YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Last edited 12:13 p.m., May 25, 2021
Springfield attorney Elijah Haahr has been named executive director of a new health care foundation after exiting the Missouri House of Representatives last year.
Haahr will lead Kansas City-based Noble Health Corp.'s Noble Health Foundation, according to a news release. Noble Health, which owns Audrain Community Hospital, Callaway Community Hospital and several rural clinics across Missouri, formed the foundation in an effort to improve the quality of health care in the region.
"I grew up on a farm and spent eight years in the legislature trying to improve and protect rural Missouri," Haahr said in the release. "Having the chance to lead a foundation that is solely focused on improving rural health care is an incredible opportunity."
Haahr last year termed out of the House after serving in Jefferson City since 2012. He's worked as an attorney with Kutak Rock LLP's Springfield office for nearly three years, according to his LinkedIn profile. While in the House, he served as the first speaker from Springfield.
At the Noble Health Foundation, Haahr oversees initiatives to collaborate, fund and partner with health solution models; educate health care professionals in rural areas; and increase access to care. Haahr said via email he will continue to work out of Springfield.
Adrianna Norris became a first-time business owner with the opening of Finley River Chiropractic; PaPPo’s Pizzeria & Pub launched its newest location; and Huey Magoo’s opened its second store in the Ozarks.
It's sad that during his tenure as Speaker, Haahr did not demonstrate the same level of empathy for rural Missourians, which he could have by promoting the expansion of Medicaid. Rural Missourians needed it more than the cities.