Ozark Center Certified as 'Deficiency Free' in 2014

Joplin, Mo. – Ozark Center, the behavioral health entity of Freeman Health System, and Ozark Oaks Residential Care Facility, a member of Missouri Assisted Living Association (MALA), was awarded the Facility Excellence Award certifying that the facility was “Deficiency Free” in 2014, by the Missouri Assisted Living Association.

“As Missourians we are extremely fortunate to have facilities such as these leading the way in long term care for our residents,” said Missouri Assisted Living Association Executive Director Keith Sappington. “We believe assisted living residents deserve the finest in care. These facilities should be commended on their commitment to providing consistent quality healthcare to their residents.”

“We’re honored that MALA has recognized the Ozark Oaks with the Facility Excellence Award. The staff at Ozark Oaks Residential Care Facility is passionate about caring for our residents and take pride in their work, which is reflected by this recognition,” said Mary Parrigon, Executive Director of Ozark Center.

In an environment that sometimes seems to thrive on negative publicity, it is refreshing to see businesses that not only are doing things right, but are also being recognized as leaders in their industry for doing so.

Freeman Health System – Celebrating 90 Years
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

About Ozark Center
An integral component of Freeman Health System based in Joplin, Mo., Ozark Center provides comprehensive behavioral health services to children, adults, and families in an area that includes more than 450,000 residents from Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Ozark Center continually looks for innovative ways to address the mental health needs of the community and promote awareness of mental illness in an effort to eliminate the discrimination associated with it. For more information, visit ozarkcenter.com or call 417.347.7600.