Resolution For Grant To Bring New Doctor for Baxter Health Facility in Harrison Fails

Citing the need to support the local hospital, Harrison Mayor Jerry Jackson casts the deciding vote against the city endorsing a grant to bring another physician for the local Baxter Regional Medical Clinic.

According to a release from the city, the proposal was submitted to the city from Baxter Regional through the  Arkansas Community Match Recruitment Program. Although the city is not required to finance any part of the grant, the program does approach communities involved to look for a resolution of support which was on the agenda for last week's City Council Meeting. The grant is designed to get new physicians in places of need with the grant to help finance that start up for that doctor for four years. The release notes that the city earlier did endorse a similar grant for a doctor working through Cox Health.

At Thursday's meeting, individuals representing Baxter Health based in Mountain Home were on hand as well officials from North Arkansas Regional Medical Center based in Harrison. The release quotes Mayor Jackson from the meeting stating while he shared the concern with many citizens about recent financial issues experienced from NARMC, his visit with hospital officials gave him assurance that the hospital was once again operating in the black and thought the city should not support the proposal as a show of support for NARMC. 

When the resolution came up for a vote, there were three of the eight member board were in favor, three opposed with Alderman Larry Phillips abstaining. Though not stated in the release, one member was presumed to be absent. After legal review, Mayor Jackson casts the deciding vote to not support the resolution. 

NARMC Board Chair Dr. Steve Beeler, who attended and spoke at Thursday's meeting, said Friday in the release he thanks the city and their officials for being encouraging to the team at NARMC.

The complete release can be found on the City of Harrison Website.