Baxter Regional Behavioral Health Clinic, a local provider of outpatient behavioral health services in Mtn. Home, Ark., has announced it will close its doors Oct. 13. According to officials, the clinic is committed to continuing its high standard of patient care until the closure date.
Baxter Health's dedication to its patients' well-being extends beyond the clinic's operations, officials explained. All current patients have been provided a list of community behavioral health providers and encouraged to establish care as quickly as possible. Assistance with medication refills will continue through Dec. 31.
Baxter Health will continue to operate its inpatient Adult Behavioral Health unit and its inpatient Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit, said officials. They added the decision to close the outpatient clinic was made due to Baxter Health operating in an extremely challenging healthcare environment due to post-COVID supply chain shortages, high inflation and a sustained healthcare workforce shortage driving labor costs, all while reimbursement for services continues to stagnate and, in some cases, decrease. Baxter Health officials said the health system is trying to allocate its resources to meet community needs in the best way possible.
"Baxter Health's top priority has always been the well-being and health of our patients," said Brian Barnett, Baxter Health vice president of business development and physician enterprise. "We understand that the closure may bring about uncertainty, but we are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for our patients."
In an effort to maintain privacy and comply with regulations, patients will need to complete a release form authorizing the transfer of their medical records, said officials. These forms have been enclosed in letters sent to current patients and are also available at the clinic. The completed forms can be mailed to 624 Hospital Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653, ATTN: Medical Records, or dropped off in person at Baxter Health Medical Records.
Baxter Health officials concluded the announcement with an expression of “deep gratitude to all [Baxter’s] patients for their trust and support over the years,” adding they take pride in having been able to contribute to the community's health and well-being.
