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Category Archives: Health Care
Freeman Health System Appoints Renee Denton as Market President
Joplin, Mo. — Freeman Health System announced today the appointment of Renee Denton as Market President for the Missouri/Kansas market, effective May 18.
Denton brings more than 38 years of combined clinical and operational hospital experience to the role and has served Freeman Health System for 17 years, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated steady, mission‑driven leadership and a strong commitment to quality care, team development, and the communities Freeman serves.
“Renee is a trusted and respected leader within Freeman Health System,” said Matt Fry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System. “Her deep understanding of our organization, her background as a nurse, and her collaborative leadership style make her uniquely positioned to support system alignment and guide our continued progress across the region.”
As Market President, Denton will focus on strengthening alignment across Freeman’s Missouri and Kansas operations, supporting leaders and teams, and advancing the health system’s strategic priorities.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue serving Freeman Health System and our communities,” Denton said. “I’m proud of the work our teams do each day and look forward to building upon that work together.”
Freeman Health System is a locally owned, not‑for‑profit health system serving more than 400,000 people across the four‑state region, offering comprehensive care in local communities.
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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, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., 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.
Ribbon Cutting for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Is Celebrated
‘An Incredible Day’
Ribbon Cutting Held for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.
Joplin, Mo.—Nearly 3,400 Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents have utilized Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc.’s Emergency Department since it first opened for business last September.
The need for the facility helps explain why so many residents showed up to support the long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place, appropriately enough, in front of the hospital’s ambulance bay Thursday morning.
“I think it’s beautiful when we come together like this in celebration,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “There’s so many people that showed up for this ribbon-cutting today, and I think it’s a testament to how much this hospital means to the people living in this community.”
The reaction to Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was very similar to the enthusiastic response from residents when Freeman officials first proposed the hospital in mid-2024, when nearly 150 people cheered the announcement. At that time, Fort Scott had been without a hospital since 2018 and without an emergency department since 2023. Between then and the September 2025 opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, residents were forced to travel to neighboring communities for their emergency healthcare needs.
Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., described Thursday morning as an “incredible day” for Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the future of healthcare in the region.
“When these doors opened in September 2025, we did more than reopen a hospital, we restored local access to care, created stability, and brought healthcare back home for the families of this region,” she said.
Over the last 25 years, 470-plus rural hospitals have closed nationwide. To open a rural hospital during this time is a cause for celebration. The best way for Bourbon County residents to continue showing support for the six-bed ED and 10-bed acute care hospital is by choosing to receive care locally whenever possible, Walden said.
“By utilizing the services available right here at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital and encouraging your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same, you help strengthen access to quality healthcare for all of Bourbon County,” she continued. “Your trust and support play an important role in the long-term success of [Freeman Fort Scott Hospital].”
“The hospital continues to serve our community every day, with 14 patients seen daily in the ED and four more on the acute care side,” Fry said, emphasizing that, even with this steady utilization, “the pursuit of improvement never stops.”
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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, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., 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.
Michael Herr Named VP Market COO at Freeman Health System
Joplin, Mo. — Freeman Health System is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Herr as Vice President, Market Chief Operating Officer for the MO/KS market.
Herr is an experienced Chief Operating Officer with a demonstrated history of leadership in the hospital and health care industry. He brings strong expertise in analytics, operations, management, and healthcare improvement, along with advanced knowledge of healthcare systems and the regional landscape Freeman serves. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Health/Health Care Administration and Management from the University of Texas at Tyler.
“We are excited to welcome Michael to Freeman Health System,” said Matt Fry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System. “His leadership experience, regional understanding, and commitment to operational excellence will be instrumental as we continue strengthening care and access for our communities.”
Herr will officially join the Freeman team on Monday, May 18.
Freeman Women’s Pavilion Earns Full ACR Mammography Accreditation
Joplin, Mo.—Freeman Health System is proud to announce that Freeman Women’s Pavilion has been awarded full mammography accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for a three-year period, marking a significant milestone for the organization’s women’s health services.
As part of the ACR’s accreditation review, all randomly selected mammography cases met image quality and clinical evaluation standards. These cases were selected and reviewed independently by the ACR, without any opportunity for prescreening by the facility.
“The ACR accreditation process is one of the most demanding in medical imaging,” said Hector Juarez, Vice President of Imaging at Freeman Health System. “Successfully meeting ACR standards across all randomly selected images reflects the consistency, growth, discipline, and commitment to excellence of our imaging team and breast imaging program.”
