Mellie Bridewell of Lake Village is one of 15 healthcare leaders across the nation to get selected to participate in the 2019 Rural Health Fellows program through the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).
After the completion of a competitive review process, 15 fellows across the nation were selected to participate in this year-long, intensive program aimed at developing leaders who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America. The goal of the fellows program is to educate, develop, and inspire a networked community of rural health leaders who will step forward to serve in key positions in the National Rural Health Association, affiliated rural health advocacy groups, and local and state legislative bodies.
Bridewell is currently contracted to the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership as the chief executive officer through UAMS Regional Programs. Mellie has obtained over $10 million dollars in grant funds for Arkansas Rural Health Partnership to implement healthcare provider training opportunities, healthcare workforce initiatives, chronic disease programs, behavioral and mental health services, and access to care throughout the Arkansas Delta. Mellie currently serves as vice president of the National Cooperative of Health Networks and as a member of the NRHA Rural Health Congress. In 2017, Mellie was one of 14 rural healthcare workers across the United States recognized as a Community Star by the Federal State Office of Rural Health.