AR SR15

The Senate commends the Arkansas Aging Initiative, a program of the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, for providing comprehensive geriatric health care and education to senior citizens in rural Arkansas.

The Arkansas Aging Initiative established six regional centers on aging located in West Memphis, El Dorado, Fort Smith, Springdale, Texarkana, and Hot Springs, formed through partnerships with hospitals, health education centers, and state agencies.

The initiative received a planning grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to develop a proposal for replicating the Arkansas Aging Initiative model program in Oklahoma.

The Arkansas Aging Initiative aims to eventually establish a regional center within 60 miles of every Arkansas senior and is replicating the Schmieding Home Caregiver Training Program at other regional centers.

The Senate specifically commends Dr. Claudia Beverly and the leadership team, as well as hospital administrators, geriatricians, nurses, and educators working in rural areas for their commitment to improving quality of life for older Arkansans and their families.