Freeman Hospital Crews Treated to Tropical Smoothies

Joplin, MO - Freeman Health System frontline workers got a refreshing treat on Wednesday thanks to Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Joplin. 350 tropical smoothie drinks arrived in the café’s Jeep. Smoothies were distributed to some of the many working in the emergency department, nursing stations and staff in the intensive care units. 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is thanking Healthcare Heroes who have worked hard to keep the community safe during the pandemic. Freeman Vice President of Nursing Services Jeanee Kennedy says Freeman employees enjoyed the recognition.

“We are always so grateful for gifts and treats provided to our frontline healthcare workers,” Kennedy said. “These things can make a big difference in our day and mean a lot to those who receive them. All of our teams work extremely hard to provide excellent care to patients and these tokens of appreciation are very much deserved and appreciated!”

ICU nurse Alissa Terrapin added, “It was a really nice pick-me-up! With everything going on, it was nice for the community to show support, even with something simple like a smoothie. It was a really nice gesture and very much appreciated.”

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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 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart 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.