The Arkansas Wellness Network Initiative

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The Arkansas Wellness Network is a collaborative effort focused on promoting health, happiness, and hope across Arkansas. 

Our mission is to promote education, awareness, and resources to adress the root causes of poor health outcomes in Arkansas — from chronic disease and mental health challenges to lifestyle factors and social determinants of health. We believe that everyone deserves access to resources, education, and supportive environments that promote thriving, not just surviving.

Arkansas faces significant health challenges when compared to the nation as a whole. Many health outcomes in our state rank near the bottom of national metrics — which creates both urgency and opportunity for community-based wellness work.

Obesity: 

Nearly 39% of adult Arkansans were classified as obese in 2024, making Arkansas the 3rd state in the nation for adult obesity.

Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
 

Poor Overall Health:

America's Health Rankings places Arkansas 49th out of 50 states for multiple health measures —

 including multiple chronic conditions, food insecurity, premature death, adverse childhood experiences, and avoiding healthcare due to cost.
 

Suicide Rate Higher Than National Average: 

In 2023, Arkansas had an age-adjusted suicide mortality rate of 20.2 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to about 14.1 per 100,000 nationally. 

This means Arkansans die by suicide at a rate significantly higher than the U.S. average.
 

Rising Trend:

 Arkansas saw one of the few statistically significant increases in suicide rates from 2022 to 2023, rising 12% —

 while most other states saw no significant change.
 

Crisis Response Gaps: 

Arkansas also ranks in the lower half nationally for use of the 988 mental health and suicide prevention hotline, 

which reduces opportunities to intervene before a crisis escalates.
 

Life Expectancy: 

Arkansas’s life expectancy is slightly lower than many states, 

reflecting broader health inequities tied to chronic disease, access to care, and socioeconomic factors.
 

Maternal & Infant Health: 

Recent federal funding — including $40 million to improve maternal and infant mortality — highlights how critical long-term health outcomes are for Arkansas. 

The state has historically had higher maternal and infant mortality than much of the nation.
 

The Arkansas Wellness Network seeks to change these outcomes by:

 Fostering community wellness awareness and education on nutrition, movement, stress management, and preventive care.

 Encouraging lifestyle shifts through supportive programs, such as group challenges, wellness coaching, and accessible wellbeing resources.

Partnering with local organizations, clinics, schools, and faith communities to strengthen mental health supports and reduce stigma.

Promoting suicide prevention awareness and crisis resources, including support for using the 988 hotline and building local support networks.

 Using data-driven strategies to target interventions where they are most needed — especially in underserved rural and economically disadvantaged regions.

Arkansas may face challenging health statistics, but that also means there is enormous potential for positive change. 

With coordinated effort, community engagement, and solutions rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice, 

we can help Arkansas move toward a healthier future.