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CMH Foundation
CMH to host open house for new Hickory County Ambulance Station
Citizens Memorial Hospital and Ozarks Community Health Center will host an open house at the newly constructed CMH Hickory County Ambulance Station on Friday, Aug. 22, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., at 18572 1st St., in Hermitage.
The building, owned by OCHC but used to house ambulances owned and operated by CMH, went into service Jan. 15, 2025. CMH has provided ambulance services in Hickory County since 1986. The previous ambulance station was behind the OCHC Hermitage Medical Clinic. Relocating the station was the first step in expanding the OCHC Clinic.
“OCHC and CMH have always had a strong partnership, helping each other to provide the best health care services for everyone,” said Scott Crouch, OCHC chief executive officer. “Relocating the ambulance bay gives us space to expand the OCHC Hermitage Medical Center, add apartments for visiting clinical students and upgrade the ambulance station. Ultimately, it allows both OCHC and CMH to continue providing excellent service to the residents of Hickory County.”
The new station expands CMH ambulance capabilities in Hickory County. Its features include:
- Three dedicated garages, an increase of one from the previous station.
- Dedicated sleeping rooms for up to four staff.
- A larger kitchen and stock room.
- Easier access to U.S. 54.
- Dedicated and paved driveway.
- Space for further growth, as needed.
“The old station served us well for 25 years, but the new station has so many features that make it a more comfortable and useful space for our staff,” said Jordan Hembree, CMH director of pre-hospital services. “The three garages also allow us to add extra ambulance coverage from Memorial Day to Labor Day when we have an increase in service calls.”
The station also includes two student apartments for use during clinical rotations at the OCHC Hermitage clinics.
About Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH)
Citizens Memorial Hospital is a fully integrated rural health care system devoted to exceptional patient care provided by leading physicians and caring staff. Opened in 1982, CMH is located in Bolivar, Missouri, and serves eight counties in southwest Missouri, including Benton, Cedar, Dade, Dallas, Hickory, northern Greene, Polk and St. Clair counties. Learn more at citizensmemorial.com.
About Ozarks Community Health Center (OCHC)
Ozarks Community Health Center is a federally qualified health center serving Hickory, Dallas, Polk, Cedar and Dade counties. OCHC offers medical and behavioral health services in Hermitage and Urbana; dental clinics in Hermitage, Bolivar, Stockton and Greenfield; and serve multiple schools through school-based behavioral health services and the Miles for Smiles dental bus. Learn more at ozarkschc.com.
