As Cover the Uninsured Week is launched in Arkansas, a new analysis of government data shows that millions of uninsured adults in the U.S. suffer with chronic illness and have medical needs that are unmet. Nearly half (45 percent) of non-elderly uninsured adults report having one or more chronic health problems. More than 15 million […]
n 1997, Arkansas created the ARKids First Program, an expansion of Medicaid to cover children in low-income working families up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line. Since that time, Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families (AACF) has worked with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and other statewide partners to reduce […]
Executive Summary In 1997, Arkansas established the ARKids First program to provide health insurance for lowincome children up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line. Arkansas Advocates led an eight-year direct outreach campaign to ensure families had access to the program. This initiative, in conjunction with the Department of Human Services media campaign, promoted […]
In 1996, the lack of health care coverage was a critical problem for Arkansas children. Nearly one in five Arkansas children lacked health insurance coverage. Children in low-income families were especially vulnerable, with nearly three out of 10 children lacking access to basic health care. At the time, there appeared to be no end to […]
Statewide Videoconference A Success!! On July 16, 2004, Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families and the Covering Kids & Families Initiative teamed up to sponsor a statewide videoconference. This videoconference featured Jack Tiner, an eligibility expert from the State Department of Human Services. Mr. Tiner provided a training and Q & A concerning the ability […]
Our very own Anita Saig is teaming up with Jessica Aple, Crittenden Memorial Hospital’s Youth Health Services Coordinator, to complete “Open Airways” Asthma Education in elementary schools in Crittenden County. All eight elementary schools in West Memphis completed the education program this past February. There were 140 children in grades 3 through 6 that benefited […]
Deb Garrison and Gail Cannady are the two newest members of our team and ifyou haven’t taken out the time to get to know them….” you really don’t know what you’re missing!!” Deb is the new Executive Director of the Our Kids Count Coalition in Jonesboro. In this new role, she will provide outreach, training […]
On October 23 and 24, 2003, all project staff are required to attend the Outreach Staff Planning Retreat at the Ramada Inn Limited in Little Rock. Each pilot site is encouraged to bring one or two coalition members to assist the group in constructing an effective work plan for the upcoming year. AACF will cover […]
Although dental disease is preventable, dental decay is still the most common and costly preventable oral health problem in all age groups. Poor oral health conditions originate in childhood and can worsen without proper care and treatment. Oral health in Arkansas is in a dire state. Arkansas was recently graded “D,” along with nine other […]
Investing in the health of our children is a necessary investment in our future. Regular access to health care supports healthy growth and development in numerous ways. Children are more likely to maintain a schedule of immunizations; developmental delays are more likely to be diagnosed and monitored; and childhood illnesses are less likely to have […]