Silver Dollar City Attractions Opens Mary's Well House -
New On-Site Employee Medical Center
Medical Center Includes a Full-Time Doctor and Nurse Staff Exclusively
for SDC's 2300 Branson Area Employees and Families
Released: Branson, MO 4/07
Addressing one of the most important concerns expressed by employees in workplaces across the nation, Silver Dollar City Attractions opened an on-site health and medical center today as part of the company's benefits program. The SDC Attractions Employee Medical Center, in conjunction with Skaggs Community Health Center of Branson, is available weekdays year-round to qualifying Branson area Silver Dollar City Attractions employees and their dependent families, providing services that range from free to a nominal fee.
Named Mary's Well House in honor or SDC founder Mary Herschend, the medical center will be staffed by longtime Skaggs physician Dr. Jack Gillispie, who will be joined in August by Dr. Angela Casteel. Dr. Gillispie, a Branson native and board certified in family medicine, has been serving area patients for 27 years. He has served on the Skaggs Board of Directors since 1999 and plays a significant role in bringing new physicians and physician specialists to the area. His connection with the Silver Dollar City Attractions began at the age of 14 when his first job was putting bumper stickers on cars in the SDC parking lot. Additionally, SDC co-owner and co-founder Jack Herschend was his Boy Scout troop leader.
Dr. Casteel, originally from Bentonville, Ark., is completing her family medicine residency at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. She will join the Mary's Well House staff of Dr. Gillispie, two LPNs and an administrator in August. A frequent visitor to SDC since childhood, Dr. Casteel says she is a great fan of the park's crafts.
The SDC Attractions Medical Center is located on Highway 265 close to Silver Dollar City and near Showboat Branson Belle, White Water, Celebration City and Ride The Ducks, convenient for the majority of the 2300 employees, said Mike Hutcherson, Sr. Vice President for SDC's parent company, Herschend Family Entertainment. "The clinic will provide everything from free basic services to expertise offered at a far reduced rate when compared to outside services," Hutcherson said. Co-pay rates will be $15 for an employee visit and $20 for a dependent visit that could include medical services, exams, x-rays and lab work. Low cost prescriptions will be available, and a variety of health-related services are to be provided at no charge: annual health risk appraisals, flu shots, screenings and classes. If advanced treatment is needed, employees will be offered treatment with one of Skaggs' multiple facilities at a discounted rate.
Skaggs was selected as the provider for the medical center because of its long-term history and dedication to the community, as well as its track record of quality high patient satisfaction and innovative technology, Hutcherson added.
"Skaggs Community Health Center is extremely pleased to work with Herschend Family Entertainment as their healthcare partner," said Sherry Clouse Day, Vice President of Business Operations and CFO of Skaggs Community Health Center. "With each organization's strong values and commitment to the community, it is a natural fit. Additionally, with our broad range of expertise and health services, we feel we can provide great flexibility and excellent care."
"This new service is designed primarily to provide quick, convenient and affordable access to basic health services for our employees and their dependents," said Brad Thomas, General Manager of Silver Dollar City. "We anticipate that such convenience will encourage preventive care, early attention to health issues and quicker treatment, resulting in better health for our employees and their families."
The medical center is open to eligible employees and their dependents only, and is not open to the public. All returning employees and their dependents are eligible to participate. New employees will have a 30-day waiting period to participate, and their dependents will be eligible after the employee has completed one season. Walk-in service as well as appointments are available.
Although the cost to the company is not being made public, SDC Attractions is making the financial investment to better serve their employees. "We simply think it's the right thing to do," Hutcherson said. "Our employees and their families need to know that we, as a company, are there for them in many ways. Access to medical expertise is important to them, and that's why it's important for our leadership to take this step."
Silver Dollar City Attractions, with 2300 employees, is one of the region's largest employers. The company includes area properties: Silver Dollar City theme park, White Water water park, Celebration City amusement park, The Showboat Branson Belle and Ride The Ducks. The number to call for employment information is 417-338-8122.