Mercy Fort Smith expands healthcare access in Alma, Greenwood

Mercy Fort Smith has invested more than $7.8 million to expand clinical access in Alma and Greenwood. The hospital system could add as many as four providers and physicians and up to nine support staff for the two locations.

A new 11,130-square-foot clinic in Greenwood opened Aug. 15 at 2435 Veterans Way. The new building replaces the clinic at 20 N. Aster St.

According to Mercy, the new clinic includes 22 exam rooms with space to expand. There are four physicians, three advanced practice registered nurses, and 22 support staff at the clinic. Mercy said it spent around $7.2 million to open the facility.

“There’s been a long tradition of trust between the providers and the people of Greenwood,” said Dr. Michael Callaway, section chairman for primary care at Mercy Fort Smith. “We’ve enjoyed that for a long time, and we have high expectations that this clinic will allow us to continue with increased capacity.”

Dr. Lance Barton noted the growth in staff and resources in his 25 years at the Greenwood clinic.

“I want to thank Mercy for investing in primary care in Greenwood and South Sebastian County. We’ve managed to persevere, and we’ve delivered good care to the community, and we’ve grown from three providers when I came (25 years ago) to seven providers,” Barton said.

A Mercy clinic on Heather Lane in Alma opened July 11, with the facility estimated to cost $665,000, according to Mercy. The clinic will add one new provider and four support staff with the potential to add two more providers and four support staff.

“I love that I have the opportunity to serve in this community,” said Marissa Lawrence, an advanced practice registered nurse with the Alma clinic. “I grew up in this area, so I feel that I’m going to be able to bring much-needed services and access to primary care.”