About the Institute for Community Health Innovation
The Institute for Community Health Innovation exists to change the state of health of Arkansas. We are driving impactful, lasting change in health outcomes, clinical practices, education, and policy. We do this through our focus on innovative approaches and engaging the power of community and partners across the state.
The Institute for Community Health Innovation leads the way in community-engaged research projects and programs. We are strategically focused on:
- Maternal and child health
- Access to health services
- Health, hunger and nutrition
- Diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases
Our multi-disciplinary team is nationally recognized for our work in community health. With more than 100 community-engaged partners and 170 team members across the state, together we will create a better state of health for all.
Recent News
Northwest Arkansas Health Summit Returns to Fayetteville May 21
FAYETTEVILLE — The 2025 Northwest Arkansas Health Summit, hosted by the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation with support from Heartland Whole Health Institute, the NWA Council and other community partners, will bring health and community leaders together on Wednesday, May 21, to discuss barriers to meeting underserved communities in Arkansas. The theme of this…
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Exciting Changes to Arkansas Medicaid: What You Need to Know
By Sheldon Riklon, M.D. In recent months, Arkansas Medicaid has undergone significant updates aimed at improving health care access for mothers, infants and communities across the state. Let’s break down these important changes and how they impact Arkansans. The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act In February, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the Healthy Moms,…
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UAMS Mobile Health Units Now Feature Internet Access
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation is expanding health care access with Arkansas’ first-ever statewide mobile health connectivity project, which equips each mobile unit with wireless network access using SD-WAN technology to enhance reliability, security and performance in remote rural areas. With all four mobile…
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UAMS and Partners Building CHW Workforce Amid Passage of the Community Health Worker Act
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation and its partners are continuing to build the state’s community health worker workforce following Gov. Sarah Sanders’ signing of House Bill 1258 on April 3, establishing the Community Health Worker Act. The act formally establishes the role of a…
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