The 2025 Leadership Pine Bluff Class conducted its August Health & Human Services session, highlighting the many vital health care resources that serve the community.
The Leadership session began at Jefferson Regional Medical Center, where the class heard from COO Peter Austin about the hospital’s ongoing commitment to innovation and quality care, according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
From there, participants toured Donna Terrell’s Warrior Lodge, which will soon open its doors to provide a comforting and supportive place for cancer patients to stay while undergoing treatment.
The Warrior Lodge is a joint venture of Terrell’s Yoga Warriors Fighting Cancer nonprofit, Jefferson Regional and the Jefferson Regional Foundation, with Yoga Warriors to oversee day-to-day operations. Yoga Warriors was founded after Terrell’s daughter Queah, who died in 2011 after being diagnosed with colon cancer, learned about the benefits of yoga for cancer survivors, according to a previous article in The Pine Bluff Commercial.
Following the tour, the Leadership class had lunch on campus and participated in a health fair that offered a variety of important health screenings and wellness checks. This interactive portion of the day emphasized the importance of preventative care and personal well-being, according to the newsletter.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In the afternoon, the group traveled to the CARTI Cancer Center, where they explored the facility and learned about some of the advanced technology available, including their state-of-the-art PET scan equipment.
The tour also included a visit to the infusion room, giving participants a glimpse into the patient experience at CARTI.
The day ended with a cake treat, wrapping up a session filled with education, inspiration and community connection.
“We extend a heartfelt thank-you to our generous hosts at Jefferson Regional and CARTI for welcoming the Leadership Pine Bluff Class and providing such an informative inside look at the health services that make a tremendous impact in Pine Bluff and throughout the region,” a spokesperson said.
Leadership Pine Bluff is a program of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. The presenting sponsor is Saracen Casino.