HJAR May/Jun 2025

30 MAY / JUN 2025  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS   Healthcare Briefs online bill pay system and upgraded Find a Doc- tor and Find a Location tools, both designed to help patients more quickly connect with the care they need. These tools will also reduce the vol- ume of calls and inquiries to the hospital, allowing staff to focus on higher-priority needs and improv- ing the overall patient experience. To explore the new website or to learn more about CHI St. Vincent, visit chistvincent.com or commonspirit.org. Robin and Gary George and Family Give $1M to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Robin and Gary George and family have donated $1 million toward Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s expansion project. This investment will enhance subspecialty care access for chil- dren across the region, reinforcing the George family’s commitment to championing pediatric healthcare in Arkansas. For over four decades, the George family has played a pivotal role in advancing Arkansas Chil- dren’s system of care. In 2015, their generos- ity helped make Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW) a reality through a land donation of 37.5 acres in Springdale from the families of Robin and Gary George and David and Cathy Evans (née George). The George family advocated for ACNW and promoted the new hospital, helping expand the philanthropic community. In 2016, the family furthered their commitment with an addi- tional $1 million gift toward ACNW’s construc- tion, recognized through the naming of the Robin George Chapel at ACNW. In recognition of their latest contribution, the chapel on the ACH campus in Little Rock will also be named the Robin George Chapel. A Personal Connection to Arkansas Children’s The George family’s journey with Arkansas Chil- dren’s began more than four decades ago when their son received life-saving emergency care, including heart surgery, at ACH. “Throughout the years, at times of concern for family or children of friends, the chapel at Arkan- sas Children’s Hospital has been a source of great comfort,” said Robin George. “I met families from across the region who were also praying for children being served. I know firsthand how vital pastoral care is for families facing an uncertain diagnosis, and I know Arkansas Children’s gives families hope when they need it most.” This deeply personal experience ignited Robin, Gary, and their family’s commitment to ensur- ing all children in Arkansas and the region have access to expert pediatric care. “We need every part of Arkansas Children’s to be the very best — the best in Little Rock, in Springdale, in Jonesboro and in Pine Bluff,” said Gary George. “It is an honor to support the mis- sion of Arkansas Children’s. This gift to Arkansas Children’s Hospital reflects our deep gratitude and unwavering belief that every child should have access to the highest level of pediatric spe- cialty care. Arkansas Children’s delivers that every day.” Gary George serves on the Arkansas Children’s Inc. and Arkansas Children’s Northwest boards of directors and was a founding member of the ACNW board of directors. Robin George is a member of the Arkansas Children’s Foundation board of directors. UAMSWinthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Hosted Fifth ‘Be A Part of the Cure’ Walk onMay 3 The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) held its fifth Be A Part of the Cure Walk to support cancer patients, survivors, and families at 8 a.m. on May 3, at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Gates open at 6:30 a.m. The event was emceed by Fort Smith native and The Bachelor alum and travel journalist, Lesley Murphy. Murphy, who underwent genetic testing at UAMS after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, learned that she carried the BRCA 1 gene mutation. She later had a preventive dou- ble mastectomy at UAMS. “This is a great event where we can remem- ber those who have lost their battle with cancer, honor those who are surviving, and celebrate the wonderful team at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute that provides outstanding can- cer care,” said Cancer Institute Director Michael Birrer, MD, PhD. Last year's event drew more than 1,600 walkers and volunteers and raised more than $400,000 to support cancer research, clinical trials, and long- term survival studies in 2024. Walkers chose a 1K or 5K route, both of which were wheelchair and stroller accessible. The 1K route was located adjacent to War Memorial Stadium. The 5K route went through War Memorial Sta- dium and outdoor golf course. Adult registra- tion cost $30 and included an event T-shirt. Youth and student registration was $10. Children 13 and under were free. Participants enjoyed more than 175 vendors and entertainment groups at War Memorial Sta- dium during and after the walk, including a Kids Discovery Zone. For information on future events or to donate, visit beapartofthecure.com . CHI St. Vincent Hospitals Receive Inpatient Quality Incentive Award CHI St. Vincent announced that CHI St. Vincent Infirmary, CHI St. Vincent North, and CHI St. Vin- cent Hot Springs have been honored by Arkansas Medicaid and the Arkansas Foundation for Medi- cal Care (AFMC) with the annual Inpatient Quality Incentive (IQI) program award. “This recognition reflects the unwavering com- mitment of our teams at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary, North and Hot Springs to deliver exceptional care for our patients and improve health outcomes across Arkansas,” said Chad Aduddell, market president for CHI St. Vincent. “We are honored by this award, as we remain dedicated to advanc- ing the health and well-being of the communi- ties we serve.” A partnership among Arkansas Medicaid, AFMC, and the Arkansas Hospital Association developed the IQI program in 2006 to assess the quality of care through the ways hospitals provide medical care to their patients. Arkansas Medicaid awards financial incentives to participating hospi- tals that demonstrate significant improvements in health outcomes. Baptist Health Community Outreach Launches FreeMonthly Wellness Meetup in Little Rock The public is invited to join Baptist Health Com- munity Outreach for a free monthly wellness meetup, which started in April.