Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Minority Health Commission is gearing up for its 9th Biennial Minority Health Summit, scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026. This year’s event, hosted at the North Little Rock Event Center, will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and mark the commission’s 35th anniversary while celebrating National Minority Health Month. The summit aims to highlight advancements in minority health and provide practical strategies for addressing critical health disparities in Arkansas.
Under the theme “A Bridge to Care: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Heart Health in Minority Arkansans,” the summit will bring together a distinguished lineup of local, state, and national leaders. Keynote speaker Dr. Anthony Fletcher, an interventional cardiologist with CHI St. Vincent Medical Group and president of the Association of Black Cardiologists, will open the event with remarks emphasizing the importance of targeted, culturally competent heart care for minority populations.
Following Dr. Fletcher’s address, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Fireside Chat moderated by Walter Harris, the retired CEO of the Heartland Whole Health Institute. The discussion will focus on innovative strategies for improving heart health outcomes and bridging gaps in care for underserved communities.
A highlight of the summit will be a multidisciplinary panel featuring prominent health leaders including Dr. Lanita White, CEO of Community Health Centers of Arkansas; Troy Wells, CEO of Baptist Health; Dr. Lowry Barnes, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Dr. Bruce Murphy, CEO of Arkansas Heart Hospital; and Nikki Smith, Executive Director of the American Heart Association. The panel will explore integrated approaches to care, emphasizing collaboration across specialties to reduce heart disease risks among minority populations.
Additional sessions will cover a wide array of health topics impacting minority communities. Attendees can learn about the effects of heart disease on maternal health, the influence of nutrition and tobacco on cardiovascular well-being, and the link between oral health and heart disease. A particularly personal component of the summit will feature the story of two brothers living with heart disease, offering firsthand insight into managing chronic conditions while navigating systemic barriers to care.
The summit offers both in-person attendance and livestream options, making it accessible to participants across the state. Organizers encourage early registration to secure a spot and engage fully in the day’s sessions and discussions.
The 9th Biennial Minority Health Summit reflects decades of progress in improving health equity for minority communities in Arkansas. By providing evidence-based information, expert-led discussions, and practical guidance, the event seeks to empower healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to take meaningful steps toward reducing disparities and improving heart health outcomes.
For anyone invested in advancing minority health and understanding the unique challenges faced by minority Arkansans, the summit promises a day of learning, networking, and actionable solutions designed to make a lasting impact on the state’s healthcare landscape.
