EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second story of a two-part series about the future of the former Ellinwood hospital building. Today’s story focuses on veterans’ transitional housing, while the first article concentrated on the Crisis Intervention Center.

ELLINWOOD — In January of 2020, Jon Prescott of Ellinwood had a chat with Don Green of Great Bend, who is a Vietnam veteran. The topic was a lack of veterans’ services close to home.

“Don told me he can’t get the services he needs unless he travels to Wichita or Dodge City,” Prescott recalled. “After I began researching the topic, I told Don I wanted to help ‘because I believe in what you guys have done for us.’”

One thing Prescott learned is that there are almost 9,000 veterans in Barton and six nearby counties. “I was surprised at this number of veterans in our area who often need medical and/or emotional support.”

This, along with other information, led Prescott to officials at Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic (EHC) and The Center for Counseling & Consultation.

“We knew at the time that the former hospital building would be empty within a few years; and now it is,” Prescott explained. “The original idea was a veterans’ clinic but has grown to include transitional housing.

“We also met with The Center administration, which is interested in an outreach facility for crisis intervention. Everyone from both entities was on board to pursue this idea as soon as possible.”

The first big step was taken recently when Lange Construction began a feasibility study of the building and the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University started a needs assessment.

A few details

Prescott, who is now swing bed development manager at EHC, explained a few particulars about the vets’ facility.

The $5 to $7 million total project will accommodate six veterans at a time, each in their own apartment. While living there, vets will have 24/7 access to The Center’s services for help with therapy, housing, employment and medication-assisted treatment.

After 90 days, they will transition out but can still count on The Center’s services.

“Several criteria for admission will be taken into account,” Prescott noted. “These include homelessness, unemployment, physical ailments and/or emotional challenges.”

So far, the advisory board for the veterans’ facility has nine members, including Prescott and Don Green.

A “vision document” also has been compiled. Its title is “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.”

Prescott pointed out that The Center is working with FHSU on an internship program. “This is huge because it could create a pipeline to fill professional therapeutic and medical positions. I am grateful to The Center and EHC, and everyone else who is playing a role in this project.”

Hospital officials

Justin Lear, secretary/treasurer of the Ellinwood Hospital District Board of Trustees, said he and his colleagues “unanimously support this project. We really didn’t realize there was so much need until Jon Prescott came to us. When we learned that thousands of veterans had to travel for services, we realized the project made a lot of sense.

“There is an obvious need, especially when you consider the logistics of veterans having to travel for access to services they deserve.”

While veterans are priority one in the project, Lear said it also will benefit the hospital and the community at large.

“The hospital will collaborate with the new facility to provide medical services when appropriate,” Lear commented. “The hospital district also welcomes the opportunity to continue to support the City of Ellinwood by meeting local healthcare needs.”

Lear also noted the board of trustees is glad that the vacant hospital building will be put to good use.

“The board wanted to benefit the community with the former hospital property and thought the building might have to be demolished,” Lear said. “But because of this collaboration, it will be available for veterans and others who need quick access to services, while continuing to have purpose in the community.

“It is gratifying that we have heard only positive feedback about this project, which we believe the community supports.”

Kile Magner, EHC chief executive officer, said “the hospital administration also is in full support of the project. It will expand our ability to care for local citizens by providing the type of care” The Center can offer.