News

Janette Platter is the community chaplain at Saint Luke’s Bishop Spencer Place, a vibrant senior living community just steps from the Country Club Plaza. But in early 2025, she was just another mom seeking the very best care for her child. Fortunately, she knew it wasn’t too far away.

Kirsti Millar, a 35-year-old of Kansas City, was 23 weeks pregnant with her second child in early 2023 when her water suddenly broke. What should have been a season of joy and anticipation became a medical emergency.

Saint Luke's Rehabilitation Institute's newest staff member is making an immediate impact on patient care this year. Henli is a two-year old facility dog, highly trained to work in clinical settings alongside licensed therapists.

Two years after an intern presented on the clinical and emotional benefits of service animals, the Rehabilitation Institute is delighted to introduce the world to Henli, a highly trained dog with a knack for comfort and connection.

To combat rising maternal mortality, researchers at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and UMKC are leading a first of its kind study to create better care for moms with heart conditions during pregnancy.

The four-year observational study will research U.S. pregnant people with cardiovascular disease to better understand and combat maternal mortality and morbidity.

In the past, many women born with a heart condition were told they would not be able to birth children safely.