Welcome to our Chamber Connection Newsletter!

This month's topic focuses on our Healthcare including resources, activities, member-submitted items, and more. Next month's topic will feature a focus on Legislative Affairs.

Ritter Communications is a leader among regional independent communications providers, offering business, residential and wholesale customers advanced internet, phone, video, and cloud services. We invest heavily in the communities we serve by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology while coupling it with a world-class customer-focused experience. Founded in 1906 and headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Ritter Communications is committed to growing and evolving to meet the demands of today’s ever-connected world. Grain Management, LLC, a leading investor in the communications sector, is the majority owner of the company in partnership with E. Ritter and Company, which also operates Ritter Agribusiness and Ritter Investment Holdings.

Our Right by You pledge is a reflection of how we strive to operate in all areas of our business. We believe the best formula for continued growth and success is doing what is right for our customers, employees, and the communities we serve.

Friday, February 3, 2023

07:30 AM -08:30 AM CST

Doors Open at 7:00 AM, Program begins at 7:30 AM

The Bakery District- Collection Room

70 South 7th Street

Fort Smith, AR 72901

2023 Ticket Pricing:

$20 per ticket for Members

$25 per ticket for Non-Members

**Please note, the change in location to The Bakery District.

Click Here for a link to a Parking Map

The Junior Leadership & Career Academy (JLCA) had its Healthcare Session in November, sponsored by Methodist Village Senior Living. This was a fun and informative day that allowed the students to see and hear from several different healthcare organizations. The goals for this session were to learn about healthcare in our region, see firsthand the facilities and technology available to serve our area, and learn about the various careers within the healthcare field.

The day started off at Fort Smith EMS, where they learned about their emergency services. The class got to tour their facility, see inside the ambulances, and witness dispatchers take a few 911 calls. After that, Baptist Health set up some interactive activities for the students that taught them to call 911 in an emergency and how to perform hands-only CPR. One of the highlights of this portion was walking through a large inflatable brain that taught them the importance of recognizing a heart attack or stroke.

The students also heard from The Guidance Center about the health care services they provide to treat mental, emotional, behavioral, and substance use disorders.

Next, the class traveled to the Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital where they got to tour their state-of-the-art facility that is dedicated to the treatment and recovery of individuals who have experienced the debilitating effects of a severe injury or illness. They also got to hear from Dr. Fortson about the Family Medicine Residency Program.

After lunch, the group headed to Methodist Village Senior Living for a tour and learned about the services they provide. Many of the students enjoyed interacting with the residents as they toured the facility and were excited to learn about the Candy Striper Program that they offer.

There are also sponsorship opportunities available for the upcoming class. Click here to view sponsorships or email Hannah Cabe at hcabe@fortsmithchamber.com

Make sure to bookmark the application link here for reference or nominate someone for the upcoming class here.

For questions about either educational program, please email Hannah Cabe at hcabe@fortsmithchamber.com or call her at 479-783-3111.

Suicide Prevention Resources

The following resources provide trained counselors and information about suicide prevention:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255. The Lifeline Provides 24/7, free confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Chat: The Lifeline Chat connects individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat, 24/7 across the United States.

Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741, the Crisis Text Line is a free messaging resource offering 24/7 support to anyone in crisis.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 365-days-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders.

In collaboration with Karen Thrift, APRN specialized in Endocrinology from Baptist Health Adult Medicine Specialists-Fort Smith.

Many changes in health can arise if you do not take care of your body when needed. More than 12% of the population in the United States has an undiagnosed thyroid condition because the symptoms are often mild. Even though some of the causes of thyroid gland problems are unknown, here are the most common types of thyroid conditions, risk factors, and when to see a doctor.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of our neck. The thyroid gland secretes hormones and controls many metabolic activities like heart rate, body temperature, energy production, and many other functions.

Two hormones produced by the thyroid gland help the body function regularly, Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). Several conditions can occur if the thyroid gland is underactive or overactive in hormone production.

