Freeman Health System chosen to organize Joplin Christmas parade

Freeman Health System officials say being chosen to organize the Joplin Christmas parade is a great opportunity to support the community and help continue a holiday tradition.

“We’re excited about being chosen to manage the parade,” said Freeman President and CEO Paula Baker. “The annual parade is a time-honored community tradition and we’re thrilled to have been selected to help put on this wonderful event. Just as the Christmas parade has been a tradition in the community, so has Freeman Health System and the healthcare it has provided to this region for so many years. We feel very honored to take on the challenge, and I know our employees will do a great job.”

Freeman Health System was chosen from three not-for-profit organizations who applied with the City of Joplin to organize the parade. The selection was made Wednesday following interviews with representatives of the three organizations.

Freeman Vice President of Hospitality and Services Shawn McGrew, who is in charge of the parade planning committee, said he told the city officials the health system has a lot of experience dealing with large events for its 4,300 employees, and has an active community outreach program staffed by volunteers and the resources needed to do the job. 

McGrew said the decision to apply was an easy one to make. “We are always looking for ways to support the community that has supported Freeman Health System for the past 90 years.” He said. “Our goal is to provide more than just medical services for the community. We also want to be a good neighbor and an integral part of the community, showing support for local not-for-profit organizations and improving the quality of life for everyone in this region.”

McGrew said all proceeds from parade entry fees will go to support a local charity. That charity has not been chosen, but will be announced as soon as a decision has been made.

He added the parade planning committee, which is made up of employees from across the health system, will begin meeting next week to set up a process for people and organizations to start submitting entries. 

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System has earned a number of US News & World Report distinctions – Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri, #4 hospital in the state, and High Performing status in seven specialties. The 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. A not-for-profit health system, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, and women’s services and has more than 300 physicians on staff. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo.