Growing UAMS division relocates to Springdale

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) recently relocated its Office of Community Health & Research from Fayetteville to Springdale.

The fast-growing division moved from its previous location on the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus in Fayetteville to a 28,000-square-foot building at 2708 S. 48th St. in Springdale.

The research office has more than doubled in the past 15 months to include a team of more than 150 full-time staff and investigators.

“Community Health & Research has established itself at the forefront of impactful change in the health outcomes of populations in Northwest Arkansas and beyond,” CHR director Pearl McElfish said in a statement. “Springdale is home to so many wonderful community organizations who we’re proud to call our partners and friends, and this move to a central Northwest Arkansas location will allow us to better support our community and the populations we serve.”

UAMS founded CHR in 2012 to collaborate with regional, statewide and national organizations focused on reducing health disparities and preventing chronic disease. Last year, the office’s work in Marshallese, Hispanic and rural communities helped earn UAMS the Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Engagement from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

“Our work would not be possible without the incredible people and community partners who have guided and assisted our work over the last 10 years,” CHS executive director Lisa Smith said. “As we enter this next phase of our journey, we look forward to providing more support to our partners and our community as we create a better state of health for all.”