Grand Opening

Pictured, from left, during the ribbon cutting are: Charles Hill, with the architectural firm Gaskin Hill Norcross; Dr. Christopher Nicholas, OMC Board Member; Dusty Shaw, Foundation Board of Directors Chairman; Ken Joplin, OMC Board Member; Joe Paul Evans, West Plains Mayor; Dr. Edward Henegar, OMC Vice President of Clinical Support Services; Jeannie Looper, OMC Chief Operating Officer; Jo Ann Emerson, United State Representative for the Eighth District; David Zechman, OMC President and CEO; Roger Shaw, DVM, OMC Board Member; Greg Beykirch, OMC Board Chairman; Bill Oakley, Project Manager; Edward Boys, OMC Director of IT and Facilities Planning; and OMC Board of Directors Members Judy Ingalsbe, Travis Smith, Marge Slayton, Kevin Gleghorn, Gary Duggins and Dr. Charles Morgan; and David Gohn, OMC Capital Campaign Co-Chair. Below right, Emerson speaks at the grand opening.

500 attend Emergency Department celebrationpproximately 500 people celebrated with Ozarks Medical Center the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art Emergency Department on Sunday, July 18. The 13,000-square-foot Afacility opened to patients on July 20.

“With this state-of-the-art facility and OMC’s excellent caregivers, our community can rest assured that they are receiving the best possible care, right here at OMC,” said OMC President and CEO David Zechman at the grand opening celebration.

The grand opening ceremony included speeches by Zechman, Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, OMC Board of Directors Chair Greg Beykirch, OMC Foundation Board Chair Dusty Shaw and West Plains Mayor Joe Paul Evans and an invocation by the Rev. Mark Mildren from the First United Methodist Church in West Plains.

The presentations were followed by a ribbon cutting and tours of the new 16-bed, state-of-the-art facility.

Continued to page 2

OMCNewsThe Right Care, Right Here

August 2010 www.ozarksmedicalcenter.com Issue 2:8

Ozarks Medical CenterAugust 2010 2

EmersonEmerson thanked everyone for their efforts in making the

Emergency Department “another shining example of the excellence in our congressional district.”

“A facility like this beautiful new Emergency Department is a tremendous reflection on the excellence of Ozarks Medical Center,” she said. “It’s a credit to the men and women working here every day. It’s an indication of how strong West Plains is and how much we care about the health care services we provide to the people who call this region home.”

The Emergency Department, Emerson said, is an investment in West Plains, and also in the people of West Plains.

“You can put a price on the facility, but you can’t put a price on the value of what will happen in this Department. Kindness, professionalism, thoughtfulness, and talent,” she added.

ZechmanDuring his presentation, Zechman thanked OMC administration

and the medical and facilities teams responsible for the Emergency Department project.

“This dedicated team has spent countless hours planning every detail of this Emergency Department to ensure we offer the highest level of patient care possible,” he said. “Because of them, this is truly one of the best facilities in the state if not the country.”

The contractors who worked on the project were thanked for their quality work and for finishing the project two months ahead of schedule.

“We made a commitment to support the local economy with this project,” Zechman said. “We are proud to say 87 percent of the contractors who worked on the ED are from the West Plains area.”

Zechman also recognized the family of Dr. Joe Sellers, including his wife DeAnn and his sons Joe, Lance, Wyatt, Nate and Gabe.

“Dr. Sellers was the Emergency Department Medical Director during a crucial time in the development of this new facility and he played a vital role in the planning and construction process,” he said. “Dr. Sellers passed away in December 2008 but he will always be remembered by the caregivers he influenced and the patients he compassionately cared for.”

Several local physicians have joined to honor Dr. Sellers by dedicating one of the new trauma rooms in his memory.

Beykirch“This facility is a gold standard in emergency care,” Board

Chairman Greg Beykirch said to Sunday’s crowd. “I know you will be impressed with the technology, design and all of the attention to detail that will help keep our community healthy for years to come.”

During his presentation, Beykirch recognized the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and its Executive Vice President Brian Fogle. CFO played an essential role in the completion of the Emergency Department infill.

