Ozarks Medical Center

The following statistics reflect calls made to OMC's COVID-19 Hotline October 26-November 1. Operators are available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To call the OMC COVID-19 Hotline, dial 417-505-7120.

As we enter a season recognized for gratitude, we are especially mindful this year of being thankful. Follow along with us this month for #ThirtyDaysofThanks as we recognize the healthcare heroes within our walls and those in our community who are generously showing their encouragement and support as we continue to move through this unprecedented time. Today, we’re showing special thanks to Erika Gehlken, BSN, RN, and her amazing vaccination skills! So far, she’s given over 800 flu shots to OMC coworkers and will reach over 1,200 once she’s finished. That’s a lot of shots! While most of us see Erika only for a moment, our appreciation for her goes above flu season and beyond. Because of Erika and all our #HiddenHeroes, we can keep serving our community safely. Thank you for your incredible work and patience, Erika!

"Compassionate God, please send peace to all those who worry over their health and that of their loved ones. Fill us with peace that banishes our fears and anxieties. Help us to rest in Your promises. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen." - Weekly prayer brought to you by the OMC Chaplains

Some of our OMC coworkers checking in to wish you a Happy Halloween! Please enjoy your treats safely, and remember to #MaskUpOzarks.

There’s still time to put together a creative plan for safely celebrating Halloween. Check out these ideas for inspiration!

The following statistics are current as of today's date. Please keep in mind these numbers take state and county reporting into account.

It’s a festive #FaceMaskFriday at OMC! Check out these friendly masked faces from our Internal Medicine Clinic, Respiratory Team, and Surgical Services!

A hero honoring heroes ... We received a special surprise when Mr. Gene Jamtgaard and his wife, Jan, stopped by to present OMC with a special plaque honoring healthcare workers and first responders. Mr. Jamtgaard is a veteran and skilled craftsman. He has made several plaques for those serving in healthcare, law enforcement, and fire and rescue. Thank you for your service and your beautiful craftsmanship, Mr. Jamtgaard! We are honored to receive such a thoughtful gift.

As seasons change, we want to remind our communities that the recommendations to lower the risks of contracting COVID-19 and flattening the curve remain. As Halloween and other holidays approach, it is important to remember guidelines recommended by national and local health authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "This is a marathon, not a sprint," Dr. William McGee, OMC Chief Medical Officer, said. "We have yet to see the finish line, and I hope the community has this mindset too. It is hard to not gather with family and friends during the holidays, but it is even harder to care for your loved ones when they have contracted the virus because of not adhering to the recommendations.

RoxAnn with OMC's Home Care Team is the sweetest (literally)! Check out how she's spreading some tasty joy in our community today.

All of our employees have always been healthcare heroes, but we are especially proud of their service and care now. Sue Hudson, RN, MSN, CNE, has worked in nursing for over 20 years. We recently visited with her about her about her experience as a nurse at OMC. I’m a nurse at OMC because it is important for me to give quality, compassionate nursing care to all I serve, Sue said. OMC allows me to serve my community, friends, and family in a special way. I am proud to be OMC! We’re proud of you, Sue. Thank you for serving your community through OMC!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time for us to be inspired to learn more about this topic and to celebrate people born with Down syndrome and the me...dical advancements that increasingly improve their quality of life. The Dennison family shared their own story with OMC of their precious daughter Margo and her diagnosis of Down syndrome. They hope their story can inspire others to a better understanding and support for children with Down syndrome. #DownSyndromAwarenessMonth #MoreAlikeThanDifferent

Happy Respiratory Care Week to our amazing Respiratory Care Team! Respiratory therapists (RTs) care for patients with breathing difficulties due to chronic conditions and other illnesses while providing the care we need to keep us breathing well so we can enjoy a great quality of life. We are thankful for the care our skilled and compassionate team provides, especially during a time when respiratory health is being heavily impacted. Please join us in thanking our RTs for their hard work and care!

Today's #TestimonialTuesday comes from an OMC Urgent Care patient. Thank you for sharing your experience with our compassionate care. For more information about our Urgent Care Clinic, call 417-257-5911 or visit here: https://www.ozarksmedicalcenter.com/Family/West-Plains.aspx.