Joplin, MO – Ozark Center, an entity of Freeman Health System, has been awarded a $1,466,400 Horizon 2 grant through Missouri's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to renovate an existing facility near 34th Street and Schifferdecker Avenue and expand access to intensive residential behavioral health services for Southwest Missouri residents.

The award is part of the Missouri Department of Social Services' Smart Growth and Service Line Modernization initiative, which provides funding to help rural healthcare organizations modernize facilities and increase access to essential services. Following a competitive review process, Ozark Center was one of 26 providers selected to receive funding from a statewide pool of $39.4 million.
The grant will help transform an unused 4,500-square-foot building adjacent to existing Ozark Center services into an eight-bed residential treatment facility.

"This investment will allow us to expand critical behavioral health services while creating an environment specifically designed to promote recovery and stability," said Vicky Mieseler, chief executive officer of Ozark Center. "More importantly, it will help people receive the care they need closer to home and at a level of support that can make a meaningful difference in their recovery journey."
Horizon 2 grants fund one-time infrastructure improvements that allow healthcare organizations to renovate, reconfigure and equip existing facilities. The program supports
projects that strengthen essential healthcare services, including behavioral health, maternal health, diagnostics and outpatient care.

Ozark Center is the area’s largest and most comprehensive behavioral healthcare provider, providing effective, caring and confidential services for adults, families and children. It offers a wide variety of career opportunities in mental and behavioral healthcare, as well as administrative and support staff positions.