Lawrence Memorial Hospital received a Community Connection Award from the Kansas Hospital Association for its health care access program which provides care for people who cannot afford private health care and are not covered by governmental assistance programs.

KHA also honored Kansas University Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. for its drive-through flu shot event that offers free influenza immunizations while collecting food and cash for needy families.

The award-winning programs received $1,000 each.

Other winners included:

¢ Labette Health Transportation Services, Labette Health, Parsons. This service provides free non-emergency transportation to and from medical appointments.

¢ Mother Mary Anne Clinic, Via Christi Regional Medical Center, Wichita. The clinic provides patients who lack financial resources with a cost-effective, after-hours alternative to using the emergency department for routine care.

¢ Medical Access Card, Ellsworth County Medical Center, Ellsworth. This program reduces the cost of medical services to low-income citizens.

¢ Caring Hearts and Caring Hands, Scott County Hospital. These programs provide financial assistance for out-of-town medical travel and one-time urgent care to persons with limited resources.

¢ Regional Community Based Outpatient Clinic for Veterans at Goodland Regional Medical Center, Goodland. This clinic provides access to medical care for veterans who previously were not receiving medical services.