Archive for category: HPC News

Inspiring Creativity and Wellness: 2026 Coloring Contest Winners Announced

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), in collaboration with UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas and the Olathe Noon Optimists Club, is proud to celebrate another successful coloring contest for third-grade students at Title I elementary schools in the Olathe School District.

This year’s theme, “My Calm Place,” invited students to explore what calm looks and feels like in their own lives. The artwork reflected meaningful moments of peace—from mindfulness and reading to cozy spaces, nature views and creative expression—helping students connect mental wellness to their everyday environments.

Strong Participation Across the District

This year’s response was exceptional:

  • 28 third-grade classrooms participated
  • 537 student submissions received

To celebrate, every class who had 100 percent participation received a donut delivery, courtesy of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas.

2026 Student Winners

2026 Coloring Contest WinnersWe are excited to recognize this year’s top artists:

1st Place: Assinet Tareb, Ms. Harmon’s class – Mahaffie Elementary

2nd Place: Dylan Spencer, Ms. Friedeman’s class – Havencroft Elementary

3rd Place: Gabriela Leiva Aleman, Ms. Johnson’s class – Ridgeview Elementary

Honorable Mention: Eduardo Mendes-Sobral, Ms. Williams’ class – Indian Creek Elementary

Each student’s work demonstrated creativity while reinforcing important messages around health and wellness.

Celebrating Classrooms

In addition to individual winners, Ms. Lawson’s class at Northview Elementary earned a classroom prize. Students enjoyed a pizza party, and the teacher received a $100 gift card in recognition of their participation and enthusiasm.

Classroom visits, award presentations and celebrations bring this program to life—allowing HPC and our sponsors to connect directly with students and reinforce our roles as trusted community partners.

Community Partnerships That Make It Possible

2026 Coloring Contest WinnersThis initiative is made possible through the strong support of our partners, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas and the Olathe Noon Optimists Club.

“We are thrilled to support this creative approach to health education,” shared UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas. “It’s a meaningful way to help children understand the importance of healthy habits early in life.”

We also extend our appreciation to the teachers, school leaders, judges and volunteers who helped make this program a success. Special thanks to Melissa Beaudoin, Olathe School District’s Graphic Designer, Graphic Communications, for designing this year’s coloring sheet and helping bring the “My Calm Place” theme to life.

Building Healthier Futures

At HPC, we know that early education is key to lifelong health. By meeting students where they are—in their classrooms—and engaging them through creativity, we help build awareness, confidence and healthier habits that can last a lifetime.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, participants, teachers and partners. Your creativity and commitment are helping us build stronger, healthier communities—one student at a time.

2026 Coloring Contest Winners 2026 Coloring Contest Winners

Health Partnership Clinic Welcomes Three New Providers to Expand Access to Care

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) is proud to welcome three outstanding providers to our team—each bringing proven experience, compassion and a shared commitment to serving our community. These additions strengthen our ability to provide high-quality, affordable and accessible care for patients of all ages.

Welcoming Valeria Higinio, MD, FAAP – Pediatrician

Valeria HiginioDr. Valeria Higinio has joined HPC as a pediatrician, providing comprehensive care for infants, children and adolescents at our Shawnee Mission clinic. The clinic is located at 9119 W. 74th St., Ste. 210, Shawnee Mission, Kan., inside the Shawnee Mission Medical Building on the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission campus.

With more than 14 years of experience across large health systems, community hospitals, nonprofit clinics and critical access hospitals in Kansas, Missouri, Virginia and North Carolina, Dr. Higinio brings a well-rounded and patient-centered approach to care.

Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in Wichita, Kan., Dr. Higinio developed an early passion for science and knew by age 14 that she wanted to become a physician.

A constant in her healthcare career has been communicating in English and Spanish to connect with patients and their families. “It helps me break down barriers, and to explain diagnoses and treatment options so that parents can decide,” she says. “Being their advocate has always been paramount,”

Dr. Higinio has a special interest in addressing ADHD and childhood obesity, emphasizing listening, education and evidence-based care. She ensures families have the time they need to ask questions and feel confident in their care plans.

