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HCA Midwest Health’s Fourth Annual “We Show Up For Our Communities” Volunteer Initiative Results In Significant Community Impact
May 12, 2026
HCA Midwest Health's Fourth Annual "We Show Up For Our Communities" Volunteer Initiative Results In Significant Community Impact
Member News

Colleagues across the region supported dozens of local organizations during April through hands-on volunteer service initiatives focused on food insecurity, education, wellness and community support.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — (May 12, 2026) — HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s leading healthcare provider, hosted its fourth annual “We Show Up for Our Communities” volunteer initiative throughout April, supporting community organizations across the region through hands-on service projects led by physicians, colleagues and nursing students.

The initiative continued to expand its community reach in 2026, with more than 400 physicians, colleagues and nursing students contributing nearly 700 volunteer service hours in support of 40 local organizations.

“As a trusted healthcare leader in our region, we show up not only for our patients and colleagues, but for our communities,” said HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “‘We Show Up’ is more than a phrase at HCA Healthcare — it reflects our mission: ‘Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.’ It is especially meaningful to see the direct impact of these volunteer efforts, whether helping address food insecurity or equipping students with lifesaving CPR skills that could one day help save a life.”

Volunteer initiatives and community impact included:

  • 20,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches prepared for Just A Sandwich, supporting 30 community organizations addressing food insecurity.
    • More than 65 meals prepared for the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.
    • 60 meals prepared and 150 household and pantry items donated to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.
  • More than 500 kindness bookmarks created for SevenDays Be The Rippleto support mental health and wellness initiatives in area school districts and retirement communities.
    • Fifty students trained in CPRand Stop the Bleed, with healthcare career exploration activities provided to more than 200 students through partnerships with high schools in Belton and Sedalia, Missouri.


“Serving is a passion of mine, and Just A Sandwich is just a small way to help bridge the gap for other local organizations doing big work to help feed anyone hungry,” said Just A Sandwich founder Kristena Richey. “I have funded most sandwich food items myself, but corporate sponsorships enable us to increase our sandwich distribution and create a more significant impact in the community. Just A Sandwich is so thankful to have the opportunity to partner with a community-minded organization like HCA Midwest Health.”

“The wonderful help provided by HCA Midwest Health volunteers ensures that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have safe, inclusive housing options that make sense to them in terms of both community and pocketbook, said Janel Bowers, CEO, Friends of Friends of Johnson County Developmental Support. “Volunteers help to give a spark of stability, which creates a flame of hope for those we serve!”

As part of HCA Healthcare, HCA Midwest Health remains dedicated to stepping outside of the hospital walls and creating healthier tomorrows through passionate volunteerism, charitable giving and partnerships that strengthen the communities it serves.

View a video highlighting HCA Midwest Health’s 2026 “We Show Up for Our Communities” volunteer initiative here: HCA Midwest Health We Show Up Video.

About HCA Midwest Health

As the Kansas City area’s largest healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health comprises seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers, and other facilities and services to meet residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest employers, with more than 10,000 colleagues and a local economic impact of more than $1.4 billion annually. That includes more than $102 million annually in charity and uncompensated care and more than $200 million in federal, state, and local taxes to help improve the schools, roads, and infrastructure of the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, and Research Psychiatric Center. HCA Midwest Physicians, part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently, HCA Midwest Physicians represents nearly 600 providers. It includes 80+ specialties, providing care in 150+ locations to serve our community. The physicians, licensed professionals, and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas to create healthier communities that lead to healthier tomorrows. For more information, visit hcamidwest.com.