The Heart of the Community
At the heart of any community is the health of its people. At 1st Choice Healthcare, our reason for being is your health and the health of your neighbors. Whether you’re sick and need treatment, or want to stay healthy and avoid problems, we’re here for you. We have programs and screenings to help you learn about your health and make healthy choices. We take time to make sure you understand what’s going on and how we can help.
Our History
The Arkansas Department of Health, Office of Primary Care, and Community Health Centers of Arkansas (the Primary Care Association in Arkansas) participated in a needs study of this area and it was designated as a high priority area in need of primary care in the State.
The Board of Directors, after a thorough investigation and review of the reports from the Arkansas Department of Health the Primary Care Association, made a decision that a Community Health Center was the most appropriate way to provide a comprehensive primary health care to this service area.
A grant was written for funding and 1st Choice Healthcare was incorporated in 1992. The Corning clinic opened on March 7, 1994. An expansion site was approved and the Pocahontas Clinic was established and opened on March 1, 2000. On March 14, 2005, the Walnut Ridge site was established and moved to a brand new facility in April 2013.
In 2014, a fourth location was added in Ash Flat, Arkansas. This also brought the re-branding of Corning Area Healthcare, Inc. to 1st Choice Healthcare. Changing the corporate name was necessary because of the expansion of our health care services into new counties. In November 2015, a fifth location was added in Paragould, Arkansas. July 2017 the sixth location was added in Salem, Arkansas. We are proud to serve health care services in Clay, Randolph, Lawrence, Sharp, Fulton, Greene, and the surrounding counties.
Mission Statement
1st Choice Healthcare, a community health center, providing compassionate, affordable health care for all individuals to improve lives and build healthier communities.
Six Arkansas locations: Corning, Pocahontas, Walnut Ridge, Ash Flat, Paragould, and Salem.
We have top of the line family and pediatric Advanced Nurse Practitioners.
Home to 13 of the area’s most respected physicians with extended hours for your convenience.
With a wide variety of services and programs, 1st Choice Healthcare is always here to serve your medical needs.
Chief Executive Officer
Brigitte McDonald
Contact Info
Brigitte McDonald is the Chief Executive Officer of 1st Choice Healthcare, a non-profit organization that operates 6 community health center clinic locations in Corning, Pocahontas, Ash Flat, Walnut Ridge, Paragould, and Salem. She has been involved with community health centers since 1994 in healthcare management and administration.
Brigitte serves as the chair of Community Health Centers of Arkansas, a National Association of Community Health Centers Member, Arkansas Methodist Medical Center Foundation, Vice-Chair Board of Directors, Chair of the Corning CARES Campaign of Arkansas Methodist Medical Center Foundation, Corning Area Chamber of Commerce President and a member of the Arkansas Health Improvement Coalition.
She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University.
Her notable activities have included representing 1st Choice Healthcare on a variety of boards such as Community Health Centers of Arkansas, Inc. as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President; The National Association of Community Health Centers Board of Directors; Corning Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, Past President and Vice President; Clay County Health Council, Healthy People Randolph County Coalition and Arkansas Health Improvement Coalition.
Mrs. McDonald is married to Jeff, is the proud mother of two children, Jake and Luke and two grandsons, Case and Rhett, and one granddaughter, Mason.
Join Our Team
Are you looking for a fulfilling career where you can make a positive impact on the lives of others? Join our team and become part of a compassionate community dedicated to providing exceptional care to our patients. Explore our career opportunities and apply today.
Meet our providers
Dedicated & Experienced Team
Travis Giddings, MD
Brandon Thornton, APRN
Garrett Shepard, LCSW
Christina Cooper, APRN
Patty Bilbrey, APRN
Mary Wright, APRN
Stephanie Young, APRN
Jennifer Young, APRN
Justin Yancey, MD
Haley Tyler, APRN
Abbey Taber, APRN
Clinton Smith, DO
Kara Simmons, PA
Kim Slusser, APRN
Jessica Reagan, APRN
Leah Privett, APRN
Rebecca Phillips, MD
Brandi Mays, APRN
Brandon Murphy, MD
Rickey McGath, MD
Jessica Martin, LCSW
Navin Mangroo, DO
Darrell Hutchison, MD
Carrie Hunter, MD
Amy Hodges, APRN
Healthcare Revolving Around You
- Open to all residents, regardless of insurance status
- Provide reduced cost care based on ability to pay
- Tailor services to fit the special needs and priorities of local communities
- Provide services based on the advice of local residents, businesses, churches, and other organizations
- Offer services that help patients access health care, case management, health education, nutritional counseling, and chronic disease management.
1st Choice Healthcare is a non-profit, Joint Commission accredited, Federally Qualified Health Center. We welcome all members of our community, especially those unable to afford care. We are founded and governed by our community. Our Board of Directors is made up of your friends and neighbors as well as members from other community agencies. We work closely with government and health and human services agencies to bring you complete, high quality, and affordable healthcare.