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
Holiday Blues? You’re Not Alone.
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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UAMS Partners with Local Institutions to Provide Lactation Spaces for Breastfeeding Mothers
FAYETTEVILLE — Working with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Office of Community Health & Research, the Jones Center for Families, Arkansas Legal Aid, the Center for Nonprofits at the JTL Shop and the Springdale Library each recently installed new spaces for nursing mothers to comfortably breastfeed or pump breast milk. “The creation…
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Marshallese Art Mural Highlights Pacific Islander Culture in Downtown Springdale
A new mural celebrating Marshallese culture was unveiled in downtown Springdale Nov. 16, thanks to a collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Office of Community Health & Research, Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM), and the Downtown Springdale Alliance. UAMS and ACOM reached out to local Marshallese artist Helmar Anitok earlier…
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UAMS, Community Health Centers of Arkansas Awarded $17.5 Million to Study, Reduce Prenatal Inequities
FAYETTEVILLE — A study at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Community Health Centers of Arkansas, Inc. (CHCA) has been approved for a $17.5 million funding award by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to study and reduce prenatal inequities. Arkansas is ranked worst for both maternal health outcomes and food insecurity…
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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