Konza Prairie Community Health Center was the focus during a report to the JC Breakfast Optimist Club this week.

According to club member Ferrell Miller Konza CEO Lee Wolf and Community Development Leader Dani Holliday spoke to the club. Wolf stated that “there are service areas in the counties of Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Dickinson, Clay and Washington.” The Geary County service center was established in 1994 and is currently located at 361 Grant Avenue.

Not only does the clientele served include those who are uninsured, under insured or those who cannot afford to pay out of pocket expenses for health care, but all patients seeking to receive primary and preventative health care services as Konza Prairie accepts all insurance plans.

Lee said that federal and state grants plus donations support funding of the organizations to provide services to the increasing number of patients. Konza tries to enhance services that work with local hospitals and keep patients out of the emergency room and assist with follow up services by making referrals for radiology and lab work, for example. The work by Konza helps keep ” bad debt”  down at hospitals”  when people can’t or won’t pay their bills following health care service. There is a sliding scale used with patients at the Community Health Center.”

Holiday said there will be a Back to School Health Fair August 9th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 361 Grant Avenue location. It will be a collaborative effort with Geary Community Hospital, Live Well Geary County and Snap Ed. Physicals will be offered for $20 or five canned goods, which will be donated to the Food Pantry in Junction City. Other services offered that day will include immunizations, dental screenings and more.