Determining Services at the UAMS 12th Street Health and Wellness Center

In this study, researchers performed a perceived health needs assessment for residents of the 12th Street Corridor in Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as an institutional assessment of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ ability to meet those needs. The UAMS College of Pharmacy received a donated building in the heart of the 12th Street Corridor where they established a Health and Wellness Center. The purpose of the study was to provide the College with the perceived health needs of the community in which it lies so they can structure interprofessional programming and services to fulfill those needs. Methods used include a community survey, community leader interviews, UAMS Dean interviews, and a UAMS student focus group. Results indicate that the Center should focus their health care services on the prevalent chronic diseases within the community. Additionally, results indicate that the Center should be structured in a way that continually engages and empowers the residents in their own health care decision-making and treatment. Results of the institutional assessment indicate that both faculty and students at UAMS value interprofessional care. However, there is an opportunity for greater development of different roles and responsibilities for implementing this type of model at the Center.

Keywords: Community engagement, health care, wellness, chronic diseases, interprofessional, health needs assessment