“The Community Foundation of the Ozarks recognized that completing the Emergency Department was essential for the health of the people of this community,” Beykirch said. “With a $1 million loan from CFO, we were able to resume construction and complete the interior of the ED.”

Continued to page 3

Jo Ann Emerson, left, receives a tour of the new OMC Emergency Department from Dennise Lawson. I n b a c k a r e Rhonda Zechman, David Zechman and West Plains Mayor Joe Paul Evans.

Front Row, OMC Emergency Department Director Dennise Lawson and Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson. Back row, OMC President and CEO David Zechman and West Plains Mayor Joe Paul Evans. The group pauses in the doorway of one of the Emergency Department’s two major medical trauma rooms. This trauma room has been dedicated in memory of Dr. Joe Sellers by a group of local physicians. In total, the new department has 16 private patient rooms.

OMC President and CEO David Zechman speaks at the OMC Emergency Department Grand Opening.

Grand Opening Continued from page 1

Ozarks Medical Center 3August 2010

ShawFoundation Board Chairman Dusty Shaw thanked the community for their

continued support of the Emergency Department project. He said it is important to remember that the funds from CFO are a loan that must be repaid.

In order to pay back the $1 million and raise the funds for the balance of the Emergency Department project, the Foundation is reaching out to the community with a community-wide capital campaign to raise $3 million.

So, far the campaign has raised $2 million towards its $3 million goal and the campaign is continuing.

“We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go," Shaw said. "The Capital Campaign is not over yet."

EvansMayor Joe Paul Evans said he was honored to be a part of this historical

occasion for OMC and the entire region “The number one growth factor in the future of our country is going to be tied

one way or another to the vast field of health care,” he said. “This outstanding medical center and our entire medical community are going to assure that we will be in a position to share in that growth.”

“We all need to put a circle around our calendars around this day today, Sunday, July 18, 2010, as a very important day, not only for our city but for each one of us.”

Grand Opening - Continued from page 2

From left, OMC President and CEO David Zechman, West Plains Mayor Joe Paul Evans, OMC Emergency Department Director Dennise Lawson and Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson stand in front of the OMC time capsule. The time capsule will include current medical equipment and items from the grand opening celebration and from OMC’s 50th Anniversary celebration held in 2009.

Mark your calendar and shine your best boots for the second

BLUE JEAN BALL!

September 25, 2010 • 6 p.m. • Risner Stables

Questions? Call 257-5700

911 Creamery Rd. • West Plains, Mo.

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Ozarks Medical Center 4August 2010

Thanks to the generous support of the community, the Ozarks Medical Center Foundation recently surpassed the $2 million mark in its efforts to raise funds for the new OMC Emergency Department.

The campaign seeks to raise $3 million to assist with the new $6 million state-of-the-art facility, which was celebrated with a grand opening on July 18 and opened to patients July 20.

“This new Emergency Department is possible because of the generous support of the community,” said David Zechman, OMC President and CEO. “Every dollar given to this campaign makes a difference in the health and wellbeing of this community as a whole. We are deeply appreciative of the support of all of our generous donors.”

The OMC Capital Campaign has been led by a steering committee, co-chaired by David Gohn and Frank Martin III. Committee members include Carol Silvey, Travis Smith,

opened on July 20, the campaign to raise patient rooms, central nursing station, state-Ken Joplin, Roger D. "Dusty" Shaw Jr., Newt

funds for the project is still ongoing and the of-the-art information system, two trauma Brill, Greg Beykirch, Shawn Marhefka,

push is on to raise the final $1 million. rooms, decontamination area and private Foundation Director Robin Morgan and

“Economic times are tough, but the patient consult room.Zechman.

