Ozarks Healthcare Welcomes First Baby of 2025

Ozarks Healthcare is excited to announce the arrival of the first baby born at its Women’s Center in 2025.

Theodore B. Smith was born on January 3, 2025, at 3:23 a.m. to parents Matthew Smith and Katrina Long. He weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and measured 21.5 inches long. Theodore's birth has brought great joy to both his family and the staff at Ozarks Healthcare.

Dr. Tony Lam, who assisted in the delivery alongside the Women's Health team, expressed his excitement about the occasion, noting that each baby’s arrival is special and it is a privilege to help bring new life into the world.

To celebrate this special moment, Ozarks Healthcare’s Women’s Center presented Theodore and his family with a wagon filled with baby essentials, including blankets and other items to support the family as they begin their new journey.

The Women's Center team takes great pride in making each delivery memorable. Welcoming the first baby of the year is always a highlight, and the staff was thrilled to share this milestone with the Smith family.

Ozarks Healthcare extends warm congratulations to Matthew, Katrina, and baby Theodore, wishing them a healthy and happy 2025. For more information about Ozarks Healthcare Women’s Health services, please visit www.ozarkshealthcare.com.

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Theodore B. Smith was born at Ozarks Healthcare’s Women’s Center on Jan. 3, 2025, at 3:23 a.m. to parents Matthew Smith and Katrina Long. Dr. Tony Lam delivered Theodore and is pictured with the family.

Theodore B. Smith, Ozarks Healthcare’s first newborn of 2025