Category Archives: Health Care

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Brenda Stokes Named V.P of CHC/SEK Nursing and Quality

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Brenda Stokes. Submitted photo.

CHC/SEK Names Vice President of Nursing and Quality

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Brenda Stokes, RN, BSN, has been named Vice President of Nursing and Quality.

Stokes joined the CHC/SEK team in 2020 as the Vice President of Quality Improvement, overseeing quality initiatives and regulatory compliance. She has more than 18 years of experience in quality improvement and has served for more than 30 years in the healthcare industry working at local hospitals and nursing homes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pittsburg State University and is also a certified professional coder.

Under her leadership, CHC/SEK received several recognition badges from the Health Resources and Services Administration, acknowledging high performance in a variety of clinical areas. Stokes has also ensured CHC/SEK maintains its status as a National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home, a care model that centers around each patient and their individual needs.

“Brenda has continually demonstrated the ability to translate concept into reality and, as a result, CHC/SEK has earned national recognition in its management of chronic disease and in preventative health promotion,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She’s done an incredible job of integrating quality into our nursing operations, and we are extremely lucky to have her.”

In her new role, Stokes will lead the nursing team in addition to the quality department, ensuring quality care for the patients and communities CHC/SEK serves.

“I’m very excited to continue working with the Quality team and to take on this larger role within our clinical operations,” said Stokes. “We have a great nursing staff, and I look forward to supporting them in the incredible work they do every day.”

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

 

 

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan Priorities

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced priorities for the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan, which has been submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of the state’s application for the $50 billion federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Through this program, Kansas could receive significant federal funding to improve the health and sustainability of rural communities statewide.

“Our Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan will fundamentally change the delivery of health care in rural communities across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m confident that Kansas’ plan, crafted by leading experts, will lay the groundwork to build a more collaborative, more efficient health care system that provides the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”

The plan’s goals are to:

  • Improve rural Kansans’ health outcomes and transform the delivery system by implementing and sustaining initiatives that promote preventive health care and address root causes of diseases,
  • Enhance rural health care providers’ efficiency and sustainability,
  • Attract and retain a high-skilled health care workforce,
  • Spark growth of innovative care models in rural communities that improve quality of care while reducing costs, and,
  • Foster the use of innovative technologies to increase access to care for rural Kansans.

The plan development was led by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), in partnership with the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance (KRHIA) and the University of Kansas Care Collaborative. Public KRHIA meetings were held to discuss and refine the initiatives to be included in the plan.

If awarded, KDHE will serve as the lead agency implementing Kansas’ Rural Health Transformation Plan. The KRHIA will continue to serve as the primary vehicle for stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation of these initiatives.

The KRHIA worked with the state application team to identify key initiatives to achieve the plan’s goals. The following initiatives are included in Kansas’ application:

  • Expand Primary and Secondary Prevention Programs to reduce chronic disease rates by increasing access to preventive screenings, behavioral health services, and nutrition counseling.
  • Secure Local Access to Primary Care for rural Kansans to receive care earlier on in the appropriate setting and within their communities – thereby strengthening the fiscal sustainability for rural Kansas hospitals.
  • Build a Sustainable Rural Health Workforce to ensure more rural Kansans have access to primary care, dental, and behavioral health providers and ease nursing and allied health shortages in rural Kansas.
  • Enable Value-Based Care to have 100% of rural Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in accountable care relationships by 2031 that focus on improving patient health outcomes while lowering the total cost of care.
  • Harness Data and Technology to enable rural Kansas providers to expand the use of telehealth and remote monitoring, utilization of consumer-facing technologies, and meaningfully engage in data sharing and analysis of aggregated patient and outcome data.

CMS is expected to announce funding awards by Dec. 31, 2025. The project narrative, which contains additional details about the contents of Kansas’ application, can be found here.

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Area News, Health Care

NRMC IV Infusion Services Gives Patient Hope & Vision

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When Kathy began experiencing pain and issues with her eye, she was referred to a specialist in Arkansas.  She was diagnosed with Graves’ eye disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the tissues behind the eye, causing pain and inflammation.  Kathy’s case was severe enough that she was losing her vision.  When the specialist told her that she needed infusions to treat the condition and that it needed to be done in Arkansas, Kathy advocated for herself and spoke with her primary care provider, Teresa Reed, FNP-C.  Ms. Reed worked with Pharmacy Director, Jodee Mashek, Pharm.D. to ensure that Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) could purchase and infuse the needed medication.

Kathy is the 1st patient with Graves’ and thyroid eye disease to receive the Tepezza infusion treatment here at NRMC.  She will receive the infusion every 3 weeks, for a total of 8 infusions.  Kathy has received 2 infusions thus far and has already noticed a great improvement.  She has been able to discontinue some pain medication and notes the treatments have stabilized her vision.  Without the infusions, she would most likely lose her eyesight.

