Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas

10/08/2026

The best caregivers don’t just do their jobs well. They leave every person, process and place better because they were there.

Congratulations to Andrew Graber, a vascular access nurse and our 2026 Living Our Values Award recipient for Stewardship.

Andrew embodies stewardship in every sense of the word, generously sharing his time, talents and expertise to serve patients, caregivers and our healing mission. Whether he's mentoring fellow nurses, leading faith-centered book studies, improving clinical practices across Mercy or caring for patients at the bedside, Andrew uses his gifts to help others grow and thrive.

Known for combining clinical excellence with compassion and humility, Andrew has become a trusted mentor, educator and advocate. His work has strengthened patient care throughout Mercy through evidence-based improvements, innovative solutions and a willingness to share knowledge with colleagues across the organization. Just as importantly, he challenges others to see healthcare not simply as a profession, but as a calling.

One nominator described Andrew as "a seeker, sincere and thoughtful," while another shared, "He has influenced more people than he knows." Through his leadership, service and faith-filled example, Andrew continues to elevate those around him and advance Mercy's healing mission.

As one colleague beautifully said, "Mercy owes a tip of the hat to such a caregiver, one who assures that our lantern is lit to shine for all to see."

Thank you, Andrew, for faithfully using your gifts in service to others and for being a remarkable example of Mercy's values in action. 💙

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Living Our Values Award recipient for Stewardship, Andrew Graber!

10/07/2026

Now’s a good time to get your vaccines on the calendar. 🍂 🍁 Mercy pharmacies in Fort Smith and Rogers offer walk-in vaccines for flu and COVID during normal business hours, or talk to your primary care provider about what's best for you. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4y9VyC3

10/06/2026

💗 We're going pink! Talk about showing up and showing out! Our Mercy General Surgery and Mercy Neurosurgery teams brought the pink power to kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Thank you for helping us raise awareness, show support and remind those impacted by breast cancer that they are never alone. Keep rocking your pink all month long! 💕

10/05/2026

NWA continues to be a place where bold ideas become a reality!

What does it mean to build a health care destination grounded in whole health?

Spanning 120+ acres in Bentonville, AWSOM Whole Health Campus represents a bold vision for health care in the Heartland. Planned facilities include a Center for Advanced Specialty Care, a comprehensive cancer center and a hospital, expanding access to world-class specialty care while advancing whole-person health.

In a recent Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette opinion column, Rex Nelson reflects on the significance of that vision and what it could mean for Arkansas and the broader region.

As he writes, it is "one of the most important announcements in recent Arkansas history."

Read highlights here: https://brnw.ch/21x6bx1

Heartland Whole Health Institute
Alice L. Walton School of Medicine
Mercy

10/04/2026

Congratulations to the neurosurgery team of Dr. Asad Akhter, Dr. Marc Eastin and physician assistant Caitlin Spohnholtz! We're excited to mark a Mercy Northwest Arkansas first with the successful completion of an endoscopic spine surgery, expanding access to advanced spine care with an innovative, minimally invasive treatment option that helps patients quickly get back to the lives they love.

Using advanced technology and a surgical incision of approximately one centimeter, endoscopic spine surgery allows surgeons to treat many spinal conditions while minimizing disruption to muscles and surrounding tissue. The result can mean less postoperative pain, less blood loss, faster recovery and outcomes comparable to traditional approaches.

“Endoscopic spine surgery allows us to treat many of the same conditions we’ve traditionally treated with open or minimally invasive surgery, but through a much smaller surgical corridor, which means as little disruption to the patient as possible,” Dr. Akhter said.

For Dr. Eastin, this milestone reflects Mercy's ongoing commitment to advancing care for the communities we serve. “We’re always trying to stay on the cusp of technology and medical advancement so we can provide the best care and support for our patients here in Northwest Arkansas,” Dr. Eastin said.

Please join us in celebrating this exciting Mercy NWA first and the team whose dedication to innovation continues to expand what's possible for our patients.

