At a time when rural hospitals are shutting down nationwide, Excelsior Springs Hospital (ESH) is pushing forward with expanded behavioral health care, increased meal access, new partnerships and a culture rooted in resilience.“Giving up here is never an option,” said ESH CEO Kristen DeHart, during her annual update to the Excelsior Springs City Council. “Our team is a basic part of healing in our community. Our community relies on us.”DeHart noted the hospital remains stable but under immense pressure as national challenges for critical access hospitals intensify.“There’s a heavy reliance on Medicare and Medicaid, which often are not covering,” stated Dehart. “As you all are aware, we are operating with very thin margins.”DeHart highlighted the work of third-party consulting group Stroudwater, which specializes in helping rural and critical access hospitals.“They’re really focused right now, hyper- focused, on...