HJAR Mar/Apr 2026

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  MAR / APR 2026 31 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalAR.com and is a member of both the Pulaski County and Arkansas Bar Associations. Owyoung, the director for a private family office, has degrees from the University of Arkan- sas and the Clinton School of Public Service. He is a member of Rotary Club 99 and is involved in several other community opportunities across the region. Survey Examines Social Determinants of Health Screening Tools Used at Arkansas Health Facilities A coalition of researchers, including experts from UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, Arkansas Department of Health’s Arkan- sas State Health Alliance for Records Exchange (SHARE), the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, conducted a survey that examined how Arkan- sas healthcare facilities screen for and respond to social determinants of health. Social determinants of health are nonmedi- cal factors that influence a person’s health, well- being, and quality of life. According to the Cen- ters for Disease Control and Prevention, the determinants include economic policies and sys- tems, development agendas, social norms, social policies, and political structures. The project ran from October 2024 to Novem- ber 2025 and a total of 145 facilities — represent- ing 48 of Arkansas’ 75 counties — participated in the survey, which SHARE funded via a $200,000 contract. Of the organizations that responded to the sur- vey, 87% reported screening patients for social determinants of health-related needs. The most common difficulties are food insecurity, housing issues, and transportation issues. While provid- ers screen at a high rate, there is a gap in refer- ring patients for services and providing services directly. In Arkansas, social determinants of health typi- cally have the biggest effect on people who have a limited income and individuals who reside in rural areas. The researchers determined that healthcare systems factor greatly in identifying Arkansans in need of community supports and social ser- vices. However, providers face numerous barriers in addressing the determinants themselves. The most pressing challenge is ensuring follow-up on identified needs. “Providers recognize the importance of addressing social determinants of health but lack sufficient resources and partnerships to improve the coordination of social services,” Mick Tilford, a UAMS professor, said. “Our survey findings could potentially lead to the development of new policies and collaborations that would improve population health in Arkansas.” The research team administered the survey with the initial goal to understand what tools and sys- tems providers are using to screen patients for social determinants of health. They also wanted to explore opportunities to connect those data sources. However, once the study commenced, the group recognized that it was also a great opportunity to develop a broader picture of pro- vider behaviors, challenges and capacity around social determinants of health screening, and referrals. The results offer a valuable statewide resource for understanding nonmedical barriers that con- tribute to poor health outcomes, avoidable hos- pital use, and rising healthcare costs. UAMS Study Reveals Gaps in Obstetric Emergency Preparedness in Arkansas Emergency Departments A study from UAMS finds that while obstetric emergencies are common in Arkansas emergency departments, many hospitals lack key protocols, training, and capabilities needed to manage life- threatening maternal complications. UAMS researchers surveyed managers from 51 EDs, representing 61% of all hospital-based EDs statewide, to evaluate their experiences, capabil- ities, and training related to obstetric emergen- cies. In the previous year, 43% of EDs reported a birth, 71% managed urgent transports of preg- nant or postpartum patients, and nearly half experienced an unanticipated adverse mater- nal outcome. Despite the frequency of obstetric cases, the study found: • Only 31% of EDs required documentation of pregnancy status in the electronic health record. • 46% had no field to record postpartum sta- tus — an important gap given that many maternal deaths occur after delivery. • Fewer than half (46%) had provided any obstetric emergency training in the past two years. Even hospitals without obstetrics units fre- quently care for high-risk patients, particularly in rural areas where more than 60% of Arkansas counties lack obstetric services. Differences in preparedness may contribute to maternal health inequities in Arkansas, a state with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation. UAMS Announces 40 New Full-Tuition Scholarships The newly created UAMS Chancellor’s Scholars Program will provide full tuition and fees for 40 students entering UAMS, including the College of Medicine, beginning with the fall 2026 semes- ter with the following distribution: • 15 scholarships in the College of Medicine; • 5 scholarships (1 for audiology, 2 for speech- language pathology, 2 for dietetics) in the College of Health Professions; • 10 scholarships (2 for the traditional, two- year bachelor’s in nursing program, 5 for the accelerated bachelor’s in nursing program) in the College of Nursing; • 5 scholarships in the College of Pharmacy; and • 5 scholarships in the College of Public Health. Recipients will commit to living and working in Arkansas following completion of their academic program (and residency or fellowship, where applicable) for a period equal to the length of the scholarship award. Applicants must be Arkansas residents and be admitted to an eligible UAMS academic program beginning in fall 2026. Students who completed an undergraduate degree outside Arkansas are eligible for the scholarships. Chancellor’s Scholars will be selected based on academic merit, evaluated through a holis- tic review of the applicant’s academic record. Selection will consider objective measures of aca- demic performance, the rigor and consistency of prior coursework, and demonstrated commit- ment to scholarly excellence, as assessed by the