listen to understand your health needs and deliver care that's right for you. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is a destination for specialty care — including heart, cancer, stroke care, orthopedics and women’s health. Our OBGYNs and maternity care teams deliver a personalized birthing experience and advanced neonatal care for sick babies. We offer a wide range of minimally invasive procedures using robotic-assisted technology, imaging and lab tests, a dedicated inpatient rehabilitation center, all on one campus.

10/27/2025

💊 Celebrating our pharmacy teams! 💉

Last week was National Pharmacy Week, a time to recognize our pharmacy teammates for their invaluable contributions to patient care and the health of our community.
The team celebrated throughout the week with fun activities, and spent Friday dressed as their boss, Kevin Oehme.
Can you tell what his usual outfit consists of? 💜🖤

Thank you to all pharmacy teammates, who help us: Improve our health, ensure our safety, manage chronic diseases, keep us healthy through immunizations and act as advocates for our care. ⚕️ Shoutout your favorite pharmacy associate below! ⬇️

10/23/2025

Physical Therapy Month: Emily Nichols, PT, DPT 🌟

"I feel Physical Therapy is under-appreciated in general in the healthcare community. I love when I get to be a part of a patient’s success story and prove our value. It’s not only great for the patient, but fills my cup as well."

Another hugely valuable physical therapist in Manhattan, Kansas: Emily!

She's served Via Christi patients for the past 7️⃣ years. In addition to her service, she's earned Level I & II certifications in Vestibular Rehabilitation through the American Institute of Balance. 😵‍💫 She's trained to help improve balance and reduce dizziness, vertigo and motion sensitivity.

Emily was drawn to her profession by her love for promoting wellness and caring for others. She finds immense fulfillment in brightening someone's day and teamwork: "We have a great team in our facility. Each staff member has a different strength and when we work together, our teamwork stands out."

She also adds: "Within the Rehab Department, I feel valued as an employee, value as a therapist and part of an exceptional team who provide excellent care every day to our patients. "

On hard days, she leans on her faith, reminding herself that she is serving others as the hands and feet of Christ.

Outside of work, Emily loves exploring the Manhattan community with her family, enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and attending K-State sporting events. For her, Manhattan offers the perfect blend of family-oriented events and activities for all ages.

10/22/2025

Physical Therapy Month: Emily Murchison, PTA 💜

Emily has served at Via Christi for three years, as long as she's lived in the Manhattan area. She's a Washburn University graduate and is currently one of our Physical Therapy Assistants.

"Growing up, I have always known that I wanted to work in the healthcare profession. After witnessing how physical therapy positively affected different people in my personal life, I was inspired to work in the profession," she said. "Physical therapy is the career path that blends together different aspects of my life that I am passionate about; physical activity, knowledge of the human body, and compassion and caring for others."

Emily is certified in Lee Silverman Voice Technique (LSVT), or LVST BIG, which is a therapy to help patients with Parkinson's Disease. She has a special interest in pediatric/adult aquatic therapy as well.

"It is really enjoyable to work with a variety of ages and diagnoses. I also really enjoy the hands-on aspect of the job and the patient interactions," she said. "Something I enjoy about serving Ascension Via Christi is the personable staff and emphasis on family care. They prioritize my well-being and provide me with all the tools to succeed in my role."

"It is really special to have the opportunity to work alongside and collaborate with different therapists to provide the best possible care for each individual patient. To share in patient accomplishments and watch how our combined efforts help them meet their goals. It is also so fun to bounce ideas off each other/further develop our knowledge and skills," said Emily.

She also shares: "Everyday, but especially on harder days, it is amazing to be surrounded by such amazing coworkers that care about and encourage me. I am also very fortunate to be surrounded by supportive family and friends."

In her free time, she enjoys outdoors and lake time or the area's walking trails. She especially enjoys time on her kayak. As a K-State fan, she loves going to football and women's basketball games.

"Coming from a small town, I love the feeling and sense of community in Manhattan. People here are really friendly and willing to lend a helping hand for others. I also enjoy the local shops and restaurants," she said.

10/21/2025

🏃‍♂️‍➡️Physical Therapy Month: Meet Amber Befort, PT, DPT

For 17 years, Amber Befort has been serving the Manhattan community through her work at Via Christi, but she's been in the Little Apple for more than 40 years.🌾When asked about her time at Via Christi, Amber said, “I’ll probably work here until I retire!”

Amber’s journey into physical therapy began with a passion for helping others and promoting healthy, active lifestyles. After starting at Highland Scotties, where she played basketball and earned her associate’s degree, she continued her education at Baker University, continuing her basketball career while earning her bachelor’s degree. She then pursued her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with Wichita State University Physical Therapy, graduating in 2008. 🎓🏀

What drives Amber in her role? It’s the variety of patients, her amazing co-workers, and the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives every day. She also appreciates the flexibility that the outpatient setting provides, which helps her strike a healthy balance between her work and personal life.