This accreditation reflects Freeman’s ongoing work to strengthen its breast imaging program through improved quality processes, enhanced staff training, and a deep commitment to excellence. These efforts help ensure patients can feel confident choosing Freeman for their care.
The ACR conducted an Additional Mammography Review to confirm sustained improvements in image quality following corrective actions previously implemented by the organization. There are no outstanding contingencies associated with this accreditation, and the ACR has notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as required.
“This accomplishment reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality, reliable, and patient centered care,” Juarez added. “We are incredibly proud of the professionals who made this achievement possible and grateful for the trust our patients place in us.”
The American College of Radiology is widely recognized as the gold standard in imaging accreditation, ensuring facilities meet nationally accepted standards of care and safety.
For more information about Freeman Women’s Pavilion and its imaging services, visit www.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, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., 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.
54 Graduate Nurses Sign to Join Freeman Health System
Caregivers and Lifesavers
Nurses Recognized During Special Signing Day Ceremony
Joplin, MO – Smiling, sharing hugs, and waving to a max-capacity audience, a graduating class of 53 graduate nurses (GNs) and graduate practical nurses (GPNs) were honored during a unique Freeman Health System ceremony held Wednesday evening.
Just as athletes sign letters of intent to play at the collegiate level, these nurses signed their names to join “Team Freeman.”
“Tonight is a celebration,” said Freeman Senior Vice President Chief Nursing Officer Jeanee Kennedy. “This moment marks your transition from preparation to performance, from training to team. Each of you deserves your place here for your great discipline, long nights, and an unwavering commitment to care.”
During the ceremony, held on the Missouri Southern State University campus, family and friends gathered around the signing table to celebrate their loved one’s hard-earned achievement, often punctuated by cheers and chants from the audience.
“You are signing on to a profession that changes lives every single day,” Kennedy continued. “You are choosing a department, a mascot, and a team that will shape you, and will be shaped by you.”
The nurses—who will enter various Freeman departments such as the birthing center, pediatrics, cardiology, emergency department, orthopedics, and transitional care unit (TCU), among others—will take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing the exam, they will become either registered nurses or licensed practical nurses at Freeman.
“This is a huge moment,” said Nathan Cantwell, Director of Freeman’s TCU, Cardiac Medical Unit, and Infusion Center. “What you guys are doing tonight represents all the late nights that you’ve spent studying, all the early mornings, all the caffeine over the years, all the stress and anxiety. I hope tonight you can take a moment to step back and just appreciate the finish line that you are now walking across.”
The 53 GN and GNP class marks the largest graduate nursing class since Freeman created the ceremony years ago.
“We are deeply grateful that you have chosen Freeman Health System as your place to grow your nursing career,” said Kristan Eaton, Freeman Senior Vice President Chief Human Resource Officer. “Your journey allows you to provide the care, compassion, and excellence that will make a meaningful difference to our patients and our community.”
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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, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., 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.
The Water Boil Order Is Lifted For Uniontown, KS
Boil Water Advisory Still In Effect For City of Uniontown
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinded a boil-water advisory for the Bourbon County Rural Water District # 2 public water supply system on April 23, according to the KDHE website press release. But the City of Uniontown, located 17 miles west of Fort Scott, is still under a water boil order. That boil order should end this afternoon, if the water samples submitted are cleared.
The City of Fort Scott was cleared to stop boiling its drinking water on April 21, following water samples sent to a KDHE-approved lab.
“Fort Scott has to be cleared first, then Water District #2, and then Uniontown,” said Uniontown City Clerk Haley Arnold.
“(Uniontown City Superintendent) Bobby Rich took the water samples yesterday to the lab at Frontenac to submit them. They have to incubate for 24 hours, so we should find out by 2 p.m. today.”
“Some people thought we were out of the boil order because Water District 2 is our supplier, but we are following the guidelines we have been given,” she said.
The advisory was issued last weekend because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
The Boil Water Advisory is still in effect for the City of Uniontown public water supply system, according to the press release.
“Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory,” according to the press release.
“Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Bourbon Co RWD 2C system indicates no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.
“For consumer questions, please contact the Bourbon Co RWD 2C water system at 620-223-1110, or the city of Uniontown water system at 620-756-4742, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information, please visit our webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service.”
Boil Order for Water Will Be In Effect For Days
Bourbon County is still under a boil advisory, following the mainline water break in Fort Scott on April 18.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Rural Water District # 2C, and City of Uniontown public water supply systems located in Bourbon County on Saturday.
