Intermountain Health Announces Changes to Kansas Medical Clinics
Intermountain Health, a leading nonprofit healthcare system, has announced a strategic decision to transfer the Marian Dental Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, and the St. Vincent Clinic in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Atchison Community Health Clinic, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), based in Atchison, Kansas. The Letter of Intent was signed on April 9, 2024, and the final transfer is expected to take place by June 30, 2024.
“We want to express tremendous gratitude to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, who founded these clinics decades ago to serve the poor and vulnerable. We appreciate the dedication and commitment of those caregivers that have worked in these clinics over the years,” said Jim Sheets, Peaks Region President for Intermountain Health. “We are also grateful to the communities that supported these clinics and Atchison Community Health for their commitment to upholding our longstanding tradition of care.”
Transferring Marian and St. Vincent to Atchison Community Health Clinic will ensure the clinic’s patients, many of whom are the most vulnerable and economically challenged in the communities served, continue to receive the highest-quality health care possible at an affordable cost. They will also access a more comprehensive and integrated care network and additional support tools through Atchison.
“St. Vincent’s Clinic and Marian Dental Clinic have been incredible assets in the communities they serve, and we’re excited to make sure that care continues,” said Stevie Durkin, Atchison Community Health Clinic CEO. “While these organizations have unique histories, we all share a dedicated focus to provide equitable access to high-quality health care for those that are underserved in our communities. This opportunity allows us to work together to expand the services we offer and build a path towards sustainability.”
The difficult decision has been made to cease operations at the Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, on June 1, 2024. Duchesne patients will be fully supported in transferring their care to one of the numerous similar clinics in that service area.
Some Intermountain Health caregivers can transfer employment to Atchison if they are interested. Others will receive financial support and help finding new employment.
“We are grateful for their dedication and years of service,” Sheets said.
At the heart of this decision, Intermountain Health aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of patient care at Marian and St. Vincent. To help ensure Atchison can successfully continue this high-quality care at these clinics, Intermountain Health will donate $4.2 million to the organization for operations and to make capital improvements.