Arkansas DOH News

9th Biennial Minority Health Summit - Heart Health in Minority Communities

The Arkansas Department of Health Minority Health Commission announced the 9th Biennial Minority Health Summit scheduled for April 17, 2026, at the North Little Rock Event Center. The event, themed 'A Bridge to Care: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Heart Health in Minority Arkansans,' commemorates National Minority Health Month and the commission's 35th anniversary. Both in-person and livestream registration options are available.

Ashley County Health Unit Closure and Service Relocation

The Arkansas Department of Health has announced the temporary closure of the Ashley County Health Unit in Crossett due to storm damage. All services previously offered at the Crossett location have been relocated to the Ashley County Health Unit in Hamburg.

Arkansas Health Department Secures $13.3 Million for Health Data Infrastructure

The Arkansas Department of Health has secured $13.3 million in federal funding to expand its statewide health data infrastructure. This investment, supported by Senator John Boozman, will improve data sharing, telehealth services, and electronic medical record modernization across healthcare facilities in Arkansas.

Arkansas Department of Health: Heart Disease Awareness

The Arkansas Department of Health issued a notice highlighting heart disease as the state's leading cause of death. The notice provides information on recognizing heart attack symptoms, the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately, and major risk factors, coinciding with American Heart Month.

Arkansas Department of Health Recognizes Hospitals and Ambulance Services for Stroke Care

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) recognized 48 hospitals and 38 ambulance services for excellence in stroke patient care between July 2024 and June 2025. Awards were based on performance measures from the Arkansas Stroke Registry, including defect-free care and door-to-CT times.

Arkansas Promotes Cervical Health Awareness and Screening

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is promoting Cervical Health Awareness Month in January 2026. The ADH BreastCare program offers no-cost screenings and emphasizes the importance of HPV vaccination and routine Pap tests for preventing cervical cancer.

Arkansas Reports Over 500 Whooping Cough Cases in 2025

The Arkansas Department of Health reported over 500 cases of whooping cough in 2025, the highest number in 15 years. The majority of cases were among school-aged children, with significant hospitalization rates among infants.