Jay Casey

Jay Casey has been a lifelong resident of Rooks County, being proud of the fact that his Great Grandparents were Irish immigrants to Rooks County homesteading in 1878. The Casey’s have continued to Farm and Ranch in the Corning Township area for now 5 generations. Along with the farming operation, Jay also owns a Real Estate and Auction firm and does independent appraisal work. Mr. Casey has been very active in the community serving on a number of Boards and Committees, and as a High School sports official for 18 years.

What special skills, talents or knowledge do you possess that will be an asset to the hospital and the board?

I have always enjoyed working with people and value the friendships that I have made through the years. As a Farmer/Rancher, owning a Real Estate/ Auction Firm, a Sports Official for 18 years and a Board of Education member for 16 years, I have had the opportunity to meet so many good people throughout Northwest Kansas. I feel with the relationships that I have made with people, the knowledge of running a business and the experience I have gained from serving the community as a Board of Education President would help me be an effective Hospital Board member.

Why do you want to be a member of the hospital board?

I have always been impressed with the spirit and pride of the health care community in Rooks County. Coming together to provide attractive facilities in Plainville and Stockton has been impressive and I would like to be involved in the continuation of that spirit and to help with an environment that attracts patients and staff to our community.

Are you willing to commit whatever time and support that would be required to meet the needs of the hospital?

I have no problem with making that commitment.

Can you be supportive of and champion decisions of the board even if you may have cast a dissenting vote?

I have served on a number of boards and committees in the past and have found that the most effective and successful groups are made up of members with different views and ideas and are willing to come together to meet a goal. A governing body that is unable to hold hands and work together will not be efficient or successful.

What do you see as RCH’s greatest challenges?

I feel a declining population is one of the greatest challenges our area is faced with. Communities in Western Kansas can let themselves dry up if they want to. We have to keep ourselves progressive and provide health care and emergency care for not only our aged population, but be able to provide the needs of growing families, to keep our communities attractive.

How should the hospital best overcome those challenges?

Rooks County Health Center has to continue to provide the environment that not only is attractive to patients, but for the retention of its quality staff.

That atmosphere is what will attract new prospects to be a part of our Rooks County Health Care team.

With the elderly and aging community, having quality access to healthcare makes it much more convenient have close to home than needing to travel. Critical access hospitals have to look for unique ways to stand out and offer services that will attract new patients and better serve old patients.