CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs is set to start a "slow launch" of its new Well-Being Hub today in downtown Hot Springs.
The hub, located in a converted downtown storefront at 231 Central Ave., will be the first of its kind in the area and will offer a wide range of informational resources to help residents live healthier lives, make informed decisions and access the health care they need, the hospital said in a news release.
It will also offer a water hydration station and include a rotating gallery of art from local residents.
CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs President Tony Houston told The Sentinel-Record that the hub is the hospital's way of involving itself in the revitalization of downtown Hot Springs and getting to know the community when they feel well, not just when they are sick.
"I can tell you what it's not -- it's not a clinic and it's not anything for health care that people are typically used to. We're a big believer in our community and we think there's big things happening downtown and we want to be a part of it and show our support that way," he said, adding that this year the hospital is celebrating its 130th anniversary in the community.
"It's really a space where we're looking to interact with the public in a way that maybe we don't often get to. Oftentimes we see people and they're not feeling well, so we want to interact with folks when they are feeling well and really talk about how to stay well, how to be well. Again, we're not a clinic; it's going to be educational."
Houston said that the center will feature and emphasize different displays and focus points throughout the year.
"It will always be a good place to stop in if you want a cold drink of water while you're walking the streets, just a place to come in and refresh and kind of get to know what St. Vincent's doing, what St. Vincent's about," he said.
The soft opening of the hub will coincide with Hot Springs' First Friday Gallery Walk and CHI St. Vincent staff will be on hand from 5-7 p.m. today to answer questions and introduce residents to the new space.
"We're just doing a slow launch -- we want to get to know what the foot traffic looks like, see what kind of interest there is. We think it'll be important to open it during certain times when downtown is active, during Gallery Walk for sure, and if there are other things going on downtown, we want to be there," Houston added. "Once we do our soft opening and kind of get a feel for some feedback and reaction, then we'll lock in our set hours."
The project is part of CHI St. Vincent's ongoing commitment to providing deeper service and value care for Arkansas residents, the release said.
Local on 10/05/2018