8 | Summer 2025
NARMC’ s 2025 State of Healthcare Breakfast:
HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AND CONTINUED PROGRESS
Community members, healthcare professionals, and local leaders gathered for North Arkansas Regional Medical Center’ s annual State of Healthcare Breakfast to take part in a focused conversation on the challenges, progress, and priorities shaping healthcare in the region.
Hosted in partnership with the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce, this annual event brings together people invested in the health and well-being of North Central Arkansas. The discussions reflect the growing complexity of modern healthcare and the strength of local partnerships that continue to meet those challenges with practical, communitydriven solutions.
Speakers throughout the morning brought a mix of experience and perspective from across the healthcare landscape. Among them, longtime pharmacist Steve Richards shared reflections from his 43-year career at NARMC. His thoughtful and often humorous remarks added a personal touch to the program and served as a
Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce reminder that the heart of healthcare remains in the people who serve it.
The event emphasized a connected approach to improving care. Among the topics discussed was maternal health, where NARMC continues to uphold standards of care that support healthy pregnancies and deliveries through consistent, evidence-based practices. The conversation also highlighted pediatric access, specifically addressing the importance of early developmental assessments and timely support for children with neurodevelopmental needs, ensuring families have access to the right care at the right time.
NARMC also highlighted its work to support medication affordability, a growing concern for many patients. As part of a wider effort to remove barriers to care, the organization is implementing strategies designed to help patients access the prescriptions they need without added financial strain.
Recognition was given to NARMC’ s ongoing dedication to high-quality care, as reflected in multiple recent awards and designations. These honors speak to the consistent commitment of healthcare teams across the organization to deliver exceptional outcomes every day.
The evolving role of NARMC’ s Emergency Medical Services team was another focus. Through funding from a federal grant provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration( SAMHSA), NARMC EMS professionals will be able to provide mental health-focused training to local law enforcement officers, fire departments, and other first responders. This training equips frontline teams with tools for communication, de-escalation, and care