(Hot Springs, AR) Dec. 9, 2025—National Park Medical Center (NPMC) today announced plans to construct a new 16-bed adult behavioral health unit (BHU) within the hospital to address the need for inpatient psychiatric services following the recent transition of local behavioral health provider Levi Hospital to a community health foundation. The project, made possible by a $2.9 million investment by NPMC and donation by the Levi Community Foundation, will begin construction in early 2026 with the goal of opening and welcoming patients later in the year.

“We are thrilled to expand our inpatient behavioral health capacity and invest in a new BHU to bring this much-needed service back to the area,” said Scott Bailey, chief executive officer of NPMC. “Working closely with city leadership and the Levi Community Foundation, we’ve coordinated efforts to ensure this resource is available to those who need it most.”

The renovation will take place in two phases and will double the hospital’s inpatient behavioral health capacity, which includes a 16-bed geriatric unit for patients 55 and older. Once complete, NPMC will be the only facility within a 40-mile radius to offer inpatient behavioral health services for adults 18 to 54, offering patients and their families the benefit of care closer to home and coordinated follow-up care from local providers.

The Levi Community Foundation is partnering on the project by donating equipment, including furnishings, fixtures, supplies and monitoring systems from Levi Hospital, which closed in August.

“Levi Hospital has always been committed to serving the people of Hot Springs, and I’m proud that we can continue that legacy by supporting the launch of this new adult behavioral health unit at NPMC,” said Zane Jeffers, President and CEO of the Levi Community Foundation. “Donating our equipment is one way we can continue helping the community we’ve served for more than a century. I’m proud to work with NPMC in ensuring these critical services remain available locally.”

Bailey added, “We are deeply grateful for the strong relationship we’ve enjoyed with Levi Hospital and the foundation’s incredible generosity in helping make this possible. Together, we are building a healthier future for Hot Springs.”

About National Park Medical Center 

National Park Medical Center (NPMC), part of Lifepoint Health, a 161-bed full-service acute care hospital located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Guided by a mission of making communities healthier, NPMC offers a wide range of medical services including cardiology, emergency services, image and surgical services, physical therapy and rehabilitation and much more. The hospital’s deep commitment to meeting the highest national standards for quality and safety is demonstrated by its Joint Commission accreditation and various clinical accreditations and certifications. NPMC is partially owned or invested in by physicians. To learn more about National Park Medical Center, visit NationalParkMedical.com.  

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