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Mainline Health Systems has once again been recognized on a national level for excellence in patient care, earning five prestigious HRSA Quality Awards for the third year in a row. The achievement underscores Mainline’s ongoing mission to provide exceptional healthcare to communities across Southeast Arkansas.
The awards are based on strict national standards for the treatment and monitoring of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Clinics are evaluated on how consistently they deliver the right care, at the right time, and how effectively they follow established best practices.
“These awards reflect the hard work of every single employee across all of our clinics,” said Dr. Kerry Pennington, a provider at Mainline’s Warren Clinic. “From the folks who greet patients at the front desk, to those who take vital signs, answer phones, and provide direct care – everyone plays a role. It would be a disservice to give credit only to physicians and practitioners. This is truly a team effort.”
While the recognition carries national prestige, Mainline leaders say the true value lies in what it means for the communities they serve.
“Winning these awards gives our patients a better chance of avoiding complications from chronic illnesses and living longer, healthier lives,” Dr. Pennington explained. “It should reassure them that we are carefully monitoring the things that matter most for their health.”
Madison Mashburn, Mainline’s Clinical Quality Coordinator, added that the recognition also demonstrates that high-quality healthcare can be accessible close to home.
“When people in small towns think of healthcare, they often believe they need to travel to larger cities to get the best care,” Mashburn said. “Our goal at Mainline is to change that perception. We look at the whole picture of a patient’s health – from routine check-ups to chronic disease management – and we make sure preventative screenings are done at every visit. These awards reflect the fact that patients don’t have to leave their hometown to receive quality, comprehensive care.”
This year’s honor marks the third consecutive year Mainline has received these quality awards, a distinction that is especially rare for rural healthcare providers.
“You don’t often hear of a network of small-town clinics holding this award three years in a row,” Mashburn noted. “It speaks to the dedication of our team. We’re not just here for a paycheck – we’re here because we care deeply about our patients and our communities.”
Jessie Owen, manager of the Warren Clinic, said the recognition motivates staff to keep striving for improvement.
“These awards are more than just recognition,” Owen said. “They validate our commitment to maintaining high standards and continuously improving. Quality isn’t an accident – it’s the result of intentional effort and teamwork.”
Owen also emphasized Mainline’s culture of collaboration, which extends beyond any one clinic.
“Mainline feels like a family,” he said. “Our clinics work together to share knowledge and support one another. Everyone here plays a vital role, and together we make a real difference in the lives of our patients.”
For Mainline patients across Southeast Arkansas, this national recognition provides reassurance that they are receiving care that meets the highest national benchmarks, right in their own communities.
The awards are based on exceeding performance targets in several key areas, including:
By meeting and surpassing these benchmarks, Mainline has proven itself as a leader in rural healthcare innovation and excellence.
“As a patient myself, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our staff,” Owen said. “Every patient counts, and this recognition shows that Mainline is delivering the kind of care our communities deserve.”
Funded to serve the rural communities of Southeast Arkansas, Mainline Health Systems operates a network of clinics providing comprehensive healthcare services, including family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, and preventative care.
This third consecutive year of national recognition cements Mainline’s reputation as a trusted partner in improving health outcomes across the region.