Emergency Department is such an important “We are extremely grateful for the “This committee has dedicated their time

and much-needed project,” Morgan said. “We generosity of our donors who have and talents to supporting the Emergency

are very pleased the community has committed to the campaign and we look Department project,” Zechman said. “Those

recognized the need for a new facility and the forward to all of those who will join us on involved with the campaign recognize that

support they have given to OMC. We feel our this exciting journey,” Zechman said. “This OMC is a critical part of our community,

goal is within reach.” new Emergency Department and the OMC providing life-saving emergency care to our

Each year, the OMC Emergency s t a f f w i l l p r o v i d e h i g h q u a l i t y, friends, family and neighbors. Giving to the

Department cares for more than 20,000 compassionate care for many years to Emergency Department means investing in

patients, well over the 4,000 patients the come.”the stability, health and economic wellbeing

former, eight-bed facility was designed to For more information about the Capital of the community as a whole.”

treat . The new 13,000-square-foot Campaign, contact the OMC Foundation at OMC Foundation Director Robin Morgan

Emergency Department includes 16 private 417-257-5700.said although the Emergency Department

Pictured are members of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee. From left, Carol Silvey, Travis Smith, David Zechman, Ken Joplin, Roger D. “Dusty” Shaw, David Gohn, Newt Brill, Greg Beykirch and Shawn Marhefka. Not pictured are Frank Martin III and Robin Morgan.

OMC capital campaign surpasses $2 millionFoundation sets

$3 million goal for new Emergency Department

Ozarks Medical Center Medical Director of Laboratories Dr. Gideon Morrison has dedicated a symphonic poem he composed to the grand opening of the OMC Emergency Department. A CD of the music was given to the first 100 people who arrived at the 2 p.m. July 18 grand opening of the facility. The piece is titled “The Irish Wilderness: a Symphonic Poem in C Major.” Morrison dedicated the piece to OMC after OMC officials requested artistic contributions for the new facility. Works from local artist are displayed throughout the Emergency Department. Pictured in the background are two pieces by local photographer Lindsey Thompson. Pictured at left is Emergency Department Project Manager Bill Oakley.

Dr. Morrison dedicates symphonic poem to grand opening

Ozarks Medical Center 5August 2010

(Editor’s Note: this column originally appeared in The West Plains Daily Quill)

By David M. Zechman, FACHEOMC President & CEO

Each day, the people at Ozarks Medical Center work hard to provide the most compassionate, high quality care possible to keep our community healthy. Providing outstanding care is our top priority and mission; however, it’s also important to look at the large role OMC plays in the community’s economic health.

In these tough times, OMC has been an economic anchor for the community by providing quality care to those in need, stable jobs to our employees and by continuing to invest in our community through the purchase of goods and services.

The Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) recently released its 2008 data on the economic impact of Missouri Hospitals and OMC. The numbers show just how big of an impact hospitals have on Missouri’s 5.7 million residents, including the approximately 160,000 residents in OMC’s coverage area.

Patient Care

In 2008, Missouri hospitals provided $1.62 billion in patient care services for which they were not reimbursed and Missouri physicians provided an additional $31.59 million in free medical services. At OMC, we treat every patient who walks through our doors, regardless of ability to pay. In 2008, OMC provided $10.59 million in unreimbursed care. Although this large number greatly affects our finances, we are proud of our commitment to caring for those in need.

Tough Times

According to MHA, Missouri hospitals, just like thousands of other businesses, have struggled during the economic downturn. In 2008 alone, Missouri hospitals had net income losses of $551 million, with OMC’s loss totaling $1.28 million. Although we saw great improvement in 2009, ending the year with a net income of $3.8 million, we continue to carefully watch our budget and make strides to plan for upcoming changes in the economy and health care.

Stable Jobs

During tough economic times, Missouri hospitals have been a source of stable jobs for those with a variety of skills and expertise. In 2008, Missouri hospital payroll and benefits totaled $7.1 billion for more than 114,000 full-time equivalent employees. OMC provided $52.2 million in payroll and benefits to nearly 1,100 employees. As the largest employer in the area, we are responsible for the economic lives of our staff, a responsibility we take seriously. In turn, our employees make a big impact on the community.

For example, each hospital job results in a total of 2.13 jobs in the economy as a whole because hospital employees use their wages to purchase goods and services, which creates income and jobs for other businesses.