10/03/2026

Please join us in congratulating Cindy Elkins, our contact center manager and recipient of Mercy’s 2026 Living Our Values Award for Service!

Our value of Service calls us to offer our time, talents and compassion to support those we serve. Cindy brings that value to life through her willingness to step in, support others and do whatever is needed to help her team succeed.

No matter how busy she is, Cindy makes time to assist, collaborate and provide guidance. She regularly connects with fellow leaders to share best practices and find ways to better support patients and coworkers, helping foster a culture of teamwork and shared success.

As leader of the Arkansas Specialty Contact Center, Cindy has shown exceptional leadership during a time of unprecedented call volumes. She guided her team in maintaining exceptional patient service while continuing to build strong relationships with the practices they support.

Above all, Cindy is a passionate advocate for her team. Through her humility, compassion and servant leadership, she helps caregivers feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best.

Congratulations, Cindy, on this well-deserved recognition! Thank you for all you do to serve your team, your fellow caregivers and the patients we care for every day. 👏

10/02/2026

Please join us in congratulating Paige Dial, ER clinical supervisor and recipient of Mercy Northwest Arkansas' 2026 Living Our Values Award for Service!

For 25 years, Paige has quietly and consistently lived Mercy's mission through servant leadership, compassion and a genuine commitment to others. From mentoring new graduate nurses as they navigate the challenges of emergency care to supporting colleagues across departments, Paige is the person countless caregivers turn to for guidance, encouragement and support.

As an RN supervisor, educator and trusted mentor, Paige helps others build the confidence, clinical judgment and compassion needed to thrive. Her influence extends far beyond the emergency department, strengthening teams throughout Mercy through collaboration, education and a consistent focus on exceptional patient care.

Those who know Paige know she never seeks recognition. She simply shows up every day ready to serve others. Her humility, grace and willingness to put the needs of patients and co-workers before her own have left a lasting impact on generations of nurses and the countless patients they serve.

Congratulations, Paige, and thank you for being a shining example of Mercy's value of Service. Your leadership, kindness and dedication make Mercy a better place for our caregivers, patients and communities. 💙

10/02/2026

Stop ✋🛑 what you're doing and schedule your next primary care appointment here: https://bit.ly/4xZHdb0

Carry on 💅

10/02/2026

We're honored to be a chapter in the story of Fort Smith's history of remarkable women. Keep your eyes out for this story in the coming months!

10/02/2026

If you've been to a Mercy hospital today, you may have noticed that we're kicking off . The best way to join in on the celebration would be to schedule your mammogram! This 15-minute test could save your life. https://bit.ly/3TyDO50

10/01/2026

Please join us in congratulating Toni Walker, clinical coordinator for our cardiac catheterization lab and recipient of Mercy’s 2026 Living Our Values Award for Excellence!

Our value of Excellence calls us to provide the highest quality care through expertise, teamwork, innovation and compassion for those we serve. Toni truly brings this value to life every day.

Recently, Toni’s clinical expertise and ICU experience helped her recognize an important change in a critically ill patient’s condition. She spoke up, shared her concerns with the care team and helped guide a change in treatment that made an immediate difference in the patient’s recovery. Her quick thinking and willingness to advocate for her patient are a powerful example of clinical excellence.

But this kind of dedication is nothing new for Toni. She brings compassion, knowledge and genuine care to every patient, family member and coworker she encounters. As clinical coordinator, she supports her team, shares her expertise and helps ensure the cath lab provides exceptional care every day.

Toni’s kindness, leadership and commitment to her patients make a difference across Mercy. As her nominator shared, “Quite simply, she was born to be a nurse.”

Congratulations, Toni, on this well-deserved recognition! Thank you for advocating for your patients, supporting your team and bringing excellence to everything you do.👏

09/30/2026

Today we're celebrating a Mercy caregiver who is living our value of Justice.

As an advanced medical assistant at Mercy Bella Vista Clinic, Nichole Turner consistently lives our value of caring for people with kindness, respect and genuine concern, especially the economically poor. Her nominator was particularly struck by a time when Nichole encountered an individual experiencing homelessness sleeping in the lobby - she didn't see a problem, she saw a person.

