The newly accredited state training center in Pine Bluff, AR, brings a diverse array of certificate and degree-path training programs in frontline health careers, nationally recognized certifications, and continuing education courses to support health professions throughout the state. Current programs include certifications for Patient Care Technicians, Medical Assistants, EMTs, Paramedics, and Community Health Workers, and healthcare provider certification and training (Basic Life Support, CPR, First Aid, ACLS, PALS, NALS, etc.)

(Members Only) The IRS requires member healthcare organizations to complete a detailed needs assessment that engages community members, key stakeholders, and leaders every three years. ARHP facilitates this process and develops the final plan in coordination with member organizations. Hospital CHNAs are located on their websites.

Eligible students receive targeted support (i.e., tuition assistance, college & career counseling, supplies, etc.) to enroll in and complete certificate and/or degree programs in Healthcare Operations. Programs of study include medical coding and billing, health information management, clinical documentation, and healthcare administration.

The comprehensive directory provides a detailed list of health and health-social resources available throughout the 26-county ARHP service area. Rural residents, healthcare staff, and social service providers benefit from this easy-to-read directory of locally available health & health-social services and resources, organized by county. The 100+ page catalog is updated each July and is available online and in print format.

Rural students and educators benefit from a mobile learning experience that increases exposure to health career opportunities in rural Arkansas. The mobile unit features simulation experiences (including an Anamatoge table), interactive whiteboards to navigate the health careers website, student and career success coaches, and visiting health career hosts. Managed by ARHP and in partnership with UAMS and CHCA.

Over 1 in 4 rural Arkansas residents experience poor mental health. Current efforts work to increase utilization of evidence-based behavioral health screening tools in the primary care setting, engagement in early intervention services, access to needed resources, and training rural residents of all ages and backgrounds to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health & substance use concerns to mobilize a new generation of rural residents that live free, with needed mental health supports.

(Members Only) The online job board features current employment opportunities at member hospitals, health centers, and affiliated clinics (100+ locations).

The educational video raises awareness about the opioid crisis among local residents and health and social service providers.

(Members and Sponsors Only) Department-oriented meetings offer peer support for members spanning nearly 20 focus areas (i.e., nursing, human resources, finance, etc.). Roundtables facilitate peer learning & support, while improving communication, efficiency, cost savings & revenue.

The new initiative will engage individuals in two frontline healthcare training programs (medical assistant & patient care technician) at the Arkansas Rural Health Academy and local academic institutions. Individuals will be cross-trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and as Community Health Workers (CHW), which will make them attractive to employers and well prepared to respond to the complex health and health-social needs of patients throughout the service area.

Seniors (60 years and above) receive targeted support to reduce common barriers to health & wellness. Efforts aim to improve the overall health needs of seniors with diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease through social determinants of health interventions, new and expanded nutrition and exercise programs, and remote monitoring to enhance health outcomes.

Individuals representing a range of sectors (e.g., primary care, behavioral health, social services, law enforcement, workforce) convene quarterly to network, share resources, and collaborate on the design and implementation of new and expanded behavioral health infrastructure across the region and state.

Seniors (65+) with chronic diseases experiencing food insecurity benefit from personalized food delivery, nutritional and health coaching, healthy recipes and cooking classes, virtual patient education, and remote patient monitoring with outcomes tracking and support.

Targeted training is offered to members through Zoom webinars. Recent training includes a 4-part series on grant development.

The Arkansas Community Health Worker Association recognizes the institute as an approved Community Health Worker (CHW) training site for the state of Arkansas. Students, community members, and key stakeholders are trained as community health workers to meet the demonstrated health and health-social needs of rural residents.