As a nurse practitioner working in Linn County, Brenda Brennan, APRN became acutely aware of the healthcare disparities facing rural Kansas. Many residents couldn’t afford insurance or the medications they needed, leaving them without proper care.
It was these disparities that led Brenda to seek out CHC/SEK, which, at the time in 2005, was still in its infancy. This decision would shape her career and the health of countless individuals across the region.
“I had heard rumors that CHC/SEK was working to address these very issues, and I knew I had to get involved,” Brenda explained. “It took some time, but I eventually connected with Krista Postai, and after an interview full of questions, she offered me a job on the spot. I was taken by surprise—I’d never had an interview go quite like that before.”
Building From the Ground Up
When Brenda joined CHC/SEK, the clinic was housed in a modest 1,200-square-foot double-wide trailer with just three exam rooms and a four-chair waiting room. The team was small—only 11 people in total—including two nurse practitioners, a physician, a nurse, a lab tech, and office staff. The clinic had no computers or standardized medical systems, meaning each patient’s chart had to be created by hand. The learning curve was steep, and the challenges were many.
“We were generalists and specialists all at once,” Brenda recalled. “We treated everything, from psychiatry to obstetrics. It was hard work, but we all knew we were building something important from scratch.”
The growth of CHC/SEK was slow but steady, with each member of the team contributing to the foundation of what would eventually become a regional leader in healthcare.
Expanding the Vision
From its humble beginnings, CHC/SEK organization has expanded to 19 clinics across Southeast Kansas, employing more than 1,000 people. Services have also expanded, with the addition of specialized care, physical therapy, transportation services, a food pantry, and an immunization team.
One of the most remarkable aspects of CHC/SEK’s growth is its return to Linn County—an area that was so important to Brenda. Krista had promised her that CHC would expand to Linn County, and that promise was fulfilled, bringing essential healthcare services back to the community Brenda once served.
“When I pull into the parking lot now, it’s hard to believe that we started with just 11 employees and a tiny building,” Brenda says.
As Brenda reflects on her journey with CHC/SEK, she is filled with pride.
“It is unbelievable to see what CHC has become,” Brenda said. “And now we have a strong presence in Linn County too. Krista kept her promise. As an organization we have provided so much for folks, and it has been achieved one patient at a time by one employee at a time. We have much to be proud of. Thank you for making my dream come true!”