Over the past two days, we have experienced outstanding local, state, and national coverage stemming from our participation with The Weather Channel and their “Joplin: 15 Years Later” special, link provided. The program included seven minutes highlighting the Healing Joplin initiative, a recovery effort now utilized by FEMA, and featured an interview with Debbie Fitzgerald focused on the work of the “Blue Shirts” volunteers.

I was not here with you all on that fateful day, but it is well understood that your dedication and service saved countless lives after this tragedy. The immediate response from many of you was heroic to say the least. Perhaps even more impressive than that was your willingness and ability to push beyond the pain and loss and continue to serve our community for days, weeks, months, and even years after this tragedy as Joplin recovered. Freeman Health System stepped in when disaster struck, and the community will forever be in your debt. I am so honored to serve on this team. Thank you for being such a powerful example of grace, humility, and sacrifice. 

Matthew Fry
President & CEO, Freeman Health System