Hospital leaders say the workforce initiative is separate from the massive construction project that could nearly triple the organization’s debt load.
Suzanne King
Suzanne King is The Beacon’s health care reporter and has covered the beat since November of 2023. Previously she covered the telecommunications and technology industries for The Kansas City Star and the Kansas City Business Journal. She also covered local government, crime and education at newspapers in western Massachusetts and upstate New York. She grew up in Missouri and has lived in Kansas City for almost 30 years. Suzanne holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Posted inHealth
Kansas City hospitals are ready for the World Cup, but world may not be ready for U.S. healthcare
After months of planning, Kansas City health leaders said the city’s hospitals are prepared, and bracing for international patients who won’t be able to pay.
Posted inHealth
Does the safety net need a safety net? With changes to SNAP, more Kansas Citians are losing benefits
The Trump administration’s drive to slash safety-net spending is hitting SNAP. As the cost of gasoline spikes, rent and utilities climb and food remains expensive, more than 3.5 million Americans have lost food benefits.
Posted inHealth
KU pharmacy techs narrowly lose union election, claim some votes weren’t counted
Pharmacy techs want better staffing and higher pay. The union has appealed the May 14 election results, saying it wants all votes to be counted.
Posted inHealth
After a year of challenges, Harvesters faces a new one: Spiking fuel prices
As food insecurity grows, the surging cost of fuel has driven up prices across the food supply chain.
Posted inHealth
Public hearings come to Kansas City as US ramps up plutonium production for nuclear weapons
The federal government will hold the second of five public hearings scheduled across the country in Kansas City May 7. Activists want to know what’s at risk here as the nation pursues increased plutonium production.
Posted inHealth
Children’s Mercy Hospital unveils plans to add $1 billion tower
The announcement of the new facility near Gillham Road comes as the pediatric hospital expands into new communities and reports growing patient numbers and revenue.
Posted inHealth
‘The dirt is contaminated.’ Across Kansas City’s urban neighborhoods lead lurks in the soil
On both sides of the state line, city leaders are working to clean up lead contamination of vacant lots to improve public health and encourage economic development.
Posted inHealth
Children’s Mercy seeks massive expansion of its downtown campus. Here’s why
The pediatric hospital will launch the multiphase project as it continues expanding into communities well beyond the Kansas City area.
Posted inHealth
New federal student loan caps are likely to make region’s doctor shortages worse
Starting this summer, the federal government will cap the amount students can borrow through federal loan programs. For many would-be doctors it won’t be enough to cover the cost of school.