In this January episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we welcome Ana Collazo, LPC-S, a Licensed Professional Counselor now joining Ward Memorial’s rural health clinics full time.

Ana brings years of experience serving West Texas communities and specializes in helping individuals navigate stress, trauma, life transitions, mood disorders, and more. As mental health needs continue to grow in rural areas, this conversation highlights the importance of accessible, compassionate care close to home.

Listeners will learn when to seek counseling, what to expect from therapy, and how having a full-time counselor available at Ward’s rural health clinics can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families in our community.

In this episode, Tobea Ross, MS, RD from Ward Memorial Hospital, explains how you can enjoy delicious meals without compromising your health. Explore ways to enhance flavor using healthy fats and spices while sticking to a diabetic-friendly diet. Is there a balance between moderation and flavor? Tune in to discover practical meal-planning tips and innovative cooking techniques that make diabetes management delicious!

Ward Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of Manka Kwayu, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, to the medical staff at Sandhills Family Clinic. This addition reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to addressing the growing need for mental health services in the Monahans community and surrounding areas.

With more than a decade of nursing experience, including eight years dedicated to mental health, Kwayu brings both clinical expertise and a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care. Her professional background includes working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and helping them gain better access to behavioral health resources. 

Learn more about Manka Kwayu, PMHNP-BC 

In this episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we explore how physical therapy is helping patients in Ward County move better, heal faster, and live stronger lives. We’re joined by leaders from the Monahans Physical Therapy team at Ward Memorial Hospital to talk about the wide range of services they offer—from traditional rehab to innovative aquatic therapy with underwater treadmills. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing chronic
pain, or bouncing back from a sports injury, physical therapy may be your next best step. Learn how the expanded facility is bringing high-quality, personalized care to our rural community—and why more people are finding comfort, confidence, and results right here at home.

In this episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we sit down with Joy Arnold, the lead of Ward Memorial’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Learn how this critical service helps patients recover from heart events, rebuild strength, and lower their risk of future complications.
Joy shares insights about the personalized exercise, education, and lifestyle support involved—and why having this care available locally in Monahans makes all the difference. 

Learn more about Joy Arnold 

Meet Your Family Healthcare Needs in Monahans. Explore the benefits of family medicine in rural settings with our guest, Krista Powell. From prenatal care to pediatrics and geriatrics, this episode highlights the rewarding journey of a family nurse practitioner dedicated to treating patients of all ages, ensuring comprehensive care for the whole family.

In this episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we sit down with Ward Memorial Hospital’s general surgeon, Dr. S. Sami Daye, to explore the vital role general surgery plays in Ward County. From diagnosing abdominal pain to performing laparoscopic procedures and life-saving screenings, Dr. Daye brings deep experience and compassion to every patient he treats.

Dr. Daye shares what it’s like behind the scenes in the operating room, how advancements in minimally invasive techniques have changed the game, and why local access to high-quality surgical care matters now more than ever.

Whether you’re curious about colonoscopies, wondering when to seek help for hernia symptoms, or just want to better understand your healthcare options—you’ll find insight, reassurance, and maybe even a few surprises in this powerful conversation.

In this debut episode of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Ward Memorial Hospital CEO Leticia Rodriguez shares the inspiration behind the podcast and celebrates the dedication of healthcare workers during Hospital Week. She also reflects on leadership, community connection, and what lies ahead for the hospital’s future.