To Health in Hot Springs

(Editor’s Note: Each year, Arkansas Business partners with the Arkansas Municipal League to present the Trendsetter City awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives underway in municipalities across the state. Large, medium and small-sized cities were honored in six categories: Diversity and Inclusion; Education/Workforce Development; Infrastructure and Water; Public Works/Environmental and Green Management; Technology and Security; and Tourism Development/Creative Culture. Below is one winner’s story. For more, click here.) 

Public Works/Environmental and Green Management
Winner • Over 20,000

The Challenge

The city of Hot Springs was up against dual challenges. One was rising cancer diagnoses among firefighters, alongside national data showing two-thirds of line-of-duty firefighter deaths are caused by cancer. The other was the need to reduce its environmental footprint. Fire stations lacked modern safety systems to limit carcinogen exposure, and city departments needed to adopt greener practices to conserve resources and cut costs, all while maintaining operational efficiency​.

The Solution

Hot Springs has launched a Cancer Reduction Initiative, installing exhaust extraction and air filtration systems in fire stations and purchasing safer fire-fighting materials and decontamination equipment. The city also adopted eco-friendly practices like a citywide solar project and improved recycling programs. The efforts have significantly reduced cancer risks among firefighters and are expected to save the city $30 million in energy costs over 30 years, demonstrating a commitment to health, safety and sustainability.

Productive Partner

Hot Springs partnered with local nonprofit Jackson House to create the Job Experience Program, providing local residents volunteer and work opportunities through environmental maintenance around the city.

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