Newman Regional Health is committed to ensuring that every patient has access to quality care, regardless of their circumstances. Under the leadership of CEO Cathy Pimple, DNP, RN—recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the 2025 Community Hospital CEOs to Know—the hospital continues to strengthen its role as a trusted healthcare partner in east-central Kansas.
Like many rural community hospitals, NRH serves a population facing unique challenges, including higher levels of poverty, increased rates of chronic conditions, and limited access to specialty services compared to urban areas. These demographic realities create additional pressures on both patients and providers.
To address health disparities, NRH has implemented several initiatives, including a community health workers (CHW) program introduced in 2022.
“From the beginning, our community health workers stepped in to help with COVID-19 response, diabetes prevention, and launching the Healthy Hearts Ambassador Program,” said Dr. Pimple. “Today, their role has grown into something truly remarkable—they are helping patients gain access to a wider range of services, connecting them to resources, and ensuring that care goes beyond the walls of the hospital. This is whole-person care in action.”
The CHW program was initially funded by a grant through the Kansas Healthcare Coalition in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. In 2024, NRH took a major step forward by integrating the program’s documentation and referral process into its MEDITECH Expanse EHR, ensuring a more seamless experience for patients and providers alike.
Clinicians across the hospital and clinics now refer patients to CHWs, who coordinate with local agencies and resources to address essential needs such as food, housing, transportation, and medication.
“Our community health workers have stories that are both heartbreaking and inspiring,” said Newman Regional Health Executive Director of Quality and Safety, Ester Knobloch. “They meet people during some of the hardest moments in their lives and provide hope, guidance, and practical help. Sometimes what makes the biggest difference is simply being heard and knowing someone will walk beside you.”
To support the program, NRH developed a standardized documentation process within Expanse. Clinical leadership, IT, and CHWs collaborated over a six-month design process, refining workflows, building EHR tools, and training staff for smooth adoption.
The integration introduced a social determinants of health (SDOH) questionnaire into the clinical workflow, allowing for consistent and comprehensive screening. Previously, providers relied on personal observation and CHWs managed interventions in spreadsheets. Now, both hospital and clinic providers have access to a structured SDOH screening tool based on CMS guidelines and MEDITECH best practices.
“Screening occurs right at the point of care,” explained Lead Clinical Systems Analyst Lindsey Hansen. “If a patient flags a need during screening, the provider can act immediately—sometimes with a simple referral order to a community health worker.”
This streamlined approach ensures timely communication, comprehensive records, and better coordination of care. Through Expanse’s Care Compass solution, the full care team—CHWs, hospital clinicians, and clinic providers—shares a holistic view of patient needs, all within their everyday workflow.
Beyond improving care coordination, the integration also strengthens NRH’s ability to assess community-wide needs. For example, recent data revealed that NRH’s service area has nearly twice the number of residents facing food insecurity, housing instability, and safety concerns compared to the state average.
“Rural hospitals are the heartbeat of their communities,” said Dr. Pimple. “At Newman Regional Health, we are proud to take on that responsibility every day. By listening to our patients and responding to their needs with compassion and innovation, we are building a healthier, stronger future for the people we serve.”
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