At the core of healthcare services in Ozark County is the Gainesville Medical Clinic. Managed and operated by Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, the clinic moved into a new 11,400 square-foot facility in July 1998. Dr. Edward Henegar is the clinic's medical director.

Located on Hwy. 160 west of Gainesville, the clinic continues a tradition of quality healthcare began by Dr. Henegar more than 20 years ago.

A native of Wynnewood, Okla., Dr. Henegar has led the way in providing rural healthcare for many years. "I've never had the desire to practice medicine in a large city. I always wanted to be able to know my patients by name and know their families. I enjoy practicing medicine on a more personal level," Dr. Henegar said.

In January 1999, Aaron Newton, MD, joined the clinic, specializing in family practice. He moved to Gainesville from Selma, Ala.  Like Dr. Henegar, Dr. Newton finds practicing in a rural setting appealing.

In addition to Doctors Henegar and Newton, Physician's Assistant Carol Macy, and Nurse Practitioner, Marti Kyle; a Pulmonologist, A.N. Reddy, MD, sees patients at the clinic on designated days.

The clinic offers lab procedures, X-rays, ultrasounds and stress tests, plus procedures for emergencies such as lacerations and cardiac problems. Clinic hours are seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information or an appointment, call 417/679-4613.

Ozarks Medical Center (OMC) also manages the Ozark County Ambulance Service and provides home care services in the county through Riverways Home Care of OMC, providing home healthcare, hospice and support services to patients in their own homes.

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Emergency Medical Services

When medical emergencies occur, Ozark County Ambulance offers advanced life support ambulance service within Ozark County. The ambulance service is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has one full-time ambulance and a second ambulance staffed during times of increased risk.

Ambulance services from adjoining counties participate in a mutual aid agreement to assist if additional ambulances are needed in emergency situations.

Air Evac Lifeteam is an air ambulance service based at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains. Founded by a group of private citizens in 1985, Air Evac now has 15 bases in seven states.

Studies have shown that people in rural areas have a much lower survival rate following serious accidents or medical emergencies, mainly because of the time it takes them to receive proper medical care. Air Evac helicopters can transport people to the hospital in less than half the time it would take to go by ground transportation. The helicopters carry highly trained medical crews and state-of-the-art medical equipment.

One of the most unique aspects of the company is its membership program. Air Evac was the first air ambulance service in the country that offers memberships for its service, much like rural fire departments. For a small annual fee, residents in any Air Evac service area can become members. The coordinates of the member's home are logged into a central computer system, which enables the helicopters to fly directly to the home, even at night. If a members needs the helicopter for a life- or limb-threatening emergency, he or she will have no out-of-pocket costs for the flight.

For more information on the Air Evac Lifeteam, call 417-256-0010.

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Hospitals

When hospitalization is required, Ozark County residents have the choice of two medical centers located within easy driving distance.

Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains is 40 miles east of Gainesville. Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Ark., is 30 miles south of Gainesville. Both offer specialist services in many different branches of healthcare, including state-of-the-art cancer treatment centers and cardiology services.

In the case of an illness or injury that is beyond the technology and expertise of these facilities, patients usually are transferred to one of the two highly acclaimed medical centers in Springfield, located some 80 miles from Gainesville. Some also go to Little Rock or St. Louis.

Long Term Care

Gainesville Health Care Center, a skilled nursing facility, has received the highest honors from the Division of Aging, the state agency that inspects nursing facilities in Missouri.

"Our staff works diligently to provide the highest standards of care for our residents," said Barbara Henegar, administrator of the 99-bed facility.

The facility opened in 1987. Its unique approach to healthcare includes an on-site child day care center. The facility was the first in the state to promote the intergenerational day care, known as Tender Care. Children age 2 through 10 may attend Tender Care, where they often are involved in activities with the residents of the nursing facility.

In addition to games, puzzles, coloring, etc., the interaction continues in a special park that has paved pathways where residents in wheelchairs may pass children on scooters.

Other services offered in the facility include in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation, such as physical, speech and occupational therapy. Recovery from a hospitalization also is possible, and the facility is certified by Medicare, as well as Medicaid.

This facility sits atop a hill overlooking Gainesville. It is beautifully decorated, including artwork and carpeting to give it a home-like atmosphere, and a family atmosphere is promoted by the staff. Beautiful oak fireplaces adorn the dayrooms where families often gather with their loved one. Probably the most utilized area is a room that houses a large aviary where residents enjoy watching finches and canaries raise their hatchlings.

Dr. Edward Henegar, a board certified gerontologist, is the medical director for the facility. Besides making monthly rounds, Dr. Henegar visits the acutely ill on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These extra visits often help prevent hospitalization of the elderly residents. Dr. Aaron Newton, a family practitioner, also has admission privileges at the facility. Physician Assistant Carol Macy completes the healthcare team.

"We are proud to offer this caliber of healthcare to our community and the surrounding areas, in addition to providing meaningful jobs for many of our citizens," Ms. Henegar said.

Other Medical Services

In addition, dentistry services are available in Gainesville. Dr. Chris Geroff and Dr. Norman Klayman provide general denistry services.

A broad range of specialized medical services also can be accessed in West Plains and Mountain Home, Ark., as well as in Springfield.

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