This summer, Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) held a series of community talks across the county to connect with residents face to face. CEO Greg Weaver and members of the leadership team traveled to Adrian, Rich Hill, Butler, and Hume to share updates and hear directly from community members about their healthcare concerns, questions, and priorities.
“We appreciated the honest conversations,” said BCMH CEO Greg Weaver. “People showed up with important questions about their healthcare access, hospital stability, and what services we offer, and we were glad to listen.”
Community Feedback Shaped the Conversation
From all four meetings, one theme rang loud and clear: many residents were not fully aware of the wide range of services available at their local hospital. Attendees asked about everything from imaging and surgery to mental health and financial stability, and hospital leaders welcomed the opportunity to discuss these topics openly.
“We heard thoughtful questions about how a rural hospital operates and how we’re planning for the future,” said Weaver. “It was a valuable opportunity to talk honestly about what’s going well, and where we are facing real challenges – such as government regulations and insurance reimbursements.”
The hospital shared several ongoing efforts, such as grant funding to support EMS and new lab equipment, as well as legislative efforts to improve local healthcare funding options in the future.
Next Steps: More Conversations Ahead
As a result of the strong engagement from the June events, BCMH has scheduled another community meeting for the Amsterdam-Amoret area:
Amsterdam Area Community Talk
Monday, August 5 at 6:00 p.m.
Amsterdam Community Center
Amsterdam, Mo.
Residents of Amsterdam, Amoret, Virginia and nearby areas are invited to attend.
In addition, BCMH will host a dedicated meeting for elected officials later in August to foster ongoing collaboration and transparency about hospital services and priorities.
Elected Officials Briefing
Thursday, August 19 at 6:00 p.m.
BCMH Education Center
615 W. Nursery Street, Butler, Mo.
Staying Connected
BCMH also announced plans to launch a Patient and Family Advisory Council this fall. Community members who wish to be more involved in sharing ideas, concerns, or feedback can learn more at upcoming events or by visiting the hospital’s website.
Community members are also encouraged to participate in the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment by taking a brief online survey. This is an important way to help shape healthcare priorities for the coming years. Take the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BatesCoMO_CHNA_2025
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Your Health. Your Hospital.
Bates County Memorial Hospital is a trusted partner committed to serving every resident of Bates County with compassion and excellence.
