Carroll County Memorial Hospital

04/07/2026

We are happy to support the Hale Fire Protection District in their efforts to help keep their community safe in the case of a medical emergency.

🏥💙 Why Our Hospital Gives Back 💙🏥

As a nonprofit community hospital, we are proud to support the health and well-being of our community — not only through the care we provide, but also through donations and sponsorships.

Part of maintaining our nonprofit status means we are required to give back by investing in programs, services, and organizations that benefit the broader community. These contributions can support anything from local health initiatives and youth programs to wellness education and social services.

This requirement isn't just a rule — it's a reflection of our mission. We believe in building a healthier community, and these donations help us do just that.

When we give, we’re not just meeting an obligation — we’re fulfilling a promise to serve and uplift the people who rely on us every day.

Community Partnership in Action

The Hale Fire Protection District would like to extend a sincere thank you to Carroll County Memorial Hospital for their generous donation of $850 toward the purchase of CPR training dummies and AED training devices.

Partnerships like this truly mean the world to a small, rural fire department like ours. This investment directly supports our mission by helping ensure our firefighters stay trained, prepared, and ready to serve our district at the highest level.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand this impact even further. In the near future, I, Chief Wilson, will be a certified CPR instructor. This will allow us to bring free hands-only CPR training to our community, as well as offer group classes through the AHA Heartsaver and BLS programs. Our goal is simple—equip more people with the skills to save lives when it matters most.

We are incredibly grateful to Carroll County Memorial Hospital for standing beside us in strengthening the safety of our community.

As always—the job’s never done.

Note: Chief Wilson was unable to attend the photo due to being on a medical call.

Pictured Left to Right Scott Thoreson, CCMH CEO Assistant Chief Randy Coopman HFPD and Ricky Shatto Board President HFPD

04/07/2026

🌅 Early mornings just got easier!

Need to see a provider before heading to work? Jefferson Medical Group now offers early appointments at 7:20 a.m. and 7:40 a.m.—so you can take care of your health without missing your day.

👩‍⚕️ Now seeing patients:
• Dr. Rick Smith
• Heidi Leimkuehler FNP-C

📍 Conveniently located in Carrollton
📞 Call 660-542-1695 to schedule your appointment today!

04/06/2026

Making Appointments for Kids? Here’s What to Know.

When a patient is under 18, Missouri law requires proper consent so we can safely provide care. To help appointments go smoothly, we’ve put together this quick FAQ for parents, guardians, and caregivers.

✅ Knowing who can consent
✅ Bringing the right documents
✅ Avoiding delays at check-in

Please review before your child’s next visit — and call us if you’re unsure. We’re happy to help.

04/02/2026

CCMH Announces Next Chief Executive Officer

Carroll County Memorial Hospital Board of Directors is excited to announce Blake Riley has accepted the position as CCMH’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 22, 2026.

“The Board is very excited that Mr. Riley has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer at Carroll County Memorial Hospital,” said Tom Burkhart, CCMH Board of Directors president. “We believe his values align deeply with CCMH’s mission and vision. We are extremely confident his leadership and proven commitment will strengthen the care we provide to our neighbors, families and friends.”

“It is with great privilege and enthusiasm for me to announce that Blake Riley, Chief Operations Officer was selected to become our next Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of Scott Thoreson, CEO in June of this year,” said Michael Schubach, CCMH Chief Human Resources Officer. “This decision reflects the Board’s tremendous confidence in Blake’s leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to our hospital’s mission, vision, and values.”

“The most successful organizations have succession plans in place, and that is no different here at CCMH,” said Scott Thoreson, CCMH Chief Executive Officer. “Mission, vision and values are the ‘heartbeat’ of an organization, and it takes time to develop these foundational elements as well as ‘live’ them through our employees every day. Blake grew up in this area and has committed his life to benefiting all aspects of the community. He is a school board member, a coach for several different youth teams, is actively involved in his church, and those are just a few of the roles he has taken to benefit the community. I don't know if Blake was ever a boy scout, but he definitely adheres to their principles including being trustworthy, loyal, friendly and courteous. Blake has an excellent business mind and having a pharmacy background gives him the expanded knowledge to relate clinically to our patients.”

Over the past three years, Riley has served the hospital as the Chief Operating Officer. Riley joined the hospital as a Clinical Pharmacist and 340B Coordinator in 2017 after nine years owning and operating an independent community pharmacy. Blake accepted the role of Director of Pharmacy Services in November 2020. Prior to this, Riley served on the hospital Board.

“Blake’s history as a business owner and past CCMH hospital board member gave him a tremendous advantage as it relates to being able to become a hospital CEO,” Thoreson said. “He has attained his Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Mizzou and his next achievement will be to become board certified in healthcare leadership as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. It has been beneficial for Blake, and me, to be able to regularly converse on all sorts of issues and topics and address the best path forward for CCMH along with our executive team, board and medical staff.”

