Northwest Health Delivering Quality Care and More to Northwest Arkansas
4/17/2025
Northwest Health provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with 611,300 patient encounters across its network of physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care. In addition to delivering safe, quality, compassionate health care, the health system is helping those in need, supporting charitable organizations and contributing to the area economy. In its most recent Community Benefit Report, Northwest Health’s impact totaled an estimated $436 million in 2024.
Northwest Health’s emergency rooms provide lifesaving, medically necessary care at 84,300 patient encounters – treating all patients regardless of their ability to pay – each year. In 2024, Northwest Health provided $191 million in charity and uncompensated care and provided resources to help patients in need secure medications and medical support devices.
The health system and its employees also support local organizations that make a difference, especially those addressing social determinants of health. Through service projects such as the annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive for Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and The Manna Center and contributions to charitable organizations such as Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, Dress for Success Northwest Arkansas and Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA, Northwest Health gives back to the community throughout the year.
“Our work to grow and enhance the medical services we provide is ongoing, as we continuously improve our safety and quality and support access to health care for our community,” said Juli McWhorter, Administrative Leader of Northwest Health, CEO of Northwest Medical Center – Willow Creek Women’s Hospital and Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital. “From providing care to our most vulnerable residents to supporting local charitable organizations, we are proud to make an impact on the health, well-being and quality of life in Northwest Arkansas.”
Northwest Health has improved access to specialized care for the community by recruiting a breast surgical oncologist, orthopedic and spine surgeon and cardiovascular thoracic surgeons so patients may receive high-quality specialized care close to home, without the need to travel long distances.
The number of primary care providers within the network has also grown through the recruitment of five new providers. And to further support the community’s behavioral health needs, the health system has dedicated 20 beds specifically for the treatment of patients 55 and older, and opened an intensive outpatient program.
“We are strategically applying our resources to help area residents have access to the care they need close to home,” said McWhorter. “These investments, along with our outstanding medical staff and employees, support our delivery of high quality medical care and services for a positive patient experience.”
Northwest Health is one of the community’s larger employers with a payroll of $190 million. Support for the future health care workforce includes training the next generation of medical professionals, and the Springdale hospital is a clinical rotation site for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences family medicine residency program.
In addition to supporting the local economy through job creation, Northwest Health paid $15 million in taxes in 2024, monies that support local infrastructure and civic resources.
Northwest Health’s commitment to helping people get well and live healthier includes a free monthly e-newsletter with health and wellness tips for all ages. Sign up at https://www.northwesthealth.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
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