Recognizing the critical need for restructuring health care in our state, Arkansans have taken action. A broad collaboration of stakeholders, including policymakers, state agencies, private sector businesses, advocacy organizations, clinicians, health industry associations, and many others are now engaged in a coordinated effort called the Arkansas Health System Improvement Initiative. The aim is to create a high-quality system of care that is focused on better meeting the needs of our citizens and improving cost efficiency.
The report, Arkansas Health Care Workforce: A Guide for Policy Action, provides a vital resource for guiding the Health System Improvement Initiative. Developed by the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) and funded by the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, this unique report takes a multi-dimensional look at how and where health care is provided in Arkansas. It brings together for the first time a comprehensive set of analyses that clearly portrays a current picture of the statewide availability of primary care and specialty care providers, including location, office capacity, acceptance of patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid, and patient experience.