UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation

We had an incredible weekend connecting with communities across South Arkansas! 🎒📚
Our team attended four Back-to-School Bash events, sharing information about the programs and services available to support local families. Together, we connected with more than 450 families, helping ensure they know about the resources available in their communities.

Happy Tuesday im Iakwe aolep! Konaan wot karon kojwoj bwe Kepopo ilo Pojam enaj postpone non Taije in lal, Okwoj 13, 2026, 06 awa jota. Kom emol im jeramon ilo week in. God Bless!

It's a beautiful day to be out in the community! Stop by and see us at the Samaritan Community Center Backpack for Kids event at Arvest Ballpark. We'll be here until 1 p.m. today. We'd love to see you!

Tune in tonight at 6!

Doulas play a vital role in supporting mothers as they navigate the pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey. Tonight at 6 on “Arkansas Week,” we learn how these trained professionals are helping the state improve maternal care and expand prenatal care services with Ujima Maternity Network Co-founder and Executive Director Nicolle Fletcher, Arkansas Birthing Partners and Family Power Hub LLC Founder and CEO Sylvia Halliburton, Doula Alliance of Arkansas Co-Founder and Executive Director Liyah Wasson, UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation Senior Director of Programs Hannah McHardy, Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas Women’s and Children’s Services Vice President Whitney Tolbert, Sister Friend Felecia Fletcher and Arkansas Birthing Project Russellville Hub Branch Leader Stacey Armstrong.

The UAMS DSME study has entered its fourth and final year, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of this important four-year initiative. The study team is pleased to report that the intervention phase for the final cycle was successfully completed in May of this year. Efforts are now focused on the final stage of data collections and interviews expected to end in October 2026. Following completion of the final data collection activities in October, the project team will focus on completing analyses of all study components and a final report will be prepared once all data have been reviewed and interpreted.

Throughout its duration, the UAMS DSME study has relied on the commitment of its’ study participants, RMI churches, KIJLE, MEI, Ministry of Health & Human Services, and members of the study’s community advisory board. Their contributions have been instrumental in supporting the successful implementation of the study and the collection of high-quality data. The project team extends its sincere appreciation to all participants and partners for their continued support and engagement throughout the study.

We led a site visit in South Arkansas last week, bringing together partners, providers, community members, and team members from across the state to discuss maternal health.

ThroughARBirth, we’re expanding access to mental health and substance use support for pregnant and postpartum families throughout South Arkansas. By strengthening screening and referral systems, providing training for health care providers, and building strong community partnerships, our team is connecting families with the care and resources they need.

Iakwe aolep im Happy Thursday! Konaan bok ien non karon kojwoj aolep bwe ilo Taije in, Okwoj 6 raan ilo 6:00 awa jota (CST), Kepopo Ilo Pojam, enaj bar driwoj waj ilo FB live im ilo Voice of the Islands online streaming. Enaj kobatok juon an Dr. Sheldon Riklon, guest Nurse Program Manager Philmar Mendoza Kabua, MSN, BSN, RN, non konono kin Kaninnin im Wa Ko An Ajri im kin melele ko jet ikijen ejmour. Kobatok im Kepopo ilo Pojam nań kejbarok ejmour eo am, baamle eo im jukjuk in bed eo. Joij im share non ro jet im jeramon ilo week in. Anij ibedwoj!

This week, we attended the Douglas Chapel Back to School Bash in Union County! We were able to share about our programs and services with over 300 participants and 40 vendors, making it the largest Back to School event in the southern region.

We were honored to represent ICHI at Corbata Roja this weekend! ❤️

This men's health and community resource fair, hosted by Goodwill, brought together organizations from across Northwest Arkansas to promote healthy habits, connect people with valuable resources, and support the health and well-being of the fathers and men in our communities.