The
Alice L. Walton Foundation
, in partnership with
Mercy
and
Cleveland Clinic
, has unveiled a groundbreaking 30-year agreement to invest a staggering $700 million in the central United States healthcare system. This massive investment aims to revolutionize access to healthcare, drive down costs, and enhance health outcomes in the region. The collaboration also includes the esteemed
Cleveland Clinic
, renowned for its cardiovascular expertise, which will bring its knowledge to the initiative.
Transformative Healthcare Expansion
The significant investment will kick off with the establishment of a state-of-the-art cardiovascular facility, outpatient center, and the recruitment of additional physicians in Northwest Arkansas.
Mercy
is set to allocate $350 million to construct a cutting-edge cardiac care center of excellence on its Rogers campus, alongside resources for physician recruitment. The institution plans to introduce hundreds of medical professionals to the region over the next years.
Specialty Care Excellence
The
Alice L. Walton Foundation
will also contribute $350 million towards setting up an outpatient center of excellence in Bentonville for specialty care, including innovative cardiac services and virtual care. This initiative aims to attract, train, and retain physicians in the region, signifying one of the most substantial specialty-care investments in the central U.S.
Future of Healthcare
Plans for the new healthcare centers in Rogers and Bentonville are in the early stages, with detailed information set to be released as they progress. The collaboration between
Alice L. Walton Foundation
,
Mercy
, and
Cleveland Clinic
signals a new era in healthcare, focusing on enhancing quality, reducing costs, and promoting accessible healthcare for all individuals.
Commitment to Community
Philanthropist
Alice Walton
, the driving force behind Heartland Whole Health Institute and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of providing quality healthcare to everyone in the heartland. The collaboration aims to transform the healthcare landscape in the region, prioritizing increased quality and reduced costs.
Partnership Impact
Tom Mihaljevic, president and CEO of
Cleveland Clinic
, expressed delight at working with the involved parties to enhance cardiovascular care access in Northwest Arkansas. The collaboration aligns with Cleveland Clinic's mission to deliver excellent, compassionate care to a broader patient base.
Transforming Healthcare
Steve Mackin, president and CEO of Mercy, highlighted the commitment to creating a revolutionary healthcare model that emphasizes quality care, affordability, and accessibility. This endeavor seeks to enhance specialty care in Northwest Arkansas and drive positive, lasting changes in the community.
Health Hub Development
The new cardiac centers are slated to serve as the core of a health hub, designed to minimize patients seeking care outside the region. These centers will offer a wide range of cardiac services, reduce healthcare expenses, and implement preventative healthcare models leveraging technology and telehealth to bolster health outcomes.
Whole Health Focus
Mercy and Cleveland Clinic, in collaboration with Heartland Whole Health Institute, will ensure that whole health principles underpin the new cardiac centers. This approach will center on patients' physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, promoting a comprehensive and preventative care model.