Newsworthy
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Stormont Vail Health Community News
Celebrating Our Team
Celebrate Connie Houser’s Retirement
After more than 42 years of service, Connie Houser, MT, ASCP, is retiring from Stormont Vail Health on Oct. 16!
Connie has spent more than four decades serving in our Laboratory as a medical laboratory technician, including the past seven years in the lab’s Point of Care Department.
Please join us in celebrating Connie’s incredible career and thanking her for the many years she has dedicated to Stormont Vail.
Two Physicians Honored by Kansas Chapter of the American College of Physicians
We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Sarah Stewart and Dr. Jared Elliott, who recently received recognition at the Kansas Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP) Annual Scientific Meeting and Hospitalist Day.
Dr. Elliott was honored as Hospitalist of the Year, and Dr. Stewart received the Mahlon H. Delp Resident Award as an outstanding PGY-3 resident in Wichita. She will join our Emporia Clinic this fall.
Congratulations to both physicians on this exciting recognition.
News and Events
Join the Global Wave of Light on Oct. 15
- 7–8 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
- Stormont Vail Health Hospital courtyard
1500 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604
Stormont Vail Health welcomes the community to participate in the Global Wave of Light in observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
Whether you’re remembering a patient, loved one, or simply standing in support, your presence is meaningful.
Hosted by our Birthplace and NICU teams, this vigil offers a quiet space for remembrance and reflection. Attendees will light a tea candle in honor of babies who left too soon and stand in support of families who have experienced loss.
Take a Step Toward Better Sleep at Walk with an APP
- 9–10 a.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
- Washburn University Lee Arena
1901 S.W. Mulvane St., Topeka, KS 66621
This month’s Walk with an APP features pulmonology specialist Angie Brockmann, APRN, who will discuss obstructive sleep apnea, its impact on overall health, and available treatment options.
If you or someone you know experiences snoring, daytime fatigue, poor sleep quality, or sleep apnea, encourage them to attend.
Pink Out for Breast Cancer Prevention at Walk with a Doc
- 9–10 a.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
- Old Junction City Football Field
900 N. Eisenhower Drive, Junction City, KS 66441 - Pink Out!
Wear pink to show your support
Walk, talk, and bring your questions! Dr. Daniel Regier, general surgeon at our Flint Hills Campus, will talk about breast cancer prevention at the next Walk with a Doc in Junction City.
Help spread the word and invite family and friends!
Welcome Baby Jubilee is Almost Here!
Expectant parents can hear from experienced moms, tour The Birthplace, connect with local resources, and get answers to their pregnancy and postpartum questions.
Come hungry! Food trucks with sweet and savory options will be available on the corner of S.W. Horne St. and 8th Ave.
You’re Invited: Flint Hills Campus Express Care Ribbon-Cutting Celebration
- 10:30 a.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 29
- Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus
1102 St. Marys Road, Junction City, KS 66441
Big things are happening at our Flint Hills Campus!
The clinic formerly known as Walk-in Services is becoming Express Care, reflecting its commitment to providing convenient access to care for patients throughout the region.
As part of the transition, patients can look forward to a dedicated entrance, new clinic space, and the same trusted team they’ve come to know.
Please save the date for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebration. We look forward to welcoming community members, partners, and team members as we celebrate this exciting next chapter.
Explore the Changing Infectious Disease Landscape
- 8–11:30 a.m.
- Friday, Nov. 6, 2026
- Pozez Education Center Auditorium
What do changing disease patterns mean for patients, providers, and communities?
Join the 2026 Stormont Vail Health Infectious Disease Conference, where healthcare experts will discuss infectious disease trends, treatment updates, and emerging health concerns affecting Kansas and beyond.
Promotional conference graphic announces 2026 Stormont Vail Health Infectious Disease Conference, scheduled Friday, November 6, 2026, from 8–11:30 a.m. Yellow and white text appears beside colorful microscopic-cell illustrations, with calendar icon and green “Register at stormontvail.eeds.com” button.
Free event | Attend in person or virtually
Resources and Patient Care
Have You Received Your Flu Shot?
Stormont Vail Health is offering several opportunities for team members and the community to receive their annual flu vaccine.
Visit our website and share it with anyone looking for a flu vaccination.
Children’s Mercy Now Seeing Patients at Manhattan Campus
Children’s Mercy at Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus has moved, and is now welcoming patients at its new location:
Children’s Mercy at Stormont Vail Health Manhattan Campus
1325 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502
Floor 3, Door A
While the location has changed, Children’s Mercy and Stormont Vail Health remain committed to caring for children and families throughout the Flint Hills region.
Thank you to the patients, families, donors, and community partners who have supported this important service over the years.
Community Connections
Stormont Striders Step Up for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
More than 17 Stormont Vail team members joined the Stormont Striders team for the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Manhattan, helping raise more than $1,700 to support Alzheimer’s care, support, and research efforts.
In addition to participating in the walk, Stormont Vail volunteers staffed a booth, walked at the event, and helped welcome attendees throughout the morning.
Photograph shows Stormont Vail Health volunteers gathered behind an outreach table for 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Purple shirts, Alzheimer’s Association branding, educational brochures, teal and purple decorations, and donation or event materials emphasize community support and awareness.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success! Donations to the Stormont Striders team will remain open through the end of the year.
News You Can Use
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Turns Personal for Long-Time Imaging Professional
In last week’s To Your Health, Connie Wagers, Regional Director of Procedural and Ancillary Services at the Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus, shared her perspective on breast cancer awareness.
After 40 years of guiding women through their mammograms, the importance of breast cancer screening has become even more personal for her.
To Your Health airs at 10 p.m. Thursdays on WIBW-TV (Channel 13). Rebroadcasts air on Friday mornings at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. on 13 News This Morning and on wibw.com.
Express Care Flint Hills Featured on KMAN Radio
Last week, Connie Wagers, Regional Director of Procedural and Ancillary Services, and Carrie Holliday, Manager of Regional Relations, joined Within Reason with Mike Matson on KMAN Radio to discuss how Express Care Flint Hills expands access to convenient, same-day care for the Junction City and surrounding communities.
Coming Up This Week
Tune in at 9 a.m. this Thursday when Andrew Brookens, Director of the Stormont Vail Health Manhattan Campus, joins KMAN Radio to discuss efforts to better integrate care throughout the community.
Join Our Team
Know Someone Looking for Their Next Opportunity?|
Interested in helping shape the future of healthcare? Share these opportunities with your network.
- Clinical Pharmacist – Pharmacy – FT – Variable
- Acute Care Social Worker – Emergency Department Administration – FT – Variable
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