HHS Regional Director Kahrs Visits Missouri Hospitals During National Hospital Week

MU Children's Hospital.2.2026

Last week, Missouri hospitals welcomed Jeff Kahrs, regional director for Region 7 of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and congressional staff for a series of site visits and discussions highlighting the innovation, challenges and patient-centered care taking place across the state’s health care system. Congressional staff participating throughout the visits included Seth York from Congressman Bob Onder’s office, Kris Cook from Congresswoman Ann Wagner’s office and Jordan Blase from Congressman Wesley Bell’s office.

Throughout the visits, hospital leaders emphasized the critical role hospitals play not only as providers of care, but also as innovators, educators, employers and community partners. Conversations reinforced the importance of thoughtful federal policy decisions that strengthen access to care, support the health care workforce and preserve hospitals’ ability to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

At the University of Missouri, leaders showcased research and education initiatives advancing patient care. The visit included a tour of the NextGen Precision Health building, where interdisciplinary research is driving new treatments and precision medicine. Discussions also highlighted the School of Medicine’s longitudinal nutrition curriculum and a tour of the University of Missouri Research Reactor, a major national source of medical isotopes. At Children’s Hospital at MU Health Care, leaders emphasized the importance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program in sustaining access to specialized pediatric services, supported in part by the hospital’s recently opened 160-bed facility.

During a stop at Boone Hospital Center, Brady Dubois, CEO, and Dr. Lana Zerrer, chief medical officer, discussed the growing challenges patients face navigating Medicare Advantage coverage requirements and the need for prior authorization reform to reduce delays in care and administrative burden on providers.

Leaders at St. Louis Children’s Hospital welcomed Kahrs and Cook for a tour of the hospital’s pediatric cancer and heart and vascular units. Trish Lollo and her team shared stories of lifesaving pediatric care while families spoke directly about their experiences and the critical role physicians, nurses and innovative therapies have played in their children’s journeys. Hospital leaders also emphasized the importance of the 340B program in helping ensure access to cancer treatments and gene therapies for the children and families they serve.

At Mercy, leaders discussed the importance of preserving the 340B program and concerns surrounding proposed rebate models that could create additional administrative complexity and barriers for patients. Mercy leaders also highlighted the system’s telehealth infrastructure and its role in expanding behavioral health services across communities throughout the state. Additional conversations addressed workplace violence in health care settings and the challenges hospitals face balancing employee safety efforts with federal EMTALA obligations. Joining the discussion were Mercy St. Louis Communities President Tricia McGusty, members of her leadership team and Cook.

Leaders at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital discussed partnerships with local food banks and nutrition support programs designed to address social drivers of health and improve patient outcomes. Conversations also focused on how 340B supports programs like the hospital’s WISH Center, ongoing workforce shortages — particularly among imaging technicians — and the importance of physician visa programs in helping hospitals meet patient care needs. Blase also participated in the visit.