UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation Recognizes Community Health Advocates at Summit

By David Wise

Community Anchor

Nicolle Fletcher, of Ujima Maternity Network and Nurturing Arrows, was presented with the Community Anchor Award, which honors an individual who shows visionary leadership that advances community health in Arkansas.

“Nicolle is a natural gatherer and unwavering community anchor, bringing both strength and compassion to everything she does,” said Krista Langston, executive director of the institute. “Her leadership is grounded in deep connection, cultural wisdom and a tireless pursuit of real, sustainable solutions for maternal health care in Arkansas.”

The institute works alongside Fletcher and Ujima Maternity Network to increase access to doulas throughout the state of Arkansas. Through the institute’s Doula Expansion Initiative, Ujima Maternity Network is training 60 individuals to receive doula certification.

Learn more about Ujima Maternity Network at ujimamaternitynetwork.org.

Champion for Community Health

The Arkansas Community Health Worker Association (ARCHWA) was presented with the Champion for Community Health Award, which recognizes an organization that champions innovation in health care delivery.

“Since their founding, I’ve had the honor of working alongside ARCHWA, and watching their growth has been nothing short of inspiring,” Langston said. “From launching regional education and networking hubs to leading the charge for Medicaid reimbursement and establishing statewide certification and recognition structures, ARCHWA has built a foundation for a sustainable, respected and empowered community health worker workforce. Their leadership continues to transform how we deliver health care by meeting people where they are, with those they trust most.”

Accepting the award on behalf of ARCHWA was Anna Huff-Davis, president of the association’s Board of Directors.

UAMS and ARCHWA have worked together for more than eight years to strengthen the community health worker workforce in Arkansas. Through this collaboration, more than 175 community health workers from across the state have been enrolled in the institute’s comprehensive training and apprenticeship program.

Learn more about the Arkansas Community Health Worker Association at archwa.org.