With a number of progressive hospitals in Columbia and Jefferson City, mid-Missouri residents have access to a level of quality health care typically found only in much larger population centers.

Although the University of Missouri may drive the bulk of the economy, the importance of a thriving health care industry in Columbia cannot be overlooked. Home to some of the finest health care facilities in the state, Columbia is known for having the second highest doctor-patient ratio in the nation. Of all working persons in Columbia, one in five works in a health related occupation.

Columbia's health care community regularly captures the national media spotlight. In 1996, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine ranked Columbia the fourth "Healthiest Place to Live" out of ten metro areas across the nation based on the local health care industry and outdoor recreation opportunities. Kiplinger's also named Columbia "Tops for Health Care" in their June 1998 issue.

Eight major health care centers serve Columbia and mid-Missouri including: Boone Hospital Center. Serving central Missouri since 1921, Boone Hospital Center excels in the areas of cardiology, neurology, oncology, obstetrics and surgery. The 344 bed hospital employs 1,400 staff members and has 350 physicians on the medical staff. Boone Hospital Center is a member of the BJC Health System, a private, not-for-profit health care system headquartered in St. Louis.

Columbia Regional Hospital is a 265 bed, full-service acute care hospital employing 710 staff members. The hospital features an obstetrics unit, a skilled nursing facility, a rehabilitation unit and an inpatient senior mental health treatment program. Areas of excellence include orthopedics, oncology, neurology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, outpatient surgery and sports medicine. Columbia Regional Hospital is a member of the University of Missouri Health Sciences Center.

Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center offers short-term intensive psychiatric treatment for adults and children. The center has 69 beds and is actively engages in research and education.

Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital is an affiliated acute care teaching hospital providing a full continuum of health care services for eligible veterans. The hospital serves as a VA regional referral center for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Truman Memorial VA is a part of the VA Heartland Network.

The University of Missouri Health Sciences Center employs more than 4,600 at various clinics and hospitals including University Hospital and Clinics, Children's Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University Physicians and MU's Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Health Related Professions. The center also includes the Missouri Rehabilitation Center in Mt. Vernon, MO.

University Hospital & Clinics is the only Level 1 Trauma Center located between Kansas City and St. Louis. The 288-bed hospital has expertise in trauma and emergency care, heart care, women's health, diabetes and ophthalmology. The center has 11 clinic locations in Columbia and 15 clinics in other communities.

Children's Hospital is located within University Hospital and has more than 100 beds dedicated to neonatal, pediatric and adolescent care. The hospital features more than 50 pediatric specialists including the region's only pediatric surgery and pediatric critical care physicians.

Ellis Fischel Cancer Center is the only hospital in Missouri dedicated exclusively to cancer care. The 48-bed medical and surgical center provides cancer screening and diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for people with cancer or related diseases.

Rusk Rehabilitation Center is mid-Missouri's only hospital dedicated solely to rehabilitation. The 60-bed facility offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient programs and specializes in the treatment of disabilities including brain injury, stroke, orthopedics, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, pulmonary, pediatrics and lymphedema.

Two major health care centers serve the Jefferson City area. Capital Region Medical Center joined the University of Missouri Health Sciences System in 1997. With a network of 450 physicians, the hospital offers primary and specialty care to the citizens of Jefferson City and numerous communities throughout mid-Missouri. In addition to offering a continuum of care from maternity services to skilled nursing, the hospital is home to one of the few accredited inpatient rehabilitation centers in Missouri.

As part of one of the largest health care systems in the state, St. Mary's Health Center provides the citizens of Jefferson City with another full-service hospital featuring numerous specialty centers including birthing, cancer, emergency services, heart, pediatrics and mental health. St. Mary's is committed to bringing a comprehensive service approach to persons of all ages and social strata, with special concern for the poor.

"We're certainly fortunate to have two strong, viable health care facilities here in Jefferson City," says David H. Meyer, vice president, economic development and workforce issues of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. "Both will continue to have a strong presence as they work to meet the growing health care needs of the community."