Kathy works in the Specialty Clinic at NRMC processing incoming physician referrals and takes great pride in getting patients in quickly and advocating for patient care.  She stated “I love NRMC & have had nothing but great experiences here in my healthcare journey.  I encourage other patients to ask questions of their care providers when care is needed to see what options are available in order to stay close to home.”

To learn more about the infusion services offered at NRMC, call 417-448-3693.  A provider referral is required.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
NRMC is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital providing comprehensive health care services.  Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties including ear, nose & throat, family practice, general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, pain management, pediatrics, psychiatry and wound care services. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in cardiology, dermatology, neurology, podiatry, pulmonology and urology.

NRMC is centrally located between Kansas City and Joplin along the I-49 corridor.

Area News, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Freeman’s Dr. Derek Miller Noted by Newsweek for Knee Surgery Excellence                                        

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Top Knee Doctor in Nation

 

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System’s Dr. Derek Miller was named one of America’s most talented knee surgeons working in the field today by New York-based news magazine Newsweek and global data intelligence firm Statista.

The accolade, the board-certified surgeon admitted, caught him off guard.

“I first found out when my office notified me that I was ranked the number 19th knee surgeon in the United States,” Dr. Miller said. “For sure it’s quite an honor, given that there are more than 25,000 orthopedic surgeons practicing in the U.S.”

Dr. Miller said it’s always good to receive affirmation for the quality care he and his team provide daily to their patients at Freeman Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Joplin.

“Especially when you consider the metrics that they use; complication rates, ER visits, unplanned re-admissions and doctor performance data from Medicare claims,” the board-certified surgeon said. “I think these are the things that people really care about – optimizing patient outcomes.

“To be honest, it takes a team to get results like we have,” he said. “I’m blessed with an incredible office staff that is both thorough and detail-oriented, and OR (operating room) personnel who are really good at their jobs and just truly care about people.”

Dr. Miller specializes in primary and revision knee and hip replacements, performing 500-plus surgeries each year.

“Joint replacement is a rewarding surgery,” he said. “And often, it’s truly life-changing for so many of my patients. Their quality of life has suffered as they become so debilitated and disabled from arthritis, or maybe they’ve had a terrible injury in the past. I have the privilege of helping relieve their pain and ultimately improve quality of life.”

Dr. Miller, who has been at Freeman for 18 years, is a primary user of the CORI robotic-assisted total knee system, a technological wonder that allows greater precision than traditional knee instrumentation of the past, increasing both patient satisfaction and long-term outcomes. He also utilizes lovera injections, which freezes the nerves to a patient’s knees, providing immediate, non-opioid pain relief for up to 90 days.

“It’s technology like these combined with a competent, compassionate team that makes Freeman the leader in knee surgery and gets us this kind of national recognition,” he added.

Dr. Miller is currently accepting new patients at Freeman Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 3105 McClelland Blvd. in Joplin. Call 417.347.5400 to make an appointment.

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center, the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services, as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Area News, Health Care

Freeman’s Dr. Todd Twiss Noted by Newsweek for Shoulder Surgery Excellence  

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Top Shoulder Doctor in Nation

                                     

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System’s Dr. Todd Twiss was named one of America’s most talented shoulder surgeons working in the field today by New York-based news magazine Newsweek and global data intelligence firm Statista.

“It certainly is a privilege to be recognized by Newsweek with some of the best shoulder surgeons in the country, and I think it speaks volumes to the team we work with in both clinic and the operating room at Freeman to provide high-level care to our shoulder patients,” Dr. Twiss said.

In all, 2,845 specialists across 15 medical fields, from hearts to hips to hands, were named by the magazine from a pool of more than 1 million specialists nationwide. Dr. Twiss admitted the recognition came out of left field.

“An out-of-town professional colleague forwarded the article to me, and I was surprised to see our name on the list,” Dr. Twiss said.

His recognition comes from the excellent results from two of his primary shoulder surgeries – rotator cuff repairs and total shoulder replacements.

“These would be the two most common operations we performed, and the lion’s share of any shoulder surgery practice,” the board-certified surgeon said.

Additional shoulder surgeries he performs regularly include reverse total shoulder replacement, labral repairs, instability repairs, fracture fixation, arthroscopic bone resection, open shoulder reconstruction, and biceps tenodesis.

Dr. Twiss gravitated to orthopedics as a medical subspecialty for one primary reason – he simply wanted recreational and occupational athletes alike to get back into the game they enjoyed playing.

