Colby's Citizens Health Hospital Ribbon Cutting Recap

Jansonius, Godinez, Standage, Moran and McCorkle (right to left) pose for a photo following the ribbon-cutting with the Colby Chamber of Commerce

Citizens Health of Colby held their official ribbon-cutting event with the Colby Chamber of Commerce today, drawing a large crowd to the recently-opened hospital.

State Senator Jerry Moran, Citizens Health Board Chair Bob Standage, Citizens Health CEO David McCorkle, Assistant Secretary of Quality Places with the KDC Matt Godinez and Kansas State Director of Rural Development Gimmie Jo Jansonius all spoke at the ceremony.

You can rewatch NWKS Radio's livestream of the event at this link: https://www.facebook.com/NWKSRadio/videos/1953515122214882

Standage opened the proceedings, giving thanks to the Citizens Health Board of Trustees, Senator Moran, the patients of the hospital and the entire Northwest Kansas area.

McCorkle followed, echoing the same sentiments of Standage. He also talked about how important giving the region better access to healthcare.

"The ribbon-cutting is more than just a ceremony, it means a lot to the community," McCorkle said. "It means a lot to the region. Healthcare access is very important, and this building is securing the future for healthcare access in northwest Kansas."

The opening of the new hospital was a team effort, with help coming across the board, according to Godinez.

"By leveraging key public partnerships, Citizens Health is a great example of how state, local and federal partners can come together to support the private sector and make the big wins even bigger."

Jansonius delivered on a similar note to Godinez, talking about the importance of the opportunity for Northwest Kansas and the team effort needed to get it done.

"The most impressive thing about all of this isn't the building..." Jansonius said, "...but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our region, and it's about the people that collaborated. Citizens, local, federal and state partners, and those beyond."

Senator Moran ended the speeches, going into the ribbon-cutting after his talk. He focused on the growth of the Northwest Kansas area and how Colby itself is growing as well.

"People remained committed to an outcome, and that outcome reflects the belief that this community has a future," Moran said.

NWKS Radio was able to interview Moran about the new Citizens Bank Hospital and more as well, we have the interview available at this link: https://youtu.be/0dS3hJZgDXY?si=ZfWTKLhsR0vJpVCC