The Kiowa District Hospital has served its community with dedication and care for over seven decades. Its story began in 1949 when the Kansas Legislature passed the Hospital Construction Act, allowing the formation of hospital districts to raise funds for healthcare facilities. Thanks to the generosity of Warren “Racehorse” Jones, who donated land on Drumm Street between 8th and 9th, the vision for a hospital in Kiowa began to take shape.

On May 19, 1950, the community voted in favor of a $70,000 bond to build a small, one-story, three-bed hospital and clinic. Designed by Wichita architect Glenn Benedick, the hospital's construction contract was awarded to Haskard & Haskard of Hardtner on September 15, 1950. However, with the start of the Korean War, rising construction costs meant that the initial funding was insufficient for equipment. Another bond of $25,000 was approved on December 7, 1950, to ensure the hospital would be fully outfitted.

Over the years, Kiowa District Hospital has seen several expansions and improvements to meet the growing needs of the community:

• In 1958, eight more patient rooms were added, along with a new nurses’ station, expanded surgery space, and relocated lab and kitchen facilities.

• By 1963, another expansion introduced a modern delivery suite, more private rooms, and a new emergency room and laboratory.

• The 1980s saw further growth, with major updates to the clinic, including new offices, exam rooms, a larger waiting area, and a renovated emergency room with a covered entrance.

After 62 years of service, the original 1950s-era hospital was replaced by a state-of-the-art, 25,300-square-foot facility. Groundbreaking for the new hospital took place on October 18, 2012, and the doors opened to the public in April 2014. This $8.2 million project was made possible by Barber County public bonds, a USDA loan, and funding from the Friends of the Kiowa District Hospital and Manor Foundation.

In 2021, the hospital added 6,000 square feet, providing space for a new rehabilitation department, behavioral health services, COVID testing rooms, and a community education center. A year later, in April 2022, the Kiowa District Hospital Childcare Center opened, offering care for the children of hospital staff.