Officials with the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) recently gave special recognition to members of Ozark Center Crisis Intervention Team by ranking them as
the No. 2 mobile crisis response team in Missouri.
In 2026, Ozark Center provided 1,479 Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) face-to-face interventions or telephone evaluations to individuals experiencing an acute psychiatric or behavioral health
emergency within its four-county service area, consisting of Jasper, Newton, McDonald and Barton counties. Numbers were tallied between July 2025 and July 2026.
“This recognition motivates us to continue growing, improving and strengthening access to crisis services for those who need us most,” said Debbie Fitzgerald, director of Crisis Services. Only the Poplar Bluff-based Family Counseling Center provided more MCRs—1,529—during that 12-month period, according to DMH stats. The FCC covers seven counties in southeast Missouri.
Ozark Center, an entity of Freeman Health System, was also recognized for ranking fourth in the state for receiving and answering 10,453 Access Crisis Intervention (ACI) calls. These are urgent
mental health, substance use and suicide crises calls, serving as the local infrastructure alongside the national 988 lifeline. Ozark Center achieved a perfect 100 percent call rate, something none of the other three agencies ranked above Ozark Center, who received much higher volumes of calls, was able to achieve.
“Being ranked second in the state for Mobile Crisis Response and fourth in the state for Access Crisis Intervention is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication, compassion and commitment of our crisis services team,” said Brandy Mann, Crisis Services Supervisor. “These rankings represent more than numbers—they reflect the lives we touch, the individuals and families we support during their most difficult moments and our commitment to ensuring people receive timely, compassionate and effective mental health crisis care.”
Ozark Center Crisis Intervention Services offers 24/7 support to people of all ages and backgrounds who are experiencing a personal, emotional or mental health crisis, serving as the first line of care when it’s needed the most.
“We are incredibly proud of our team for the work they do every day to meet people where they are,” Mann continued. “We provide hope in moments of uncertainty and make a meaningful difference in our community.”
Reference:
Kevin McClintock
Media Relations Coordinator
Freeman Health System
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