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UAMS describes statewide testing outreach and telemedicine plans as Arkansas braces for case surge
Summary
Dr. Cam Patterson said UAMS is deploying mobile screening to rural counties, plans outreach to Texarkana and highlighted telemedicine as a way to reach 72 of Arkansas’ 75 counties.
Dr. Cam Patterson, chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, described UAMS’ efforts to expand testing and care access across the state during a live Q&A hosted by the Lieutenant Governor.
Patterson said UAMS had sent a van to Helena, in Phillips County, to perform several hundred screens and planned additional outreach to Texarkana. He emphasized that testing numbers reflect where tests are performed, not necessarily where infections are concentrated: "If we're not going out into Ashley County ... we just don't know really what we don't know," he said.
Patterson reiterated UAMS’ statewide footprint, saying his organization reaches roughly "72 out of 75 counties." He promoted telemedicine options including UAMS Health Now and said Arkansas Children’s Hospital maintains a pediatric phone line. The officials urged people with symptoms to call health lines or use telemedicine rather than visiting emergency departments unless truly needed.
Officials also warned that small hospitals and rural counties may lack ICU capacity and protective equipment, reinforcing the need to slow spread to avoid overwhelming local resources. Patterson urged targeted testing and noted UAMS’ efforts to get PPE into the state by airlift to protect front-line staff.
The Lieutenant Governor and UAMS encouraged Arkansans to monitor state briefings and use listed online resources for both health and economic assistance.
