Taylor Named Missouri’s Rural Health Champion
Paul G. Taylor is a champion for those who need medical care but can’t afford it. The OCH Health System’s chief executive officer was recently recognized for his efforts to help others. OCH Health System officials say he has dedicated his life and career to bring medical help to the underserved.
Taylor was recently recognized as Missouri’s Rural Health Champion for 2017.
During the award ceremony, OCH officials said Taylor has improved health care throughout southwest Missouri. His commitment to the most vulnerable in their communities is not simply a job; it is his calling, his passion and his mission, officials said.
Taylor leads the rural health system which includes 21 health clinics in eight counties within three states.
Eighteen years ago, Taylor’s passion for helping others was ignited when he helped reopen a hospital in southwest Missouri. He realized there were many folks in southwest Missouri who need care.
Providing healthcare to those who need it the most is critical, Taylor believes. So he set to work, changing the landscape for the underserved and providing access to rural healthcare in southwest Missouri.
His emphasis became serving Medicaid families with children and those who are sometimes referred to as the “working poor.”
Through the years, Taylor donated resources, manpower, time and facility space to the underserved population. By working with
local organizations and agencies, Taylor has expanded service for children and affected numerous schools, state agencies, service organizations and other groups championing for children.
Healthcare access has grown tremendously in several counties, including McDonald, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, Christian, Webster, Delaware and Benton.
He’s also reopened a critical access hospital in rural Arkansas.
Through his passionate efforts to serve others, he has provided numerous Medicaid patients with a medical home in their community.