News
-
Medical students honor Dr. James Robb as preceptor of the year
May 27, 2026Medical students at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University honored Dr. James Robb, an OB-GYN at Saline Memorial Hospital, for helping shape the next generation of doctors through mentorship, leadership and compassionate patient care, recognizing him as preceptor of the year.
Learn more -
Fourth consecutive ‘A’ places Saline Memorial among nation’s safest hospitals
May 22, 2026Saline Memorial Hospital has maintained an “A” hospital safety grade for the fourth consecutive rating period from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. The designation places Saline Memorial among the safest hospitals in the nation.
Learn more -
Maternal health in Arkansas: What every growing family should know
May 22, 2026Maternal health is one of the most important public health issues facing Arkansas today. Our state continues to see higher‑than‑average rates of pregnancy complications, chronic health conditions and barriers to care, especially in rural communities. As an obstetrician practicing in Saline County, I meet families every day who want the same thing: a healthy pregnancy, a safe delivery and a strong start for their baby. The good news is that with the right information and support, most complications can be prevented or managed early.
Learn more -
Beautiful Beginnings Baby Fair brings free family fun and expert support to Benton
May 15, 2026From postpartum support resources and car seat safety checks to party planning and children’s boutiques, the Beautiful Beginnings Baby Fair will connect growing families with hands-on education, expert guidance and family fun at the Benton Event Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6.
Learn more -
Matter of the Mind: Why Your Mental Health Matters and How You Can Care for It
May 01, 2026Our mental health has a tremendous impact on our overall health and well-being. Our mental health includes our thoughts, emotions, feelings and moods. It influences our choices, actions and how we relate to others. Good mental health can help us cope with stress, succeed in our professional lives, more effectively recover from difficult situations and add value to our community and be our best self.
Learn more -
Living Stories creates space for understanding and connection
April 29, 2026Saline Memorial Hospital and the Saline County Library are partnering to host Living Stories, an event designed to spark understanding, reduce stigma and create meaningful conversations around mental health. The event will be held at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library in Benton from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 9.
Learn more -
New cardiologist advances cardiac care at Saline Memorial
April 16, 2026Dr. Ayman Alshami, an interventional cardiologist with more than 27 years of experience, joined Saline Memorial Hospital in January. His arrival expands the hospital’s ability to offer safer cardiac treatment options, including the Micra leadless pacemaker, which avoids the surgical pocket and leads used in traditional devices.
Learn more -
Health Care Career Fair to Support Local Clinical Professionals Scheduled for April 18 in Fort Smith
April 07, 2026Saint Mary’s Regional Health System of Russellville, National Park Medical Center of Hot Springs and Saline Health System of Benton will host a health care career fair on Saturday, April 18, from 3-7 p.m. at The Bakery District Collection Room, located at 70 S. Seventh St., Fort Smith.
Learn more -
Saline Memorial Hospital Earns CARF Three‑Year Accreditation
April 03, 2026CARF International announced that Saline Memorial Hospital has been accredited for a period of three years for its hospital inpatient rehabilitation program for adults. The latest accreditation is the second consecutive three‑year accreditation that the accrediting body has awarded to Saline Memorial Hospital. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and shows the hospital’s substantial conformance to CARF standards.
Learn more -
Benton High student earns top honors at Works of Heart Art Show
March 02, 2026Benton High School received $1,000 to support its art program Thursday after a student earned both top honors — Best of Show (Judges’ Choice) and the People’s Choice Award — at Saline Health System’s Works of Heart Art Show.
Learn more -
Students share Works of Heart
February 17, 2026In recognition of American Heart Month, Saline Health System is hosting the Works of Heart art show in the hospital atrium from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Local students in grades 9-12 have submitted heart-themed art for the show for a chance to win in two categories: the Judges’ Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award. Each winner gets a $100 gift card, and each winner’s school gets a $500 art supply grant.
Learn more -
.png "Team prepares for winter weather")
Winter storm update
January 27, 2026Due to weather conditions and in the interest of patient and staff safety, our clinics and the wound healing center will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 28. All other services will be operating with their normal schedule. Saline Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department remains open 24/7, inpatient services will continue as normal, and essential hospital operations remain in place to support patient care.
Learn more -
Why Calling 9-1-1 Could Save Your Life During a Heart Emergency
January 20, 2026As an interventional cardiologist, I want people to understand that calling 9-1-1 during a possible heart attack is the safest and most effective option — even if you live far from town or think you can make it to the hospital on your own
Learn more -
Healthy Habits to Start in 2026 for Better Overall Health
January 19, 2026The beginning of a new year offers a natural opportunity to reassess your health and build habits that help you feel better and stay healthier over time. While big resolutions can feel overwhelming or short-lived, the most effective changes usually come from small, sustainable strategies that are easier to maintain. In Benton,…
Learn more -
Community invited to honor loved ones in Heart Month flag display
January 16, 2026In recognition of American Heart Month, Saline Memorial Hospital is inviting the community to honor loved ones lost to heart disease by participating in a heart-shaped flag display designed to raise awareness of the nation’s leading cause of death for both men and women.
Learn more -
.png "Dr. Ayman Alshami")
Veteran interventional cardiologist joins Saline Health System
January 08, 2026On Monday, Jan. 5, a new interventional cardiologist joined the team at Saline Health System. Dr. Ayman Alshami will be treating patients alongside Dr. Jeffrey Stewart and Katelyn Warren, nurse practitioner, at Saline Cardiology, a department of Saline Health System. Alshami said his goal is to create an environment where patients feel heard, supported and confident in their care.
Learn more -
Saline Memorial Hospital welcomes first baby of 2026
January 02, 2026Saline Memorial Hospital rang in the new year with a joyful milestone: the arrival of its first baby of 2026. Sutton, a baby boy born to Alexis and James, made his debut at 9:50 a.m. Jan. 1, weighing 6 pounds 13 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches. To celebrate the arrival of the new year and the new bundle of joy, the hospital presented the family with a basket of gifts, including a sound machine, a $50 Visa gift card and other essentials for both mom and baby.
Learn more -
New Arkansas law expands insurance coverage for bariatric surgery
December 31, 2025Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, a new Arkansas state law will significantly expand access to bariatric surgery by requiring many health insurance plans to cover medically necessary treatment for severe obesity. Historically, bariatric surgery was frequently excluded from insurance coverage, leaving many Arkansans unable to afford a treatment that is widely recognized as effective for managing obesity and obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea. The new law is expected to reduce financial barriers for eligible patients across the state
Learn more -
What Your Annual Blood Work Can Reveal About Your Health
December 22, 2025Your yearly blood work gives your provider information they can’t see during a physical exam, sometimes before you notice any symptoms at all. Blood work isn’t only for sick visits – routine lab work plays a key role in preventive care and long-term health. In Benton, Arkansas, many adults…
Learn more -
.jpg "Amy Rice new CFO")
Saline Health System names new CFO
December 03, 2025On Dec. 1, Saline Health System welcomed Amy Rice as its new chief financial officer.
Learn more