Mercy Hospital Watonga

10/09/2026

Ashley Gibson found her calling in rural medicine. After starting her Mercy journey 13 years ago in the flex pool and working in hospitals across the region, she realized her heart belonged in rural health care. Today, she serves as clinical nurse supervisor at , where she helps support caregivers, patients and positive change throughout the community.

"In rural health care, you wear many hats, and that's what I love most," Ashley said. From the emergency department to nursing leadership, she knows rural hospitals are more than places of care. They're part of the community, helping neighbors stay healthy, supported and close to home.

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

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

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

09/17/2026

Whole-person healing is coming to the Heartland.

Mercy and the Alice L. Walton Foundation celebrated the groundbreaking of the AWSOM Whole Health Campus, a visionary new healthcare destination designed to bring advanced specialty care and transformative innovation to the Heartland.

For countless patients and families, this future campus represents something powerful: access to world-class expertise closer to home when it matters most.

Full story at 🔗 in comments.

08/16/2026

Amy Cronin is usually the one behind the camera, cheering on caregivers, supporting community events and finding ways to bring people together. After 20 years with Mercy and serving hospitals in Guthrie, Kingfisher and Watonga, she’s learned that rural health care is about more than a hospital. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors. “Small communities are an extended family,” said Amy, currently serving as Support Services Manager at . Whether she’s supporting caregivers, serving on local boards, or helping organize a community bed race, Amy knows strong rural hospitals help small towns thrive, and that care close to home is worth protecting.

06/17/2026

🙏🩸⏳

Due to the blood shortage we are asking for your help. Come visit your local OBI center or look for a mobile drive near you!