Outreach clinic opened in Springdale

Today, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) celebrated the opening of an outreach clinic targeted to the Marshallese population in northwest Arkansas. The new clinic, located at 614 East Emma Avenue, Suite 247 in Springdale, is intended to primarily serve the Marshallese population but is open to any Arkansas resident. It houses a health outreach team with three staff workers that are fluent in Marshallese, two registered nurses, a Marshallese speaking clerk and a Hispanic outreach worker. Clinic hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Paul Halverson, ADH director and state health officer, said, “We are pleased to be able to provide greater access to healthcare to this underserved population. This clinic was the collective dream and hard work of many in our congressional delegation and here in the local community. It’s wonderful to see that dream become a reality. It is said that sharing with family and friends, a warm welcome for strangers and caring consideration for others are values inherent to the Marshallese. With that in mind, I welcome all Marshallese people to our new health clinic and know that our staff will share those values with you.”

Former U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln proposed funding for the remodel or purchase of space and equipment for the clinic in the FY2010 Labor HHS Appropriations. Senator Mark Pryor, then Congressmen Vic Snyder and John Boozman also helped in the process of obtaining funding, and the legislation passed in December 2009. In October, 2010, a $237,600 grant was awarded to the Arkansas Department of Health by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

A critical part of all of this coming together was the work done by the Gaps in Services to the Marshallese Task Force led by Grace Donaho, chair. Many people representing many different agencies have worked diligently over the last few years to bring assistance to the Marshallese in Springdale. The attention necessary to attract this grant was brought about through the Task Force.

The clinic is 1,200 square feet with two clinic rooms, a waiting room, a clerical area and space for the outreach team.