By SCOTT AUST/ Greater Garden City
Coming to Garden City from Ohio, the question Jason Justus has been asked most over the past 30 days is what’s the difference between Ohio and southwest Kansas.
The new President of St. Catherine Hospital said Tuesday during a celebration and blessing ceremony for the new CommonSpirit Flight for Life helicopter base at the hospital that there are more similarities than differences between the two states though there are a couple he highlighted for the crowd of more than 50 people.
First, he said, Ohio has no flat spots. Second, Kansas has about 260 days of sunshine compared to Ohio’s 160 days.
“I’ve seen nothing but sunshine since I’ve been here,” Justus said. “The one thing that’s surprised me the most is captured on a Kansas license plate. It’s one that has blue sky on top and then the yellowish sunrise along the flat horizon. It captures the sunrise I see every day as I drive to Dodge City or Ulysses. What I really appreciate is it’s probably the best view I’ve seen.”
Justus was hired by CommonSpirit Health in early October to serve as president of St. Catherine – Garden City, St. Catherine Hospital – Dodge City, and Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital – Ulysses after leading a hospital in Ohio.
Justus said he feels blessed and honored to be a part of this community and appreciates the warm welcome he has received. Noting the long, rich history of service at St. Catherine-Garden City, Justus said there’s a bright future ahead for local healthcare.
“I’m committed to leading our Kansas hospitals into the future with top tier, innovative care and technology supported by the very best physicians, advanced practice professionals, nurses and other caregivers,” he said. “A key component of this bright future is bringing the Flight for Life base right here in Garden City.”
As a result, he said, patients across southwest Kansas will have full access to the level of care they need.
Tuesday was also Veterans Day; a fact not lost during the ceremony.
Mission Manager Michael Gonzalez said it’s important while gathering on Veterans Day to remember and honor those who have served our country and give thanks for those who continue that service in a different uniform – that of the Flight for Life crew.
“Let this ceremony be a moment of unity, purpose and deep gratitude, and may we remember that behind every flight is a story. Behind every landing, a family,” he said.
Pete Powers, President of the CommonSpirit Greater Colorado and Kansas market, expressed gratitude to be part of the community and said the organization is humbled by the legacy of service and history of St. Catherine Hospital that began 90 years ago with the Dominican Sisters of Peace.
With that in mind, Powers said CommonSpirit’s focus is on maximizing the ability to meet the needs of southwest Kansans, which includes a commitment to rural healthcare and outreach and bring the “best of the best” Flight for Life crews.
Flight for Life is the nation’s oldest medical transport service with more than 50 years of life saving service, Powers said. Flight for Life was driven by the success of medical helicopters during the Viet Name War and the need to transport patients in Colorado’s mountainous and rural areas.
“I could not be more proud to see it expand here now,” Powers said.
John Massey, Flight for Life Regional Director, added that when a base is put in a community, they become part of that community. Crew members relocate here, for example, and participate in community events such as delivering footballs to football games, engage in partnerships with local entities such as EMS, in addition to providing transport services.
“I’m very honored to be part of it. I’m very happy to be in Kansas,” he said. “I have no doubt we’re going to be very successful here in Garden City.”