Whether you’re an avid marathon runner or an occasional jogger, running is a great way to stay healthy and fit. But did you know that running can do more than improve your physical fitness? It can also have a profound impact on the health of your heart. Let’s explore how regular running affects your cardiovascular system.

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy heart, and running is one of the best exercises out there! Research has shown that running can reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 40 percent. This is partly due to the fact that it strengthens your cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and blood flow. Additionally, it helps lower cholesterol levels, reduces blood pressure, and increases good cholesterol levels—all factors that contribute to a healthy heart. It can even help reduce stress, another major contributor to many cardiac-related illnesses.

Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, but the symptoms of heart attack can be drastically different depending on your genetic sex.

Though chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack for all sexes, women are more likely to experience it as a deeply uncomfortable squeezing or fullness rather than sharp pain. This sensation can occur anywhere on the chest, not just on the left side.

Extreme fatigue, regardless of activity level, can be a sign of a heart attack. Many women may feel too tired to do simple tasks

Women may experience discomfort in the abdomen area during a heart attack that can be misinterpreted as heartburn, the flu or a stomach ulcer. The sensation may also feel like intense pressure on the stomach.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is blocked by a clot. When this happens, part of the brain cannot get the oxygen it needs and may be damaged.

It's important to recognize the warning signs and get medical attention immediately. Stroke warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble with vision, or difficulty speaking. If any of these signs are present, call 911.

A stroke can result in difficulty moving, performing daily tasks, and talking or comprehending. The type and extent of the difficulties depend on the size and location of the stroke.

We know the effects of a stroke are as unique as each of our patients, and that many conditions experienced after a stroke may improve with time and specialized rehabilitation. Stroke rehabilitation is designed to help people adjust to and treat the mental and physical effects of stroke, with the goal of regaining their greatest level of independence

At Encompass Health, we implement a personalized treatment plan for each patient, communicating and collaborating across disciplines including therapists, nurses, physicians, case managers, dietitians, and more. We deliver care that adapts to meet a patient’s specific needs and base their care plan on their unique goals.

Choosing to enter a stroke rehabilitation program can help patients reconnect with real-life skills in real-world settings.

by Mercy's Mardi Taylor

ST. LOUIS – This year, Mercy teamed up with GRAIL, LLC, to offer a simple blood test that can detect more than 50 different types of cancers in early stages. For one patient, the test may have saved his life.

GRAIL’s Galleri test, named one of Time magazine’s best inventions of 2022 and a breakthrough of the year from The Atlantic, is a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test to spot early signals in the blood that are associated with many cancers. If a cancer signal is detected, results can help guide further testing with a health care provider.

Jackie Paxton of Van Buren, Arkansas, 72, a professor of special education at Arkansas Tech University and author of Western novels, learned about the MCED test from a local news report. Although he’d just gotten a clean bill of health during an annual physical, he thought the blood test would give him better peace of mind about his overall health.

Healthcare coverage is one of the top concerns for people in our community. United Way of Fort Smith Area is committed to helping increase access to affordable health care and getting everyone the medicine they need. Many people who live and work in our community struggle to pay their bills and have to choose between getting the medicine they need and paying for food, rent, or utilities. Learn More Here

Anyone interested in using SingleCare as part of their employee benefits package can contact Mitzy Little at MLittle@unitedwayfortsmith.org to discuss more information.

Continued growth is the running theme at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) has it breaks ground on additional student housing located on the ACHE campus in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In March 2015, ACHE broke ground on its first facility, the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM). The $32 million, state of the art medical school opened for its first class in 2017. Since then, ARCOM has graduated two classes of physicians and continues to be a driving force in healthcare in the region.

Construction at ACHE didn’t stop with ARCOM. In 2020, ACHE completed construction on its second national awarding-winning educational facility, the College of Health Sciences, which houses the ACHE School of Physical Therapy, ACHE School of Occupational Therapy, and the developing Physician Assistant Studies. The ACHE campus also includes student housing options, The Residents and the Village at Heritage, and the recently dedicated, eight-acre Celebration Garden and Wellness Park. Kyle D. Parker, JD, President and CEO of ACHE stated, “Completed construction on the ACHE campus is $108 million. With our students, faculty and staff, ACHE is providing over $600 million economic impact in this region.”