“I have had the privilege of serving our communities since 2008 as an independent pharmacist and CCMH Board Member,” Riley said. “Then, as a Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy Director, COO, and now CEO. Through those roles, I’ve had the opportunity to provide care directly to patients, as well as work and lead across every level of CCMH. Throughout, I’ve also been able to volunteer in a number of community organizations. My previous experiences have taught me to care for people on a connected, individual level, as well as understand how CCMH can partner with and serve the people in our community.”

In his new role, Riley will be responsible for guiding the overall direction of CCMH, fostering innovation and ensuring sustainable growth. He will report directly to the Board of Directors and work closely with the executive leadership team to achieve our strategic goals.

“CCMH is in a great place,” Riley said. “We are strongly supported by and engaged with the communities we serve. Because of that, CCMH has been a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital two of the previous three years, putting us in the top 1.5 percent in the nation. That designation signifies that we provide high quality care; patient satisfaction is high, and we are financially sound. We intend to continue to provide advanced medical care, with a small town feel for many years to come.”

CCMH is still an independent rural hospital and healthcare provider. According to Riley, independence is rare in the United States healthcare system.

“Being independent allows us the freedom to be what our community needs us to be, without the worry of a system dictating to us,” Riley said. “Independence allows us to be uniquely suited to serve the needs of our communities and choose partners that support us in that. I see that continuing, as it’s beneficial to our patients, CCMH, and fits nicely with the national changes happening in rural healthcare.”

“We are confident Mr. Riley’s skills and knowledge of healthcare, coupled with his longstanding commitment to CCMH and the communities we serve, will lead us to an exciting new chapter of success,” Burkhart said. “Mr. Riley’s strong leadership will help ensure the CCMH family has the tools and support needed for on-going patient-centered care.”

Riley received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2008 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and his Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) in 2023 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Amanda, and three children. They currently reside in Bogard, Missouri.

“I want to thank Blake personally for graciously accepting the CEO position at CCMH,” Burkhart said. “I know how important of a decision this was for him and his family, and I am honored that he will be leading our organization. It has been clear that his values align strongly with the mission and vision of the hospital. I look forward to working with him in this most important endeavor.”

“CCMH is important to me because it’s vital to the success of the community, and I am deeply committed to that community,” Riley said. “CCMH delivers essential healthcare and wellness services, is one of Carroll County’s largest employers, and strongly supports civic organizations. Our communities have shown tremendous support for us, and I am committed to ensuring that mutual support continues and grows.”

“It’s an honor and a great responsibility,” Riley said. “The CCMH staff and this community have supported me for a lifetime, and I’m very thankful and committed to doing the same for them. It’s my hope to continue to find and meet needs in our community and help ensure CCMH is thriving for future generations.”

03/27/2026

CCMH Outpatient Rehabilitation Receives 2025 Press Ganey Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award

Carroll County Memorial Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services department has been named a 2025 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award winner by Press Ganey, the global leaders in healthcare experience solutions and services. This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in Outpatient Rehabilitation patient experience.

As a winner of the Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award®, CCMH is in the top 5 percent of healthcare providers in delivering patient experience in the last year.

“This award is a tremendous accomplishment in that it requires an area to obtain patient survey results that are in the 95th percentile or higher, measured quarterly, for one continuous year,” said Scott Thoreson, CCMH CEO. “Our Rehabilitation Services department is routinely sought out by patients who might pass by one or two other hospitals to seek their rehabilitation care – Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (ST) – from our talented staff.”

The entire team at CCMH Rehabilitation strives daily to provide the best possible care to patients through collaboration, continued learning, compassion, encouragement, dedication, and hard work. They have high expectations for themselves and for each other.

“We approach each patient with a positive outlook, giving them all available tools and resources to meet their goals,” said Mady Grider, CCMH Director of Rehabilitation Services. “Each of us comes to work with the same professional and caring approach each day, doing whatever we can to help our patients succeed. Being recognized with an award such as this helps us to be assured that the vision of excellence that we hold in our hearts is also what our patients are perceiving when they come to therapy. Really for us, there is no greater compliment than hearing that the patients think we are doing well at the job we love to do.”

Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

“Carroll County Memorial Hospital is showing what it truly means to deliver compassionate, person-centered care,” said Patrick T. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Press Ganey. “Their deep commitment to both patients and caregivers is creating a culture where empathy drives action—and where people feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s a privilege to stand beside them on this journey.”

