Fort Smith is seeing a heartwarming example of town-and-gown collaboration, as students from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS) are stepping into a meaningful new role as Mercy “navigators” — helping patients and community members find their way through the healthcare system at Mercy’s local facilities.
According to a recent report from Talk Business & Politics, the UAFS student navigators are working alongside Mercy staff to provide guidance and support, giving students hands-on experience while directly benefiting the people they serve. It’s the kind of real-world learning opportunity that strengthens both the university’s ties to the community and the quality of care residents receive.
The news brief also highlights an upcoming Veterans Day event set for the Fort Smith metro area, giving residents a chance to come together and honor the men and women who have served the country. Details about the event are being finalized, but the community is already being encouraged to mark their calendars and participate in the recognition.
These two items reflect what makes Fort Smith such a connected community — students giving back, institutions working together, and neighbors making time to celebrate and honor those who deserve it most. UAFS’s partnership with Mercy is a reminder that the region’s colleges are not just places of learning, but active contributors to the health and well-being of everyone who calls the River Valley home.
Whether you’re a patient who has benefited from a friendly student navigator or a veteran looking forward to being recognized this November, Fort Smith has plenty of reasons to feel good about the community taking shape around you.
Sources: Talk Business & Politics
