Jackie Garrity is a well-known anchor for Ozarks Today, broadcasting Monday through Friday on KY3. Her journey to Springfield, Missouri, involved a previous role as the main evening anchor at KVAL-TV in Eugene, Oregon, for four years. Garrity's career began with an internship at KOIN-TV in Portland, Oregon, followed by a position as the morning anchor at KTVL in Medford, Oregon.
A Passion for Protecting Children and True Crime Reporting
Beyond her anchoring duties, Jackie has a deep commitment to protecting children. While at KVAL, she developed a series called "Finding Families," which highlighted the critical shortage of foster families within the Oregon Department of Human Services system. Additionally, Jackie is a true crime enthusiast and created "Taking Another Look," a series focusing on cold cases in western Oregon.
Personal Life
Jackie and her husband, Tim, have three children: a seven-year-old daughter named Gemma, and toddler twins, Jackson and Jude.
Recognition
Jackie Garrity is a two-time Missouri Broadcast Association Finalist for Best Anchor and an Emmy Award winner.
Reporting on Health and Community Issues
Jackie Garrity has been actively involved in reporting on a variety of health and community issues in the Ozarks. Her reports cover topics ranging from suicide prevention to measles outbreaks and the importance of vaccinations. She also discusses seasonal health concerns, such as summer screen time for children and veteran mental health.
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Suicide Prevention: Jackie reported on suicide prevention efforts in Taney County, where suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. The Taney County Health Department offers training to local schools and universities to help students combat this issue.
Measles Outbreak and Vaccinations: Jackie Garrity and Stephanie Woehl from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department discussed the importance of increasing vaccination rates in the Ozarks, in light of a measles outbreak. In June 2025, one confirmed case of measles was reported in southwest Missouri. The affected child had traveled internationally to Taney County in April, but officials did not believe the virus spread in the community.
Summer Safety: Jackie Garrity and Cris Swaters from the Springfield Police Department discussed the 100 deadliest days of summer, a period when police handle the most crashes involving teenagers.
Other Health Topics: Her reports cover issues such as proper posture, which a local surgeon said benefits not only neck and back pain but overall health.
Weight Loss Trends and Options
Jackie Garrity also reports on current health trends, including weight loss. One of her reports discusses a new study revealing that weight loss surgery may be a better option for sustained weight loss compared to weight loss medications.
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Weight Loss Medications: Weight loss medications have become increasingly popular. Dr. Tim Woods, a general surgeon for CoxHealth, notes that while these medications can be beneficial for some, they are not suitable for everyone. According to Gallup, an estimated 15 million Americans have used weight loss medications. While some patients have experienced significant weight loss, Dr. Woods expresses concern about unregulated off-label medications available online. These medications lack governmental oversight to ensure patients receive the correct medication.
Weight Loss Surgery: Dr. Woods highlights that weight loss surgery has been performed for about 35 years, making its long-term effects more well-known compared to newer weight loss medications. Weight loss surgery has become more accessible and accepted by insurance companies. However, it is not an option for everyone; a body mass index of 40 or higher is typically required. A study in New York showed that patients who underwent weight loss surgery experienced an average weight loss of about 60 pounds, compared to 12 to 15 pounds for those on medications. Dr. Woods emphasizes that any weight loss is beneficial, as excess body weight is associated with medical problems like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. He estimates that only about one percent of people who need weight loss surgery are currently receiving it. He advises individuals interested in either weight loss surgery or medications to consult with their primary care physician.
Injectable Medications for Type 2 Diabetes: Cindy Griessel, a physician assistant with Mercy, discusses the use of injectable medications like Ozempic and Wegovy for Type 2 Diabetes. These medications are popular because they help control blood sugar and promote weight loss. However, patients need to be cautious, as weight may be regained if the medication is stopped. These medications can be expensive, costing around $900 a month without insurance. Griessel advises patients to focus on lifestyle changes and mindful eating in addition to medication. She also warns against buying weight loss medications online without consulting a doctor.
Other Health Concerns in the Ozarks
In addition to weight loss and vaccinations, Jackie Garrity's news segment, What’s Going Around, also covers other health concerns in the Ozarks, such as COVID and flu cases.
1st Call Medical Practice
1st Call Medical Practice, established in May 2021 by Myra Garner-Hughes in Illinois, offers First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification training. It provides in-person and blended online services and is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA) training center. The CPR training includes chest compressions and artificial ventilation to maintain circulation and oxygenation during cardiac arrest. Early and appropriate resuscitation can be life-saving.
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