Emergency Management & Public Safety
The Department of Emergency Management & Public Safety is responsible for emergency preparedness, responses, and recovery efforts. Response activities include supporting 911 communication service, county ambulance service, and emergency planning surrounding infrastructure and community resilience. Sebastian County has an aggressive Training Program for the First Responders among the Rural Fire Departments. We currently have 78 First Responders among 17 Volunteer Fire Departments; 35 are EMTs and 6 are paramedics supporting EMS activities. Other activities include an active Search and Rescue Team that supports the state and region, along with an Amateur Radio Emergency Service and CERT program on a regional effort. Funding for the department is provided by an $18 fee added to personal property tax, approved by voters in 1986.
2019-NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
COVID-19
Efforts among the Sebastian County area has been in a public health collaboration between Mercy Hospital and Baptist Health Medical Center that have guidance that will be shared of offering a screening hotline by DIALING 2-1-1 is a free telephone service that connects individuals in need to important community services in Arkansas. 2-1-1 is the direct link between people who need and people who can give help. The process of helping support those that are feeling ill and are in need of a verbal conversation where the patient is asked if they have had direct contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, and asked if they have any symptoms (i.e. fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath). When a patient is having such sypmtoms and came in contact, that individual will then be directed to take further actions that may result in a scheduled appointment.
Dial 2-1-1 Call Center to Be Informed during COVID-19
(479-289-6508 from 08:00am to 8:00pm Mon-Fri)
River Valley Hotline Information - Sebastian County Parntering with Mercy Hospital and Baptist Health
To assist residents in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, Baptist Health partnered with Mercy to offer a free hotline to address questions surrounding the coronavirus. It is aimed at helping residents better understand conditions from the comfort of their homes and receive direction on the next steps for care, with a screening phone intereview to help identify it testing needs to occur.
COVID19 Rapid Test Clinics - Be prepared to be seen by a physician.
Sebastian County Health Unit
3112 S. 70th Fort Smith, AR. 72901
1-479-452-8600
Call for details and instructions
Mercy Convenient Care
1400 Zero Street Fort Smith, AR. 72908
1-479-573-3082
Mercy Convenient Care
3505 South 79th Fort Smith, AR. 72903
1-479-709-8686
River Valley Primary Care Services
3202 North 6th Fort Smith, AR. 72901
1-479-783-3900
COVID19 Test Sites - 2+ day return
Ben Geren Test Site
7200 Zero Street Fort Smith, AR. 72903
1-479-289-6508
Call for an Appointment
Baptist Health Test Site - Sebastian County
1500 Dodson Ave Fort Smith, AR. 72901
1-479-709-6845
Call for an Appointment
Baptist Health Test Site - Crawford County
209 West Pointer Trail Van Buren, AR. 72956
1-479-709-6845
Call for an Appointment
Vaccine Information - See links for Phases of Vaccine Availability
Visit the Arkansas Health Department VACCINATION PLAN online!!!
For additional assistance or questions, call the ADH COVID-19 Call Center at 1-800-803-7847, or email ADH.CoronaVirus@arkansas.gov. For immediate quarantine and isolation sheltering needs for homeless or displaced individuals, please call 501-661-2136.
Know that local pharmacies have been tasked with distribution and administering the Covid-19 Vaccination and the list can be viewed by County or City online.
Please see below Guidance and Education from Arkansas Governor, the Arkansas Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "CDC"
COVID-19 Education:
Vaccination Plan
Pharmacies List
Quick Link for Multiple Resources
COVID-19 Overview
Cold and Flu Season
What to do if you are sick...
What you need to know...
Arkansas Governor Press Releases
Arkansas Department of Health
Questions or Concerns about COVID-19, contact the Arkansas Department of Health at 800.803.7847
Center for Disease Control and Prevention