Building on a Culture of Giving

Sixty-four years ago, the idea for a community hospital began with a grassroots effort and a two-day chili event that raised $1,000. The event sparked community interest, and additional construction funds poured in. Those seeds of change gave way to open North Kansas City Hospital, which today stands as the Northland’s preferred healthcare provider, and later Meritas Health, the largest network of provider practices in the Northland.

Community Support

Now, as our organization looks to the future, we are excited to spark that community spirit once again. “When our visionaries sought to build a hospital on the hill in North Kansas City, they set the foundation for us to provide hope and healing to every life we touch,” said CEO and President Stephen Reintjes Sr., MD. “While our footing is strong in continuing community charitable giving, our strategic planning efforts guided us to realize the establishment of a philanthropic arm would further help us support our organization’s mission.” Throughout the pandemic, local companies and grateful patients have donated in appreciation of the quality care provided by NKCH and MH doctors and staff. “Their desire to give back to our organization further reinforced our decision to foster philanthropic outreach to support our mission,” Dr. Reintjes Sr. added.

Mission Forward

The establishment of the Philanthropy Department will transform patient care, allowing us to expand programs, purchase state-of-the-art technologies and equipment, and save more lives. “Our vision is to continue to move our mission forward through the generosity of our patients and community,” said Courtney Johanning, chief development officer. These donations will contribute to growth and advancement in several areas critical to our mission, including advanced cardiovascular care, innovative technology for cancer-fighting treatments, support of patients in need and capital expansion. “When you donate to one of our funds or programs, you not only support NKCH and MH in providing new and innovative treatments to patients, you bolster the health of your loved ones and the health of your community,” Courtney added.