Arkansas Center for Health Improvement

04/29/2026

There is still time to apply for the position of ACHI director of information systems architecture! The job opening has been extended to May 23. Get details and apply: https://achi.net/about/careers/

04/27/2026

In the third episode of the Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast, we discuss the role of education and support networks for pregnant women in Arkansas and how they contribute to better maternal and infant health outcomes. Joining host Sandra McGrew to offer their perspectives are:

→Dr. Zenobia Harris with the Arkansas Birthing Project.
→Nicolle Fletcher of Nurturing Arrows Birth Services and the Doula Alliance of Arkansas.
→Cassie Cochran with the Arkansas Department of Health.

Listen to the episode: https://achi.net/birthingjourney/education-and-supports/

04/22/2026

In the second episode of our new Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast series, we look at the importance of beginning prenatal care early in a pregnancy. Host Sandra McGrew, APR, discusses the topic with:
→Arkansas Rep. Aaron Pilkington.
→Dr. Nirvana Manning with the Arkansas Center for Women & Infants’ Health at UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
→Emily McGee of St. Bernards Healthcare.

In the second episode of the Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast, we explore the importance of beginning prenatal care early in a pregnancy and speak with healthcare leaders working to remove barriers, increase access, and improve outcomes for Arkansas moms and their babies.

04/21/2026

The first episode of our new Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast series focuses on pre-pregnancy preparation. Host Sandra McGrew solicits insights from four expert guests:
→Dr. William "Sam" Greenfield with UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
→Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Kay Chandler.
→Kelly Conroy with the Arkansas Center for Women & Infants’ Health at UAMS.
→Elizabeth Montgomery with ACHI.

Healthy moms begin as healthy women. In the first episode of the Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast, we focus on pre-pregnancy preparation and speak with several healthcare leaders working to improve outcomes for Arkansas moms and their babies.

04/21/2026

We just launched a podcast series focusing on maternal health, the Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast. Over the course of the nine-episode series, host Sandra McGrew will talk to a wide range of experts, from healthcare and public health leaders to lawmakers and community leaders across the state, about opportunities for Arkansas to make lasting improvements in maternal and infant health. The first two episodes are available to listen to now: https://achi.net/news-releases/arkansas-center-for-health-improvement-launches-maternal-health-podcast/

04/15/2026

ACHI President and CEO Craig Wilson spoke about the important role of community health workers in Arkansas's healthcare system today during Arkansas Community Health Worker Day at the state Capitol.

Arkansas Community Health Worker Association

04/13/2026

Congratulations to ACHI's Elizabeth Montgomery for receiving an Individual Award for Excellence in Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment from the Arkansas Chronic Disease Coordinating Council. The council surprised Montgomery with the award during last week's 2026 Public Health Conference, hosted by the council in partnership with the Arkansas Public Health Association and the Arkansas Society for Public Health Education. Montgomery, who chaired the council last year and currently serves as its secretary, helped organize the conference.

04/10/2026

We're hiring! ACHI is looking for a director of information systems architecture. Get details and apply: https://lnkd.in/g_6GpSmJ

04/10/2026

We had a great time this week at the 2026 Public Health Conference hosted by the Arkansas Chronic Disease Coordinating Council, the Arkansas Public Health Association, and the Arkansas Society for Public Health Education. ACHI President and CEO Craig Wilson gave the keynote address, Research Director Antonije Lazic presented some of our research, and Senior Health Policy Analyst Elizabeth Montgomery, who also serves on the Chronic Disease Coordinating Council, helped organize the conference. It was exciting to see so many Arkansans committed to improving public health in our state!

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