About Joplin Regional Center . . .
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About Joplin Regional Center

Contact Joplin Regional Center

Missouri Department of Mental Health

 The Joplin Regional Center is part of the Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD), established in 1966, which serves a population that has developmental disabilities such as:
  • mental retardation
  • cerebral palsy
  • head injuries
  • Autism
  • epilepsy
  • certain learning disabilities

The Joplin Regional Center serves eligible citizens in the Southwest Missouri counties of Barry, Barton, Bates, Cedar, Dade, Henry, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, St. Clair, and Vernon.

If you have questions or comments about the department or its services, please drop us a line at our
e-mail address

 

History of JRC

In 1965 state statute provided establishment of regional diagnostic clinics.  In 1967, under the Warren Hearnes administration, regional diagnostic clinics opened in Joplin, Albany, Springfield, and Hannibal.

On April 25, 1967, the Joplin Regional Diagnostic Clinic was the first of these facilities to serve clients.  (In 1975, there was a name change to the Joplin Regional Center for the Developmentally Disabled.)  The Center was located in Joplin largely due to the efforts of local legislators and the Joplin Area Association for Retarded Citizens.  There was an in-house residential unit until April 1, 1992, although the official closing of that unit was on June 30, 1992.  JRC now focuses on providing services and supports in the community, allowing people with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible.