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Phelps Health launches "understanding the Realities of Healthcare" online series. * Phelps Health * 21 hrs ago Phelps Health is launching a new community education series called "Understanding the Realities of Healthcare," a community conversation designed to bring clarity and transparency to the complex issues affecting healthcare today. Designed to be a conversation exploring the challenges Phelps County Focus face, the online series will explore the questions many people across its region are asking: Why is healthcare so expensive? Why do staffing shortages happen? Why does the system feel so complicated? "Over the past several months, I've had countless conversations with people who care deeply about Phelps Health and want to understand the pressures facing healthcare," said Jason Shenefield, president and CEO of Phelps Health. "These are fair questions, and they deserve fair answers. This series is our way to begin that conversation." Building Trust Through Transparency "Understanding the Realities of Healthcare" will take readers behind the scenes, offering straightforward explanations of the challenges hospitals and health systems face, including: * Recruiting and retaining physicians, nurses and clinical staff * The true cost of healthcare and how hospitals are funded * The impact of state and federal regulations * How Phelps Health is navigating these pressures while staying focused on its mission The series will include five installments, each addressing a key topic: 1. Understanding the Realities of Healthcare: Why Phelps County Focus is Starting This Conversation 2. Why Recruiting and Keeping Great Doctors and Nurses Is Harder Than It Looks 3. The True Cost of Healthcare: Where Every Dollar Goes 4. Rules, Red Tape, and Realities: The Regulatory Landscape of Modern Healthcare 5. Moving Forward Together: Its Vision for Phelps Health and Its Community How the Community Can Access the Series To make the content easy to find and follow, Phelps Health has created a dedicated landing page online where all articles and related resources will live. The first installment was released on Feb. 17 through the new Balance+ community e-newsletter, which links readers directly to the series page. Each article will also be accompanied by a short podcast episode. New installments will be published every other month throughout 2026, creating a steady rhythm of information and ongoing conversation with the community. Let's Start the Conversation "Healthcare is personal, emotional and often confusing," said Shenefield. "Our goal isn't to defend the system - it's to explain it. When people understand the 'why' behind what we do, it builds trust and opens the door to real solutions." Phelps Health invites community members to read, listen, ask questions and engage as the series unfolds. About Phelps Health Phelps Health serves over 200,000 residents in south-central Missouri. Phelps Health is county-owned, non-tax supported and overseen by a five-member elected board. Phelps Health employs around 2,000 people, including 100-plus providers. Phelps Health, which includes a hospital licensed for 240 patient beds, serves a six-county area, with its main campus and several clinics in Rolla, Missouri. Phelps Health also has clinics in Salem, St. James, Vienna and Waynesville. For more information, visit phelpshealth.org. 11 remaining of 12. Welcome! Phelps County Focus hope that you enjoy its free content.

Phelps Health director honored with national Respiratory Care award. * Phelps Health * 23 hrs ago Phelps Health is proud to announce that Cheryl Hoerr, director of Respiratory and Sleep Services, has received a Life Membership award from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). This national honor recognizes her many years of leadership, service and contributions to the field of respiratory care. Cheryl has been part of the Phelps Health team since 2009. She has spent more than 45 years advancing respiratory care through education, advocacy and mentoring others at both the state and national levels. "I'm here, on this stage, receiving this award, because I said 'yes,'" Cheryl said in her acceptance speech. "There are so many opportunities out there, and I encourage you to say 'yes.'" The AARC Life Membership award is given to people who show outstanding commitment to the profession and the association "Life Membership is not just about time in the profession; it's about leadership, service and making a real difference," said AARC President Dana Evans at the AARC International Congress held in December 2025. "Cheryl has held many leadership roles, including President of the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care and AARC Vice President of Internal Affairs. She has given more than 100 presentations across the U.S. and internationally, written multiple publications, and taken part in research. As a respiratory therapy manager and director, she has guided high-quality, patient-centered care and mentored future professionals. Cheryl's work is an inspiration to the field." Cheryl stays involved in both state and national organizations to keep up with changes in respiratory care and bring back knowledge and resources to support local respiratory therapists at Phelps Health. "Cheryl's Life Membership award from the AARC reflects her amazing commitment to respiratory care, education and leadership," said Shawn Hodges, executive director of ancillary services at Phelps Health. "Her work has influenced the profession far beyond our health system. She has guided practice standards, mentored countless professionals and served the field for decades. We are so proud to see her honored on a national level." Cheryl encourages others to take opportunities to get involved in their profession. "I've been working full-time in respiratory care for 45 years, and I've had so many chances because I said 'yes' whenever asked to help on a project, serve on a committee or develop a program," she said. "Saying 'yes' helps you grow in your career, stay connected to your profession and work with smart, dedicated people. You won't regret it." 11 remaining of 12. Welcome! Phelps County Focus hope that you enjoy its free content.