Introducing Ken Joplin Drive

West Plains has a new road named after an illustrious citizen. Joining Porter Wagoner Blvd., Jan Howard Expressway, and Wendell Bailey Road, the stretch of roadway connecting the roundabout on Kentucky Ave. to Hwy. 63 in front of Ozarks Healthcare’s main entrance is now known as Ken Joplin Drive.

Ozarks Healthcare hosted a street dedication Thursday in Joplin’s honor, long-time board member and advocate for the health system. 

Joplin has given 39 years of continuous service to Ozarks Healthcare and the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation. He served on Ozarks Healthcare’s Board of Directors for 30 years before retiring in April of 2014, 12 of which he spent as Board Chairman. He has also served on the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation Board as Board Chairman over the past few years.  

Joplin has been heavily involved in several fundraising campaigns through the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation, most recently that of purchasing a mobile mammography unit for the health system. 

“The support, advice, and guidance Ken has generously given to Ozarks Healthcare over the course of his life are treasured greatly,” Josh Reeves, Vice President of Development and Advocacy at Ozarks Healthcare, said. “Because of him and his family’s scope of care, we have been able to grow our services across our community.” 

State Senator Karla Eslinger was the keynote speaker at the dedication ceremony Thursday. She credited Joplin as one of the key community leaders who encouraged her to run for her seat.

“Kenny thinks globally and acts locally…the measure of a life is the effect you can have on others. When you devote yourself to loving others, that’s the way you give meaning to your life,” Eslinger said.

Joplin himself addressed a crowd of nearly 50 state-level and local dignitaries, family members, and representatives of Ozarks Healthcare to humbly acknowledge the honor paid to him that afternoon. He thanked the current hospital board and all the healthcare workers saying, “It has been a privilege to be associated with you all.”

“I’m the happiest guy in the whole world…I never would have expected this. Are you kidding me?” Joplin quipped.