Continued to page 6

Hospitals offer strong economic medicine

By the Numbers

Unreimbursed careMissouri: $1.62 billionOMC: $10.59 million

Payroll & BenefitsMissouri: $7.1 billion (114,000 employees)

OMC: $52.2 million (1,100 employees)

Payroll Economic ImpactMissouri: $12.9 billion

OMC: $95 million

Capital ProjectsMissouri: $3.3 billionOMC: $4.87 million

Missouri Data provided by the Missouri Hospital Association

For a free Directory of Physicians call 417-257-6735

Ozarks Medical Center 6August 2010

Hospitals - Continued from page 5

Ozarks Medical Center supported local youth by making two purchases at the youth livestock auction at the recent Heart of the Ozarks Fair.

Pictured at left is OMC President and CEO David Zechman at the auction.

OMC purchased a 1,265-pound Supreme Champion Charolais Cross steer from Teanna Simpson, 13, Koshkonong.

Teanna is the daughter of Robert and Melody Simpson. Melody is OMC’s Patient Accounts Manager.

OMC also purchased a 248-pound Yorkshire-Hampshire-Landrace guilt from Nathan Boys, 16. Nathan is the son of Edward and Cathy Boys, West Plains. Edward is the Director of IT and Facility Planning at OMC.

OMC supports local youth at fair

Flowers, sunshine and the beautiful outdoors were enjoyed by 65 attendees of a Garden Tea Party, hosted by Ozarks Medical Center Foundation.

The special fund raising event and luncheon took place at Brenda Bell’s garden in Thomasville on June 12. Proceeds from the garden party benefitted the OMC Cancer Treatment Center, going to help those in need with the cost of medication or transportation to treatments.

“It was a celebration of summer sunshine and spring flowers,” said Robin Morgan, OMC Foundation Director. “All of those in attendance had a great time, enjoying time with friends and drawing inspiration from Brenda’s beautiful garden.”

The Garden Party included a luncheon, garden tours and door prizes.The one-acre garden location surrounds the rustic cedar-sided home of

Brenda Bell and her husband, Stan. The home is tucked in the pine woods adjacent to the Eleven Point Ranch. The Bells have lived in the home for the past 19 years and have spent that past 15 years as avid gardeners

For more information about the OMC Foundation, call 417-257-5700.

From left, Jennifer James, Florence James, Bettye Fowler and Miriam Ward enjoy the June 12 OMC Foundation Garden Tea Party.

65 enjoy OMC Foundation event

When the hospital payroll is multiplied to project its impact, OMC had a total economic benefit on the community of more than $95 million. The total for all Missouri hospitals was $12.9 billion.

For example, each hospital job results in a total of 2.13 jobs in the economy as a whole because hospital employees use their wages to purchase goods and services, which creates income and jobs for other businesses.

When the hospital payroll is multiplied to project its impact, OMC had a total economic benefit on the community of more than $95 million. The total for all Missouri hospitals was $12.9 billion.

Capital ProjectsIn order to keep up with changing technologies,

updates and growth, OMC is continually investing in projects and equipment. These investments benefit the community and often provide new jobs. For example, of the contractors hired to construct OMC’s new Emergency Department, 87 percent are directly from the West Plains community, lessening construction costs and increasing local job opportunities. In 2008, OMC had a total capital investment of $4.87 million, the multiplied effect of which was $11.2 million. The total impact of hospitals in Missouri was $3.3 billion.

Future CaregiversOMC and Missouri hospitals also recognize the

importance of supporting the caregivers of the future. Our compassionate, qualified staff is our biggest asset and we want to ensure that the community continues to have access to quality caregivers.

In 2008, Missouri hospitals invested $238 million in teaching opportunities, scholarships, tuit ion reimbursements and other training opportunities. OMC’s investment was more than $156,000.

In 2008 Ozarks Medical Center funded $35,000 cash in scholarships to Missouri State University-West Plains, including two $5,000 respiratory therapy scholarships and $25,000 in nursing scholarships. In 2008 OMC donated $1,000 to the Campus Opportunities Annual Campaign, which provides emergency support to students.

While OMC’s first responsibility is to the health of our patients, the investments the organization makes in achieving this goal make a great impact on the economic well being of the entire region. We are proud that during tough economic times we have provided high quality, compassionate care while continuing to bring economic stability to the community.

With your support, we will continue to invest in the community and work hard to bring the best health care possible to the people of the region.