Tyson Foods to test health clinic in north Arkansas 

Tyson Foods is partnering with Marathon Health to operate a health clinic near the meat giant’s processing facilities in Berryville and Green Forest in north Arkansas. The clinic will provide healthcare services to Tyson employees and their families at a low or no cost.

The clinic will be operated by Marathon Health and will provide primary and preventive care, including health screenings, lifestyle coaching and health education, and behavioral health counseling. Marathon Health will also collaborate with the Berryville and Green Forest community health providers, including primary care physicians and specialists, to ensure appropriate care is delivered.

“NARMC is excited to collaborate with Tyson Foods and support their efforts to improve the health of their team members through expanded healthcare services,” said Sammie Cribbs, COO and CNO, with the Harrison-based North Arkansas Regional Medical Center. “We will work with the Tyson team to enhance these efforts by providing additional services and wellness opportunities to care for these community members. This is an exciting time for the community, and NARMC is honored to be part of this growth opportunity.”

The north Arkansas clinic will be one of seven health clinics in which Tyson has partnered. Other locations already announced include Lexington, Neb., Wilkesboro, N.C., Storm Lake, Iow,a and Holcomb, Kan. Tyson said the other locations will be announced at a later date.

“We’re piloting these clinics to promote a culture of health in our company that results in a healthier workforce,” said Johanna Söderström, chief human resources officer for Tyson Foods. “Some of our frontline team members aren’t using their health plan benefits, and others don’t seek care until there’s a crisis. We want to change that by providing access to care that can help detect health conditions early and promote healthy habits.”

The clinic services are in addition to other benefits offered to employees including health insurance, dental and vision coverage. Tyson said it requires all regular, full-time team employees who have completed 59 days of employment to have health care coverage through either the company-sponsored health plan or through a family member’s plan. This means 100% of the company’s eligible employees have access to health care coverage.

Tyson competitor Simmons Foods has operated a health clinic at its home office in Siloam Springs for more than a decade.