CHI St. Vincent Foundation Community Programs

A Hospital for The Community

CHI St. Vincent’s goal of providing the best health care possible extends beyond the walls of its hospitals to the community with many outreach programs underwritten by the generous in-kind and financial contributions of Arkansans across the state. Through our community efforts, we reach out to people at their childcare centers, churches, neighborhoods and schools to provide preventive health care and support.

New Outlook: The Women's Cancer Recovery Center

New Outlook: The Women’s Cancer Recovery Centerr provides support, prostheses, information and services to cancer patients and their families regardless of their ability to pay or where they receive treatment. Each year, more than 2,000 women across Arkansas receive care and comfort through New Outlook.

The program began in 1996 with the vision of cancer survivors and community volunteers who wanted to create a comprehensive program for women diagnosed with cancer. At this “one-stop shop,” staff and volunteers evaluate the patient’s needs and ask about treatment and diagnosis to determine which services are needed. A woman might need a wig, a cosmetic makeover, educational information, emotional support, or a prosthesis or mastectomy bra.

One central Arkansas family described their experience, saying, “When we went to New Outlook, we were truly touched by the friendliness of the staff and the volunteers and the care they showed in fitting a new wig. It brought tears to our eyes when we learned that, in the midst of all our troubles, the wig was at no charge.”

Community Clinics

CHI St. Vincent Health Clinic East provides medical and dental services on a sliding-fee scale.

Through a partnership with the City of Little Rock, the East Clinic is located in the Nathaniel Hill Community Center on East Sixth Street in Little Rock.

The clinics provide a full range of health care services, including primary care, screening and diagnosis, chronic disease management, a pharmaceutical benefit program and follow-up referrals. The clinics are open four days a week.

Perinatal Bereavement Program

CHI St. Vincent Perinatal Bereavement Program gives intense supportive care to families after a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death. Each year, about 400 families are comforted through this program. We help parents who experience perinatal loss cope with grief in a healthy way and adapt to life without their baby. Services include burial, assistance with funeral arrangements, photographs, a memory box, literature and support groups, follow-up care for one year and referrals for complicated grief. CHI St. Vincent holds an annual memorial service and monthly burial services.

Community partners such as the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock, Huson Funeral Homes in North Little Rock,Floral Express, author Linda DeYmaz, and the La Petite Roche Smocking Guild help make the services possible.

As one mother and father said, “This program means so very much to parents who don’t get to take their bundle of joy home. We’re left with memories and the wonderful items you provide. When I look at the certificate you did for us with her feet and handprints on them, I realize how awesome God is and how perfect she was at just five months.”

CHI St. Vincent Health Ministry

CHI St. Vincent Health Ministry is a partnership with local churches to provide health care and information about health and wellness. Health Ministry teams sponsor an annual community health fair, screen for high blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose, give flu shots, develop health libraries at their churches, and submit health information for church newsletters.

As Tish Yeargan, a Health Ministry team leader, said, “Our members are encouraged by the program and are anxious for health-related information. Through Health Ministry, I have an opportunity to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of all people in our congregation.”

For more information about starting a Health Ministry at your church, call Amber Lindsey at 501-552-8450.

CHI St. Vincent Health at Home

CHI St. Vincent Health at Home has served the needs of central Arkansas home health patients for more than 65 years. Founded in 1938 by the Pulaski County Medical Society and the United Way, CHI St. Vincent Health at Home (formerly VNA) was the first home health agency in the state. In 1996, VNA was acquired by CHI St. Vincent Health System, merging two of the most respected names in health care in central Arkansas.

Through its Volunteer Resources Program and its Patient Assistance Fund, CHI St. Vincent Health at Home provides for some of the nonmedical needs of its patients to improve their quality of life. Assisted by donations, CHI St. Vincent Health at Home provides prescriptions, food, linens, utility payments, transportation, and handrails and grab bars for patients in need.