Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan

03/26/2026

Thank you to our physicians for bringing health, healing and hope to our communities. 🩺 Your leadership and compassion make all the difference.

03/23/2026

🤧 Spring allergies don’t wait, and you shouldn’t have to either. 🌳 K+Stat Urgent Care can help you get relief and answers. Schedule or walk in now. ⬇️

03/20/2026

💜 Certified Nurses Day may have been yesterday -- but the impact of nurses, and certified nurses, is a daily celebration.

Earning a certification reflects a deep commitment to growth, excellence, and providing the highest level of care. It represents extra time, effort, and dedication to advancing skills in service of patients and local communities.

Tag a certified nurse in your life! ⬇️ Let's recognize those in our community.

Special recognition goes to nurses providing a wide range of specialties and certifications in Manhattan and Wamego, including:

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Adult, Pediatric) - SANE-A, SANE-P
Critical Care - CCRN
Emergency Nursing - CEN
Oncology - OCN
Maternal Newborn - RNC-MNN
Obstetrics - RNC-OB
Electronic Fetal Monitoring - C-EFM
Lactation Consultant - IBCLC
Certified Lactation Counselor - CLC
Perianesthesia Nursing - ASPAN
Nurse Leadership - CNML
Medical-Surgical Board Certified - MSBC
Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist - RCIS
Trauma Nursing - TCRN
Stroke Nursing - SCRN
Wound Care - CWS, CWON-AP
Nursing Education - CNE, NLN
Financial Counseling - CFCS
Nurse Executive - NEA-BC

To certified nurses, thank you for the knowledge, skill, and compassion brought to patients each day.
To those working toward certification, the effort and determination matter just as much. That commitment strengthens the future of nursing and the care provided across every ministry.
And to all nurses at every stage, many thanks for your continued commitment to serving patients across the cities and rural communities of Kansas.

Your calling is our mission. Thank you for caring for our communities with such dedication.

03/19/2026

🌀😵‍💫 Dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues? Physical therapy can help, and you don't have to drive far!

On a recent episode of Aging Gratefully Podcast, Emily Nichols, PT, DPT, a vestibular rehabilitation specialist, explains how targeted physical therapy can reduce dizziness, improve balance, and help you safely stay active as you age. With advanced Level I & II Vestibular Rehabilitation certification and more than seven years serving the community, Emily also shares the benefits of aquatic therapy and why staying mobile and connected is essential for long-term health.

Whether you're dealing with motion sensitivity, frequent falls, or just feeling unsteady, the right care is available right here in Manhattan, Kansas.

📍 Ascension Via Christi Therapy Center on Seth Child - 315 Seth Child Road, Manhattan, KS
📞 Call 785-587-4235 to schedule your appointment today

🎧 Listen now to learn how close-to-home physical therapy in Manhattan can help you regain confidence, stability, and independence.

03/18/2026

🌟 Continuing a Tradition of Excellence for Moms and Babies 🤱

Via Christi Birth and Women’s Center has once again earned the High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition! Presented by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, this award highlights the hospital’s ongoing commitment to supporting breastfeeding and giving moms and babies the healthiest possible start. The team has proudly achieved this recognition for its sixth year.

To receive this honor, the hospital follows proven practices that help families succeed, including:

📖 Maintaining a clear, comprehensive plan for caring for moms and newborns
🏥 Providing specialized staff training in breastfeeding support
💡 Educating mothers and families about breastfeeding benefits and techniques
👶 Encouraging immediate skin-to-skin bonding after birth
💼 Offering personalized breastfeeding support

These important steps help build confidence for moms and promote healthy beginnings for babies.

“Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, and we’re honored to receive this recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund for our efforts to support successful breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. As a facility committed to providing the very highest quality of care, we have found the High 5 practices and resources to not only improve health outcomes but also increase patient satisfaction,” said Heather Morgan, MD, the hospital's dedicated neonatologist.

Congratulations to the entire team for continuing to raise the bar for maternal and newborn care in 2026! 💜
Schedule a tour of the facility by calling 785-587-5463.

The maternity care team at Ascension Via Christi Birth and Women's Center in Manhattan deliver care during and after pregnancy.

03/14/2026

📍 Clinic Relocation – Therapy Services in Manhattan, KS

The clinic previously located at 451 East Poyntz is relocating to:
519 McCall Rd, Manhattan, KS (next to Menards)
Effective Monday, March 16

All services will continue at the new location, including:

• Adult Physical Therapy
• Pediatric Physical Therapy
• Adult Occupational Therapy
• Pediatric Occupational Therapy
• Adult Speech Therapy
• Pediatric Speech Therapy

The same trusted providers will continue serving patients at the new Manhattan location.

