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JOPLIN, Mo. – The 45th Annual Joplin Christmas Parade, held December 1, featured the theme “The Music and Miracles of Christmas.” Crowds lined Main Street cheered as the parade made its way from 15th Street to Third Street. Chosen from approximately 115 entrants, the winners are:

Best Use of Theme

• Community: Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri


• Corporate: Arvest Bank


• Faith Based: St. Mary’s Elementary School


• Equestrian: JOMO Horse Posse

Judges’ Choice

JOPLIN, Mo. – Tucker Doogie Alexander Juris arrived at 11:22 am January 1, 2016, at Freeman Hospital West. This precious baby was welcomed by parents Britney and Steven Juris of Carthage. Tucker weighed six pounds, three ounces and measured 19.5 inches in length.

Tucker, along with all babies born at Freeman West on New Year’s Day, received a stuffed animal from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Additionally, the first baby born each year receives a special baby goody bag courtesy of Freeman Health System.

Webb City, Mo. – Dr. W. Heath Dillard, board-certified in internal medicine, recently joined Freeman Primary Care at Webb City Neighborhood Care. The new facility is part of Freeman Health System’s commitment to provide convenient access to quality healthcare.

“I think Freeman chose a great location for the clinic,” said Dr. Dillard. “Not only does this provide a convenient location for patients in Webb City, it also provides access to quality care to surrounding communities including Carthage, Carl Junction and north Joplin.”

Webb City, Mo. – Freeman Health System celebrated the opening of Webb City Neighborhood Care with a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, January 20. The new facility, located at 1636 S. Madison St. in Webb City, Mo., is home to Freeman Urgent Care, Freeman Primary Care and Freeman Outpatient Dialysis Center.

Joplin, Mo. – Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke – the leading cause of adult disability in the country. A stroke cuts off blood flow in areas of the brain, depriving brain cells of oxygen and causing them to die.¹ When diagnosing a stroke, time is critical to ensure the patient receives expert care that could lead to an improved recovery.

Freeman Health System is named one of the “Best 50” by Global Healthcare Exchange, LLC (GHX®). Founded in 2000, GHX uses cloud-based supply chain management technology and services to reduce costs, remove waste and drive efficiency for better patient care.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri has recognized Freeman Health System as a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Maternity Care and Cardiac Care. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities shown to deliver improved patient safety and better outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community.

Freeman Health System Auxiliary donated five Prime TC wheelchairs to Freeman West Emergency Department. The customized wheelchairs cost nearly $14,000 total and come with additional features that assist in transporting patients.

“These chairs have built-in oxygen tank holders and IV poles,” said Bob Denton, Freeman Director of Emergency/Trauma Services. “We don’t have to wheel around extra equipment while transporting a patient. This makes it safer for everyone – the patients, the visitors and the caregivers.”

McKensie Garber, Miss Missouri 2015, recently made a stop at Freeman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The visit offered the Missouri native an inside look into caring for Freeman Health System’s youngest patients.