Little Rock, Arkansas – In recognition of National Minority Health Month, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Minority Health Commission will host a pivotal event titled State of Minority Health Convening on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event, centered around the theme “’Seeds’ of Change in Minority Communities: Creating Collaborative Solutions to Nutrition Security,” will take place at the Chenal Event Venue in Little Rock.
The convening will bring together a diverse group of state and local leaders to discuss the ongoing challenges and innovative solutions related to food insecurity and nutrition security in Arkansas. As food insecurity continues to disproportionately impact minority communities across the state, this event seeks to foster collaboration and inspire action to address these critical issues.
The highlight of the day will be a fireside chat moderated by Craig Wilson, Interim Executive Director of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement. The conversation will feature Walter Harris, former CEO and President of Bentonville-based Heartland Whole Health Institute, and Dr. Ronald Rainey, Vice President of the UA System Division of Agriculture. Together, they will explore essential topics such as the definitions of food insecurity and nutrition security and discuss recent policy advancements that are aimed at creating collaborative solutions to these pressing concerns.
During the event, a panel discussion will also take place, where representatives from organizations such as Potluck Food Rescue, Hunters Feeding the Hungry, and CareLink will share insights into the current methodologies being employed to tackle food insecurity. These organizations, which play a significant role in addressing hunger in Arkansas, will offer their perspectives on how they are providing support to those in need and the impact of their work in minority communities.
Additionally, ongoing research efforts will be presented by various institutions and organizations, including UA Pine Bluff, St. James Baptist Church of Fayetteville’s Squire Jehegan food pantry, Malvern Elementary School, UA Cossatot – DeQueen, Central Arkansas Sphinx Foundation, and PickinGreens. These groups are actively working to improve nutrition security in their local areas and will provide valuable updates on their findings and initiatives. One of the most powerful segments of the convening will feature individuals with lived experiences, who will share personal stories about how food insecurity has affected their lives and how they have navigated these challenges.
The ADH Minority Health Commission’s mission is to ensure that all minority Arkansans have equitable access to preventative health care and to address the health disparities that disproportionately affect these communities. The Commission is committed to promoting health education, prevention of diseases, and providing services to minority populations across the state, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, or socioeconomic status. By focusing on nutrition security, the Commission hopes to create a healthier environment for all Arkansans, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities.
The event will be available for both in-person attendance and through live streaming, allowing individuals from all over the state to engage in this important discussion. Attendees can register for the convening by visiting the online registration page at https://bit.ly/SOMH2025.
“We are excited to bring together experts, community leaders, and individuals who are directly impacted by food insecurity to discuss meaningful solutions that can transform the lives of many Arkansans,” said an ADH spokesperson. “This convening is a chance to highlight the importance of nutrition security in achieving better health outcomes for minority populations, and we look forward to a productive dialogue that will help pave the way for lasting change.”
For more information about the ADH Minority Health Commission and its ongoing initiatives, you can visit www.arminorityhealth.com.