She ensured they had food and water, connected them with available resources and helped them find safe transportation and shelter. Through her actions, she demonstrated that every person deserves to be seen, supported and treated with dignity.

What makes Nichole's impact so meaningful is that this spirit of compassion extends far beyond a single moment. She brings empathy to every patient interaction, supports coworkers during challenging times and offers help wherever it is needed. Her generosity, positivity and commitment to caring for others reflect the very best of Mercy's mission.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Living Our Values Award recipient for Justice, Nichole Turner! Thank you, Nichole, for showing what it means to put mercy into action and for reminding us that every person matters. 💙

09/30/2026

Ready for flu season? 🍂 Now’s a good time to get your vaccines on the calendar. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines each have different timing recommendations. Here’s when to get each one:

Flu: September or October is the best time to get vaccinated for the fall flu season, but it’s still a good idea to get your vaccine later in the season. The vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective.

COVID-19: The COVID-19 vaccine was recently updated, and with the respiratory season upon us, receiving this vaccine now will provide the best protection (assuming you received the older vaccine more than three months ago). Additional doses may be recommended based on age, vaccination history and immune status. When additional updates to the vaccine happen, immunization is recommended ASAP, but no sooner than three months after your last COVID-19 vaccine.

RSV: Eligible adults should get the RSV vaccine between August and October, or any time of year. You do not need to get an RSV vaccine every year.

Not sure which vaccines you need or when to get them? Talk with your healthcare provider.

09/30/2026

Sometimes the signs are subtle. A change that doesn't seem urgent. A symptom that comes and goes. A feeling that something just isn't right.

During Gynecologic Oncology Awareness Month, physician assistant Danielle Hayes shares an important reminder: you know your body best. Paying attention to changes and seeking care when something feels different can make a difference to catch cancer at its earliest stages when it is most treatable.

Trust your instincts. Ask questions. Don't put off concerns.

Early conversations with your healthcare provider can lead to earlier answers and, when needed, earlier treatment.

09/30/2026

Today, and every day, we continue to celebrate the children who have faced some of the hardest challenges with resilience and bravery. Thank you for being a light. ✨

09/29/2026

Been around someone with measles? Here's what to know.

If symptoms develop, start with a virtual visit or phone call. A Mercy caregiver can help you understand your options and what to do next.

09/27/2026

This Su***de Prevention Month, we're proud to recognize the Mercy Virtual Behavioral Health team, whose screening and outreach program was named a finalist for the 2026 Aim for Excellence Award.

Behind that recognition is a team dedicated to helping people feel seen, heard and supported. If you're struggling, know that you're not alone. Help is available, and we're here for you.

09/25/2026

Sudden injuries don't have to put you in a pickle. Skip the ER wait and cost and head to our orthopedic walk-in clinics instead! Find your nearest location: https://bit.ly/45V3A5W

09/25/2026

The best part of Mercy is our people. As we reflect on Deaf Awareness Month and the contributions of our EVS team, we're celebrating a caregiver who makes Mercy better every day.

09/25/2026

Rural health challenges require local solutions and strong partnerships! We're proud to join Heartland Whole Health Institute and partners across Arkansas in the Rural Health Transformation Program, working to create healthier communities and improve access to care where it's needed most.

Big news for rural health in Arkansas.

Heartland Whole Health Institute is proud to convene six Arkansas health care organizations through Heartland Whole Health Connect, a new rural health initiative supported through $8.4 million from Arkansas' Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

Together with Mercy, Community Clinic, Boston Mountain Rural Health Center, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, St. Bernards Healthcare, and Arkansas CPESN, we’ll work to expand access to primary and preventive care, strengthen chronic disease management, increase telehealth and remote care, and advance whole-person care closer to home.

We’re excited for what this investment makes possible for Arkansas and what we can learn together to help shape the future of rural health across the country.

Learn more about Heartland Whole Health Connect: https://brnw.ch/21x5WFy