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Northwest Regional Campus: Community Health and Research
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  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  2. Northwest Regional Campus
  3. Community Health and Research
  4. Research With Us

Research With Us

Sarah Livengood at an outdoor community event

Research That Makes A Difference

The Office of Community Health and Research oversees more than 75 projects to improve health in northwest Arkansas and across the globe.

Success Stories

Multidisciplinary Faculty and Research Staff

At UAMS, you will work alongside experienced researchers and staff in an exceptional scientific environment.

Meet Our Faculty
Devils Den

One of the Fastest-growing Regions in the U.S.

Northwest Arkansas is the fastest-growing region in the state, and one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.

Northwest Arkansas
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Overview

The UAMS Office of Community Health and Research is an interprofessional research and community health programs team in UAMS’s College of Medicine. The Office of Community Health and Research exists to ensure that every person has access to their best health.

A highly successful and productive research office with a team of more than 150 full-time staff and investigators,theOffice of Community Health and Research leads a variety of community-engaged research and programs focused on healthy food systems and food equity; maternal, child, and family health; diabetes and cardiometabolic disease management and prevention; policy, systems and environmental strategies; and equitable program evaluation.

The pioneering work of the office has established a nationally recognized research presence in northwest Arkansas, engaging in innovative collaborations with regional, statewide and national organizations dedicated to eliminating health disparities and improving health outcomes for all.

  • Post-Doctoral Fellow Recruitment Guide

Community Focus

Chris Long

“Office of Community Health and Research faculty integrate a community focus across everything we do. We work closely with communities to answer research questions that are important to community members and to scientific stakeholders.”

Dr. Chris Long, Ph.D., Senior Director or Research and Evaluation

Join Our Research Team

If you are interested in joining our team, email the Office of Community and Health Research Executive Director Lisa Smith at LMSmith2@uams.edu or by visiting the link below.

Join Our Team

Network of Scientific Collaborators

The impact of our work is felt across the United States and beyond, thanks in large part to community and scientific partners who help drive our work. This map shows just a few partners where our scientific collaborators are helping us create a better state of health for all.

Within UAMS and the Office of Community Health and Research, you will work alongside multidisciplinary researchers and support staff in an exceptional scientific environment. UAMS’s network of expert scientists and clinicians are available for support and collaboration, in addition to the Office of Community Health and Research’s network of respected collaborators from academic institutions across the United States and beyond. Office of Community Health and Research researchers also enjoy the benefit of the UAMS Translational Research Institute, which provides services and resources to ensure the swift translation of research into health care advances. Learn more about the Translational Research Institute at tri.uams.edu.

Our network spans far beyond the walls of academic institutions. We partner with more than 100 community organizations, schools, employers, churches, clinics, and more. Advisory boards comprised of community stakeholders guide much of our work.

At UAMS, you will have access to the tools you need to conduct meaningful research and enact lasting change.

Bridge Between Research and Community Health

Rachelle Narcisse Jean-Louis

“The Office of Community Health and Research is a real bridge between research and community health. Our collaborative approach relies on integrating diverse disciplines while promoting the participation of key members of the communities we serve. This participatory approach leads to tangible impact and positive outreach that goes beyond research.”

Rachelle Narcisse Jean-Louis, Ph.D., M.S., Assistant Professor

Exceptional Growth

Since its creation in 2012, the UAMS Office of Community Health and Research has established itself at the forefront of impactful change in the health outcomes of populations in northwest Arkansas and beyond.

Key Highlights

  • $70 million+ in grant funding from a variety of sources, including NIH, CDC, PCORI, HHS, and the Walton & Walmart Foundations
  • 75+ projects to reduce health disparities in northwest Arkansas and around the globe
  • 150+ multidisciplinary faculty and research support staff from a variety of cultural and academic backgrounds
  • 20+ program evaluations managed by evaluators in the Office of Community Health and Research

The Future

In the next five years, the UAMS Office of Community Health and Research will be the regional, national and global leader in community-engaged research and action. We hope that you will embark on this journey with us. Together, we will create a better state of health for all.

Collaborative Support

Britni Ayers

“My research, and the outstanding collaborative support of the team, has resulted in a more in-depth understanding of the health needs of the Pacific Islander communities and a highly successful research career.”

Britni Ayers, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Grow Alongside One of the Most Promising Areas in the Country

Northwest Arkansas - Dear Family

Nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, northwest Arkansas is home to hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails and walkways; vibrant art communities; and numerous Fortune 500 companies and community organizations that call it home.

Watch the video above to see what makes northwest Arkansas wonderful, and find more information at the links below.

  • Northwest Arkansas Council
  • NorthwestArkansas.org

Additional Information

Pearl McElfish

A Message From Dr. Pearl McElfish

Hear from our division director, Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., about the opportunities to grow with the Office of Community Health and Research.

Read Her Message
Publications Photo

Office of Community Health and Research Publications

Researchers in the Office of Community Health have produced groundbreaking research that is creating a better state of health for all people.

Read our Publications
Health Research Program Photo

Office of Community Health and Research Leadership 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 the Team

Office of Community Health and Research Faculty

Our faculty and research teams are leading the way toward better health in Arkansas and beyond.

Meet Our Faculty
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Mailing Address: 1125 N College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone: (479) 713-8000
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