The Rural Health Association of Arkansas (RHAA) Summit brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and students to address challenges and solutions in rural healthcare.
Representing the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC), Melony Stokes, Senior Director of Program Implementation, and Joe Schaffner, Project Manager, attended the event, engaging in discussions on rural healthcare advancements, telehealth integration, and strategies for improving access to care. Their presence highlights SCTRC’s commitment to bridging healthcare gaps through technology and innovative solutions.
Major takeaways from the event:
- Aging Population Challenges: Dr. Amy Leigh Overton-McCoy, UAMS Director at the Centers on Aging, addressed the unique struggles of seniors, particularly those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She emphasized the need for training first responders, providing wandering kits, and supporting caregivers to help seniors maintain independence.
- Keynote Address: Angi Walker shared insights from the Walker Clinic in DeQueen, Arkansas, showcasing it as a successful model for rural healthcare initiatives.
- Technology & Innovation: Fred Swaniker of Sand Technologies introduced AI and telehealth solutions designed to alleviate provider shortages, focusing on supporting expectant mothers in rural communities.
- Networking & Opening Remarks: On the second day, a networking breakfast set the stage for collaboration, followed by Dr. Mark T. Jansen (Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield) and Mellie Boagni (RHAA Executive Director), who emphasized the importance of sustainable healthcare initiatives.
- Future Healthcare Workforce: Melanie Meyer, MEd (UAMS), led a session on the importance of engaging medical students in rural healthcare to address workforce shortages.
- Panel on Rural Aging Initiatives: Moderated by Joey Flowers, this discussion featured experts from the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), St. Bernards Total Life Healthcare, Arkansas Hospice, and UAMS Centers on Aging. It focused on state services, palliative care, and integrated elderly care programs.
- Medicaid & Dental Care: One of the most eye-opening discussions focused on Medicaid’s dental care limitations, often leading to unnecessary tooth extractions for seniors. This sparked a conversation about denture programs aimed at helping seniors receive proper care.
- Resource Panel: Moderated by Ashley Anthony (RHAA President), this session featured experts from Heartland Whole Health, AHA Community Health Improvement, UAMS, Arkansas Department of Health, Apprenticely, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, addressing policy, workforce development, and healthcare innovation to improve rural healthcare access.
The RHAA Summit reinforced the importance of collaboration among healthcare providers, telehealth experts, policymakers, and community organizations. With leaders like Melony Stokes and Joe Schaffner actively contributing on behalf of SCTRC, the event highlighted the growing role of telehealth and innovation in improving rural healthcare access.
