Rural communities experience higher rates of behavioral health concerns, substance use disorders, and limited access to healthcare services compared to urban areas. At the same time, many youth and students interested in healthcare careers have few opportunities to explore community health professions.
In collaboration with the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership, the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation is helping to address this need by preparing high school students in rural Arkansas to become the next generation of community health professionals through career exploration, hands-on training, peer leadership, and community engagement.
Empowering the Next Generation
At the center of this initiative is the inaugural Community Health Worker training program designed specifically for high school students. The program is the first of its kind in Arkansas and only the second in the nation.
Developing Future Leaders in Health
“Even if you’re not looking to go into the medical field, this training, provides a lot of good knowledge to have, like how to talk to people, how to listen, and how to communicate better. I’m leaning toward becoming an ER nurse, so I’m going to be encountering people every day, and want to make sure I can talk to them and make them feel comfortable.” -Taylor Hatfield, Huntsville High School Student
Enrolled students will complete 80 hours of hybrid instruction over two weeks. Classroom instruction is guided by experienced, certified community health workers or behavioral health professionals, so students gain practical tools and knowledge to best support their communities.
Strengthening Behavioral Support Systems
In addition to classroom instruction, students are introduced to health career pathways through UAMS summer enrichment programs, including:
- MASH (Medical Applications of Science for Health)
- CHAMPS (Community Health Applied in Medical Public Service)
These programs provide students with valuable exposure to careers in behavioral health, public health, and community-based healthcare.
Our team also collaborates with teachers, counselors, and school administrators to strengthen behavioral health support for students.
Educators receive training to recognize and respond to behavioral health concerns and risk factors, while students participate in peer-led activities that promote positive mental health and healthy decision-making.
Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council is a youth-led leadership group of junior high and high school students in Northwest Arkansas committed to improving mental health awareness, peer support, and youth wellbeing in their schools and communities. Members participate in monthly meetings that help guide youth behavioral health programming to create meaningful change in their schools. The Youth Advisory Council is open to students in Eureka Springs, Huntsville, and Kingston schools. Members must have parental permission to join.
Additional Resources to Support Mental & Behavioral Health
- UAMS Mental Health Resources
- Mental Health First Aid
- Youth Mental Health Corps
- Arisa Health
- Call or Text 988 for immediate support