“Our Rehabilitation Services department has a long history of being progressive and staying in touch with the latest research to ensure that our patients are getting the most current and relevant care possible,” Thoreson said. “We are a host site for students who are training to become PTs, OTs or Speech Therapists and this role helps us as clinical instructors are required to stay on top of the latest developments and we also learn from the students.”

“When I came to work at CCMH Rehab in 2004, the staff was eight people,” Grider said. “Over the next 20 years, we have grown to now be 21 staff members strong altogether. With nearly a threefold increase in staff, we have also outgrown our treatment space and have been trying to stake our claim on any unoccupied space we can. The hospital is currently working on a Master Sites Facility Plan, which is going to include some additional treatment space for us, which we are very excited for!”

Even though the department has grown substantially over the past two years, there are still several employees that have 15-20 plus years of service at CCMH.

“Our space may be a little small at the moment, but it’s the people who make the difference,” Grider said. “It is an honor and a privilege to work with this truly outstanding Rehab team, and we are also deeply thankful that CCMH is so supportive in providing a great environment for us to work in.”

A portion of the department’s growth has been organic with increased demand driven by the number of aging Baby Boomers, combined with the fact that life expectancy has risen over the years. Also, people are more informed about their own health and wellness with the invention of the internet. Subsequently, this causes more patients to request therapy services to treat a multitude of problems that once were just accepted as something you just have to put up with as a reward for living longer.

“We have the most fun-loving Rehabilitation Services staff that you will ever meet,” Thoreson said. “They genuinely enjoy each other’s company, and their diverse niches allow them to consult with one another as it relates to techniques such as dry needling to balance therapy to urinary incontinence interventions to address a wide variety of patient issues and conditions.”

Before the advancement of technology in the medical field, doctors wouldn’t entertain the idea of joint replacements once a person reached a certain age. Now, surgeries are being done into the age of 80s and even above. People are also finding out that there are other options beyond wearing incontinence pads with pelvic floor therapy.

In the younger population, there has been a shift toward injury prevention by screening for muscle imbalances or weakness, which could lead to problems. With the increase in managed Medicare plans and insurance dictating that people leave the hospital earlier, Rehabilitation Services are seeing patients who are sicker or weaker than ever before, and they need more time in rehab to regain their prior level of functional independence. These are just some of the reasons that the demand for rehabilitation professionals is predicted to continue to grow in the future.

“I believe that what makes CCMH Rehab special is the individualized and compassionate care provided to each patient, with one-on-one attention given for the entire treatment session,” Grider said. “One can rest assured that the therapist is going to do everything she or he can to help the patient and will collaborate with the rest of the team as needed. So really when you have one of us, you have us all.”

03/27/2026

To learn more about our Specialty Clinic Providers, visit http://ow.ly/T2rs50xKPzo.

For more information about our Outpatient Specialty Clinic or to schedule an appointment, call 660-329-6079.

*Clinic schedule is subject to change.*

03/25/2026

CCMH Honors American Heart Month with WomenHeart Donation

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It is also the most treatable. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, Carroll County Memorial Hospital acknowledged Heart Health Awareness by encouraging employee involvement and raising funds for WomenHeart, a national coalition for women with heart disease.

For the month of February, the hospital displayed red décor including red dresses outside of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department in honor of the Go Red for Women theme associated with American Heart Month. Also available were informational handouts for patients, visitors and staff to take and share.

Employees sported red attire for National GO RED Day on February 6, and held three more dress down days throughout the month for the cause for monetary donations. These efforts raised $428 for WomenHeart.

“One in three women die from cardiovascular disease,” said Melissa Cochran, CCMH Director of Cardiopulmonary and Rehab Services. “According to the American Heart Association’s 2026 report, this makes it the leading killer of women in the United States. Heart disease kills one woman approximately every 80 seconds, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined, and yet only 56 percent of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat. This number has increased from 44 percent two years ago. Even though this number has increased, there is still a great need for further education and research.”

President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first American Heart Month proclamation in 1964 and since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared February American Heart Month. In its 60th year of recognition, the importance of heart disease awareness and the fact that, in most cases, it is preventable and still very prominent to this day.

“Heart disease is preventable when people adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, treating high blood pressure, getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week and getting regular checkups,” Cochran said.

Eating right and reducing stress are other important ways to keep your heart healthy. CCMH addressed this by offering a heart healthy breakfast, lunch and supper dining option for staff.

“On Thursday, February 26, a special lunch was prepared to promote Heart Health Month,” said Kristy Heussner, CCMH Registered Dietician. “This menu was chosen with heart health as the goal. The meal included lemon baked salmon, riced cauliflower, steamed broccoli, fresh fruit, whole wheat roll and angel food cake with berry sauce for dessert.”

