General Info

The goal of the Arkansas Minority Health Commission is to be a catalyst in bridging the gap in the health status of the minority population and that of the majority population in Arkansas. To achieve this goal, the commission focuses on addressing existing disparities in minority communities, educating these communities on healthier lifestyles, promoting awareness of services and accessibility within our current health care system, and making recommendations to relevant agencies, the Governor and to the state legislature. The Arkansas Minority Health Commission ( AMHC ) was established through Act 912 of 1991, initiated by lead sponsor ( then ) Senator Bill Lewellen. It was the culmination of work begun through the leadership of Dr. Jocelyn Elders ( Director of the Arkansas Department of Health and State Public Health Officer at the time ) and the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus. The Act specified that the AMHC would: Study issues relating to the delivery of and access to health services for minorities in Arkansas Make recommendations to relevant agencies and to the legislature for improving the delivery of and access to health services for minorities