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For Everybody: The Mission Behind Mid-Delta Health Systems, Inc.

Care Close to Home: The Story Behind Mid-Delta Health Systems

For nearly 40 years, Mid-Delta Health Systems has been delivering quality, affordable healthcare to the heart of the Arkansas Delta. Based in the Monroe County city of Clarendon, Mid-Delta also has clinics in DeWitt and Stuttgart as well as a school-based location: Lion’s Clinic in Clarendon.

Clinicians, staff members and the board are all committed to making patient care the top priority at Mid-Delta Health Systems. But awareness remains a challenge. There are still so many who don’t know about the clinic and who it serves. CEO Monica Lindley is clear: "A community health center is a clinic. It's not for any special population. It's for everybody."

More Than a Doctor's Visit

For many patients, Mid-Delta is far more than a place to treat an illness. Staff members work alongside patients to help them navigate the systems that determine whether they can afford care. Susan Caplener, Outreach and Patient Services Coordinator, helps enroll people who qualify in Medicaid or connect them to Medicare benefits or link them to resources like food, housing, and other basic necessities.

"There are a lot of people that don't even know they might qualify for insurance," Caplener said. "When people leave my office and they actually are happy, and they came in not happy. To see them leave and say, 'Oh my gosh, thank you so much, I wouldn't have known about this program.' That's a great thing."

Monica Lindley, CEO

Susan Caplener, Outreach and Patient Services Coordinator

Dental Services

One of Mid-Delta's notable offerings is its dental clinic. Dr. James L. Fish, the clinic's sole dentist, says some patients drive from as far as 70 miles away to see him. Dr. Fish wants the community to understand something often overlooked: dental health isn't separate from your overall health.

“If you don't get your teeth cleaned and your gums are infected, that can get in your bloodstream, which can then cause a stroke, a heart attack,” he said. “Dental health is a part of whole health.”

That's why Mid-Delta takes dental education into local Head Start programs and elementary schools, handing out toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to build healthy habits early.

Dental health is a part of whole health.

Dr. James L. Fish

The Same Mission, Decades Later

Sitting on the desk in Lindley’s office is a framed document from the clinic’s earliest days. It’s a typewritten paper Lindley found years ago that reads in part, “The patient is the most important person in the organization. The patient is not an interruption of our work. He's the purpose of it.”

"It doesn't matter what decade that was typed in," Lindley said. "It still applies today."

Mid-Delta keeps going back to the drawing board, asking the same questions it always has. Are we doing the best thing for the community? Are we taking care of our patients? Are we taking care of our people?

Nearly four decades in, the answer is still yes.

THE NUMBERS

From 2020 to 2024, MidDelta has had an increase in their patient base of 1,000 patients. This is an increase of approximately 40% over the 5-year period.

From 2022-2024, Mid-Delta assisted 7% of their diabetes patients get control of their diabetes and lower their A1C.

20%

From 2020-2024, Mid-Delta had an increase of approximately 20% in eligible women (ages 52-74) complete breast cancer screenings.

90%

In 2024, Mid-Delta screened more than 90% of patients 12 years and older for tobacco use and discussed with them treatment options to quit.

From 2020-2024, Mid-Delta helped 20% of their patients get control of their high blood pressure.

River Valley Primary Care Services to Open New Dental Clinic

River Valley Primary Care Services will open a brand-new Waldron Community Dental on June 15, 2026.

The federally qualified health center announced on its Facebook Page that the new space will provide high-quality, affordable care in a modern and comfortable environment. Dr. Celeste Gish-Hampton will serve patients at this location.

This expansion represents another important step in improving access to healthcare services across the area.

1st Choice Healthcare 1st Choice Healthcare Choice Healthcare

Announces Clinic Opening Announces Clinic Opening Announces Clinic Opening

1st Choice Healthcare is bringing quality, affordable care closer to home for Piggott residents with the opening of a new clinic at 1311 E Main Street.

The new location will mark the federally qualified health center's 7th site, joining existing clinics in Pocahontas, Salem, Walnut Ridge, Corning, Highland, and Paragould.

Planning is still in the early stages, and organizers hope the clinic will be open in Fall 2026. As they prepare to open their doors, they’re looking for dedicated healthcare professionals and support staff who are passionate about community-centered care.

CHCA Hires Data Analyst

CHCA is pleased to welcome Marisol Cabrera as a new data analyst. She’s committed to using data to solve real-world business challenges and support evidencebased decision-making.

“Marisol joins us at an important time as we continue strengthening our data, quality improvement, and reporting efforts across Arkansas’s community health centers,” said Dr. Marico Howe, CHCA’s Chief Quality and Informatics Officer. “This role will support collaboration, data driven decision making, and timely reporting to our partners and funders.”

Marisol is a recent graduate of Arkansas Tech University where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Data Science. She enjoys hiking, fitness and spending time with her family and dog, Bear.

Marisol Cabrera

National Case Study Lifts Up Arkansas Program

Submitted: Excel by 8 Team

A 2026 case study from The Bridgespan Group highlights Arkansas as a national example of what’s possible when health care, philanthropy, and public policy work together to support families.

The study lifts up HealthySteps in Arkansas as a model for embedding preventive, relationship-based support in pediatric care and underscores how partners across multiple sectors helped pave the way for Act 513 of 2023, enabling Medicaid reimbursement and long-term sustainability.

In 2022, Excel by Eight, together with Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Arkansas Children’s Care Network, launched HealthySteps at seven sites. Its implementation has resulted in measurable statewide impact:

27,171

children ages 0–3 reached through HealthySteps sites statewide

4,200+

referrals for maternal depression, food insecurity, and other family supports

218%

estimated return for every Medicaid dollar invested

Click here to read the full case study.

Excel by Eight is a network of families, communities, policymakers, and business and nonprofit leaders who are committed to improving health and education outcomes for Arkansas children from prenatal to age 8.

CHCA at the WLN Women's Business Showcase

CHCA was among the 140 exhibitors at the Women's Leadership Network's seventh annual Women's Business Showcase, held May 21 at the Conway Expo Center. The event drew more than 900 attendees and featured over 150 women-led brands and nonprofits from across the region.

Communications Director Katrina Dupins represented CHCA at the booth, connecting with community members and sharing information about community health centers.

EVENT

Rebuilding the Workforce and Advancing Quality Care by Centering Providers, Patients,

Arkansas Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association Presents June 5-6, 2026 | Mayor Joyce Ferguson Civic Center Panel Discussion The Impact of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Rural Healthcare and Community Voice