Outside of work, she enjoys birding, gardening, powerlifting and international travel and treasures time with her family and two beloved dogs.

Welcoming Jeffrey Waddell, DNP, FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Jeffrey WaddellJeffrey Waddell has joined HPC as a Family Nurse Practitioner, providing care for patients of all ages at our Ottawa clinic, located at 107 S. Main St., Ottawa, Kan.

Originally from Kansas, he returns home after more than a decade serving rural communities in Iowa. His experience spans hospital and clinic settings, with a strong focus on family practice, urgent care, chronic disease management and preventive services.

In addition to his clinical work, Waddell has served as an instructor, mentor and published author—reflecting his commitment to advancing health care beyond the exam room.

“I enjoy caring for rural populations, where access to care is challenging,” he says. “I connect with patients by being non-judgmental and meeting them where they are.”

He earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing from Pittsburg State University and has extensive experience in Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Health Clinics.

Now back in Kansas and closer to family, he enjoys following college and professional sports and is an avid science fiction fan.

Welcoming Kurt Echols, DDS – Dental Director

Kurt EcholsDr. Kurt Echols has joined HPC as Dental Director, seeing patients at our Olathe clinic at 407 S. Clairborne Rd. in Olathe, Kan. and off-site while overseeing all aspects of the dental program—including our school-based portable dental services.

With more than 20 years of experience in general dentistry across Missouri and Kansas, Dr. Echols brings both clinical expertise and a passion for patient connection. He previously owned a private practice and has recently served underserved populations through Veterans Medical Centers and senior living communities.

“I take great pride in helping people find their confidence—whether through a smile makeover or education on better oral health,” Dr. Echols says.

Dr. Echols earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He emphasizes prevention, encouraging consistent brushing, flossing and proactive care at home.

Outside the clinic, he enjoys coaching baseball, fishing and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. He and his wife of 24 years have two sons—one an engineering student at Kansas State University, and the other bound for Southwestern Community College, where he plans to pitch for the school’s baseball team.

Strengthening Care for Our Community

These providers bring diverse experiences and a shared dedication to meeting patients where they are—helping ensure individuals and families receive the care they need, regardless of their ability to pay.

Together, they further HPC’s mission of improving the health of our communities by providing high-quality, affordable, accessible and appropriate care.

Call to Action

Schedule an Appointment

Whether you’re seeking pediatric, family or dental care, our team is here for you.

Shawnee Mission (Children Only)

Located inside the Shawnee Mission Medical Building on the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Campus
9119 W. 74th St., Ste. 210, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204
913-432-3334

Ottawa (Adults and Children)

107 S. Main St., Ottawa, KS 66067
913-401-2750

Dental Care at Olathe and Ottawa clinics

407 S. Clairborne Rd., Ste. 104, Olathe, KS 66062
913-276-7004

107 S. Main St., Ottawa, KS 66067 (Children Only)
913-401-2750

2026 Opening Doors Luncheon: Opening Doors to Better Health

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Opening Doors Luncheon 2026 - Save the DateBy Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Health Partnership Clinic’s annual Opening Doors Luncheon — a powerful benefit supporting uninsured children and adults — is right around the corner!

Join us on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Overland Park Convention Center. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with lunch served promptly at noon. The afternoon will feature inspiring stories, meaningful connections, delicious food and special award presentations. This year, attendees will learn more about the clinic’s women’s health services and how expanded access to care is improving outcomes for women and families in our community.

Funds raised at the Opening Doors Luncheon are vital to our mission of providing high-quality, affordable and accessible care to the communities we serve. Each year, we deliver comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health and substance use services on a sliding fee scale — regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

With more than 11,000 patients served annually, and over half uninsured, Health Partnership Clinic is often the only place individuals and families can turn for care.

Our goal is to raise $110,000, and we need your help to make it happen. Your support directly offsets the cost of care for uninsured patients and ensures lifesaving services remain available to those who need them most.

Tickets & Sponsorships

  • Individual Ticket: $100
  • Table of Ten: $1,000
  • Sponsorship Opportunities Available

To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or learn more, please contact Catherine Rice, VP of Marketing and Outreach, at 913-730-3680, or email crice@hpcks.org.

