April 8th Total Solar Eclipse: What You Need to Know

On April 8, 2024, Arkansas will be under the path of a total solar eclipse, an event attracting an estimated 1.5 million visitors to our state, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.

With increased visitor numbers, be prepared for potential delays in your commute time. It is also important to know that some cellular devices may lose connection and limit the ability to call. Have essential supplies on hand that potentially could be out of stock due to the extra number of visitors.

Reminders before the eclipse:

  • Get gas and groceries
  • Remember traffic, allow time to make it to and from your scheduled shift. You can check idrivearkansas.com for real-time traffic updates
  • If you need overnight accommodations, please get with your supervisor as soon as possible
  • If you’re scheduled to work during the eclipse and you need to take the day off, talk to your immediate supervisor as soon as possible
  • Be sure to park in coworker parking spots so patients have the closest and most convenient parking spaces
  • Expect an increased security presence the day of the eclipse
  • Practice situational awareness. If you see something, say something
  • Eclipse glasses will be provided to coworkers who work on the day of the eclipse
  • Animals will be totally fine during the eclipse, eye-wise, but may exhibit more anxiety due to the strangeness of the event. However, they’ll go back-to-back to normal as soon as their normal routine settles back in
  • All employee pharmacies will be closed on Monday, April 8, 2024. Please contact 501.552.4880 as soon as possible for pharmacy needs. 

Important reminders for each hospital:

Infirmary

  • Will be treating this day like inclement weather, non-essential employees can work remote
  • Coworkers can stay overnight if they are scheduled to work and get a meal voucher

North

  • Will be treating this day like inclement weather, non-essential employees can work remote
  • Coworkers can stay overnight if they are scheduled to work and get a meal voucher

Morrilton

  • Limited PTO between April 5-9
  • Housing will be provided to those who are working, please get with your supervisor to arrange
  • Meals will be provided during shifts during the eclipse

Hot Springs

  • No PTO April 5-8, if coworkers have already requested PTO, and were approved, this request will be honored