Now accepting new patients for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy in Manhattan, KS.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 785-587-4220.

03/13/2026

If your house feels like a never-ending game of “Who’s sick now?” — we’re here to help.

Strep, pink eye and stomach bugs are still making the rounds. K+Stat Urgent Care offers same-day visits for fast answers and treatment, so your child can feel better sooner.

📍 930 Hayes Dr ste. B
🕗 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekends

03/12/2026

🌬️ How a local woman got a new lease on life 🫁

At 78 years old, Maria Sweet was exhausted every day because she simply could not breathe.

Day after day, Maria could hardly breathe changing her clothes. She wanted to change her life, but wasn’t sure where to start.

“I wasn’t active at all, I was overweight, I was a much slower version of myself,” said Maria. “I was unable to do much without several rests throughout the day.”

Then her provider referred her to Via Christi Pulmonary Rehabilitation, where the passionate team of specially trained nurses, supported by respiratory therapists, was ready to help Maria improve her life.

“I didn’t know what to expect or what the team could do for me” she said. “After that first session, I knew it was going to be exercise and learning to breathe. After the first few times, I could feel the benefits.”

Through a series of exercises, supported with an oxygen monitor and trained nurses, Maria began feeling the improvement. Pulmonary rehabilitation focuses on teaching patients how to breathe when flare-ups occur, gives them resources and exercises to improve their lungs, and tracks their progress.

After 12 weeks and completing the program, Maria felt her stamina improving. She began doing more in her day, which eventually included CrossFit workouts.

Soon, Maria wasn’t using her emergency inhaler. She’s working out five times a week, seeing weight loss, and her orthopedic pain and issues have improved.

“If it weren’t for the team and their attitude and encouragement, I never would have made it through,” said Maria. “They listen and really care about patients, and always have smiles on their faces.”

Most insurance plans and Medicare covers 12 weeks of the program, which means it just takes a referral from a doctor or provider to get started.

Maria says it’s an opportunity to take advantage of.

“Don’t hesitate to go. Just do it,” she said. “After the first time, you will see what it’s all about, and it’s well worth it. It’s a good thing!”

03/10/2026

KSU alumnus to serve as hopsital president

Patrick Avila, FACHE, MPT, has been named the new hospital president of Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, and will starting on April 20.

Avila will serve the hospital with more than 25 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience, including service as CEO of community and regional hospitals across the Midwest.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to translate system strategy into local success, including strengthening financial performance, expanding access to care, and elevating engagement among physicians and associates.

"In welcoming Patrick Avila as Hospital President, Via Christi affirms its commitment to serving Manhattan with excellence, compassion and a renewed focus on culture, connection and long-term strength," Katie Seay, Board Chair of Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. “His experience demonstrates disciplined operational growth, and his heart for community and mission aligns with the identity of Via Christi."

Most recently, Avila has served in executive roles where he oversaw operational, financial and clinical performance while deepening community partnerships. He has a proven track record of guiding cultural transformation efforts resulting in measurable improvements in engagement. His history of leading executive teams, growing service lines and strengthening physician engagement reinforces confidence in his leadership for the Manhattan community.

Avila is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center. He has longstanding ties to Manhattan, having earned his Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from Kansas State University.

03/10/2026

🧠 Adult Speech Therapy in Manhattan, KS – Support for Communication, Cognition & Swallowing

Beginning March 16, adult speech therapy services will be available at:
📍 315 Seth Child Rd, Manhattan, KS

Speech-language pathologists Jennifer Jimenez and Sara Dirks provide evaluation and treatment for:

✔ Swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
✔ Speech and communication difficulties
✔ Memory and cognitive impairments
✔ Aphasia following stroke or brain injury

If you are looking for adult speech therapy in Manhattan, KS, personalized care is available to help improve communication, cognitive function, and safe swallowing.

📞 Call 785-587-4235 to schedule an appointment.

03/09/2026

Therapy Clinic Moving❗

The clinic located at 451 East Poyntz is relocating to:
📍 519 McCall Rd, Manhattan, KS (in front of Menards)
🗓️ Effective Monday, March 16

All therapy services will continue at the new Manhattan location, including:

• Adult Physical Therapy
• Pediatric Physical Therapy
• Adult Occupational Therapy
• Pediatric Occupational Therapy
• Adult Speech Therapy
• Pediatric Speech Therapy

Patients will continue to receive care from the same trusted providers.

Now accepting new patients for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy in Manhattan, KS.

Call the clinic to schedule an appointment or learn more. 785-587-4220