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JOPLIN, Mo.—After losing half its Joplin facilities in the May 22, 2011, tornado, Ozark Center, the behavioral health division of Freeman Health System, is fully restored. On January 30, Ozark Center reopened New Directions residential substance abuse treatment and medical detoxification facility, marking the end of its long road to recovery.
Ozark Center, an entity of Freeman Health System, has once again earned a three-year accreditation from Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body. Its mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process centered around enhancing the lives of the people served. Founded in 1966, CARF establishes consumer-focus standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and standards.
JOPLIN, Mo. – In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, September 10, the mental health professionals at Ozark Center, the behavioral health division of Freeman Health System, urge the community to join them in their efforts to prevent suicides and save precious lives. Members of the community can show support for suicide prevention and honor lost loved ones and survivors of suicide by lighting a candle near a window at 8 pm on Thursday, September 10.
JOPLIN, Mo.—Ozark Center officially opened a second Pre-Adult Transitional Housing (PATH) apartment complex, a new residence to homeless youth in need of long-term housing, as well as assistance developing essential life skills. After seven months of construction, the completion of PATH II doubles the number of young adults Ozark Center can house.
Dr. Uwe A. Schmidt is an Infectious Diseases specialist at Freeman Health System.
Joplin, MO – “We bring a calming presence to an already stressful situation,” says John Blake, Ozark Center Crisis Services and Show-Me Hope Team Leader. “We are also encouraging skills like breathing techniques, mindfulness and healthy habits to help them through a difficult time that is new for all of us.”
Ozark Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, has been providing behavioral health services in February 1965 and became an entity of Freeman Health System in 1996. We employ about 600 employees in 30 locations across Jasper, Newton, McDonald and Barton counties, and serve approximately 14,000 clients.
Joplin, Mo - Ozark Center, an entity of Freeman Health System, is one of five certified community behavioral health clinics sharing in $14 million dollars from the Department of Health and Human Services in support of mental health and addiction services.
“We appreciate the support of such critical services as many struggle with the emotional toll of COVID-19,” says Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker.