LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – CHI St. Vincent, a leading regional health network serving Central and Southwest Arkansas, is announcing plans for its hospitals and clinics related to the April 8 solar eclipse, including expanded convenient care hours for some of its clinics in the path of totality. The move comes as CHI St. Vincent aims to provide healthcare to an expected influx of eclipse visitors to Arkansas while mitigating non-emergency visits to local hospitals.

“The increase of visitors to the Natural State requires a heightened level of medical readiness,” CHI St. Vincent Market CEO Chad Aduddell said. “Providing extra access to healthcare is not just a matter of hospitality, but a crucial necessity. Our proactive approach will help promote a positive experience for our residents and guests, underscoring our commitment to the health and welfare of all.”

Throughout its footprint, including at hospitals in Hot Springs and Morrilton in the path of totality, CHI St. Vincent is planning for increased security and robust staffing to meet any rise in demand. It is also stocking its facilities with additional medical supplies and equipment, preparing alternate communication channels in case of cell service interruption, and activating its emergency command center. In Morrilton, hospital officials are working with local emergency services to ensure easy traffic flow to the hospital.

“Our team has been working for quite some time to ensure that we are thoroughly prepared for an expected increase in visitors to our area," CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs President Dr. Doug Ross said. “We are equipped and ready to meet any needs that arise before, during and after the eclipse.”

CHI St. Vincent is also expanding the hours of some of its primary care clinics in the path of totality to offer care to walk-ins. Those locations and hours are:

In Morrilton, CHI St. Vincent Primary Care, at 1711 E. Harding St., will close at noon Friday, April 5, and reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 10. It will offer telehealth services on Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9.

“We know that Morrilton will be a popular site for eclipse-watchers, and so we’ve taken necessary steps to prepare our healthcare facilities and staff for an increase in visitors,” CHI St. Vincent Morrilton President Bubba Arnold said. “We’re well prepared and ready to serve during this historic event.”

CHI St. Vincent Convenient Care Clinics will remain open during regular hours. People experiencing non-life-threatening conditions are urged to seek convenient care rather than go to a local emergency department. For more information on CHI St. Vincent clinics and their adjusted hours during the eclipse, visit chistvincent.com/eclipse.