INDEPENDENCE - Governor Laura Kelly joined Labette Health leadership and local and state representatives today to break ground on the new $7.9 million expansion and renovation project at the Labette Health Independence Healthcare Center.

“The Independence Healthcare Center expansion represents a big step forward in building a more robust health care system in Kansas’ rural areas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The next critical step we must take to increase access to care, strengthen our health care workforce, and support our rural hospitals is to expand Medicaid.”

The expansion will include a new Cancer Infusion Center, Rural Health Clinic, and labs providing complex patient testing. The renovation project also includes upgrades to the emergency department, outpatient ultrasound services, and the addition of 17 patient exam rooms.

“This expansion and renovation project marks a significant step in our collective journey to ensuring access to high-quality health care for all members of the surrounding communities,” said Brian Williams, Labette Health President and CEO. “This event represents a profound dedication to meeting the diverse and evolving health care needs of southeast Kansans.”

The closure of Mercy Hospital nine years ago meant Kansans in Independence and surrounding areas lost their primary source of health care services. Labette Health opened the Independence Healthcare Center in 2017, providing the community with much-needed access to medical services, health care jobs, and timely, consistent care.

“I’m grateful to Labette Health for its commitment to serving our community by providing essential health care access to more of our residents,” said Independence Mayor Tim Emert. “These investments into our rural health care system support the growth of our local businesses and ensure families can thrive knowing they have nearby health care access.”

Construction on the expansion will begin on Aug. 1, 2024, and is expected to be completed by June 1, 2025.