Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is a longstanding regional provider of inpatient medical and
psychiatric services caring for patients from across the state. We treat patients regardless of their economic
and housing status. There currently is a significant shortage of facilities and professionals who care for
patients with mental and behavioral health conditions in the state and the nation. Some of these patients
come from Joplin. Our duty is to care for patients regardless of their circumstances. Once treatment is
completed at NRMC and there is a safe discharge plan, patients are discharged. NRMC respects the
freedom of all patients to go about their lives following their discharge from the hospital. NRMC cannot
hold patients without a Court Order.
The City of Joplin has voiced public concerns, singled out NRMC and has filed a lawsuit about patients
discharged from NRMC who traveled to Joplin. Unfortunately, other than a threatening letter and the
lawsuit, the City has made no attempt to talk about this issue, discover the actual facts of the discharges in
question, or to resolve what they believe is the problem. It is unclear why the City of Joplin is pursuing
legal action against another governmental entity in the State that also struggles to provide services to the
homeless. NRMC emphatically denies all claims of inappropriate discharges from the hospital. The two
patients who chose to travel to Joplin in 2025 following discharge is not a material contributor to the
number of homeless in Joplin. Further, cities receive state and federal funds to assist in providing many
forms of public services in their community. This financial assistance is not limited to or intended
exclusively for citizens that originate from the community.
NRMC still invites and welcomes an open and sincere conversation with the City of Joplin. I’m confident
that there is a peaceful and cost-effective solution to this problem.

Sincerely, Jason McCormick, CEO of NRMC