As the new mental-health services provider at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care, Julie Belt “wants to help fill a gap that exists throughout Kansas.”
Belt is a certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) who brings more than two decades of nursing experience to her new position.
“I have a passion for helping people from all walks of life,” said Belt, a Great Bend native living in Larned. “Since I don’t want to be limited in who I can provide services to, I am pleased with this opportunity at Heart of Kansas to care for anyone, including those who are under-served.
“My career began when I was a certified nursing assistant in long-term care,” she added. “My desire to care for people contributed to seeking advancement in my nursing education.”
Belt noted that another reason for advancing in her career specialty is to “make others more aware of the fact that our mental health is just as important as our physical health.”
On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Belt sees patients all day in the Heart of Kansas Great Bend office, 1905 19th; she also is there from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Belt is available at the Heart of Kansas Larned location, 522 Broadway, all day on Wednesdays.
She received an associate’s degree in science and nursing at Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in nursing at Tabor College of Wichita.
Next came a master’s in nursing, family nurse practitioner at Walden University. Belt earned her PMHNP credentials at Maryville University.
Belt’s most recent position was director of nursing at Diversicare of Larned. Other employers have included Quality Staffing, Rescare Inc., Larned State Hospital, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Juvenile Correctional Facility, Sunrise Inc., St. Joseph Memorial Hospital and HaysMed.
Achievements include a deficiency-free survey at Diversicare and helping with the development of the Licensed Mental Health Technician Program at Larned State Hospital.
“This background guides me in my new position at Heart of Kansas where everyone is friendly and welcoming,” Belt said, noting services there continue to expand.
Belt and her husband, Ryan, have five children, ranging in age from 13 to 23. Her parents live in Larned, where her father recently retired as chief of police; her mother was a registered nurse. Belt has five siblings, three of whom serve in healthcare.
Brett Middleton, Heart of Kansas chief executive officer, said “we are fortunate to have Julie on our staff. She brings a wealth of education to our team and we know our patients will benefit from her expertise and compassion.”
Heart of Kansas Family Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which allows it to be a safety net for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Its professional providers also welcome those with insurance at the Great Bend, Larned and Stafford locations. Heart of Kansas is open to everyone.