Also, you can download our Sponsor Form (PDF)

Snowflake Streak Update: $47,500 Raised — and We’re Still Going Strong!

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

2026 Snowflake Streak UpdateBundle up and join the fun! Health Partnership Clinic’s second annual Snowflake Streak is just around the corner—Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the Olathe Community Center and Stagecoach Park.

I’m excited to share that we’ve already raised $47,500 with 26 registered teams—and the momentum isn’t slowing down! There’s still plenty of time to sign up a team, join a team, or support a walker. Every step helps us provide quality, affordable health care to those who need it most.

To learn more, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/snowflakestreak2026/.

And don’t forget to show your Snowflake Streak spirit! Walkers and community members can now purchase our limited-edition hats and scarves, designed to keep you warm and looking festive on walk day and throughout the winter months! These cozy items make great gifts—and 100 percent of proceeds support Health Partnership Clinic patients.

To order, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/snowflakestreak2026/store/.

A huge thank you to our following sponsors:

Premier: AdventHealth

Additional: Blue Gurus, City of Olathe, Damage Control Restoration, Davidson Promotional, Farmers Bank, Husch Blackwell, Olathe Ford, Olathe Noon Lions Club, Olathe Noon Optimist Club, Scovell Remodeling, Simmons Bank, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and Ed and Jane Walsworth.

Whether you’re walking, fundraising, cheering, or shopping for winter gear, your involvement makes a meaningful impact.

Learn more, register, donate, or grab your Snowflake Streak gear at hpcks.org/snowflake or contact Nikki Balden at nbalden@hpcks.org  or 913-433-7592.

Together, we can make this year’s Streak the brightest and warmest yet!

Snowflake Streak 2026 Flyer

Happy Holidays and New Years!

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HPC Holiday Hours:

All locations will close at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Thursday, Dec. 25 and reopen on Friday, Dec. 26.

All locations will close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31 through Thursday, Jan. 1 and reopen on Friday, Jan. 2.

Happy Holidays and New Years!

Snowflake Streak Update: $40,000+ Raised — and We’re Still Going Strong!

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Snowflake Streak 2026 FlyerBundle up and join the fun! Health Partnership Clinic’s second annual Snowflake Streak is coming up on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the Olathe Community Center and Stagecoach Park.

I’m thrilled to share that we’ve already raised more than $40,000 to support quality, affordable health care for those in need — and there’s still time to get involved!

This holiday season, consider giving the gift of health by joining a team, starting a team, or donating to support one. Walkers and teams can earn fun prizes for fundraising and showing their community spirit. Plus, customized Snowflake Streak hats and scarves are now available for purchase—with all proceeds directly benefiting our patients.

Learn more, donate, or grab your gear today at hpcks.org/snowflake or contact Nikki Balden at nbalden@hpcks.org or 913-433-7592. Together, we can make this year’s Streak the brightest yet!

Take Back Control: Gambling Dependency Services at HPC

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Take Back Control: Gambling Dependency Services at HPCGambling can be a fun and social activity—but for some, it can spiral into a serious problem that affects health, finances, and relationships. At Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), we understand how difficult it can be to regain control, and we’re here to help.

Our new Gambling Dependency Services offer confidential, compassionate care for individuals and families affected by problem gambling.

“We’re seeing a significant rise in the number of Kansans struggling with gambling-related issues,” says Christopher W. Woodward, MA, LCAC, KCGC-II, Director of Substance Abuse Services at HPC. “A 2025 Kansas Gambling Survey reported a sharp increase in the number of adults at high risk for problem gambling—now at 20 percent, a fivefold increase since 2017. This program was developed to meet that growing need by offering accessible, professional care to help people take back control of their lives.”

Take Back Control: Gambling Dependency Services at HPCOur Services

  1. Problem Gambling Assessments
    Professional evaluations help determine if gambling has become harmful and identify the most appropriate level of care.
  2. Treatment for Problem Gambling
  • Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions with trained providers focused on recovery and well-being.
  • Group Counseling: Peer support and professional guidance in a safe, confidential environment.
  1. Support for Concerned Others
    Individual and group counseling for loved ones seeking education, support, and healing.
  2. State Exclusion Services
    Assistance with voluntary “self-ban” programs that restrict access to gaming establishments—an empowering step toward recovery.

