The greater Fort Smith Arkansas-Oklahoma metropolitan area of 11 counties is served by 5 hospitals and 23 clinics, with outpatient and specialty services being provided by 591 organizations and individuals in private practice. The primary provider of healthcare services locally is Sparks Regional Medical Center, established in Arkansas in 1887. Sparks offers a range of outpatient and inpatient services, from preventive programs for diabetes and heart disease to rehabilitation for post-operative patients. The hospital's oncology unit is supported by a local cancer care house for the comfort and convenience of cancer patients and their families. Saint Edward Mercy Medical Center, an affiliate of the Sisters of Mercy healthcare network, has served the Fort Smith community since 1905, providing acute care medical intervention to the metropolitan area. Specialties of the medical center include behavioral services, a hospice program, and the Mercy Northside Clinic, which provides affordable healthcare and bilingual staff to an underserved segment of the Fort Smith population. Vista Health of Fort Smith, originally part of the Saint Edward Mercy system, now acts as a stand-alone not-for-profit behavioral health provider of inpatient and outpatient services to adults, adolescents and children. Sixteen local organizations and individuals provide alternative health care services to the metropolitan community.
Fort Smith and greater Sebastian County are in the process of mobilizing a Hometown Health Initiative under the auspices of the Arkansas Department of Health. The Initiative encourages communities to actively participate in large-scale prevention and health improvement.