At a recent community event, healthcare experts from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) and Engaging Arkansas Communities convened to discuss pressing health topics, including reproductive health, HIV, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. The gathering, organized as part of the 100 Families Initiative in Craighead County, aimed to foster dialogue on crucial health issues affecting local communities.
Dr. Kinsey Cornick, a family medicine specialist and professor at NYITCOM, introduced the topic of vasectomies and reproductive health. As an advocate for accessible reproductive care, Dr. Cornick described his role at the medical school and in the community. "My goal is to provide comprehensive care, from newborns to seniors, and help students learn both the clinical and community-oriented aspects of family medicine," he explained.
Joining Dr. Cornick was Dr. Brookshield Laurent, Associate Dean for Population and Public Health at NYITCOM, who provided insights into the medical school’s mission to increase the primary care workforce in the Delta region. “NYITCOM has been dedicated to addressing the significant physician shortage in rural Arkansas, particularly within the Delta,” Dr. Laurent noted. “Our primary mission is to recruit students from these areas and support them through medical training, with the goal of having them return to practice in their home communities.”
The discussion emphasized that healthcare is not solely about treating symptoms but involves addressing the social determinants of health—factors such as socioeconomic stability, access to education, and housing security. Dr. Laurent explained, “Only 20% of health outcomes are influenced by direct healthcare, while 80% is determined by factors like living conditions and socioeconomic resources. We need to look at the whole picture to improve health outcomes, particularly in underserved areas.”
The panel also featured Kimberly Nail, a community health specialist with Engaging Arkansas Communities, a nonprofit focused on HIV prevention and STI education. Nail highlighted the importance of reaching underserved populations and breaking down stigmas surrounding HIV.
“We’re working to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, knows their options and can make informed decisions about their health,” she shared.
Nail also discussed the unique challenges of delivering health services in rural communities, where access to preventive care can be limited. Engaging Arkansas Communities provides transportation for HIV-positive individuals to medical appointments and peer support through programs like Empower You. These efforts aim to foster community support and improve access to essential services.
As the event concluded, the speakers reiterated the importance of prevention, not just in reproductive and sexual health, but in overall community well-being. “Prevention is key,” Dr. Laurent emphasized. “Whether it's through early screenings, lifestyle changes, or community education, we need to make sure that individuals have access to the tools and resources that support long-term health.”
The 100 Families Initiative continues to host discussions and build partnerships to address critical health and social issues within Arkansas communities. With a collaborative approach, local leaders are working to improve health outcomes by focusing on education, access to care, and community support.
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