Clay County Medical Center is pleased to announce that they are one of 71 hospitals in Kansas that have pledged to examine their current food and beverage practices. CCMC will consider new policies that provide healthier food options in the hospital cafeteria and throughout the facility. This enhanced access to healthy food aims to positively impact hospital employees, patients and visitors, while also helping to establish norms for healthier living for the community.

As the primary source of health care in Clay County, CCMC has the opportunity to influence the health decisions of the community by the food and beverage choices offered. Recommendations to food and beverage policies include increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, adding healthier items to vending machines; adding nutrition labeling for meals in the cafeteria and encouraging participation in the hospital wellness programs.

“It is important that Clay County Medical Center is active in setting the example for Clay County and surrounding communities by providing the healthiest choices possible,” said Austin M. Gillard, CEO. “Not only is offering more healthy foods a better service to patients, it also represents better health for the community.”

Nearly 240 health care professionals who are employed by CCMC who seek dining options on the hospital campus will benefit from these changes. “It is our hope that these changes will have a long-term positive impact on the health of those who seek medical care in our facility," said Gillard.

The hospital’s newly formed Wellness Committee include: Mary Jensen, Administrative Secretary; Dianne Smith, Cardiac Rehab Exercise Specialist; Linda Yarrow, Dietician; Alice Christensen, Director of Dietary Services; and Austin Gillard, CEO, signing the pledge. Not pictured: Vicki Sampson, Occupational Health Services/Employee Health Nurse; Linda Sleichter, RN; and Kelly Bent, RN.