Targeting Health System Reform
Our nation’s health system is widely recognized to be the best in the world for treating complex, acute illnesses. As a nation, we are also known to lag many economically developed nations in meeting overall population health needs. The same is true in Arkansas. Our system mirrors the national problems, but is also compli4
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cated by our rural nature, large numbers of underserved patients, and the number of people with a lower socio-economic and educational status. We are near the bottom of the nation in many health categories, including the number of children living in poverty and infant mortality. Within Arkansas, health outcomes vary widely by region and demographic segments. Factors such UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES