News

If you are like me, there were few days on the calendar that I looked forward to more than the last day of school when I was young. As a parent, I understand how challenging the summer months are to keeping kids busy. Communities offer specialized programs to engage youth through public library reading programs, sports camps and Boys and Girls Clubs. For young people aiming to challenge themselves and make a difference in the lives of others, there is the Congressional Award.

Fayetteville — Washington Regional has introduced a new obstetric (OB) emergency department located in its Women and Infants Center to increase access to care for pregnant patients with 24/7 care from a team of board-certified obstetricians. In addition to providing care for pregnant patients who seek care in the OB emergency department, these obstetricians will also act as OB hospitalists, providing care for laboring patients at the Women and Infants Center until their OB/GYN arrives. They will also deliver babies of patients who do not have an OB/GYN.

Little Rock – As summer begins, Arkansas is likely to experience heat waves causing energy bill increases for many. Arkansans have already seen a tremendous rise in energy prices due to previous severe weather, inflation, supply chain issues, the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, and the halting of domestic oil and gas drilling. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is urging all Arkansans to take precautions to prepare their home and finances with the squelching summer months to come.

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has released the Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester, according to Dr. Georgia Hale, provost, and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program report provides a focused evaluation of the quality of care delivered in the inpatient and outpatient settings of the Washington D.C. VA Medical Center and multiple outpatient clinics in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

First National Bank of North Arkansas has announced they will be transitioning from a National Charter to a State Charter, pending regulatory approval from the Arkansas State Bank Department, and changing their name to Bank of 1889. Bill Hudspeth, CEO of FNBNA, said “The decision was not an easy one as the bank has had a National Charter for over 100 years but we believe this change will benefit our customers and our service to you. Our new name Bank of 1889 represents the fact that we have been a locally owned institution since 1889 and we plan to continue to provide the same level of superior customer service and great products that have made us successful for over 130 years. The bank has weathered many national crises occurring within its lifetime, without loss or major inconvenience to its customers.”

If you are someone you know is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you may be interested in a new program launched this week. The Arkansas Legislative Council recently approved the creation and funding for the Dementia Respite Care Pilot Program.