AIDS 101

Executive Director -- Carole Sturgis

Carole was one of the individuals who helped organize OARS in 1992, and she has acted as the Executive Director ever since. When she and her partner moved to Arkansas in 1989 there was very little being done to assist those who were HIV positive or had AIDS.

Having worked with the AIDS organization in Washington, DC, she knew the advantages of having a coordinated effort, and OARS has been "up and running" ever since.

Carole received her Master's Degree from the University of Maryland and continued working toward her Doctorate there . . . she says she still might get it if she ever finds the time, and then she laughs! Her art work is seen in many collections and galleries, and one of her Ukrainian Eggs that was exhibited at the White House is now at the Smithsonian Institution. You can view her jewelry on her web site: www.carolesturgis.com. She's been known to sing a tune or two. She was selected as one of the ten most admired women in Carroll County. When you don't find her behind a computer or petting her critters, you might find her in her art studio.

To read the article about Carole published on July 9, 2006 in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, click here.

Clinic Director -- Charles R. Horton MD

Education

Graduated from the Family Practice Residency Program in Pine Bluff, AR, at Area Health Education Center with attendance from July 1, 1984, to June, 1987. Received family practice certification for completing residency program and family practice medicine
Graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, with attendance from August 1980 to May 1984 - received medical degree
Graduate School at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, AR with attendance from August 1979 to May 1989 -- no degree received. Area of study: Chemistry
Hendrix College with attendance from September 1976 to June 1979 - Received Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry
Graduated from Hot Springs High School in Hot Springs, AR -- May 1976

Experience

St. John's Clinic - Berryville. Berryville, AR. 1991 to present
Clinic Director, Ozarks AIDS Resources & Services charity AIDS clinic, Berryville, AR. 1993 to present
Mediquick Clinic. Conway, AR. April 1989 to September 1991
Northwest Arkansas Medical Center. Berryville, AR. July 1, 1987 to March, 1989
Family Practice Residency Program at Jefferson Regional Medical Center Area Health Education Center. Pine Bluff, AR. July 1, 1984 to June, 1987

Certification and Licensure

Family Practice Boards have been taken 2000, 1993, 1987
Certified in CPR and ACLS every two years since 1987
Currently license in Arkansas and Missouri

Honors and Awards

October, 2004 - Community Humanitarian Award from Berryville Chamber of Commerce
March, 2004 - Red Cross Recognition for Community Services Aware
December, 2003 - Physician Excellence Award - Carroll Health Foundation at St. John's Hospital - Berryville
April, 1998 - Eagle Award from Washington Regional Medical Foundation

Professional Affiliations

Present member - American Academy of Family Physicians and Arkansas Academy of Family Physicians
Past member - Arkansas Medical Society of the American Medical Association and Southern Medical Association

Lab Technician -- Neta Sue Stamps

Neta Sue is a native of Berryville and graduated from Hendrix College. She and her husband returned to Berryville in 1992. For many years she worked at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. After that, she worked in the lab at St. John's Hospital - Berryville on a part time basis and is a Past President of the Hospital's Auxiliary. As a member of the Community Care Team, she is always ready to help with the displays at the County Fair, the World AIDS Day Remembrance Programs, and other projects taken on by this group. Neta Sue is a past member of the OARS Board of Directors, and has served as the Lab Technician for our OARS Clinic for several years. She is always there with her "can do" attitude and willingness to take on "just one more task" even when her plate is full.
　

Medications Specialist -- Theresa Birchfield

Theresa has been the Medications Specialist for our OARS Clinic for several years. She initially served in this capacity a few years ago, and then retired because of health reasons. After getting back to work at her job at St. John's Clinic in Berryville, she felt she once again wanted to help OARS, and we were thrilled to hear it! She's a no-nonsense lady who doesn't think she has to tell you what you think you want to hear. Rather, she'll tell you the facts and give you all the information on why they're so. She's been known to track folks down to make sure they have their medicine and to get the necessary information and forms filled out to help our patients qualify for some of the pharmaceutical assistance programs. Theresa and her husband Dale live in Missouri.
　