When Kim Barnes, Larned, recently began serving as a Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) Foundation trustee, he had a few Bible verses in the front of his mind.
The scriptures, from the gospels of John and Matthew, note that Jesus cared for the sick, hungry and imprisoned, while calling on people to “brighten the corner where I am.”
“The community has allowed me the opportunity to fulfill these scriptures by helping the Foundation provide funds for resources in all hospital departments,” said Barnes, a lifelong Pawnee County resident. “By supporting the Foundation, we allow the hospital to fulfill its mission of caring for the sick and those in need.
“Financial donations ensure the hospital’s prosperity for future generations,” he continued. “Everyone can be assured each trustee is a good steward of our resources. It takes all of us to pull together. You see this in action every day throughout PVCH and through its great Auxiliary.”
Barnes noted that his parents instilled in him “that all people matter, and should be seen and appreciated.”
Because Barnes was born with a cleft palate, he knows first-hand the value of quality medical care. His treatment entailed years of travel and uncertainty.
“But today, technology can identify a potential birth defect, and plans can be made,” Barnes said. “I want to do my part to pay forward the kindness given to my family while ensuring those in need receive the care they deserve from our compassionate, professional hospital staff. We trust in this generous community to support our hospital.”
Barnes recently began his 54th year at Pawnee County Cooperative Association; his titles have included chief financial officer, corporate secretary and grain merchandiser. He began his career in 1973 at Garfield Cooperative, which merged with the Pawnee County Co-op in 1992.
“I am blessed to work for this cooperative. Even though I have worked in all aspects of the business, I am still learning and mentoring.”
Barnes, president of the Larned City Council, has a varied community-service background. He served as Garfield mayor and councilman; and on the USD 495 Board of Education, Pawnee County Economic Development Commission and the legislative committee of the Kansas Co-op Council.
Barnes also served on the PVCH doctor-recruitment team and was a volunteer fireman for 19 years.
“My fellow trustees and I want to brighten the corner where we are and provide a higher quality of life for the whole community,” Barnes summarized. “We want to serve others, even when no one else is watching, and be a resource to one and all.”
Barnes and his late wife, Susie, had two children, Jessica and Austin. Jessica and Thomas Moore have two children, William and Cassie Moore. Austin and his wife, Kendra, have two children, Gavin Barnes and Shea Salyers.
Allisa Spain, PVCH Foundation executive director, noted that “we are fortunate to welcome Kim Barnes as a trustee. He is one of the kindest, most giving and philanthropic people I know.
“Kim has a heart for service and is always looking for ways to make his corner of the world a little brighter. It is truly an honor to have him join our board.”
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.