“I enjoyed treating the various traumatic and degenerative conditions with targeted interventions to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life,” he said. “I chose to pursue a year-long fellowship after residency in the shoulder because of a love for the complex pathology and evolving treatments being developed during my training.”

Dr. Twiss also treats a large spectrum of shoulder disorders, including rotator cuff pathology, Instability and labral lesions, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, sports injuries, fractures, dislocations, post traumatic abnormalities, and generalized shoulder pain with both surgical and non-surgical treatments.

“I think all of the physicians and staff members at Freeman Orthopedics & Sports Medicine strive to provide high-level, musculoskeletal care for the people of the four-state area,” Dr. Twiss said. “For myself, to be recognized for the shoulder, the recognition validates those efforts and motivates us toward continued improvement.”

Dr. Twiss is currently accepting new patients at Freeman Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 3105 McClelland Blvd. in Joplin. Call 417.347.5400 to make an appointment.

Area News, Government, Health Care

Workers Comp Seminar Sept. 23-24

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Kansas Department of Labor to Host 51st Annual Workers Compensation Seminar

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) will host its 51st annual Workers Compensation Seminar on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 23-24, 2025, at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan.

The two-day event provides legal, medical and case management professionals with the latest updates on workers compensation and the opportunity to earn continuing education credits.

This year’s seminar features a variety of educational opportunities, including morning general sessions and three focused tracks: Legal, Management and Medical.

Event Details:

  • Dates: September 23–24, 2025
  • Location: Overland Park Convention Center

For more information about the seminar agenda, please visit dol.ks.gov/wc/seminar and follow KDOL on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn using #KSWCSeminar.

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Health Care, K-State Extension

Medicare Prescription Drug Costs Hard to Swallow?

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Medicare Prescription Drug Costs Hard to Swallow?

Did you know that you can review and change your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan annually? Medicare Annual Election Period, running from October 15th to December 7th, is the time to do just that!

On Tuesday, October 28th, from 9:00 am-3:00 pm, at 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott; area Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansas (SHICK) will be available for you! Call 620-244-3826 to schedule an appointment.

Even if you have been happy with your plan in the past, plans and your medications do change! It is a good idea to compare options to see what meets your current needs. Last year, counselors helped beneficiaries save on average $909.00 per person by changing plans.

Area News, Health Care

Freeman’s Dr. Scott McClintick Now Providing ENT Services in Pittsburg                                       

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Better in Every Sense

                                     

PITTSBURG, Kan. – There is a new option for ear, nose and throat care in Southeast Kansas.

Freeman Health System Otolaryngologist Dr. Scott McClintick is now treating patients at the Freeman Specialty Clinic of Pittsburg, 1606 N. Broadway.

Dr. McClintick provides patient care for a variety of ailments, including tonsil and ear infections, neck and thyroid surgery, nose and sinus disease, and skin cancers.

“I’m pleased and proud to be able to provide our trusted skills and services to Pittsburg and the surrounding communities,” he said.

No stranger to the Sunflower State, Dr. McClintick regularly sees patients in Parsons and Girard. Pittsburg, he said, was the next logical step for his outreach services. He began seeing Crawford County patients earlier this year.

“I’ve already done a ton of outreach in Southeast Kansas,” said the Kansas native, who attended the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his internship and residency at Freeman Health System. “Now we’re getting into the Pittsburg market. Our goal is to see patients every three to four weeks, which is not bad for a specialty clinic.”

As Dr. McClintick’s patient list grows, the plan is to expand appropriately his clinic hours in Southeast Kansas. And by conducting outpatient care at Pittsburg Specialty Clinic in downtown Pittsburg, it saves his patients a long drive south to Joplin.

“Not only is it a huge convenience for my patients, but they also receive high-quality, compassionate, and safe patient care,” the board-certified head and neck surgery specialist said.

Services Dr. McClintick offers to his Pittsburg patients include:

  • Ear tube placement
  • Head and neck cancers
  • Salivary gland tumors
  • Sinus surgery
  • Skin cancer
  • Throat and mouth cancer
  • Chronic tonsil infections
  • Treatment of thyroid and parathyroid disorders
  • Sinus and nasal conditions
  • Difficulty swallowing

“ENT can be a pretty complex specialty,” Dr. McClintick said.

His deep love for rural healthcare stems from his childhood growing up in Eureka, a town of less than 3,000 people located in Greenwood County, a two-hour drive from Pittsburg. His father practiced medicine there for 45 years.

“So, growing up with my dad being a physician, I was always around medicine, and that’s what really inspired me to become a doctor,” he said.

Incidentally, his sister and brother are also physicians, along with two sisters-in-law and his father-in-law.

“It’s a family thing,” Dr. McClintick said with a chuckle.

His goal is to establish comprehensive ear, nose and throat care and surgical services in the Pittsburg area.

