Jim Kendrick joins ten Oklahoma hospitals affiliated with Community Health Systems as Network CEO. Kendrick will oversee efforts to further enhance quality, improve access to care and expand services for patients across Oklahoma.
“Formalizing the hospitals and clinics into a health network will help us accelerate the plans we have to enhance the care we provide,” said Kendrick. “Together, we’ll leverage the resources and connections among us and with community partners to reinforce growth, strengths and goals of each hospital and our network.”
Kendrick began his hospital career in Oklahoma. He has two decades of executive healthcare management experience, serving in leadership roles at hospitals and healthcare organizations in Oklahoma, Mississippi and Texas. Most recently, Kendrick served as CEO of Longview Regional Medical Center in Longview, Texas. During his nearly 10 years at Longview, he led the organization through an expansion that almost doubled the number of licensed beds, added a new 21-bed NICU and remodeled all existing patient rooms.
“Jim has the right experience to guide our ten hospitals and clinics in expanding the services offered to the communities we serve,” said Charles Womack, MD, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Deaconess Hospital. “He has a strategic approach to managing healthcare organizations that will distinguish our network in Oklahoma.”
Hospitals in the network include Blackwell Regional Hospital, Clinton Regional Hospital, Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma in Durant, Marshall County Medical Center in Madill, Midwest Regional Medical Center in Midwest City, Deaconess Hospital – Oklahoma City, Ponca City Medical Center, Mayes County Medical Center in Pryor, Seminole Medical Center and Woodward Hospital. Midwest Regional Medical Center, Deaconess Hospital – Oklahoma City and Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma are owned, in part, by physicians.
The network also includes more than 70 affiliated medical practices and six home health agencies.

Participants Raise Critically Needed Funds for Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Research

The Alzheimer’s Association invites Oklahoma City residents to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the OKC Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on Saturday, September 12 at 9:00 a.m.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than just a walk; it is an experience for over 5,000 participants in the Oklahoma City area who will learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities, the latest in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trial enrollment to support programs and services. Participants will also join in a meaningful ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, emceed by Lance West of News Channel 4.
Alzheimer’s disease is the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death and yet there is no way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase 40 percent from the over 5 million affected in 2015. The funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s not only support vital research efforts, but also provide free programs and support services to Oklahoma families impacted by the disease.
“Participating in the 2015 Walk to Alzheimer’s, by starting a team, raising money or volunteering, is one of the most impactful ways to further the movement to help end this horrible disease,” said Erin Logan, OKC Walk to End Alzheimer’s event chair. “By getting involved, you are truly making a difference.”
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony and two-mile walk at 9:00 a.m. Entertainment will include: face painting; appearances by Disney princesses, super heroes and the Ghost Busters; a live DJ; Eat-On Mobile Bistro; a “Swag Shack” full of branded items for sale; and free Alzheimer’s resources and support information. To start, join or donate to a team, visit okcwalk.com.
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health