Current construction on the 542-acre campus includes the fourth phase of student housing. The $30 million build includes 138 apartments located on Chad Colley Boulevard, just south of the ARCOM building.

Parker continued, “We have purposely under-built student housing so the housing market in Fort Smith and the surrounding communities can benefit from the influx of students; however, we have reached the point where we are able to house less than half of our student body. These apartments will provide students with affordable housing within walking distance to their classrooms.”

Construction is also underway at the Village at Heritage, a mixed-use community comprised of retail businesses and student housing across the street from ARCOM. On December 15, 2021, ACHE broke ground on Building C, a 78,000 square-foot, $30 million dollar building.

“The demand for additional student housing, combined with numerous requests from retail merchants to open a location in Heritage expedited the plans for the third building,” explained Les Smith, COO for ACHE. “As we continue to add programs, our need for student housing grows too.”

Three Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care Locations Scheduled to Open In Fort Smith

 

FORT SMITH, Ark. (Nov. 28, 2022) – Mercy has teamed up with GoHealth Urgent Care to create three new walk-in clinics in Fort Smith.

The three new Mercy-GoHealth centers will replace two existing Mercy Convenient Care centers in Fort Smith and all three will open in newly renovated locations near major retail and traffic corridors. Below are the addresses of the new centers:

Mercy GoHealth Urgent Care – Phoenix Avenue

Opening Dec. 5

6801 Phoenix Ave., Suite 2

Mercy GoHealth Urgent Care – Rogers Avenue

Opening in early 2023

4620 Rogers Ave., Suite 101

Mercy GoHealth Urgent Care – Fianna Hills

Opening in early 2023

2501 Market Trace, Suite C

 

Patient care will transition from Mercy Convenient Care – 79th Street at this time.

Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care also has Arkansas locations in Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Bella Vista, in addition to locations in Missouri and Oklahoma.

Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care supports Mercy's reputation of high-quality, compassionate care that helps patients be well in mind, body, and spirit with industry-leading NPS patient satisfaction ratings, customer-focused technology, and Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC) award-winning urgent care center design.

“Every community is experiencing growth in patients who need on-demand, affordable health care, and Fort Smith is no different,” said Sherry Buebendorf, regional president, Mercy- GoHealth Urgent Care. “We are thrilled to provide this historic area convenient access to urgent care that is directly connected to the robust services and expertise at Mercy. We look forward to being part of the Fort Smith community and serving residents directly in their neighborhoods.”

Methodist Village Senior Living’s Candy Striper Program gives young people opportunities to sample the healthcare profession.  Some Candy Stripers may come into the program thinking they want to be a doctor or a nurse, but by the end they may be considering a career as a dietitian or a physician’s assistant. With the shortage of healthcare workers rising, interest in any health career is beneficial—after all, the youth of today are the future of healthcare.

Our goal is to provide positive, energetic students (ages 14-18), who are possibly interested in healthcare or other real-world experience, with an environment and an opportunity to learn, help others, build friendships, and give back. The program also aids departments that could use extra sets of hands. Volunteering is a great way to build character!

 We would like to recognize and thank First National Bank Fort Smith for underwriting the cost of the uniforms for our Candy Striper Program.

For more information, please email us your information and we will contact you directly.

Bachoco OK Foods: Industrial Nurse

Posted: 12/28/2022 Healthcare

Bachoco OK Foods is seeking an Industrial Nurse for our Heavener, OK location.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 2:00pm

Summary: Be available in the Nurse's Station to attend to and follow up on occupational injuries and illnesses and provide emergency medical assistance as needed. Provides preventive treatment as needed to plant workers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Encompass Health is Hiring for RN, LPN, & Director of Case Management Positions

Posted: 01/22/2023 Healthcare

Working in our hospital

When choosing a career at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith, you become an important part of the nation's largest system of rehabilitation hospitals. You work with a team that leads with compassion and is proud to help patients regain their independence. At Encompass Health, you are empowered to learn and grow with us, and we commit to providing you with the support and resources you need in order to thrive. The foundation of our Company is and always will be our people.