“There is just something different about going to these smaller towns,” Dr. McClintick said. “Joplin is great, but it’s nice to give back to the smaller communities. I just have an appreciation for them.”

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

 

Area News, Health Care

A Senior Living Conference: October 22 in Chanute

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Anna Methvin, Director of NMRMC Foundation talking about the Green Living Program.
Submitted photo.
Picture 2 is Melanie Smith, SHICK Coordinator. Providing information about Medicare programs.

 

Aging = Living Conference Offers Resources, Education, and Inspiration for Seniors and Their Families

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA) invites seniors, caregivers, and families to attend the Aging = Living Conference, a one-day event dedicated to helping older adults live life to the fullest. The conference will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SEK Impact Center, 1500 W. 7th Street, Chanute, Kansas.

The Aging = Living Conference will feature expert speakers, interactive workshops, and resource booths covering a wide range of topics, including healthy aging, financial planning, home safety, community resources, and ways to stay active and engaged. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with local organizations, discover services available in Southeast Kansas, and take part in meaningful discussions about aging well.

Registration Information:

  • Mail: SEKAAA – Aging = Living, P.O. Box J, Chanute, KS 66720
  • Online: www.sekaaa.com
  • Phone: 620-431-2980
  • Cost: $10.00

Admission includes access to all sessions, resource fair, lunch, and materials. Early registration is encouraged to ensure space availability.

“Aging is living – it’s about embracing every chapter of life with purpose, joy, and the right support,” said Kathy Brennon, CEO of SEKAAA. “This conference is designed to empower our seniors and their families with tools, connections, and inspiration to make the most of every day.”

Whether you are planning for your own future, caring for a loved one, or simply interested in learning more about resources for aging well, the Aging = Living Conference is a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.

About SEKAAA
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging is committed to improving the quality of life for older adults and their families through advocacy, education, and access to community resources. Serving 10 counties in Southeast Kansas, SEKAAA provides services that promote independence, dignity, and well-being.

 Melanie Smith, SHICK Coordinator. Providing information about Medicare programs.
Fort Scott, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Opens Following Successful Kansas Licensure Survey

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Up and Running

 

                            

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – As of 9:00 am Thursday, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. is open for business.

The official opening follows the successful completion of the Kansas Licensure Survey. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Freeman’s mission to expand access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare throughout Southeast Kansas.

“This has been an exciting, and very long journey with many working diligently to support the reopening of this hospital! The overwhelming support and positive response from the community has been humbling and we are so honored to join the Fort Scott community and reopen a hospital and emergency department for the Bourbon County residents, assuring they have access to inpatient and emergency care,” said Renee Denton, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals.

The last time Fort Scott residents enjoyed access to a full-service, hometown-based hospital was 2018, which has forced local residents to seek medical treatment in communities 30-plus minutes away.

“We are thrilled to open our doors in Fort Scott and begin serving this vibrant community,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and tireless efforts of community stakeholders and our entire team. We are deeply proud to bring Freeman’s standard of care to the people of Southeast Kansas.”

Freeman officials first announced the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital – located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – to a crowd of nearly 150 local residents in June 2024.

“We had a staff huddle this morning and I told them, ‘It’s a great day to open a hospital,’” said Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. “Today is the culmination of 14 months in the making, and it’s been a lot of hard work by a lot of people to make today even possible. Of course, the support from the citizens of this community and from Bourbon County has been overwhelming.

“Our success will be dependent on the community utilizing the services of our hospital,” she added.

Freeman officials were notified Wednesday evening that the hospital had successfully passed the Kansas licensure survey. The survey is a rigorous process that ensures hospitals meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient care. Passing this survey affirms Freeman’s readiness to provide exceptional healthcare services in Fort Scott — and reflects the strength of the organization’s culture and commitment to excellence. Now, attention turns to passing a credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials.

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of the local community, with a focus on accessibility, innovation, and personalized care. The opening represents not only a physical expansion, but also a cultural one — reinforcing Freeman’s values of compassion, collaboration, and community investment.

Freeman Health System extends its heartfelt thanks to every team and community member who contributed to this achievement. Their dedication and teamwork made this moment possible — and their continued efforts will shape the future of healthcare in the region.

For more information about Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. and the services offered, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2025, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

 

Fort Scott, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Fort Scott Freeman Hospital and Emergency Department Opens Today

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The reception area of the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital.

At the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee this morning, Fort Scott Freeman Hospital Board members Lindsay Madison and Don Doherty announced they had received notice that the hospital and emergency department, long-awaited by the community, is open today. The hospital is located at 401 Woodland Hills, the former Mercy Hospital building.

More information will be provided as it becomes available from Freeman Hospital staff.