Heart of a Community: The Story of Freeman Health System

Tragedy struck the family of Joplin, Missouri, businessman John W. Freeman in 1921 when his oldest son, Orley, became ill and died of typhoid fever. But from this tragedy came a remarkable story of hope and accomplishment when Freeman and his wife donated their family residence for a community hospital. This charitable action was the beginning of Freeman Health System, an independent healthcare leader in southwest Missouri’s four-state area. This deeply intimate documentary reveals the legacy of John Freeman through a rich collection of archival photos, news clippings, contemporary video and personal observations. The result is an inspiring portrait of a dynamic hospital and the special relationship it shares with its community.

Featured participants include:

• Leland Browne, Past Chairman, Freeman Health System Board
• Gary D. Duncan, President and CEO, Freeman Health System
• John Freeman, son of the late Orley Freeman
• Dr. Larry McIntire, Otolaryngologist and Freeman Health System Board Secretary
• David C. Humphreys, President and CEO, TAMKO Building Products Inc.
• Kelby Krabbenhoft, former President and CEO, Freeman Health System
• Dr. Dan Borello, Obstetrician and Gynecologist
• Dr. Rodney McFarland, Family Practice Physician and Freeman Health System Board Member
• Dr. Lance Beshore, Chairman, Freeman Health System Board
• Dr. Charlie Bentlage, General Surgeon and former Chief Medical Officer, Freeman Health System
• Cookie Estrada, CEO, Joplin Family Y
• Dan Stanley, Past Chairman, Freeman Foundation Board
• Dr. David Ball, Orthopedic Surgeon
• Dr. Ronald Browning, Family Practice Physician
• Dr. Robert Willcoxon, General Surgeon
• Dorothy Willcoxon, Freeman Health System and Freeman Foundation Board Member
• Vernon Lawson, Past Chairman, Freeman Foundation Board
• Gary and Donna Hall, Philanthropists
• Missouri Governor Matt Blunt
  

To learn more about Freeman Health System www.freemanhealth.com