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Arkansas
Aging Initiative: Program Description
 The Arkansas Aging Initiative (AAI) is a program of the Reynolds Institute on Aging (RCOA), in partnership with the UAMS AHEC program, local/regional hospitals, Area Agencies on Aging, local colleges and universities, and local communities. The mission of the AAI is to improve health outcomes of older Arkansans through interdisciplinary clinical care and innovative education programs, and to influence health policy at the state and national levels with emphasis on care of rural older adults. The aim of the AAI is to create a network of seven Centers on Aging (COAs) statewide to improve the quality of life for older adults and their families. Each COA, provides programming for the entire region, and includes an education and clinical component.
Education
The education components of the COAs are supported by proceeds from Initiated Act I (the “Tobacco Settlement”). The regionalized education programs include continuing educational offerings in geriatrics for healthcare professionals, educational opportunities for students in the healthcare disciplines, educational programs for older adults, their families and the general community. These programs are developed from the results of the community needs assessments conducted in each region.
Senior Health Clinics
Senior Health Clinics (SHC) are developed, managed, owned and operated by the local/regional hospitals. These clinical programs provide a continuum of care from outpatient to nursing home settings.Their focus is to improve the health of older persons by providing more accessible care utilizing the interdisciplinary team approach.
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