05/14/2026
We often take for granted access to emergency departments. Imagine the sudden closure of your local hospital, leaving your community without prompt access to emergency care. For West Memphis, Arkansas, and its surrounding areas, the 2014 closure of Crittenden Regional Hospital left a critical gap in care.
Four years later, Baptist Memorial Hospital - Crittenden opened its doors, closing the gap by offering emergency treatment, imaging, and outpatient infusions.
Read more of the Baptist Crittenden story: https://govaria.com/projects/baptist-memorial-hospital-crittenden/
In August 2014, a press conference was held at the Crittenden Regional Hospital announcing its imminent closure. Doctors and EMTs pledged their support for the community, but there was fear as it became difficult to get patients to facilities during the “golden hour” of emergency care.