There is also no doubt, however, that we live in a time with great promise for healthier tomorrows. As a society, we are closer than ever to understanding the underlying pathology and progression of some of the most destructive diseases known to mankind.

This past year alone, we have been blessed by tremendous medical breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer, heart and other deadly diseases. St. John’s continues to stay on the cutting edge, bringing these treatment modalities home, along with providing health care facilities that transform the way care is delivered.

Many factors impact the health of our community. We are not shying away from the difficult questions that push us as medical providers and community partners to find answers for those we serve.

We look toward 2004 as another year for innovation and health improvement. We are directly partnering with employers to allow us to understand and address their particular health care cost drivers while improving the quality of health care their employees receive.

We believe our answer comes from the ability to apply information from clinical screenings in a way that allows us to develop physician and nurse-driven solutions to improve employee health. A customized health report card is provided to employers quarterly.

We also continue the most comprehensive master sites and facilities plan St. John’s has ever undertaken to continue meeting the health care needs of Ozarks employers.

Joining community partners in a battle against obesity, child abuse and tobacco cessation and working to increase the numbers of women receiving appropriate prenatal care, St. John’s is an active participant in making a measurable impact on our local health issues. And we do so as a united effort with the region’s most preferred medical team of physicians, clinics, staff, hospitals and health plans.

You will continue to hear from us throughout 2004 as our Foundation for Community Health raises much-needed funds for both St. John’s and community endeavors. Our Medical Research Group conducts breakthrough clinical trials, while our health plans division makes great strides with area employers to improve quality while reducing the cost trend and as lives are touched and saved by the remarkable care of our physicians and staff.

We hope you enjoy this issue of St. John’s Healthy People magazine. In our eighth year of publishing, we offer you stories of hope and healing, with a desire to share our understanding of what is impacting health and well-being. Please let us know if there are issues you would like us to address in future publications.