Baptist Health serves Arkansas’ uninsured, under-insured and under-served populations through health education, risk factor screenings, and public policy. As our vision states, our ultimate objective is to improve the health status of the community.
Funded primarily through our operational budget, Baptist Health’s Community Outreach efforts have been recognized by the National Research Corporation as Arkansas’ “Best Community Health Program.” Whether it’s providing free immunizations in a church setting or partnering with schools to provide hot lunches during the summer, Baptist Health continues to meet the needs that arise in our communities.
Baptist Health Community Wellness Centers
Baptist Health Community Wellness Centers are community-based partnerships with churches, founded with the primary mission of creating healthier communities among Arkansas’ uninsured, underinsured and underserved populations. Free services include health education, care coordination, immunizations and screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, flu shots, among others. Our immunization stations are staffed by nurses and health educators where the immunizations are offered on an annual basis. Free backpacks and school supplies are given out to kids in need. Community flu clinics are held at 23 locations including all wellness centers and a handful of community groups. They are staffed by nurses.
Click here for a complete listing of Community Wellness Center locations.
Baptist Health Community Wellness Centers are supported by a grant from Bank of America.
The Baptist Health vision is to improve the health of Arkansans by changing the way healthcare is delivered. One way we work to deliver on that vision is through the use of our Mobile Health unit. The Baptist Health Mobile Health Unit is dedicated to providing care to those in our communities who lack access to healthcare through traditional avenues. Under the direction of the Community Outreach Department, the Mobile Health unit is used and requested often to provide preventative screenings, vaccinations, education, referrals and highlight different Baptist Health initiatives.
Baptist Health Mobile Health Unit Services
The Community Outreach team consists of nurses, health educators, dietitians, and support staff who offer services and events to support healthy lifestyles that prevent disease and improve quality of life.
Our 40-foot-long Mobile Health Clinic features two private exam rooms equipped with the necessary tools to provide health services.
- Blood pressure screenings
- Blood Sugar screenings
- Cholesterol screenings
- A1C Screenings
- Immunizations
- Flu shots
- Pregnancy Test
- Covid Screening Test
- Healthcare education
- Prenatal and Postpartum education
- Nutrition education
- Height, weight and body mass index measurements
- Referrals for community healthcare services
- Stroke risk assessment screenings
- Diabetes risk assessment screenings
- Health and wellness education
- Connections to health resources (Finding a doctor, health insurance, food pantries and more)
- Wi-Fi capability and computer access for telehealth services
- Community connections to guide individuals to health and social services for behavioral health, substance use disorders and other health issues.
The Mobile Health Unit does not:
- Replace a visit to your PCP.
- Keep medications stocked on the unit.
- Serve as an emergency center – if there is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
To Request the Mobile Health Unit for your community events complete the following information CLICK HERE A Community outreach team member will contact you within 5 business days.
Community Health Fairs
Internships
For more information on any of these programs or offerings, please contact Baptist Health HealthLine toll-free at 1-888-227-8478.
Adult Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are taught by a registered dietitian and designed to help gain confidence in the kitchen and learn about the foods you love to eat!
Adult classes open to ages 18 and older.
Topics include:
- Nutrition benefits of each food
- Ingredient selection
- Saving money at the grocery store
- Cooking techniques
- Time-saving tips
Classes are currently being offering in a virtual setting (you can join via desktop computer or mobile device). Call 501-202-1540 to register or learn more.
Heaven’s Loft Wellness Center for New or Expectant Mothers
The Heaven’s Loft Wellness Center provides free health education, screening and resources to expectant and new mothers. Education includes everything from childbirth and breastfeeding to infant care and parenting. The Center also serves as a baby supply store*, awarding parents vouchers from various healthcare providers and health agencies in the community when they keep preventive maternity care or childcare appointments. Open to any parent needing help obtaining items for their child, the supply store offers diapers, wipes, toiletries, clothing, car seats and other infant care items. In addition to education and supplies, Heaven’s Loft Wellness Center also provides free health screening services to parents.
*Some items such as diapers, strollers, playpens and large furniture, may not always be in stock.
The Heaven’s Loft Wellness Center is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m., by appointment only. For more information, please call (501) 202-1540.
Interested in helping Heaven’s Loft?
Community members, organizations and businesses are encouraged to become involved with Heaven’s Loft in a number of ways:
- Sponsor a baby shower for the Heaven’s Loft program
- Donate new or gently used baby and children’s clothing up to size 4T, as well as other supplies and equipment for babies and toddlers
- Volunteer at the Heaven’s Loft Wellness Center
Donations may be made during store hours: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m., by appointment. For more information, please call (501) 202-1540.
Pregnancy Wellness Centers
Baptist Health Pregnancy Wellness Centers provide free health education, screenings, resources, and referrals to expectant and new mothers until the child is 18 months of age and is staffed by a registered nurse.
Health education materials include:
- Healthy Pregnancy
- Preparing for Childbirth
- Stages of Labor
- Recovery and Postpartum Care (after delivery)
- Newborn Care
- Developmental Milestones
- Childhood Nutrition
For more information regarding services available in Little Rock, please call 501-202-1540.
For more information regarding services available in North Little Rock, please call 501-758-0305.
