OCH News
OCH Celebrates 25 Years
Celebrating 25 Years of Compassionate Care This year marks a significant milestone for Ozarks Community Hospital (OCH), as we proudly celebrate 25 years of serving the Ozark regions in both Arkansas and Missouri. Headquartered in Gravette, Arkansas, OCH is a bi-state...
Media Inquiries
All media inquiries should be directed to:
Alexandra O’Dell
Media Relations Manager
E-mail: [email protected]
Natalie Taylor-Moore
Director of Business Development
E-mail: [email protected]
Scott Taylor
Hospital Administrator
E-mail: [email protected]
Please review the Media Policies for Ozarks Community Hospital. Take a look at our OCH Media Kit, and be sure to check out our Facebook page, or read our latest blog entry. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
The Importance of Preventative Care
New Year, New Focus on Your Health As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to commit to preventative care as part of your resolutions for a healthier life. Preventative care encompasses regular check-ups, screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle adjustments that...
Prioritizing Parental Mental Health: An Important Reminder this Holiday Season
Prioritizing Parental Mental Health The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently issued an urgent advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents, emphasizing the need for greater support for caregivers and families. This call to action recognizes the...
Respiratory Illness: A Constant Concern
Rising Respiratory Illness Cases In recent years, respiratory illnesses have been on the rise, capturing nationwide attention as both familiar and new viruses circulate. While COVID-19 remains a key public health challenge, other respiratory viruses like influenza,...
OCH Provider Spotlight: K. Jake Sample, MD
OCH Welcomes Dr. K. Jake SampleOzarks Community Hospital (OCH) is proud to introduce Dr. K. Jake Sample, a passionate Internal Medicine physician who brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and heart to the communities of Gravette and Decatur, Arkansas. Dr. Sample...
National Rural Health Day – The OCH Story
National Rural Health Day - The OCH Story Today is National Rural Health Day – a day to celebrate the #PowerofRural and the privilege that healthcare providers have in treating the near 61 million people who call a rural community their home. Rural healthcare...
Suicide Prevention Week: Warning Signs and Vulnerable Populations
Suicide Prevention Week: Warning Signs and Vulnerable Populations Each year, during the second week of September, individuals across the nation come together to recognize Suicide Prevention Week. Suicide is a complex issue, but it’s important to know that it is...
Media Policies
As a healthcare organization, it is our first priority to protect our patient’s health, legal rights and welfare. Our hospital cannot release any patient information to the media unless the patient has consented. We require all patients to sign a consent form before being interviewed or photographed by the news media or an in-house video/photographer. To request an interview, please contact Natalie Taylor-Moore, Director of Business Development.
Media Guidelines
On-duty reporters/photographers are not permitted in Ozarks Community Hospital without the permission of our Communications Department. Upon entering, media representatives must immediately report to Admissions or Administration and ask for Samantha Bower, Communications & Content Specialist. Reporters and photographers are expected to wear proper identification including an “OCH Media Badge” while at Ozarks Community Hospital. Reporters and photographers who are not accompanied by a member of the OCH Communications Department will be immediately escorted from the building.
Videotaping and interviewing without the department’s involvement is only permitted off the hospital campus (outside the hospital buildings and beyond hospital property from the street). Reporters and photographers will be asked to leave the premises if found to be interfering with patients and hospital business.
News vehicles may not park in fire lanes or block hospital driveways.
Patient Condition
Under HIPAA law, the OCH Communications Department may only release a one-word patient condition without signed consent (granted the reporter/photographer already has the patient’s first and last name and the patient’s family has consented). Below are the hospital conditions as listed by HIPAA:
Undetermined – Patient awaiting physician and/or assessment.
Good – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
Satisfactory – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
Serious – Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
Critical – Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.
Additional Restrictions
The law prohibits the Communications Department from releasing any information regarding patients listed as “protective status.” In addition, information will not be provided in instances where the safety and security of a patient and/or hospital staff may be jeopardized.
No information relating to psychiatric conditions, substances abuse or sensitive circumstances will be released.
Ozarks Community Hospital may provide identifying information in relation to a deceased patient after next-of-kin has been notified, unless the patient previously opted out of this release.