Pafford Health Systems

Health System with 2 hospitals across 2 states

Health System Overview

Health SystemPafford Health Systems
Total Hospitals2
Commercial/Acute Hospitals2
Total Beds372
Commercial/Acute Beds372
HeadquartersTexarkana, TX
Websitepaffordems.com

Hospitals by Type

Acute Care Hospital
2 hospitals
100% of health system

Teaching Status

50%
Teaching
Teaching Hospitals: 1
Non-Teaching Hospitals: 1
Teaching hospitals serve as educational institutions for medical professionals while providing patient care.

Hospital Locations

Hospitals in this Health System

HospitalTypeBedsTeachingRecently Joined
Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical CenterAcute Care Hospital 48NoYes
Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical CenterAcute Care Hospital324YesNo

Recent News

Jun 11, 2025
Pafford Emergency Medical Services is demanding that individuals cease making what it describes as "libelous" claims on social media, particularly on Facebook. The company, which is seeking a contract for 911 ambulance services in Clark County, Arkansas, has sent cease and desist letters to at least three individuals. These individuals have allegedly made negative comments about the company and its CEO, Jamie Pafford-Gresham, including accusations of payoffs to public officials to secure contracts. Pafford-Gresham stated that while she is open to operational questions, the accusations questioning her character and alleging bribery are crossing a line and negatively impacting her business. A media law expert cited in the article suggests that the citizens' social media posts may not have overstepped their freedom of speech rights. [3]
Jun 10, 2025
In the context of discussing the increasing presence of private equity in the healthcare sector, the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) mentions that Pafford Medical Services, a locally based provider, agreed to purchase the Wadley Regional Medical Center facility in Hope, Arkansas. This acquisition was part of the bankruptcy reorganization of Steward Health Care, the previous owner of the hospital, which also had a facility in Texarkana, Texas. The sale to Pafford, a non-private equity owner, allowed the Hope hospital to continue operating after facing the risk of closure due to Steward Health Care's bankruptcy. [11]
Jun 09, 2025
North Mississippi Health Services (NMHS), with whom Pafford Emergency Medical Services entered into an agreement to acquire their ambulance and medical helicopter services in January 2025, has terminated agreements with certain United Healthcare (UHC) Medicare Advantage and Medicaid required Dual Special Needs Medicare Advantage Plans. [3] This follows a previous announcement in February 2025 of their plan to terminate these agreements effective May 31 unless a resolution was reached. [3] Although this termination is directly between NMHS facilities/providers and United Healthcare, it is relevant to Pafford due to their recent acquisition of NMHS's transport services, potentially impacting the billing and reimbursement for transporting patients covered by these specific United Healthcare plans in the North Mississippi service area. [3, 14]
May 15, 2025
Saline Health System in Benton, Arkansas, and Pafford Medical Services finalized an agreement for Pafford to assume responsibility for Saline Health System's MedTran Ambulance Service, effective April 26, 2025. [17] MedTran provides medical support and transportation for patients between Saline Health System and other healthcare facilities. [17] Pafford Medical Services is already the 911 ambulance provider for Saline County, and this expanded relationship is expected to enhance the resources available for both emergency and non-emergency patient transport in the region. [17] This agreement signifies a strengthened relationship with another health system, which involves the provision of medical transportation services that would be billed to various payers, including insurance carriers and government programs, for both emergency and non-emergency transports. [17]
May 06, 2025
Pafford EMS has reached its two-month anniversary of taking over ground ambulance and medical helicopter services from North Mississippi Health Services (NMHS) in Northeast Mississippi. According to Gary Huhn, Pafford's regional director for Northeast Mississippi, the transition has been smooth after initial minor issues. He mentioned having a good relationship with communities, counties, and hospitals in the area. Most of the previous NMHS EMTs and paramedics transferred to Pafford. The company is focusing on upgrading its ambulance fleet and has reportedly improved response times. Huhn emphasized that Pafford measures success by the quality of patient care rather than financial reports, stating their primary goal is to serve patients effectively and timely. This takeover signifies a significant expansion for Pafford and involves establishing operational and financial relationships within the new service area, which would include interactions with various payers and carriers. [3]

Executive Leadership

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