BCCHF Community Health Projects

Health Care Scholarships

Bates County Community Health Foundation (BCCHF) is committed to supporting the next generation of health care professionals. Each year, we award scholarships to Bates County students pursuing careers in the medical field.

BCCHF Health Care Scholarship

The BCCHF Health Care Scholarship is a one-year, $1,000 scholarship available to Bates County residents who have been accepted into a health care educational program. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Scholarship Criteria:

Must be a resident of Bates County
Pursuing a career in the health care field
Accepted into an accredited health care program
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and provide a copy of transcripts
Demonstrate strong communication skills
Submit an essay explaining their motivation for a career in health care
Provide three letters of recommendation

For full details on eligibility and the application process, please refer to the scholarship application form.

Application Deadline: May 23, 2025

Download the BCCHF Scholarship Application 2025

Printed application forms are also available at the hospital’s information desk at 615 W. Nursery Street, Butler, MO 64730.

We are proud to invest in the future of health care and encourage all eligible students to apply!

The Gehm Scholarship

The Louis E. Gehm Jr., M.D. and Alice M. Gehm, R.N. Medical Scholarship is a four-year award providing $500 per semester ($4,000 total), as long as the recipient remains in a health care program and maintains the required GPA. This scholarship is available to seniors of Bates County, Missouri schools.

Learn more about the history, applicable fields of study, and requirements for the Gehm Scholarship.

For additional details or assistance, please contact your Bates County school counselor.

Proposed Regional Activity Center

A community center has long been on the wish list for residents of Bates County. This project began in 2022, when an investment broker approached the BCMH board of directors, stating that a trust had been established solely for this purpose, with the condition that a center be located on the hospital’s grounds. An action committee was formed to explore this effort. Currently, the action committee is seeking a relationship with the YMCA.

Action Committee members for the Proposed Regional Activity Center are Linda L. Jennings, Mike Taranto, David Hilgenberg, Greg Weaver, Larry Burch, Larry Hacker, Chance Hedrick, Chris White, Jeremy Jones and Shanya Hedrick.

How You Can Help

All donations for a Proposed Regional Activity Center center will be channeled through the Bates County Community Health Foundation (BCCHF). The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and contributions made to the organization are tax deductible. For more information or to make a contribution contact:

Administration Office
Bates County Community Health Foundation
P.O. Box 370
Butler, MO 64730
Phone: 660-200-7072
Fax: 660-200-7004