Mercy: Registered Nurse

Posted: 07/24/2022 Healthcare

Overview:

Utilizes the nursing process to provide patient care. Maintains professional accountability for provision of patient care for the assigned patients. Evaluates the overall effectiveness of care provided by other direct care givers. Coordinates the patient care in conjunction with other departments. Maintains patient rights and confidentiality of patient information. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and mercy service standards.

Mercy: Licensed Practical Nurse

Posted: 09/04/2022 Healthcare

Overview:

Utilizes the nursing process to provide patient care under the supervision of person(s) licensed by a State regulatory board to prescribe medication and treatment, or under the direction of a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) . Maintains professional accountability for provision of patient care for the assigned patients. Coordinates the patient care in conjunction with other departments. Maintains patient rights and confidentiality of patient information. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.

Pro Care Innovations: Patient Coordinators/Enrollment Specialist

Posted: 01/22/2023 Healthcare

Pro Care Innovations is growing!

We are hiring Patient Coordinators/Enrollment Specialist to enroll and serve qualifying Medicare patients over the phone with Chronic Care Management services on a monthly basis. This position is *in-person, not remote* located in our Fort Smith office.

All patient care is conducted over the phone and non-direct. We are looking for professional, organized, compassionate team members with experience in health care or case management. A friendly speaking voice and willingness to learn how best to serve geriatric patients leads to a rewarding position with great income potential!

If you have healthcare experience, you're comfortable making outbound phone calls to patients on behalf of their doctor, and you're passionate about providing an extra layer of support to geriatric patients we'd love to speak with you!

Select Specialty: Admissions Coordinator

Posted: 01/22/2023 Healthcare

We have an immediate job opening for an Admissions Coordinator. This person will be a true team player, involved in the admissions process from start to finish. This individual will be responsible for admissions paperwork, leading the morning meeting, and providing hospital tours, among other duties. He/she must have expertise in problem-solving, group dynamics, and interpersonal relations. To find out more about the position and qualifications, please visit our website at https://www.selectspecialtyhospitals.com/.

We are looking for valued employees who will be Champions of the Select Medical Way, which includes putting the patient first, helping to improve quality of life for the community in which you live and work, continuing to develop and explore new ideas, providing high-quality care and doing well by doing what is right.

Select Specialty: Registered Nurses

Posted: 01/22/2023 Healthcare

Select Specialty Hospital Fort Smith is currently looking for outstanding Registered Nurses to join our hospital staff. This position offers a 12 week training program to ensure a seamless transition into a successful career as an RN. The right candidates will demonstrate an understanding of patient needs, ensuring that each patient feels informed and understood, as well as heard. This person must be passionate about providing superior quality care and an inventive problem solver who thrives in a dynamic environment.

Please visit our website at https://www.selectspecialtyhospitals.com/ to find out more about this position.

We are looking for valued employees who will be Champions of the Select Medical Way, which includes putting the patient first, helping to improve quality of life for the community in which you live and work, continuing to develop and explore new ideas, providing high-quality care and doing well by doing what is right.

Walmart Health Center Seeking Full Time Dentist

Posted: 01/22/2023 Healthcare

Seeking Full Time Dentist – Fort Smith, AR

WH AR Dental PLLC, the dental provider to Walmart Health, is looking to hire a full time Dentist in Fort Smith, AR. We offer Sign on/relocation bonuses, competitive package including base salary, annual incentive bonus, comprehensive benefit plans, 401(K) with employer match, license renewal fee and continuing education time and reimbursement, and more!

Walmart Health Center Seeking PRN Dentist

Posted: 01/22/2023 Healthcare

Seeking PRN Dentist – Fort Smith, AR

WH AR Dental PLLC, the dental provider to Walmart Health, is looking to hire a PRN Dentist in Fort Smith, AR. We offer 401(K) with employer match and so much more!

Jenny Craig is running our "Healthier Me in 2023" campaign. For any new client that walks in our door in February to lose weight and improve their health, we have a free gift!!!