Samuel U. Rogers Health Center CEO Bob Theis is joined by members of the Board of Directors to cut a ribbon to open the new pediatric wing. Photo by Dan Bethe.

Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 7, marked a vision 55 years in the making and opening of a new pediatric wing at Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center at 825 Euclid Ave.

This 40 room expansion concentrates children’s health services — primary care, dental, behavioral health and nutrition —- with a first floor parking garage in this 30,000 square foot expansion.

This opening follows an expansion that created Sam Rodgers Place – an affordable income living complex- and Propeller Building community space (2050 E. 9th St.) that along with the current health center creates the Samuel U. Rodgers Healthy Living Campus. The ground-breaking for this new pediatric wing coincided with that ribbon-cutting celebration in June 2024.

Friday’s ceremony opened with a poem composed and read by Taylor Brown, titled Healthy Kids, Healthy Families, Healthy Kansas City, a theme that was repeated in opening remarks made by Bob Theis, CEO for Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center.

“I can’t wait for you to get in there and see it,” Theis told attendees. “On behalf of the Board of Directors and every member of the Samuel Rodgers family, I welcome you to this historic day. We gather here not just to cut a ribbon, but to open a new chapter to the legacy that began 55 years ago with a vision — that every person regardless of circumstances, deserves access to compassionate high-quality health care.

Preventive care, wellness visits, dental care, behavioral health, nutritional support, all right there (pointing to new wing) under one roof- everything a family needs- in one location. These services mean healthier kids, stronger families, and a healthier community for generations to come. This new pediatric wing represents more than an expansion, it’s a strategic investment in the future of our community,” said Theis.

This expansion allows the 12 rooms that previously housed children’s care to be opened up for new uses.

“I don’t want to keep secrets from anyone, our next move is into Geriatrics, “ Theis announced to a round of applause.

“So today, as we cut the ribbon, let us celebrate not only the building but the goals set forward in our mission. Let us remember  the spirit of Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers, whose work continues to guide us,” Theis concluded.

Rosalyn Rodgers Moore and Rita Rodgers Stanley, daughters of Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers (1917-1999) spoke about how their father began serving the community with a clinic at the Wayne Minor public housing complex, and expanding to create a health care facility in his own name, making sure all patients were treated with compassion and dignity.

Inside this new wing, visitors were welcome to view large, comfortable waiting areas, and two floors of exam rooms and staff spaces. For wellness visits, up to 27 rooms are available. Three rooms for Dental, four for Behavioral Health, six for WIC  (Women, Infant and Children’s nutrition program) and two lactation rooms will soon be greeting patients with a welcoming staff that will include three new physicians.

New murals created by Phil “Sike” Shafer and his team welcome pediatric visitors inside the second floor entrance and stairwells that connect the three floors. Families may enter through the health center’s main lobby or from the first floor parking garage, providing easy access for parents with infant carriers or strollers.

A third-floor Conference Room includes a balcony that offers an expansive view of the Rodgers campus and the Kansas City skyline. Guests for the ribbon-cutting were treated to several photo ops as well as refreshments served in the conference room, which features a tribute to the man and doctor for which this center is named.

All pediatric services will be transitioned to this new space in coming weeks.

For more information about health care options for all ages, visit www.samrodgers.org or call

816-474-4920.

Photo by Dorri Partain