HMH Board of Directors Approves Capital Budget Requests

During its regular meeting Tuesday night, the Howard Memorial Hospital (HMH) Board of Directors approved several capital budget requests from hospital departments seeking equipment and hardware upgrades.

Board members authorized the purchase of new health record hardware at a cost of $108,000 and approved a phone system upgrade with Verizon. The Laboratory Department, led by Director Daron Davis, received approval to purchase PCR testing equipment designed to significantly reduce turnaround time for test results. The board also approved the purchase of a new stove, oven, and griddle for the hospital cafeteria.

HMH CEO Stacy Harberson reported that the hospital has made adjustments to its current services and plans to introduce new offerings, including an after-hours clinic expected to launch in January 2026.

CFO Bill Craig informed board members that HMH will transition its specialty clinics into Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPDs) as part of the hospital’s restructuring plan.

Craig also announced efforts to reinstate the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which was discontinued in 2011. The program is expected to benefit patients, the hospital, and local pharmacies by reducing medication costs.

In other business, Harberson shared that Howard Memorial Hospital was among seven hospitals in Arkansas named to Becker’s list of hospitals recognized for excellence in nurse communication.