Punctuate the Positives

If you don’t have anything nice to say…

I had to lay low last week. Maybe it was the sub-zero temps, or too many national news views. Maybe it was me.

I’m back, fam, and I bring with me words of good works.

If you have been following along for a minute, you’ll remember these words from a post over the holidays:

If you fail to support projects, policies and initiatives that help as many people as possible make as much money as possible you’re betting against yourself. You’re conceding that your product/service has a single generation shelf life so you have to capture as much as you can for yourself, today.

The same is true for supporting efforts to ensure that all people have the best possible health outcomes. Earn more. Learn more. Live well. This is the braid that binds our communities.

For the last 4 years, Arkansas has held the 48th spot in healthcare rankings. Recent legislation hopes to change that, improving healthcare access and outcomes across the state. Three recently signed laws support economic growth, workforce development, and overall well-being. We should applaud our policymakers for these efforts. This took patience, education, cooperation and a lot of behind the scenes work from a bunch of different groups, public and private, to lay a foundation and begin to build momentum.

The success of these initiatives demands our involvement. Partnerships among businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who are committed to strengthening healthcare and education are critical. Here's how collective action can help Arkansans earn more, learn more, and live well.

Earn More: Strengthening Workforce Health and Economic Growth

Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act (Act 124): This act expands Medicaid coverage for prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services, ensuring better maternal health outcomes. With coverage for remote ultrasounds, blood pressure monitoring, and doula services, expectant mothers can receive care without excessive costs. Healthier pregnancies lead to fewer medical complications, reducing long-term healthcare expenses and supporting workforce participation.

Supporting Workforce Development: Partnerships with educational institutions help provide training and internship programs for healthcare professionals, ensuring a robust workforce to meet growing healthcare demands.

Learn More: Supporting Student Success and Community Health

Bell to Bell, No Cell Act (Act 122): By limiting personal electronic device use during school hours, this law promotes focused learning environments, enhancing academic outcomes. Improved educational performance strengthens the future workforce and our collective goal of building a skilled talent pipeline.

Free School Breakfast for All (Act 123): Ensuring every student has access to a nutritious breakfast, regardless of income, helps children concentrate, learn, and thrive. Community support for nutrition and wellness programs will further amplify the benefits of this initiative.

Live Well: Advancing Healthcare Access and Community Well-Being

Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act (Act 124): Providing presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women ensures timely access to prenatal care, reducing complications and improving birth outcomes. Strengthening maternal health creates healthier families and communities.

Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and education institutions foster a comprehensive approach to improving health outcomes and creating a supportive environment for families.

How to Help

Businesses

Offer financial support to health initiatives that benefit employees and the broader community.

Establish internship and scholarship programs to develop the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Advocate for policies that promote healthcare access and workforce development.

Nonprofits

Partner with healthcare providers and schools to deliver programs that improve community health.

Support outreach and education efforts that help families navigate healthcare resources.

Foster collaborations that address social determinants of health, such as housing and transportation.

Individuals

Volunteer your time and expertise to support healthcare and wellness programs.

Advocate for policies that expand healthcare access and improve educational outcomes.

Contribute financially to organizations that are making a difference in your community.