Who We Are
We are a diverse team dedicated to working with communities to create a better state of health for all. We seek to identify and understand health needs through research and programs and work to create an environment where every person has access to their best health.
View our Annual Report here.
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What We Do
Community-Engaged Research: We work with individuals, organizations, schools and communities to collaboratively identify, understand, and address health inequities.
Community Health Innovation & Action: We turn research into action by creating innovative and community-based programs to achieve equitable health for all people.
Community Health Equity: We use what we learn to effect policy change, environmental changes and better health and wellness opportunities, creating a better state of health for all.
Together, for a Better State of Health
A highly successful and productive research office, Community Health & Research leads a variety of community-engaged research and programs focused on Health Equity & Access; Family Wellness; Health, Hunger & Nutrition; and Diabetes & Cardiometabolic Diseases.
Health Equity & Access
We are working with CHWs and communities to ensure every Arkansan can access and understand healthcare.
Health Equity & Access
Family Wellness
We are improving health for women, children and families by increasing access to quality maternal care and support systems.
Family Wellness
Health, Hunger & Nutrition
We work with schools and communities to ensure every Arkansan has equitable access to healthy, affordable food.
Health, Hunger & Nutrition
Diabetes & Cardiometabolic Diseases
We partner with communities to learn about health disparities that exist, and to implement programs that reduce barriers to health.
Diabetes & Cardiometabolic DiseasesResearch That Makes a Difference
We are leading the way to improve health outcomes for all people, engaging in innovative collaborations with regional, statewide and national organizations dedicated to eliminating health disparities and improving health outcomes for all.
Our Approach to Research
Our faculty and staff are creating a better state of health through research and innovation. Learn more here.
Learn More
A Message From Dr. Pearl McElfish
Hear from our division director, Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., about the mission of UAMS Community Health and Research.
A Message from Dr. McElfish
Publications
Our researchers have produced groundbreaking research that has led to policy change and better health outcomes for communities across the world. Learn more here.
Publications
Center for Pacific Islander Health
The Center for Pacific Islander Health is a multi-disciplinary center focusing on research, community programs, training, and policy.
Center for Pacific Islander Health
Translational Research Institute
The UAMS Translational Research Institute provides services and resources to ensure the swift translation of research into health care advances.
UAMS Translational Research InstituteRecent News
UAMS, Community Partners Hold SNAP Enrollment Events for Marshallese
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), the Northwest Arkansas Food Insecurity Community of Practice, the Marshallese Education Initiative (MEI) and other community organizations have partnered to organize SNAP enrollment events, where more than 100 Marshallese have been able to apply for the benefits. The Compacts of Free Association (COFA) allow some Pacific Islander…
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Community Partner Celebration Honors Efforts to Address Critical Health Challenges
The Ninth Annual Translational Research Institute Community Partner Celebration on Dec. 6 brought attendees from across Arkansas to recognize the pivotal role of community partnerships in advancing research and improving health. Organized by the institute’s Community Engagement Core, the event at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock drew more than 80 attendees representing…
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UAMS, AmeriCorps VISTA Members Provide Access to Fresh Foods to Nearly a Quarter of a Million Arkansans
FAYETTEVILLE — Since September 2023, AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members embedded at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation have provided access to fresh foods for almost a quarter of a million Arkansans. VISTA is a program that provides full-time volunteers to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions…
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UAMS Community Health Worker Named to National Advisory Committee
Rosana Solis-Garcia, a certified community health worker (CHW) and mentor at the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation, was selected recently to serve on the National CHW Policy Working Group Advisory Committee. Solis-Garcia began her work at UAMS in October 2020 in the institute’s contact tracing center, helping individuals and families in Northwest Arkansas navigate…
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Meet Our Team
Our team is comprised of multidisciplinary faculty and staff who go above and beyond to help create a better state of health for all.
Meet Our Team
Work With Us
Our faculty and staff are leading the way toward better health in Arkansas and beyond. Click here to learn more.
Work With Us
Resource Library
Our office offers resources to help you live your healthiest life. Resources are available to the public in English, Spanish and Marshallese.
Resources
UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, is Arkansas’ only academic cancer treatment and research facility.
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
UAMS Center for Health Literacy
UAMS Center for Health Literacy is dedicated to improving health by making information easy to understand and use.
UAMS Center for Health Literacy
North Street Clinic
The North Street Clinic is a free clinic for Marshallese patients. Click here for more information about the North Street Clinic in English and Marshallese.
North Street Clinic