Arkansas Center for Health Improvement
Seek Up: Tonya Johnson
Food insecurity is a significant challenge for our state, impacting nearly 1 in 5 Arkansans. On this episode of our Wonks at Work podcast, we’re joined by Tonya Johnson of CHI St. Vincent, who discusses how the hospital system is integrating food pantries into the workplace.
publications
Behavioral health conditions, including mental health and substance abuse diagnoses, can be chronic and impact a patient’s well-being in many ways. When unmanaged or in severe cases, these conditions can become acute, resulting in an emergency department (ED) visit or requiring an inpatient stay.
Doulas are professionals trained in childbirth who provide emotional, physical, and other supports to pregnant or recently pregnant women. This updated explainer examines their role in the birthing journey.
This explainer examines the rise of private equity in healthcare, the financial structures behind private equity transactions, what the evidence shows about the impacts of these transactions on the healthcare system, and how policymakers are responding through regulatory efforts.
Blog Posts
The federal budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 sets in motion a number of changes to Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver disease caused by a virus. In this post, we look at hepatitis A in Arkansas and discuss ways to prevent and treat it.
These tips can help you avoid heat-related illnesses during a power outage.

Podcast by ACHI
Food insecurity — limited or uncertain access to food — is a significant challenge for our state, impacting nearly 1 in 5 Arkansans. That includes 1 in 4 children. However, not all Arkansas households that are impacted receive federal or state support. Some may rely on community programs and local food banks or, at worst, try to get by without any support at all. One approach to supporting food-insecure households is to integrate food pantries into the workplace. CHI St. Vincent Director of Nutrition and Food Services Tonya Johnson joins us on this episode of the Wonks at Work podcast to discuss the hospital system’s food pantry program, Feed Thy Neighbor.
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Health Policy Board Policy Positions and Statements
ACHI’s Health Policy Board consists of 21 voting members (and two ex-officio members) from across the state who bring diverse perspectives and interests on health. This independent, self-perpetuating board identifies and establishes strategic priorities, provides direction and guidance, and serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas. The Health Policy Board guides ACHI’s involvement in and position on specific policy matters, and it issues position statements that articulate the health needs of Arkansans.