ACHE opens two new research centers
Dr. Karen Abbott, executive director of the Center of Oncology, talks with guests at the recent ribbon cutting.
The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education has officially opened its Biomedical Resource Center and the Center for Rehabilitation Research to focus on “innovative therapies” and “impactful studies.”
The two centers are located in the ACHE Research Institute Health and Wellness Center (RIHWC), located at 1000 Fianna Way in south Fort Smith. The building was the former corporate headquarters of Golden Living. ACHE estimates it has spent around $12 million so far to renovate space and provide equipment for the two centers.
According to the ACHE, the RIHWC is “a dedicated hub for advanced health science research and innovation.” Institute activities include hosting community health and wellness programs.
The biomedical facility provides space for research in oncology, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, genetics and personalized medicine, and neuroscience, aviation and aerospace medicine. The center employs 15, according to ACHE.
“The new Biomedical Resource Center laboratory is an invaluable asset for advancing our rapidly growing research initiatives,” Jeffrey Osborn, vice president of research at ACHE, said in a statement. “This facility allows our scientists to conduct essential preclinical studies in an ideal controlled environment, accelerating the discovery of innovative therapies that can transform patient care.”
The facility will help researchers to conduct studies on animal models and patient tissue samples. ACHE is working with Mercy to connect research outcomes with potential therapies.
“This clinical and basic research collaboration is essential for advancing new treatments and improving health outcomes across multiple health issues plaguing our communities every day,” according to ACHE.
The Center for Rehabilitation Research, which employs 10 people, is the third-largest designated research space for physical and occupational therapy in the nation, according to ACHE. The 5,000-square-foot center includes two open gyms and four observation and therapy rooms equipped with video and sound recording systems. One use of the facility is to provide a space for students to work with individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, spinal cord injuries, and new mothers in the Gross Motor Development program.
“This facility is a game-changer for our students and faculty,” said Dr. Jennifer Moore, dean of ACHE School of Occupational Therapy. “Having dedicated spaces for neurorehabilitation, mental health, and other research areas allows our faculty to pioneer impactful studies and our students to engage in real-time, hands-on learning.”
ACHE was formed when Fort Smith-based Degen Foundation used part of $70 million from the sale of Sparks Health System in November 2009 to what was then Naples, Fla.-based Health Management Associates to build the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) at Chaffee Crossing. The $32.4 million college and its 103,000 square feet is now home to 600 medical students. ACHE now includes five programs: the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM), School of Physical Therapy (ACHE PT), School of Occupational Therapy (ACHE OT), Master of Science in Biomedicine (MSB), and Master of Public Health (MPH).