HJAR Jan/Feb 2025

DIALOGUE 14 JAN / FEB 2025 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS for people who can’t easily drive long distances or who need more discreet options; but that alone isn’t enough. We have to invest in growing and retaining professionals who understand the unique challenges of rural life. If we can strengthen our workforce, bolster existing programs, and keep innovating with telehealth and community outreach, I believe we can turn the tide on substance misuse in rural Arkansas. Editor Mental health challenges are also exacerbated in rural areas. How are we addressing this in Arkansas? Boagni Mental health is a major concern for Arkansans, and the shortage of behavioral health professionals is felt especially hard in rural areas. Still, there’s reason to be hopeful. We’re seeing school-based clinics, set up by FQHCs and local school districts, bring counseling straight into the classrooms so kids don’t have to travel an hour for a simple therapy session. Meanwhile, tele-psychiatry programs are bridging gaps by connecting patients with licensed counselors and psychiatrists in other parts of the state. Thanks to specialized funding from agencies like SAMHSAand HRSA, some rural clinics have been able to hire additional staff or extend their hours. There’s also a growing workforce pipeline, as more people train to become peer recovery specialists, community health workers, and Mental Health First Aid instructors. That grassroots approach normalizes conversations around mental wellness and encourages early interventions. We’re already seeing the ripple effect of Mental Health First Aid and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), where community members feel confident spotting signs of crisis and acting quickly. It’s creating a more supportive environment — exactly what’s needed to reduce stigma and save lives. Editor Food deserts are a significant challenge in rural communities, directly impacting social determinants of health. Limited access to quality, affordable, and nutritious food places residents at higher risk for obesity and chronic diseases. What strategies can we implement to address these disparities and support vulnerable populations in accessing healthier food options? Boagni Food deserts have a tangible impact on rural Arkansans — especially seniors and people managing chronic illnesses — by driving up rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. One of the most impactful strategies is literally meeting people where they are. For instance, mobile markets can bring fresh produce directly to communities that don’t have a grocery store. But we also have to consider transportation barriers; many residents in rural areas don’t have reliable transportation and/or are too far from larger shopping centers. That’s where programs like ARHP’s Good Food Rx pilot come in. Local clinicians refer seniors in need, and staff trained as community health workers not only deliver healthy groceries or prepared meals to the patients’ homes but also provide remote cooking classes and nutritional support. By doing this, they’re tackling both food and transportation issues head-on. Another big piece of the puzzle is nutri- tion education — teaching people how to store and cook fresh ingredients on a bud- get. Finally, to make these solutions sustain- able, we need consistent financial support — through grants or insurance reimburse- ments — so community organizations can keep these mobile and home-delivery pro- grams running. When healthcare teams, community partners, and local farmers all collaborate, we can start knocking down the social and logistical barriers that keep peo- ple from accessing healthier food options in rural Arkansas.