• Hitting the Road

Media Advisory

For immediate release: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hitting the Road

 Caravan of Hope Making Five Local Stops Highlighting Suicide Prevention Awareness

What: 2025 Caravan of Hope

When: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Friday, September 12, 2025

Where: Five location stops:

• Joplin Greenhouse – 7:30 to 9:30 am
• Carl Junction High School – 10:30 to 11:30 am
• Webb City High School – Noon to 1:00 pm
• Missouri Southern State University (Billingsly Student Center) – 1:30 to 2:30 pm
• Freeman Hospital West lobby – 3:00 to 4:00 pm

Background:

Did you know that Missouri ranks 16th highest in suicide rates in the U.S.? Or there were nearly 50,000 suicide deaths nationwide in 2023, which translates to one death every 11 minutes?

These are just some of the reasons why Ozark Center Crisis Services is highlighting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September by going on the road with Caravan of Hope, a traveling event that will make five stops in the Joplin metro area this Friday.

During this unique discovery opportunity, community leaders will have the opportunity to speak to mental health professionals and learn about what they can do to help save a life. Connectedness and support, after all, are cornerstones of suicide prevention.

For more information, call 417-347-7721 or email DLFitzgerald@freemanhealth.com.

Remember, if you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm now, DIAL OR TEXT 988 for immediate help and support.

For more information, go to the Caravan Of Hope events page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CZnEU7Gd8/

Media: Interviews are available at three of the locations: Joplin Greenhouse, MSSU, and Freeman Hospital West. Please contact Kevin McClintock, Media Relations Coordinator, at 417.434.3458 if attending and let him know which specific stop you’ll be covering.

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.