Recorded presentation

John B. Wayne, PhD, UALR Health Services Administration and UAMS Health Policy & Management, UALR and UAMS, 2801 South University Avenue, 202 Ross Hall, Little Rock, AR 72204, (501)569-3385, jbwayne@ualr.edu, Martha Hiett, Agency Leader for Statewide Services, Arkansas Department of Health, 4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, CA 72205, Christine Patterson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, Public Health Development, Arkansas Department of Health, 4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, and Charles McGrew, MPH, Agency Leader for Shared Services, Arkansas Department of Health, 4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205.

The Arkansas College of Public Health (COPH) and Department of Health (ADH) have established a new model for collaborative scholarship in public health, linking the University, ADH, and other major health affiliates. The linkage is unique because all local public health services are the responsibility of ADH. The linkages are formal and informal. Formal linkages include: (1) ADH Deputy Director is the Associate Dean in the COPH, (2) formation of a Joint Oversight Committee, (3) an Office of Community Based Public Health within COPH. Informal linkages include: (1) appointments for ADH personnel in COPH academic departments, (2) linkages with the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, and (3) collaboration on grant applications. The COPH – ADH linkage has produced a strong commitment to the development of the public health workforce and public health programs that is reflected activities and the curriculum. First, the COPH has developed educational degree programs at multiple levels to encourage those new to the field as well as current practitioners to pursue formal public health training. For example, sixteen rural public health nurses will earn their Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in May 2004. Further, because these largely non-traditional students have demonstrated to themselves that they can perform well in graduate courses, many are considering the full MPH program. Second, the DrPH in Public Health Leadership is designed to address the need for leaders in public health practice. Finally, COPH and ADH personnel are working on grants that directly impact the public health infrastructure and community based activities. This presentation will elaborate on items previously discussed, provide additional benefits, and present information on evolving programs.

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