HJAR Mar/Apr 2026

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  MAR / APR 2026 35 Jennifer Dillaha, MD Director Arkansas Department of Health park can provide meaningful opportunities for movement, connection, and restoration. Encouraging these activities aligns closely with public health goals and complements broader efforts to strengthen rural health systems. Arkansas’state parks are a prime example of accessible, affordable resources that support physical activity. With 52 state parks across the state, nearly everyArkansan lives within a short drive of opportunities for walking, hiking, biking, paddling, and nature- based play. Many parks offer paved trails suitable for strollers and mobility devices, while others provide more challenging terrain for those seeking higher-intensity activity. Picnic areas, playgrounds, visitor centers, and educational programming make state parks welcoming spaces for families of all ages and abilities. Importantly, state parks also support mental well-being. Time spent in nature has been linked to lower cortisol levels, improved mood, and better sleep. For individuals managing chronic stress, depression, or burnout — including healthcare workers themselves — regular outdoor time can be a valuable part of a holistic approach to health. TheArkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) further expands these opportunities by managing wildlife management areas and lakes, and by supporting conservation programs that encourage active, outdoor lifestyles. AGFC provides resources for fishing, hunting, birding, boating, and wildlife viewing — activities that promote movement, patience, focus, and connection to the natural world. Programs such as beginner fishing workshops, youth hunting education, and nature centers help remove barriers for those new to outdoor recreation. For public health workers counseling pa- tients, these resources can serve as practi- cal, culturally relevant recommendations. Suggesting a walk at a nearby park, a family fishing outing, or time spent bird-watching can feel more attainable than structured ex- ercise programs, particularly for patients managing chronic disease, limited mobility, or financial constraints. Leveraging Outdoor Recreation These efforts align with broader state initiatives focused on prevention and ru- ral health transformation. Arkansas re- cently received significant federal funding to strengthen rural healthcare through a multiyear initiative focused on improving health outcomes and access to preventive care. One component of this work empha- sizes healthy eating and active recreation as foundational elements of chronic disease prevention and overall wellness. Outdoor recreation fits squarely within that frame- work, offering a low-cost, community-driv- en way to support healthier lifestyles. The Natural State Initiative also connects communities with tangible opportunities to expand outdoor recreation at the local level. Through theArkansas Outdoor Grants Program, administered by the Office of Out- door Recreation, cities, counties, schools, and nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to develop trails, parks, river ac- cess points, playgrounds, and other outdoor infrastructure that support active lifestyles. These grants empower communities, partic- ularly rural and underserved areas, to create safe, accessible spaces for physical activity and connection to nature. By investing in locally-driven outdoor recreation projects, the Natural State Initiative strengthens pub- lic health outcomes while ensuring that the benefits of Arkansas’ natural resources are felt close to home. Public health professionals can play a key role by modeling these behaviors and by integrating outdoor activity into health messaging. Sharing information about lo- cal parks, trails, fishing access points, or seasonal programs helps translate general advice into actionable steps. Partnering with state parks, AGFC, schools, and communi- ty organizations can further amplify these messages and ensure they reach those who may benefit most. As Arkansas continues to invest in healthcare transformation, it is important not to overlook the simple, proven strategies that improve health every day. Encouraging people to get outside — to move, to connect, and to breathe fresh air — supports prevention, resilience, and community well- being. In a state known for its natural beauty, the outdoors may be one of Arkansas’most underutilized public health assets. For public health workers and patients alike, the message is clear: Better healthmay be closer than we think; in fact, just outside the door. n REFERENCES “Physical Activity in Daily Life,” Centers for Dis- ease Control and Prevention, February 28, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/features/ index.html. Marcia Jimenez, et al.,“Associations Between Na- ture Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evi- dence,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 9 (2021): 4790, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094790.