Building momentum for positive change
By Jay Eckersley
St. John's president and CEO

If you need medical care, you have a great partner in St. John's.
St. John's has been committed to serving the needs of the Ozarks since 1891 and now comprises St. John's hospitals, St. John's Clinic and St. John's Health Plans.

We focus on providing clinical excellence – the very best medical care. We also use a team approach, in which doctors, nurses, other caregivers, hospitals and health plans work together to improve medical outcomes.

Our health care providers meet the needs of a regional population of more than 1.2 million people throughout southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Through our health plans, our influence is geographically larger – reaching members in multiple states across the country.

There's a framework for quality in our organization – a structure and process we implement, moving forward to create change that improves care while increasing efficiencies. The renewal of our facilities is an example of reinventing health care in a way that is patient-centered and efficient.

St. John's many recognitions for quality care include St. John's Mercy Villa recently being named a quality partner by MissouriPRO. You can read about this important achievement on page 20.

In this issue, you'll also learn about a new procedure that provides relief from peripheral vascular disease, how to create an advance directive, curb carbohydrate cravings and choose a physician for your child.

On page 12, you'll read about St. John's Life Line air ambulance service, which celebrates 20 years of service to the Ozarks this summer. The men and women who have served on Life Line's crew over the years have cared for and transported more than 16,000 patients – an incredible figure.

Please enjoy this edition of St. John's Healthy People magazine, where we highlight some of the hallmarks of best care provided at St. John's and profile patients who have benefited.