Ozarks Healthcare Celebrates American Heart Month with Free Screenings and Educational Events

In recognition of American Heart Month, Ozarks Healthcare is offering a series of free educational events and heart health screenings throughout February to help raise awareness about heart disease and empower community members to take charge of their heart health.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and nearly half of U.S. adults have some form of cardiovascular disease, a statistic that highlights the importance of prevention and early action.

Ozarks Healthcare’s efforts also reflect findings from its Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), which identified heart care and related risk factors as a priority health need in the region due to local rates of high blood pressure, obesity, and limited access to specialty care.

Ozarks Healthcare will host Community Education Dinners featuring board-certified interventional cardiologists who will share valuable information on heart care and prevention. A free dinner will be provided at each event, and reservations are required.

The first event will be held February 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Willard Hunter Classroom, located at 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. in West Plains, and will feature Dr. Muhammad Khan. The second event will take place February 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Woods Riverbend Restaurant, 80 Main St. in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and will feature Dr. A.K. George. To reserve a spot for either event, call 417-257-6735.

Free Heart Risk Screenings at Ozarks Healthcare Primary Care Locations will be available February 16–20 by appointment. Screenings include a lipid panel, glucose test, A1C, and blood pressure check. Appointments may be scheduled at the following primary care clinics: Alton, Gainesville, Mountain Grove, Mountain View, Thayer, West Plains Family Medicine, Ozarks Healthcare Family Care, and Winona.

Additionally, free heart risk screenings will be offered at the Ozarks Healthcare Main Campus, located at 1100 Kentucky Avenue in West Plains, on February 18 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These screenings will include a lipid panel, glucose test, and A1C.

Ozarks Healthcare encourages community members to take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about heart disease prevention and prioritize their cardiovascular health.

In addition to community events and screenings, Ozarks Healthcare’s Heart and Lung Center provides comprehensive heart and vascular care, including advanced diagnostic testing such as echocardiograms, stress tests, and cardiac catheterization, as well as treatment and rehabilitation services for conditions ranging from coronary artery disease and arrhythmias to recovery support after a heart event. The health system’s team of cardiology specialists and state-of-the-art technology help ensure patients receive high-quality, personalized care close to home.

As part of its commitment to heart health, Ozarks Healthcare is proud to be recognized as a Primary Heart Attack Center, earning certification that reflects its ability to provide life-saving, timely, and evidence-based care for patients experiencing heart attacks. This designation ensures individuals in the region have access to advanced cardiac treatment close to home, when every second counts.

For more information or to schedule a free screening, visit www.ozarkshealthcare.com or contact your nearest Ozarks Healthcare location.

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.

Dr. A.K. George, Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center

Dr. Muhammad Khan, Ozarks Healthcare Heart and Lung Center