The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) was awarded a $6 million Project Grant from the Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration under the Public Health Training Centers Program (CFDA 93.516).
UAMS will implement the Community Health Worker Training and Apprenticeship Program to train and place 270 community health workers and health support workers over three years. The program aims to expand the public health workforce and address health inequities in underserved communities across Arkansas. Specifically, UAMS will update education programs, provide training on core competencies and social determinants of health, implement hands-on field placements, and offer job placement services. At least 50% of trainees and graduates are expected to serve in federally designated medically underserved areas. The $6 million award was issued on September 15, 2022 and runs through September 14, 2025.