Welcome from the Institute Director
Pearl McElfish, Ph.D, MBA
The Institute for Community Health Innovation is a team of passionate leaders transforming health in Arkansas. Our mission is to improve health in Arkansas through bold innovation and collaborative partnerships, creating a better state of health for all.
This is no small task. Arkansas ranks poorly in numerous health outcomes. We are at or near the bottom in maternal and child health, cardiometabolic diseases, food security and access to care. The barriers that exist between Arkansans and optimal health are the reason our institute was founded. We believe that Arkansas can become one of the healthiest places in the nation. We do this important work through the power of working with partners to implement large-scale change in four strategic areas:
- Health Transformation
- Maternal and Child Health
- Health, Hunger and Nutrition
- Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Diseases
Through collaboration, strong community partnerships, dedication, and focus, we are creating a better state of health for all families and communities across the state. To learn more about our work, visit communityhealth.uams.edu.
Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., MBA
Director, Division of Community Health and Research
Phone: 479-713-8680
Email: PAMcelfish@uams.edu