The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Office of Community Health & Research and AR Health Ventures have partnered with other institutions in the state to enhance diabetes self-management education in rural Arkansas.

This initiative, called Reaching Every Arkansan by Connecting Health (REACH) Resources to Reduce Diabetes Disparities, has been financed by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

It aims to improve access to diabetes education and support for rural and underserved populations in 61 high-need counties in Arkansas.

The programme will facilitate the development of diabetes self-management programmes in rural pharmacies and train community health workers to assist diabetes patients.

This collaboration includes several organisations, including the UAMS Office of Community Health & Research, AR Health Ventures, the Arkansas Community Health Worker Association, and the Arkansas Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network.

Approximately 14% of Arkansas's population, equating to over 300,000 individuals, have been diagnosed with diabetes, revealed American Diabetes Association.

It also stated that another 70,000 people in the state have diabetes that has not been diagnosed.

The initiative targets counties identified by the CDC as high-need and will contribute to reducing health disparities in the state.

UAMS Office of Community Health & Research division director Pearl McElfish said: “Our goal is to ensure every Arkansan has the opportunity for optimal health, and this programme will allow us to reach more people with diabetes to support their well-being.”

UAMS operates a state-wide health system, serving as the only adult Level 1 trauma centre in Arkansas.

With a workforce of over 12,000, including 1,200 physicians, it provides care at UAMS facilities, regional campuses, Arkansas Children's, the VA Medical Center, and Baptist Health.