Cost of Services

  • No Cost to Clients: Treatment is fully funded through the State of Kansas Gambling Fund, collected from state-owned casinos for Kansas residents who qualify.
  • Insurance Billing: If you have insurance coverage for gambling treatment, we will bill your plan (note: few insurance providers cover this benefit).
  • Sliding Scale: A sliding fee scale is available to those who qualify.

Why Choose HPC?

  • Licensed, compassionate providers
  • Confidential, judgment-free care
  • Specialized programs for both individuals and families
  • Convenient locations and flexible scheduling

Take the First Step

If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, HPC can help.
Know when the game is playing you.

Call: 913-730-3664 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Learn more: hpcks.org/gambling

National Handwashing Awareness Week – December 1-7

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Personal hygiene begins and ends with our hands

National Handwashing Awareness Week – December 1-7Healthy hands are happy hands! One of the simplest and most effective ways to stay well is by keeping our hands clean. Frequent handwashing helps stop viruses and bacteria from spreading—right alongside covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when you’re under the weather.

At Health Partnership Clinic, we make hand hygiene a top priority to protect both patients and staff. At home, the same rule applies—clean hands keep everyone healthier. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers practical guidance on when and how to wash your hands properly.

Remember, handwashing is one of the best defenses against illnesses like COVID-19, flu, RSV and the common cold. In fact, the CDC reports that washing hands can prevent one in three diarrhea-related illnesses and one in five respiratory infections.

How Germs Spread

Germs can spread easily when we touch our faces, prepare food, or handle shared objects. You can pick up and pass along germs when you:

  • Touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands!
  • Prepare or eat food with unwashed hands!
  • Touch contaminated surfaces or objects
  • Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into your hands and then touch others or shared items

Did you know… A sneeze can travel up to 200 miles per hour and release about 40,000 droplets into the air!

When to Wash Your Hands

Keep yourself and your loved ones healthy by washing your hands often—especially:

  • Before, during and after preparing food
  • Before eating
  • Before and after caring for someone who’s sick
  • Before and after treating a wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or cleaning a child who’s used the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching animals or handling pet food
  • After touching garbage

Fun fact: The CDC found that only 31 percent of men and 65 percent of women wash their hands after using a public restroom. Yikes—let’s do better!

Also, wash your hands after being in public places where you touch shared surfaces (like door handles, shopping carts, or checkout screens) and before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Clean hands help stop germs from spreading—at home, at work and throughout our communities.

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
  2. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
  3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds—hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice if you need a timer!
  4. Rinse well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry with a clean towel or air dry.

If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol). Always supervise young children—swallowing sanitizer can be dangerous.

Make It a Family Habit

Good habits start young! Get the whole family involved in handwashing. HPC has created fun, easy-to-follow handwashing tip sheets for kids—perfect for home or the classroom.

HPC Handwashing Tips (English) HPC Handwashing Tips (Spanish)

Together, we can make healthy hands a habit—this week and all year long.

Snowflake Streak 2026: Step Up for Health Care Access

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Calling All Team Captains!

Snowflake Streak 2026: Step Up for Health Care AccessBundle up, lace up your sneakers and join Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) for the second annual Snowflake Streak—a winter walk with heart—on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the Olathe Community Center and Stagecoach Park.

This peer-to-peer fundraising event unites caring individuals, families and businesses to support HPC’s mission of providing quality, affordable and accessible medical, dental and behavioral health care to those who need it most.

Lead the Way – Become a Team Captain

Team Captains are the heart of the Snowflake Streak! As a Captain, you’ll:
• Form a team of friends, family, or coworkers.
• Fundraise to help uninsured and low-income patients access vital health care.
• Motivate others to walk, give, and make an impact.

Captains receive special recognition, helpful fundraising tools, and the satisfaction of leading change in their community. Rally your crew and be the spark that starts the Streak!

