Clinton School student Regina Wilkerson (right) is working with the Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC) to assist with the development of the commission’s legislative audit reporting system.
The AMHC, a state agency, must frequently provide reports to the legislature on programmatic and fiscal activities. The system would provide a format for the agency to use for current and future audit processes and would add to the organizational and operational strength of the commission.
The project is part of the school’s Capstone program, a for-credit public service requirement in the Master of Public Service degree program.
Currently, the AMHC is in preparation for an upcoming report and presentation before the Arkansas General Assembly’s House and Senate subcommittees on Health Services.
The AMHC focuses on addressing existing disparities in minority communities, educating these communities on healthier lifestyles, promoting awareness of services and accessibility within the health care system and making recommendations to the state government.
As one of seven agencies that receive funds under the Targeted State Needs Programs of the Tobacco Proceeds Act of 2000, AMHC is charged with being a catalyst in bridging the gap in the health status of the minority population and that of the majority population in Arkansas. Each of the seven agencies must present their findings in a formal meeting set by the subcommittees.
“The work that Ms. Wilkerson is assisting us with is invaluable in setting a foundation for AMHC’s future auditing processes and presentations,” said Clinton School graduate Idonia L. Trotter, executive director of the AMHC. “We are very pleased with the professionalism and innovative ideas that Ms. Wilkerson’s UACS training is bringing to the Minority Health Commission.”
As a secondary component to her Capstone project, Wilkerson will also be working with AMHC’s medical director, Creshelle Nash, on public and health policy initiatives as it pertains to health access and services for minority Arkansans.
The policy initiatives will aid the commission in determining how the nation’s current healthcare debate will impact minority Arkansans.
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