The resolution commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the Regional Campuses operated by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). It highlights the establishment of Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) in Arkansas, which were initiated in the early 1970s to address physician shortages in rural communities. The resolution outlines the historical context of AHECs, including the Arkansas Plan for Primary Health Care created in 1972, which aimed to improve healthcare access and training in underserved areas. It notes the significant legislative support that led to the creation of these centers, which have since evolved into Regional Campuses providing essential medical training and services across the state.
The resolution further emphasizes the impact of UAMS Regional Campuses on healthcare in Arkansas, noting that they have trained nearly 1,500 family medicine physicians over the past five decades, with a substantial percentage remaining in the state to practice, particularly in rural areas. It acknowledges the comprehensive primary care services provided by these campuses and their active role in community outreach and health education. The Senate expresses its celebration of this milestone and recognizes the ongoing contributions of UAMS Regional Campuses to the health and economic well-being of Arkansas.