Community Spotlight: Central Arkansas Family Clinic
When Kim Griffith, APRN, opened Central Arkansas Family Clinic (CAFC) in December 2019, she envisioned a practice that would provide comprehensive medical care to the Cabot community. Little did she know, a global pandemic was just around the corner, challenging her vision in unprecedented ways.
“We are a full-service family practice. We see newborn to nursing home, we have a pediatric nurse practitioner, and an assisted living service,” Griffith explains. Despite the rocky start due to COVID-19, CAFC has grown steadily, driven by a mission to offer diverse healthcare services locally.
CAFC stands out by bringing specialized medical care directly to Cabot. “Our goal has always been to provide as many services to Cabot as we can so that people don’t have to leave Cabot,” Griffith says. This vision is reflected in their recent additions, including allergy testing and treatment, and innovative services like the non-invasive Emsella chair for pelvic floor dysfunction.
“People don’t have to change their primary care provider (PCP) for allergy services,” Griffith notes. “They can get a referral from their PCP and we can take care of their allergy needs here in the city.” This approach minimizes disruption for patients, keeping their care consistent and local.
One of the most innovative services CAFC offers is the Emsella chair, a non-invasive solution for pelvic floor dysfunction. “It uses electromagnetic frequency and does the equivalent of 11,000 kegels in 30 minutes,” Griffith explains. The treatment is designed to improve urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction for both men and women, providing significant quality of life improvements without the need for invasive procedures.
The clinic’s adaptability was crucial during the pandemic. Griffith recalls, “We opened in December of 2019, and then COVID hit in March of 2020. It was rough.” The support from various administrations was pivotal in keeping their doors open during these challenging times. Now, CAFC is back on track, continuing to expand and improve its services.
Central Arkansas Family Clinic prides itself on being a patient-centered practice. “I get a lot of patients who come to me and they have felt like they were unheard in healthcare,” Griffith shares. “When someone tells me that I have changed that for them or made their life better in some way, that’s probably the most rewarding.” This commitment to patient care is evident in the clinic’s motto: “Your family is our family.”
Griffith’s passion for healthcare started early. “Even when I was a kid, I had the little nurse bag, and I was always taking my dad’s temperature and taking my mom’s blood pressure,” she reminisces. Her journey through nursing school to becoming a nurse practitioner has shaped her approach to patient care, focusing on education and partnership.
In addition to the wide range of medical services offered, Central Arkansas Family Clinic also boasts a unique and heartwarming feature: Charlie, the clinic’s beloved emotional support animal. Charlie, a small Yorkshire Terrier, brings a sense of comfort and calm to both patients and staff. “Charlie has been a wonderful addition to our team,” Griffith says. “He has a knack for sensing when someone needs a little extra love and attention, and his presence has been incredibly beneficial for our patients, especially those dealing with anxiety or stress.” Charlie’s warm presence is just another way CAFC goes above and beyond to ensure their patients feel at home and cared for.
The journey to establishing CAFC wasn’t without its challenges. Griffith, initially working at the urgent care located where CAFC is now, recognized the community’s need for primary care over urgent care. “We realized there was a huge need for primary care in Cabot,” she says. “They offered it to us, to me and my original business partner, at a pretty good price, so it was really something we couldn’t refuse. We felt like it was too good to turn away. We had to at least try.” This insight led to the creation of CAFC, despite the difficult timing and subsequent hurdles posed by the pandemic.
Looking ahead, CAFC has ambitious plans. They have purchased land with the intention of building a larger space to accommodate more specialties. “Our goal with building a bigger space is having space available to bring those services to Cabot,” Griffith says. This expansion aims to further reduce the need for residents to travel outside Cabot for specialized medical care.
Community involvement is another cornerstone of CAFC’s philosophy. From sponsoring local baseball teams to participating in chamber events and charity drives, the clinic actively supports the community it serves. “We want to get involved with them and take care of our own,” Griffith emphasizes. Recently, they participated in the July Jubilee to benefit families dealing with cancer and have been long-time sponsors of local initiatives like the Lonoke County Safe Haven.
Despite the hurdles, Griffith remains optimistic about the future. Her advice to anyone looking to start their own practice? “Learn everything that you can. Take a few business courses. Understand that it’s a big undertaking but quite rewarding.”
As CAFC continues to grow, it remains a testament to resilience and dedication, providing quality healthcare to the Cabot community and beyond.
“Your family is our family,” Griffith repeats, underscoring the clinic’s commitment to treating every patient with the care and empathy they deserve. This philosophy, combined with their expanding services and community involvement, positions CAFC as a pillar of support and care in Cabot.
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, CAFC’s journey from a fledgling clinic to a comprehensive care center serves as an inspiring story of perseverance, community, and unwavering dedication to patient well-being. The future looks bright for CAFC as they continue to innovate and grow, always with the community’s needs at the forefront.
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