Institute for Community Health Innovation


April 3, 2024

UAMS Celebrates First Graduates of Community Health Worker Training Program

David Wise

Pictured are the April 2024 graduates of the Community Health Worker Training and Apprenticeship Program.

FAYETTEVILLE — The UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation will graduate seven community health workers (CHW) this month, celebrating the first class to complete the one-year Community Health Worker Training and Apprenticeship Program. The institute, formerly the UAMS Office of Community Health & Research, has enrolled 88 CHWs from 21 counties across Arkansas since starting…


March 27, 2024

Addressing Health Disparities in Arkansas: The Importance of Preventive Care

News Staff

Health care worker giving a patient a blood pressure

By Sheldon Riklon, M.D. April marks Minority Health Month, a time to raise awareness about racial and ethnic health disparities faced across the United States. Arkansas is home to many diverse communities, and unfortunately, some groups still experience worse health outcomes than others. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, non-White communities in the state…


February 27, 2024

UAMS Establishes Institute for Community Health Innovation

David Wise

Pearl McElfish, director of the UAMS Institute of Community Health Innovation, announces the establishment of the institute during a UAMS town hall.

UAMS announced Feb. 27 the establishment of its eighth institute, the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation, effective March 1.


February 26, 2024

Debunking Fad Diets: Signs your diet is doing more harm than good

News Staff

Woman looking thoughtful while eating

By Sheldon Riklon, M.D. For those looking to improve their health, fad diets are often a tempting solution. While these trendy eating plans may promise fast results, they often fail to deliver sustainable benefits. Overall, fad diets may not be the best approach for long-term health. Most fad diets are restrictive, meaning they require you…


February 12, 2024

UAMS Researchers Working with Schools to Improve Nutrition, Meal Participation

David Wise

A lunchroom kitchen worker in Farmington smiles and laughs while unpacking food.

FAYETTEVILLE — School districts in Arkansas can improve the health of their student body through nutritional interventions in the cafeteria, according to a study published by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Office of Community Health & Research. The study, Creating Healthy Environments for Schools: A Comprehensive Approach to Improving Nutrition in Arkansas…


January 31, 2024

UAMS Researchers Link HPV Vaccine Hesitancy to Lack of Accurate Information

David Wise

Needle pulling HPV vaccine from bottle

FAYETTEVILLE — Limited or inaccurate information about the HPV vaccine has created apprehension among Arkansas parents to vaccinate their children against the virus, according to researchers in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Office of Community Health & Research. Researchers noted that increased efforts in health care providers’ offices to provide education about…


January 26, 2024

The Mind-Heart Connection: How Emotional Wellness Can Affect Your Heart

News Staff

Cartoon heart and brain walking hand-in-hand

By Sheldon Riklon, M.D. Let’s talk about something we often overlook: the connection between mental health and our hearts. They actually influence each other in ways we’re only just starting to understand. It turns out the connection between the heart and the mind is a two-way street. When we’re stressed or anxious, it can mess…


January 16, 2024

WIC Use Decreased During and After COVID-19

David Wise

Woman picking out fresh vegetables in a market

LITTLE ROCK — Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) found significant declines in WIC participation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. The researchers — led by student-researcher and UAMS College of Medicine student Savannah Busch — measured changes in…


January 3, 2024

New Year, New Habits: Tips for Success

News Staff

Note pad that says "New Year: Goal, Plan, Action

By Sheldon Riklon, M.D., UAMS Family Medicine Physician and Faculty at UAMS Office of Community Health & Research It’s that time again when many of us are thinking about the things we want to accomplish over the next year. The new year is a great opportunity to think about our wellness goals and commit to…


December 7, 2023

Holiday Blues? You’re Not Alone.

News Staff

Woman holding her head in her hands

Sheldon Riklon, M.D., UAMS Family Medicine Physician For many people, the holidays are a time of joy and connection. However, the holiday season can be hard for others, especially those struggling with their mental health. In fact, about two-thirds of people with mental illness say the holidays make their conditions worse. Increased stress, disruption to…



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