Blood Pressure Management
The Know It, Control It! program is an 8-session program that teaches individuals how to take their blood pressure and also manage it. To enroll in the program individuals must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure
- Have a normal heart beat
- Not have had a heart attack or stroke in the past six months
Classes are currently being offering in a virtual setting (you can join via desktop computer or mobile device). Call 501-202-1540 to register or learn more.
Grocery Store Tours
Learn how to navigate a grocery store, make healthier choices and save money with a grocery store tour led by a Baptist Health registered dietitian. Grocery Store Tours are held at the following locations:
- Kroger
8415 W Markham St, Little Rock - Kroger
2509 McCain Blvd, North Little Rock
- Kroger
110 Commons Drive, Maumelle - Kroger
101 W. Oak St, Conway
Aim for a Healthy Weight Program
The Aim for a Healthy Weight Program is a six-week evidence based educational program that is staffed by a dietitian. It is used to educate community members on the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight.
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is good for your overall health and will prevent and control many diseases and conditions.
Topics include:
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Setting goals
- Rewarding your success
Classes are currently being offering in a virtual setting (you can join via desktop computer or mobile device). Call 501-202-1540 to register or learn more.
National Diabetes Prevention Program
Prevent Type 2 Diabetes with the PreventT2 Program
Diabetes Support Group
Diabetes can be overwhelming, but the condition can feel much more manageable with the right support. Our monthly diabetes support group empowers those living with diabetes and their caregivers to take charge of the disease through relevant, educational talks and connections with others who face the same obstacles. Learn more about our Diabetes Support Group. Classes are held virtually and in-person at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month.
Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP)
Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) is a free, 6-session program that helps those with pre-diabetes and diabetes, as well as their relatives and caregivers. The program includes:
- Learn about diabetes and its risk factors.
- Get the facts on how the human body works.
- Learn how to manage your health through nutrition and physical activity.
- Learn techniques to reduce stress and help you cope.
Classes are currently being offered in a virtual setting (you can join via desktop computer or mobile device). Call 501-202-1540 to register or learn more.
Learn more about these diabetes-related programs and diabetes care.
Senior Health Initiative
The Senior Health Initiative provides education and screenings for seniors in community-based settings.
For a complete listing of Senior Health Initiative locations and events, call Baptist Health HealthLine toll-free at 1(888) 227-8478
Hispanic Initiative
The Hispanic Initiative focuses on health promotion and prevention activities that target the Hispanic community, including immunizations, screenings and community-building activities.
Heaven’s Loft On-Site Translator
On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Spanish translator is present at the Heaven’s Loft Wellness Center. We want to ensure that all of our free health education and resources are available to the expectant and new mothers in the Hispanic community. Education includes materials that speak to childbirth and breastfeeding as well as infant care and parenting.
For more information, please call (501) 202-1540.
P.A.R.K. After-School Program
P.A.R.K. is an innovative after-school and summer program for at-risk youth. It strives to give young people the skills and confidence to succeed in school and life. One component of the program is serving snacks to 200 students Tuesdays through Fridays during the school year. Baptist Health also provides hot lunches Monday through Thursday during the summer.
For more information on this program, call Baptist Health HealthLine toll-free at 1-888-227-8478.
Baptist Health Community Immunization Program for Children
During the month of August, the Baptist Health Community Immunization Program administers free immunizations to school-aged children and free physicals to preschool-aged children in underserved communities. Immunizations are offered in church-based settings, community centers and on the Mobile Health Unit. They will be conducted by appointment only. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 screening guidelines will be enforced including mask requirement, temperature check and screening questions.
For more information on this program, call Baptist Health HealthLine toll-free at 1-888-227-8478.
If you have Medicaid, please bring proof of coverage. Please also bring shot records.
Cooking with Community Outreach
Cooking classes are taught by a registered dietitian and designed to help gain confidence in the kitchen and learn about the foods you love to eat!
Topics include:
- Nutrition benefits of each food
- Ingredient selection
- Saving money at the grocery store
- Cooking techniques
- Time-saving tips
Classes are currently being offering in a virtual setting (you can join via desktop computer or mobile device). Call 501-202–1540 to register or learn more.
Baptist Health Weight & Nutrition Center will offer two summer sessions of its Healthy & Active Youth Program, which encourages kids and their families to live a healthier lifestyle through fun, interactive activities.
The Healthy & Active Youth Program is a free program for youth, ages 11 to 17 and their families. It incorporates all elements of health, including nutrition and physical activity.
This year’s summer sessions will be June 13-23 (Camp 1) and July 11-21 (Camp 2). Each meeting is held at Baptist Health Weight & Nutrition Center, 10915 N. Rodney Parham Road, Suite G, in Little Rock.
Partnership in Education Programs
Baptist Health’s Community Outreach Department partners with schools within the community to provide educational programs and screening events as a way to support the School Health Initiative.
Athletic School Physical
The Athletic School Physicals are staffed by nurses and volunteer physicians. It is an effort to ensure children who aren’t able to get physicals done to continue involvement with school sports.
School Based Prenatal Program
Free prenatal classes are available upon request in the Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County Special School Districts and surrounding areas. All classes are instructed by Registered Nurses and will cover the following topics:
- Development of the fetus
- Prenatal nutrition
- Childbirth Preparation
- Postpartum
- Breastfeeding
- Newborn Care
- Car Seat Class
- CPR
- Safety Baby Shower
- Looking ahead to the future