FORT SMITH — A Northwest Arkansas health system aims to expand into the River Valley with a proposed acquisition of several Baptist Health primary care clinics.

Springdale-based Community Clinic announced in a Tuesday news release it has signed a letter of intent to acquire multiple Baptist Health Family Clinics. The locations that it is seeking to acquire are in Alma, Greenwood, Fort Smith and Van Buren.

“For 35 years, Community Clinic has provided comprehensive primary care to Northwest Arkansas through a whole-person care model that integrates behavioral health, dental, pharmacy and specialty services,” the release states. “Today, the nonprofit serves more than 75,000 patients across more than 30 locations in Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma.”

“For us, this is about more than expanding our footprint. We believe every community deserves access to great primary care,” Judd Semingson, president and chief executive officer of Community Clinic, said in the release. “You don’t become part of a community by putting your name on a building. You become part of a community by listening first, showing up consistently and earning trust over time. That’s the commitment we’re making to the River Valley.”

“This proposed acquisition represents an important opportunity to build on the strong foundation of care our patients and providers have established throughout the River Valley,” Brandi Stewart, interim president/chief nursing officer for Baptist Health Western Region, said in the release.

“Community Clinic’s commitment to whole-person care and its deep connection to the communities it serves make it a natural fit to carry that legacy forward. Together, we are working toward a seamless transition that ensures patients continue to receive the trusted, compassionate primary care they know close to home while advancing our shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” she said.

Community Clinic plans to meet with clinic providers to “discuss opportunities” and recognizes that providers have build “trusted relationships” with patients, according to the release. Community Clinic is committed to “maintaining continuity of care throughout the transition” as it expands access to care for patients in the River Valley, the release states.

It’s far from a done deal, though.

Any final agreement between Community Clinic and Baptist Health will be subject to a regulatory review, approval by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, and execution of a definitive agreement.

In recent months, Baptist Health-Fort Smith has made multiple announcements regarding closures of major services and the layoff of employees.

Baptist Health on March 30 confirmed it would be ending labor and delivery services in Fort Smith effective April 28, citing a drop in births at the Fort Smith hospital.

Baptist Health-Fort Smith announced April 29 its plans for the closure of several departments and clinics in Fort Smith. The April 29 release said the closures would take place over the following 60 days and the changes would result in about 150 employees being laid off, including 10 physicians.

On June 2, Baptist announced the elimination of 70 additional jobs.

State Rep. Jay Richardson said June 23 he would be happy to work with the Fort Smith Board of Directors regarding a letter to the Arkansas General Assembly. The letter would ask that legislation be passed to require Arkansas hospitals to provide 180 days prior written notice before ending major services.

Ashley Torres can be reached by email at [email protected].

DELAWARE – As Delaware prepares to celebrate America’s historic 250th anniversary of independence, the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office (DSFMO) reminds all residents and visitors to prioritize safety this holiday weekend.

With unprecedented crowds and community events planned across the state, Delaware fire officials are tracking a heightened risk of preventable injuries and property damage from illegal consumer fireworks. Further, with a drought watch declared statewide, DSFMO is intensifying its public education and enforcement efforts throughout the summer.

“Delaware played a foundational role in the birth of our nation, and the best way to honor that legacy during America 250 is by keeping our communities safe,” said State Fire Marshal John W. Rudd. “A single spark can cause irreversible injury or a devastating house fire. We strongly encourage all Delawareans and visitors to celebrate our nation’s milestone safely by attending one of the many spectacular professionally managed public displays hosted throughout the First State.”

Fireworks: What’s allowed and what isn’t?

State Fire Marshal Rudd reminds residents and visitors that the possession, sale, and use of most consumer fireworks are illegal at all times under Delaware law. Firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets, aerial fireworks, and other explosives are included in the prohibition. Further, any other device that explodes or shoots into the air is prohibited per the fireworks chapter of Delaware’s Health and Safety code.

DSFMO also reminds Delawareans that it is illegal to purchase fireworks across state lines and bring them back to Delaware. Firework misuse and/or illegal possession are misdemeanor crimes that can result in fines; but, any injuries or damages caused by firework use can result in felony charges.

However, certain fireworks, such as sparklers, ground-based displays, and a selection of other non-airborne, nonexplosive novelty items, regulated by the federal government, are allowed to be used only on Independence Day. Permitted ground-based fireworks include the following:

• Spinners
• Fountains
• Jumping jacks
• Ground blooms
• Handheld sparklers

These fireworks can be purchased by a person 18 years or older between Jun. 4 and Jul. 4. DSFMO urges caution when using legal novelties as even they can pose severe burn risks, with sparklers burning at temperatures hot enough to melt gold.

Firework Safety Tips

DSFMO offers the following tips to ensure that Delawareans celebrate the holiday safely:

• Follow proper safety measures when using fireworks
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby when lighting fireworks in case of fire or other mishaps
• Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Dispose of used fireworks by placing them in a bucket filled with water located at least 10 feet away from any buildings for at least 12 hours.

Fire officials maintain the safest alternative to lighting your own fireworks is to attend professional fireworks shows. For a full list of fireworks on Delmarva, click here.