(JUNCTION CITY, Kan.) Konza Prairie Community Health Center will celebrate a major remodel of their Junction City clinic – located at 361 Grant Ave – with a Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce “Business During Hours” networking event and ribbon cutting on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. Lunch will be catered by JC’s BBQ & Grill.
Renovations started in January 2024 and include updates to the main entrance and pharmacy, additional treatment and office space, a modernized medical check-in desk, and updated flooring throughout the clinic.
“Local need for affordable community-based healthcare services continues to grow,” said Konza Chief Executive Officer Danielle Hallgren. “As we continue to see increases in the number of patients accessing care at our Junction City location, our commitment to quality remains a top priority. These updates will enable us to expand essential access to integrated health services in high-quality facilities.”
The largest aspect of the remodel created a new home for the Konza Closet and Konza Cupboard Food Pantry, programs created by the clinic where dedicated staff reach beyond healthcare to provide direct, on-site support that fills critical gaps for patients in immediate need of essentials.
“Konza provides more than great healthcare,” said Hallgren. “We have been fortunate to recruit and retain a team of mission-minded providers and staff who understand that healthcare is more than what happens in the exam room or operatory. Connecting patients with social determinants of health resources is an essential part of our role as a community health center. From fresh fruits and vegetables to hygiene products, clothing, and medical supplies, the new space gives us dedicated room to just take care of people, none of which would be possible without the generosity of patients and community members and the dedication of staff.”
Construction for the renovation was made possible through a grant from American Rescue Plan Capital funding, supporting improvements to expand health care infrastructure at HRSA-funded health centers. Supplies for the Konza Closet and Konza Cupboard Food Pantry are supported through donations to Konza Cares: Gifts of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items are always accepted during clinic business hours and monetary gifts made on October 15 during Geary Community Match Day will be eligible for a 50% match.
Established in 1995, Konza Prairie Community Health Center is a locally owned not-for-profit clinic which provides affordable, quality, comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare for all. Geary County is identified as a Medically Underserved Area for Primary Care according to US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data. The HRSA GeoCare Navigator identifies there are more than 76,489 low-income residents in Konza’s Service Area, including Geary and Riley Counties; nearly 12,000 are uninsured and not currently served by a health center.