Western Missouri Medical Center earns five American Heart Association awards for high-quality heart and stroke care. Warrensburg, MO - Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) has earned five American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines(R) achievement awards recognizing its commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for patients experiencing heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. The American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines(R) program recognizes hospitals that consistently follow the latest research-based treatment guidelines to improve patient outcomes, reduce complications and support recovery. WMMC received the following American Heart Association recognitions: * Get With The Guidelines(R) Rural Stroke Gold * Get With The Guidelines(R) Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Gold * Get With The Guidelines(R) Stroke Silver Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll * Get With The Guidelines(R) Rural Heart Failure Silver * Get With The Guidelines(R) Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Center - Silver Plus * Get With The Guidelines(R) Commitment to Quality Award One of the five recognitions WMMC received was the prestigious Get With The Guidelines(R) Commitment to Quality Award, which recognizes hospitals that achieve silver or higher award-level recognition in at least three or more Get With The Guidelines(R) program modules. This distinction reflects sustained excellence in delivering evidence-based cardiovascular care across multiple areas of treatment. Only 222 hospitals nationwide met the criteria for this recognition, placing WMMC among an elite group of healthcare organizations recognized by the American Heart Association for their dedication to evidence-based care, continuous improvement and better patient outcomes. "These awards reflect the dedication, expertise and teamwork of our physicians, nurses, clinical teams and support staff who work together every day to provide exceptional care for our patients," said Darinda J. Dick, MSN, RN, FACHE, President and CEO of Western Missouri Medical Center. "When a patient experiences a heart attack, stroke or heart failure, timely and evidence-based treatment can make a significant difference. These recognitions demonstrate our team's commitment to providing care that follows nationally recognized best practices." The Get With The Guidelines(R) programs help healthcare organizations align patient care with the latest scientific evidence and nationally recognized clinical guidelines. Hospitals participating in these programs track performance, implement proven treatment protocols and continually work to improve outcomes for patients. "I personally value award and certification programs because they challenge us to continually enhance our performance, pursue excellence and ultimately improve the care we provide to our patients," Dick said. "These recognitions are a testament to the outstanding work happening across WMMC and the commitment our teams have to the communities we serve." Western Missouri Medical Center remains committed to providing exceptional cardiovascular care close to home and ensuring patients throughout west-central Missouri have access to high-quality healthcare backed by proven best practices. About Western Missouri Medical Center Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully accredited, county-owned healthcare system based in Warrensburg, Missouri, proudly serving Johnson County and surrounding communities. As an independent, not-for-profit medical center, WMMC is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care. WMMC provides a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency and time-critical care, obstetrics, surgical services, primary and specialty care, rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging. With a strong focus on patient experience, clinical excellence, and community health, WMMC continues to invest in advanced technology, dedicated providers, and innovative services to meet the evolving needs of the region. Learn more at wmmc.com and follow Western Missouri Medical Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

WMMC announces Karen Caldwell as Chief Nursing Officer. Warrensburg, MO - Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Karen Caldwell, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, to Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), effective Aug. 2, 2026. Caldwell has been a dedicated member of the WMMC team for more than 30 years and brings extensive clinical experience, leadership expertise, and a deep commitment to providing exceptional care for patients, families, and caregivers. Throughout her career at WMMC, Caldwell has served in a variety of roles, including Med/Surg nurse, Patient Care Supervisor, Acute Care Service Line Director, and Assistant Chief Nursing Officer. Her experience and dedication to nursing have played an important role in supporting WMMC's mission and advancing the quality of care provided to the communities Western Missouri Medical Center serve. As Chief Nursing Officer, Caldwell will provide executive leadership for nursing services and clinical teams across WMMC. She will continue building on her commitment to nursing excellence, caregiver support, and high-quality patient care. Caldwell's leadership has contributed to several key achievements at WMMC, including the organization's Level II Primary Stroke Center and Level III Trauma and STEMI designations through the State of Missouri, as well as The Joint Commission certifications for Total Hip, Total Knee, and Total Shoulder replacement. "Karen has been a vital part of WMMC for more than 30 years. Her knowledge, experience, and steady leadership have been instrumental in strengthening the care we provide and helping our organization grow," said Darinda Dick, President and CEO of WMMC. "She is a trusted leader whom so many across WMMC depend on, and I am confident she will continue making a meaningful impact as our Chief Nursing Officer." WMMC congratulates Karen Caldwell on this well-deserved promotion and looks forward to her continued leadership in supporting caregivers and advancing exceptional patient care throughout the organization. About Western Missouri Medical Center Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully accredited, county-owned healthcare system based in Warrensburg, Missouri, proudly serving Johnson County and surrounding communities. As an independent, not-for-profit medical center, WMMC is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care. WMMC provides a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency and time-critical care, obstetrics, surgical services, primary and specialty care, rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging. With a strong focus on patient experience, clinical excellence, and community health, WMMC continues to invest in advanced technology, dedicated providers, and innovative services to meet the evolving needs of the region. Learn more at wmmc.com and follow Western Missouri Medical Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.