November 14, 2026 Issue, Page 12 of 13

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12• SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026 The Elk City News NEWS Great Plains Regional Medical Center Continues Free Community Education Series November session will feature local women’s health providers ELK CITY, OKLA. Nov. 11, 2026 – Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) will continue its free monthly education series, Community Connections, with a November program off ering insights from the hospital’s women’s health team. This month’s event, “A Closer Look at Women’s Health,” will take place Wednesday, Nov. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. in the meeting room located at the far end of the GPRMC cafeteria at 1801 W. 3rd St. in Elk City. The session will be presented by OBGYNs Corey Jacobs, M.D., and David Meduna, M.D., along with Kylee Ramirez, APRN-CNP. The session will examine what women need to know about their health at every stage of life, from pregnancy to menopause and beyond. Community Connections features monthly presentations from GPRMC physicians and guest speakers covering a wide range of subjects, including health and wellness, fi nances, legal planning and more. Each session is free and open to the public. Snacks will be provided, and while RSVPs are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. “Through Community Connections, we’re connecting western Oklahomans with health experts to answer questions and help people feel more informed about their health,” said Corey G. Lively, CEO. “Having access to trusted women’s health care in western Oklahoma is an asset, and we want to make sure women in our region know about the resources available to them at every stage of life.” Future sessions are planned for topics including ear, nose & throat care, urology, surgery, healthy lifestyle advice, insurance basics and legal planning. To reserve a spot for the Nov. 18 session, call (580) 303-5874. Great Plains Regional Medical Center is the largest health care provider in western Oklahoma off ering a full range of medical services, including the region’s most comprehensive obstetrics and women’s health departments. GPRMC is home to 50 physicians who deliver high-quality, cost-eff ective care across 25 general and specialty areas. GPRMC operates western Oklahoma’s only physician-staff ed, 24hour emergency department and the only 24-hour general and orthopedic surgery centers in the region. As a nonprofi t hospital accredited by The Joint Commission, GPRMC is committed to meeting the highest standards in patient care. Learn more at gprmc-ok.com. Joshua Ferrero Jessica Patton Jess Ford Heart to Heart Pregnancy Clinic Hosts ‘Treasured, Every Life, Every Story Every Family’ By Sheryl Ponce The. annual fundraising fall banquet for Heart-to-Heart Pregnancy Clinic was held Nov. 5th, at the First Baptist Church. The dinner was provided by Poppy’s. The mission was celebration of the lives, families, and stories God entrusted to their ministry. The guest speaker for the event was Jess Ford, and executive director, Heather French, was joined by Jessica Patton, the center’s director, and although he was unable to attend, Dr. Corey Jacobs, the medical director. The program was opened by Pastor Duncan Blackwell, First Baptist Church minister, followed by board chairman, Joshua Ferrero’s welcoming comments. French gave her testimonial and recognition of the volunteers and nurses. The volunteers included Rhonda Roper, Darlene James, Carolyn Thompson, Amanda Metcalf, Jamie Shockley, Celian Baker, Sally Tucker, Kathy Franklin, Karen Johnson, Jennifer Hunt, and Carla Thompson. The nurses recognized were Mary Barnett, RN, Kristie Duncan, RN, and Leshia Jackson, RN. Mary Barnett, RN, was given a bouquet of flowers as a special thank you for more than 15 years of service to Heart to Heart. She was followed by Hagen Bayton’s testimony of hope. Patton intro- duced Ford to speak about his family’s experience with abortion and survival. Ford talked about his mother, Amy Ford, who nearly chose abortion before being redirected by a nurse at an abortion clinic. He described his personal struggle with depression and suicidal tendencies during his youth and how finding faith transformed his perspective. Ford also detailed his experience of founding a student ministry that grew from 22 to over 1000 participants. The benediction was given by Melanie Randle, who closed the program after the crowd donated to the clinic. The keynote speaker and catering were sponsored by Smoking increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Your health is worth protecting. Quit for FREE. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW Text READY to 21586 Visit OKhelpline.com Have a photo to share? Send to [email protected] with a description! the Phillips family and McDonald’s. Heart to Heart’s board of directors included Joshua Ferrero serving as chairman; Les German as vice-chairman; Sherry Damron serving as treasurer; and Melanie Randle as secretary. Members of the board are Jason Jackson, Purcy Walker, and Larry Paravin. With grateful hearts, the board, volunteers, and nurses, extended they’re thanks to the underwriters for their generous support of the banquet, and for their commitment to the mission of Heart-toHeart Pregnancy Clinic, located at 500 S. Lusk, in Elk City. For more information, call 580-2432229.