Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce

In March 2007, the Chamber announced the creation of a Health Care Council to address health care issues within the region as part of its Quality of Place Agenda.

Members of the council meet regularly to discuss concerns about the health care industry in the Greater Fort Smith Region and to find innovative ways to bring more pharmacists, physicians, nurses and all medical professionals to the community.

The council, chaired by Simmons First National Bank President Larry Bates, consists of representatives from area hospitals, the City of Fort Smith, the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith as well as business and community leaders. A mix of both health care representatives and business professionals provides the right talent to generate the best ideas to tackle the issues facing the industry.

Health care is key to economic development, which is why the Chamber feels it is so important to provide practical solutions for the retention and recruitment of physicians to the region.

To date, the council has successfully moderated forums between local physicians and insurance companies and hosted a New Physician's Reception to welcome incoming doctors to the region. In October, the council conducted a survey asking local physicians what issues they felt inhibited the medical community the most in the Greater Fort Smith Region. Based on those results, the council is also focusing its efforts on providing more networking opportunities; providing more education and continuing education opportunities in the region and working closely with the Area Health Education Center that trains six to eight doctors each year right here in Fort Smith.