Freeman Heart Healers Push Four States Heart Walk Past Goal

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System employees continued their pledge to make the area a healthier place to live by joining the 2015 Four States Heart Walk. Money raised benefits American Heart Association^® for research, public health education and providing science-based treatment guidelines to healthcare professionals.

On September 26, eight teams of Freeman caregivers participated in the 2015 Four States Heart Walk at Missouri Southern State University. The three-mile course promotes physical activity, and the event celebrates those who have made lifestyle changes for better health. Overall, the walk raised $128,196, beating the $125,000 goal.

Freeman ranked third in company fundraising, collecting $9,113. In the team division, Freeman Heart Healers ranked fourth, raising $3,106. Other Freeman teams included Freeman Business Center, Freeman Neosho Heart & Sole, Freeman Chest Crackers, Freeman OccuMed, Freeman Hearts R Us, Freeman Maintenance and Freeman Nutrition Services.   

Heart disease is the number one killer in the world. Stroke ranks second globally and is the leading cause of severe disability.¹ By the year 2020, American Heart Association hopes to improve cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent and reduce deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent.

¹American Heart Association

Freeman Health System – Celebrating 90 Years of Service
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 2014, Freeman earned 90 individual awards for medical excellence and safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report ranked Freeman #1 Hospital in Southwest Missouri in 2014-15, and The Leapfrog Group gave Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2014 Hospital Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo. #FreemanTurns90