Individuals living in Arkansas are more likely to die from the preventable disease than those living in other parts of the nation. Arkansas leads the nation in deaths related to cancer, cardiovascular health, and diabetes and ranks 48th in the nation in its citizens overall health status and ability to access health care. Additionally, individuals in Arkansas are more likely to report engaging in health behaviors that place them at risk for developing chronic health conditions including, physical inactivity and smoking.

To combat health inequities and disparities, particularly among vulnerable populations, in 2016 the Faith-Academic Initiatives for Transforming Health (FAITH) Network was established. The strong influence of religion within Arkansas coupled with poor health rankings experienced in Arkansas highlights the need for innovative and non-traditional approaches, such as engaging the faith community, to improve access to care and health outcomes among Arkansans.

Places of Worship are one of the most trusted institutions in communities, with a long-standing history of shaping values and community norms, and serve as community gateways through which advances in healthcare have been translated into real-world settings. In addition, places of worship are available in nearly every community and because of the mission of service and caring for others; they have served as the site of a variety of health promotion programs.

Join us, and together we can identify and address health and wellness concerns to meet the needs of our communities.

A healthier Arkansas begins with you.