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Nowata
Posted: Jul 10, 2026 8:42 AMUpdated: Jul 10, 2026 8:42 AM
Save Our Hospitals Group Rallies Support to Keep Full Services at Nowata Hospital
Tom Davis
A grassroots group called Save Our Hospitals is urging residents to oppose Ascension St. John’s proposal to convert the Nowata hospital from a Critical Access Hospital to a Rural Emergency Hospital, a move supporters say would eliminate inpatient care and significantly reduce local healthcare services.
Appearing on KWON Radio's COMMUNITY CONNECTION program, Mike Dye said, "The proposal would close roughly two-thirds of the hospital by ending inpatient services while maintaining emergency care." Dye questioned the financial reasoning behind the plan, saying the Rural Emergency Hospital model provides an annual federal payment but does not guarantee those funds will be reinvested in healthcare services in Nowata. He praised the hospital's staff and emphasized the importance of preserving services such as swing beds, which provide rehabilitation and recovery care, particularly for older patients.
Margie Learned said, "Losing inpatient care would place additional burdens on patients and families who would have to travel farther for hospitalization. She also expressed concerns about the impact on local ambulance services and surrounding rural communities that rely on the Nowata hospital." Learned added, "Community support has been overwhelming, with volunteers stepping forward to help the effort."
Kim Owen said the group's Facebook page quickly attracted hundreds of supporters and weekly meetings continue to draw strong attendance. She said, "The organization is also collecting petition signatures at local businesses and community events, with organizers expecting to gather between 1,000 and 1,500 signatures. The petitions will be sent to state and federal officials in hopes of encouraging changes to the federal Rural Emergency Hospital program that organizers believe could allow the hospital to maintain its current level of services."
The group is inviting residents from Nowata and surrounding communities to attend a public rally Sunday, July 12, at the Nowata Middle School gym. Music begins at 1 p.m., followed by a program at 2 p.m. outlining the organization's concerns and ways the public can become involved.
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