HEARTY was the theme behind the meal. H: Halt the salt! Did you know that we cook our vegetables with no salt? E: Excellent lean protein. Fish is a great source of lean protein and is a source of monounsaturated (good) fats. A: Add fiber – whole grains and beans. R: Rich in veggies and fruit. Choosing vegetables and fruit helps make your meal heart healthy. T: Think about fat. Choose healthy fat like grilled fish to keep your meals heart healthy. Aim for two servings of fish a week. Y: Yes – say yes to planning. Plan out your meals to ensure your heart has what it needs to be its best.

“Also on Thursday, February 26, a special supper was prepared of Thai turkey lettuce wraps, seared vegetables, fresh fruit and chia seed pudding for dessert,” Heussner said.

Staff were able to partake in a Heart Healthy Breakfast involving a Greek yogurt bar with fresh fruit and additional toppings. They were also offered several free heart healthy snacks throughout the month, including dark chocolate, craisin and almond trail mix, garlic hummus with pita chips and Tzatziki dip with cucumber slices.

“One person dies every 34 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease. That’s about 2,510 United States deaths each day,” Cochran said.

CCMH offers a 36-session, 3-month Cardiac Rehabilitation program – a supervised exercise program to help people recover from heart attacks, heart surgery, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) stenting and angioplasty.

“Roughly, each year 805,000 Americans have a heart attack,” Cochran said. “Twenty-four percent will have a second and potentially fatal one. There is hope. Cardiac Rehab decreases the risk of a future cardiac event.”

Some health benefits of Cardiac Rehab are:
• Reduction of all-cause mortality of 15 percent at 1-year follow-up, and of 45 percent at a 15-year follow-up.
• Roughly 30 percent lower CVD mortality.
• Improved adherence with preventive medication.
• Increased exercise performance.
• Improved health factors, such as lipids and blood pressure.
• Enhanced ability to perform daily activities.
• Improved psychosocial symptoms and health-related quality of life.

As CCMH’s mission states, “CCMH is dedicated to the health and well-being of all we serve.”

“You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease,” Cochran said. “Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk: watch your weight; quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke; Control your cholesterol and blood pressure; If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation; and get active and eat healthy.”

CUTLINES:
Photo 1: Carroll County Memorial Hospital staff participated in supporting American Heart Month by Going Red for Women on Friday, February 6, 2026. From left, Kelsey Martin, Staci Wood, Kendall Carpenter, Ashley Pittman, Brittany Higgins, Samantha Freels, Kristina Kemble and Joyce Casner.
Photo 2: Carroll County Memorial Hospital staff participated in supporting heart health by wearing red during American Heart Month. From left, Brittany Hays, Shelby Franklin, Sandy DeWitt, Cynthia Selle, Megan Crawford, Carla Standley, Kristi VanDeventer, Paige Thomas and Kim Hilbrenner.

03/23/2026

⭐👨‍⚕️ Meet-the-Provider Monday: Marc Morgan, FNP-C 👨‍⚕️⭐

With 34 years in healthcare—including the past 12 years as a nurse practitioner—Marc Morgan brings experience, grit, and heart to every patient he serves.

Marc began his nursing career in 1992 and, after more than two decades at the bedside, decided he could do even more for his patients. So, he went back to school while working full-time—graduating with a 4.0 GPA. His drive to keep learning reflects the same determination he brings to patient care today.

His clinical interests include infectious disease, where he enjoys digging deep to understand the “why” behind an illness and targeting treatment with precision. From managing complex hepatitis cases to navigating insurance hurdles, Marc is committed to making sure patients get the care they need.

His care philosophy? A holistic approach. Marc believes many patients need more than just a prescription—they need support, education, encouragement, and sometimes even a little spiritual strength. He understands that managing chronic disease can feel overwhelming, and he works to meet patients where they are, helping them build confidence in their health journey.

What inspires him most is seeing patients take control of their health and refuse to let a diagnosis define them. That fighting spirit motivates him to keep pushing for the best outcomes possible.

Outside of work, you’ll likely find him gardening (it’s practically a full-time job 🌱), tending chickens, playing guitar 🎸, or nurturing an impressive collection of plants under grow lights—many originally brought from Florida.

Now accepting appointments. Call Jefferson Medical Group at 660-542-1695 to schedule your visit.

03/18/2026

Being alone does not always mean feeling lonely, and feeling lonely can happen even when surrounded by others.

Loneliness is about feeling disconnected or misunderstood, not simply about physical isolation. Over time, it can affect mood, motivation, and overall health.

Group support and shared experiences can help older adults feel connected, understood, and less alone.

Carroll County Memorial Hospital's Senior Life Solutions program provides support for older adults facing depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. If someone you know is struggling, reaching out can make a difference.

📞 Call 660-329-6088 or visit carrollcountyhospital.org to learn more.