Emergency Management & Public Safety
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 Each Day)
Baptist / Mercy Hotline Info:
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. The number is (479) 289-6508 and is staffed by nurses from Baptist Health affiliated clinics from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Weekdays and Weekends. 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.
A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) team with Mercy’s top experts is working every day to make sure Mercy is prepared and ready to care for our communities. Mercy is also working closely with local and state health departments, as well as with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to ensure we have the most up-to-date information about a rapidly changing situation.
All Baptist Health medical centers have implemented visitor restrictions. For more information, visit our coronavirus page.
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:
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
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.