The city of Fort Scott experienced a mainline water break on Burke Street between Eighth and Ninth Streets at around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, said Scott Flater, Public Utility Director.
“It wasn’t reported until 6 a.m,” he said.
“I’m collecting water today that will be sent back to the lab,” Flater said.
As soon as the city sends the water sample, it has to incubate for 24 hours. Then the Rural Water District #2 will get notifications to take water samples, to send in to KDHE, which must be incubated for 24 hours as well. Once the samples are cleared, the boil order will be lifted, according to Mark Pollmeir, RWD#2 spokesman.
This advisory does not affect customers of the City of Fulton, nor Bronson, who are both in separate water districts, but does affect all the other small rural towns and rural residents in the county.
City of Uniontown Clerk Haley Arnold said she has put notices up at Union Station (gas station), the Uniontown Post Office, City Hall, and her personal Facebook page asking others to share the news, to help get the word out about the boil order.
Communicating to residents in rural areas about these events is difficult, and Arnold is open to suggestions for getting the word out, she said.
Lou Howard, Bourbon County Emergency Manager, said she called the local radio station to help get the word out and published it on the Bourbon County website.
Both receiving and delivering communication has been difficult regarding the boil advisory, Howard said.
“While communicating the boil water advisory presented some challenges, we will continue working to improve how important information is shared with the public,” she said.
“Residents can receive emergency alerts and general community information through several sources, including local television and radio stations, wireless cell phone alerts, official websites, and other online resources. Important updates are also often shared through friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers,” Howard said.
“Community members are encouraged to help ensure information reaches everyone. If you know someone who does not regularly use the internet or a cell phone, please consider sharing important alerts and updates with them so they can stay informed and prepared,” she said.
Emergency alerts are transmitted through:
Genasys Alerts – https://bourboncountyks.
or for this specific boil order for rural residents:
Consolidated RWD2 website to register for their alerts – Home | Consolidated Rural Water Dist. 2.
Jack Ripper, Bourbon County Water District #4, which serves Bronson and the surrounding area, said he had not heard of the boil order for the rest of the county.
“We have our own lake for our water supply,” he said. “So we are not affected at all.”
According to the KDHE notification sent out by the City of Fort Scott on its Facebook page, customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
1) Boil water for one minute before drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
2 ) Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
3) If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
4) Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
5 ) Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on April 18, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.
KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system, resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination, according to the press release.
The City of Fort Scott water system provides water to Bourbon Co RWD 2C, which distributes water to Bourbon County.
Only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, contact the City of Fort Scott water system at 620-223-5160, or Bourbon Co RWD 2C water system at 620-223-1110, or the city of Uniontown water system at 620-756-4742, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.
Boil Advisory for Fort Scott and Uniontown As Of April 18
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C and City of Uniontown, Bourbon County (Taken from the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page)
TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C, and City of Uniontown public water supply systems located in Bourbon County. This advisory does not affect those customers of city of Fulton nor those of city of Prescott.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on April 18, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system, resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. The City of Fort Scott water system provides water to Bourbon Co RWD 2C, who provides water to city of Uniontown.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, please contact the City of Fort Scott water system at 620-223-5160, or Bourbon Co RWD 2C water system at 620-223-1110, or the city of Uniontown water system at 620-756-4742, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.
kdhe.ks.gov
Consumer Information Regarding a Disruption in Water Service | KDHE, KS
Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal Presentation Offered on March 23
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Fort Scott Community Foundation Grant Purchases Life-Saving AED Trainers
Thanks to funds from the Fort Scott Community Foundation and the John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund, Tri-Valley Developmental Services purchased six AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Training Devices and supplies. These devices provide students in Tri-Valley’s CPR/1st Aid Class firsthand experience on the proper use of an AED. Tri-Valley offers multiple CPR/1st Aid classes throughout the month for Tri-Valley Staff, Persons Served, and Community Members.
“Thanks to the Fort Scott Community Foundation and the John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund, we are able to train not only our staff, but persons served and other community members on life saving techniques.” said Alisa Miner, Training Coordinator. “These trainers provide the opportunity for hands-on training. Class attendees have benefited from learning on these trainers. It is exciting!”
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond. FSACF is an affiliate of Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK). Call CFSEK at 620-231-8897 with questions about FSACF.
Tricia Campbell
Special Projects Coordinator
Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc.
PO Box 518
Chanute, KS 66720