Snowflake Streak 2026: Step Up for Health Care AccessA Team Captain Rally was recently held at the Blue Moose Bar & Grill–Lenexa, featuring Sondra Wallace of AdventHealth and clinic staff who inspired our attendees. Special thanks to our friends at Blue Moose who provided appetizers and beverages to our guests. But there is still time to sign up! To get started, contact Nikki Balden at nbalden@hpcks.org or 913-433-7592.

A Fun and Meaningful Winter Event

The morning kicks off with a brief program and a brisk walk around the park’s 0.97-mile trail loop. Enjoy pre- and post-walk festivities including:

  • Face painting and a photobooth (provided by Truity Credit Union)
  • Breakfast and a hot chocolate/coffee bar
  • Emcee Joe Lauria, evening meteorologist for FOX4

So far, the clinic has raised more than $34,000—already halfway to the $55,000 goal!

Walk, Fundraise and Earn Prizes

Snowflake Streak 2026 FlyerThere’s no fee to participate, but walkers are encouraged to raise at least $100, enough to help cover rapid RSV, strep or flu tests for uninsured children.

Those who reach the $100 milestone will receive a limited-edition Snowflake Streak T-shirt.

Top fundraisers can earn additional prizes, including:

  • Power Ring Wireless Charger
  • Blanket Shawl
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Garmin Activity Tracker

Prizes will also be awarded for:

  • Best Dressed Team
  • Best Dressed Individual (Adult and Child)
  • Top Fundraising Team
  • Team with the Most Members

Community Spirit in Action

HPC invites area companies, schools, civic and church groups and community members to get involved—as sponsors, team captains or participants.

We’re deeply grateful to our generous sponsors, including:
Premier Sponsor: AdventHealth
Additional Sponsors: Blue Gurus, City of Olathe, Damage Control Restoration, Davidson Promotional, Farmers Bank, Husch Blackwell, Olathe Ford, Olathe Noon Lions Club, Olathe Noon Optimist Club, Scovell Remodeling, Simmons Bank, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Ed and Jane Walsworth.

Meet the Team Behind the Streak

Mary Ellen Clark (Community Member/HPC Development Committee), Cara Coleman (The Recovery Village Kansas City), Stephanie Heisler (Walmart), Garrett Carnes (Truity Credit Union), Pastor Neil Glaser (Church of the Resurrection), Derek Richardson (Healthy Blue Kansas), Jacob Swisher (Heritage Wealth Partners), Jim Terrones (HPC Board), Jason Terry (Blue Gurus) and Scott Tow (Snowflake VIP and 2025 Top Fundraiser). Representing HPC are Nikki Balden, Marketing/Development Coordinator, Hayward Lafferty, Director of Development; Thao Le, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Behavioral Health Director; David Merschbrock, Operations Manager; and Catherine Rice, VP of Marketing and Outreach.

Get Involved Today!

Download the event information PDF.

Interested in forming a team or walking?

Contact Nikki Balden at nbalden@hpcks.org  or 913-433-7592.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities?

Contact Hayward Lafferty at hlafferty@hpcks.org  or 913-276-7012.

Clinic Now Accepting Appointments for Marketplace Enrollment

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Diana ZamoraBy Diana Zamora, Enrollment Specialist and Certified Application Counselor at Health Partnership Clinic

The Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as the “Marketplace” or “exchange”) opens Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 and will close Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The Marketplace provides health plan shopping and enrollment services through websites, call centers and in-person help.

At Health Partnership Clinic, we offer free, in-person help with the health insurance application.

Open enrollment is from Saturday, Nov. 1-Thursday, Jan. 15.

We are now scheduling appointments by calling 913-730-3653. A certified application counselor is available to help you in English or Spanish.

Clinic Now Accepting Appointments for Marketplace EnrollmentWhen you apply for individual and family coverage through the Marketplace, you’ll provide income and household information.

You’ll find out if you qualify for:

  • Premium tax credits and other savings that make insurance more affordable
  • Coverage through the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in your state

We’re here to help you renew your health insurance or explore your options! Call us today at 913-730-3653. To learn more, visit this page.

Clinic Now Accepting Appointments for Marketplace Enrollment