Arkansas Center for Health Improvement

03/06/2026

At ACHI today we're observing Dress in Blue Day, which raises awareness about colorectal cancer and honors those impacted by it. People at average risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening for the disease at age 45. On our blog we look at Arkansas's high colorectal cancer rate, the latest screening recommendations, and what insurers are required to cover: https://achi.net/newsroom/colorectal-cancer-rate-high-in-arkansas-early-detection-is-key/

Fight Colorectal Cancer

03/04/2026

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Arkansas, which had the nation's sixth-highest rate of new cases in 2022. The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer incidence rates among U.S. adults under age 50 are rising, yet only 37% of people ages 45 to 49 have been screened for the disease, which is highly survivable if detected early. For , we look at the latest data and screening guidance on this disease.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers among both men and women in Arkansas, but it’s also one of the most survivable with regular screening and early detection. Unfortunately, the American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer incidence rates among U.S. adults under age 50 ar...

02/19/2026

Come work with us! ACHI has open positions for a data analyst and a research assistant. Get details and apply: https://lnkd.in/g_6GpSmJ

02/12/2026

We are saddened to learn of James' passing due to colorectal cancer. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who are grieving this tremendous loss.

As we honor James, we urge everyone to carry forward the message he so bravely shared. Let his legacy be a reminder to listen to your body, recognize the warning signs, and understand when it’s time to get screened.

If you’re eligible for screening, make a plan and encourage someone you love to do the same.

Honor James and others by adding a name to our Wall of Champions: fightcrc.org/tribute

Learn more about colorectal cancer screening: fightcrc.org/screening

02/11/2026

We're hiring! ACHI has an opening for a research assistant. Get details and apply: https://achi.net/about/careers/

02/10/2026

We are proud to have her on our leadership team!

Congratulations to Jennifer Wessel '13 on her promotion to director of health policy at the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement.

Jennifer leads efforts to advance community health and wellness across Arkansas. Her work centers on health policy, data transparency, and healthcare workforce access—critical issues for statewide well-being. She also continues to serve as ACHI’s data privacy officer.

In addition to her law degree, Jennifer holds a Master of Public Health.

Read more at: https://achi.net/news-releases/achi-announces-promotions-of-sandra-mcgrew-jennifer-wessel-joshua-cook/

01/27/2026

ACHI is excited to announce the promotions of Sandra McGrew to executive director, Jennifer Wessel to director of health policy, and Joshua Cook to director of external relations. McGrew, Wessel, and Cook had been serving in these positions on an interim basis but have now transitioned into permanent roles. We are proud to have them on our leadership team! See our news release:
https://achi.net/news-releases/achi-announces-promotions-of-sandra-mcgrew-jennifer-wessel-joshua-cook/

01/15/2026

Today we celebrated Shahed Sufian's completion of his one-year health services and policy research fellowship at ACHI and wished him the best on his next steps in public health. It was great having you on the team, Shahed!

01/07/2026

We are excited to announce that Antonije Lazic, PhD, has been named director of research for ACHI. Lazic was the inaugural recipient of the G. Richard Smith, MD, ACHI Fellowship in Health Services and Policy Research and has continued to serve on our research team since completing his fellowship in 2024.

The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement has appointed Antonije Lazic, Ph.D., as director of research. In this role, Lazic will lead the health policy center’s efforts to develop evidence-based research that informs decision-makers and the broader research community on key health issues impactin...

12/30/2025

We're hiring! ACHI has an opening for a data analyst. Get details and apply: https://achi.net/about/careers/

12/29/2025

Arkansas will receive $208.8 million in federal fiscal year 2026 under the Rural Health Transformation Program, CMS announced today. Over the next five years, the program will provide $50 billion across all 50 states.

Arkansas announced its plan for the funds in November: bit.ly/4jlT2CO

Read the CMS announcement here: bit.ly/4qhFhrD

For more on the Rural Health Transformation Program, see our explainer: bit.ly/3YMEUJ8

12/09/2025

Remembering ACHI cofounder Suzanne McCarthy, who died Dec. 1. She is deeply missed.

We remember ACHI cofounder Suzanne McCarthy, whose impact on public health in Arkansas will be felt for generations. McCarthy died Dec. 1 in Louisville, Ky.