“I love serving all patients, no matter their background or socioeconomic status,” Amber said. “Working here has allowed me to enjoy both my career and time with my family.”

Amber’s daily motivation comes from a quote she keeps in her office:
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” —Muhammad Ali.
It’s this belief that fuels her passion for helping others, even on the tough days.

Outside of work, Amber enjoys everything Manhattan has to offer, from cheering on local sports teams to hiking the beautiful Flint Hills. Whether she’s running around Anneberg Park or coaching her kids, her love for this community shines through. 💜🏞

10/20/2025

This October, check on your circle — your mom, your sister, your best friend — YOU. Early breast cancer detection saves lives and can start with simply scheduling a mammogram at Ascension Via Christi by phone at 785-565-4707.

10/17/2025

💜 ER Nurses & Domestic Violence Awareness
🪩 Emergency Nurses Week + Purple Power

To celebrate Emergency Nurses Week, our incredible ER night crew got “bejeweled” in Taylor Swift-themed shirts—bringing sparkle, smiles, and solidarity to the unit. Hospital leadership joined in by treating the day shift to breakfast, showing appreciation for the tireless care our teams provide around the clock.

This month, our ER and Forensic Nursing teams are also honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month by wearing purple and educating the community. These nurses offer compassionate care, collect critical evidence, and serve as a vital bridge between healthcare and the legal system.

We’re proud to support these extraordinary professionals, and the EMS crews and hospital teams who stand with them in our shared mission to protect and heal. 💜

10/10/2025

💜🐾 K-State of Mind! Did you see us in the parade? Happy Homecoming!

You can also see us at K+Stat Urgent Care and the ER if you need help. 🏥 Stay safe this weekend! 🫶

10/09/2025

🩷 Not sure where to get your mammogram? We can help! Visit Ascension Via Christi for a mammo with the compassionate care you’ve come to expect.
🌸 Call 785-565-4707 to schedule today.

10/08/2025

💊 Overdose Prevention Supplies Available 24/7

To help prevent overdose tragedies in our communities, Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, in partnership with CKF Addiction Treatment in Salina, has established a naloxone distribution box.

Kevin Oehme, Director of Pharmacy at Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, said, “Given the increasing number of overdose cases presenting in our emergency department, we identified a clear need for this resource in our community. It is accessible to anyone in the community at all times of day, without the need for an appointment or any questions being asked.”

The Via Christi emergency care team who helped bring this to life includes Nikki Wickham, RN; Jarryd Horn, DO; and Kendra Dietz, RN.

"We are proud of our team for the advocacy of this need, and Kevin's support and hard work to bring this into our Emergency Department," said Crystal Pratt, RN, who manages the hospital's Emergency and Forensic Nursing departments.

The new resource offers nasal naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips and information on addiction treatment resources. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Fentanyl test strips enable a person to check substances for the presence of the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. These supplies are available anonymously and free of charge.

"It is accessible to anyone in the community at any time, with no questions asked and no cost,” said Oehme. “This initiative directly supports our mission of providing health, healing, and hope to all.”

Naloxone is used to block or reverse opioid drug effects, most commonly in overdoses involving morphine, he**in, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl. Signs of overdose include respiratory failure, slowed breathing, constricted pupils, unresponsiveness or bluish skin caused by poor circulation. When administered properly, naloxone can restore normal breathing within minutes after an opioid overdose.

The naloxone distribution box is located inside the exterior doors leading to Via Christi’s Emergency Department. Supplies are available 24/7, anonymously and free of charge.

10/02/2025

💸 If you have met your insurance deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, your cost for care is significantly lower — or even free. From preventive care to that surgery you've been considering, now is the time to take action.

10/01/2025

Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. An important focus of the Yom Kippur observance is the repair of relationships with God, community and ourselves. Where do you see a need for restoration, mending and renewal?

09/28/2025

🩼 Unable to work because of an injury or illness? Research tells us that after 6 months of being off for an illness or injury, only 50% of the people return to full-time work. RETAINWORKS can help.

🌻 Watch this testimonial to see how we’re helping Kansas like you return to work following an illness or injury.

📞 Call 785-802-8124 to learn more and enroll.

Address

1823 College Avenue
Manhattan, KS
66502

Telephone

+17857763322

Website

https://healthcare.ascension.org/Locations/Kansas/KSWIC/Manhattan-Ascension-Via-Christi-Hospital-in-Manhattan

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