Arkansas Department of Health

School Wellness Committee Toolkit

Act 1314

Email us for Questions or Additional Information, or contact us by phone at 501-661-2878.

Workshops & Professional Development

School Health Conference

July 11 - 13, 2017: Every other year, the Biennial School Health Conference for the state of Arkansas is held. It has been a huge success and allows health professionals, educators, and anyone interested in inspiring health and wellness in the youth of Arkansas to learn and participate. The conference has many exhibits, sponsors, and vendors every year that provide great information and door prizes for participants.

2017 School Health Conference logo

Time	Location
8:30 AM	Benton Event Center 17322 I-30 Benton, AR

Coordinated School Health Quarterly Meeting

The next meeting will be held September 6, 2017.

CSH Resources

The School Health Services Brochure is a great starting resource and gives an overview of all the programs and people involved in servings Arkansas schools. The brochure also shows how we are taking a multifaceted approach to accomplish our vision and mission to enrich Arkansas students and the Arkansas community.
The Council of University of Arkansas Research Libraries K-12 Education Portal - The portal is designed to help visitors to the University of Arkansas's Libraries locate digital projects developed by University of Arkansas campuses, to help teachers and students locate and use K-12 learning resources, and to help CUARL committee members share information regarding the progress and status of their projects.
School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
- Executive Summary of the School Health Guidelines
Tips for Teachers---School Health Guidelines
CDC's Worksite Wellness Scorecard
Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Guide

Success Stories

Springdale Mothers on the Move Program

Dalana Rodgers, a teacher at the Early Childhood Center in Springdale has implemented a successful new program related to family and community involvement and the Joint Use Agreement trail. The Moms on the Move (MOM) program encourages the use of the walking trail that was put in around their building to promote wellness for their families and relationships between mothers. The program kicked off on October 1st and in three weeks mothers have walked a total of 165.5 miles. Students on the playground are encouraging the moms as they walk the track and teachers are talking about the importance of being active with the students. They have seen many moms walking together and developing relationships outside of the home. Due to increases in popularity they have had to scale back the amount of tracking they do to report the outcome for the whole school to see.

Springdale - Girls on the Run

school kids in Springdale, Arkansas

Embarking on year two of implementing a School Based Health Center, known as The Wellness Center at Jones Elementary School in Springdale Arkansas, the Physician's Assistant and Licensed Clinical Social Worker looked for an educational outreach venue that would support both physical and mental health. The students at Jones are overwhelmingly the children of poverty and speak English as a second language; they lack financial, social and transportation resources to participate in organized sports or extracurricular activities. Living a few miles down the road from Bentonville Arkansas, the home of Wal-Mart, the students live in the shadow of wealth. As a complement to the Wellness Center at Jones and in efforts to improve access to physical activity and to address the childhood obesity epidemic, the personnel at Jones applied for and received a Joint Use Agreement (JUA) grant from the Arkansas Department of Education in 2010. With the $10,000 awarded in JUA funds the school district purchased supplies and materials to build a quarter mile trail on school grounds. The City of Springdale agreed to provide the manpower and equipment needed to install the trail. The JUA trail at Jones Elementary is now available for use by students, faculty and staff when school is in session and by the community at other times. school kids in Hot Springs

The staff from the Wellness Center in recognition of the resources provided through the Wellness Center combined with the facility provided by the Joint Use Agreement trail decided to use the Girls on the Run program. The program is ideal because it addresses the physical, emotional and social needs of the child. Girls were invited to join the Girls on the Run Team and were provided with generic running shoes through the district's social service fund. They participated in physical training for six weeks as well as bonding exercises, self-esteem building activities, anti-bullying curricula and art projects. The entire process was a great success. Girls expanded their physical activity parameters, explored character traits and positive pro social interaction and experienced enhanced self-esteem through feelings of accomplishment and through recognition provided by classmates, parents and community members.

Hot Springs School District

Hot Springs Middle School has opened up a cardio lab for all employees as part of the Coordinated School Health School-Site Health Promotion effort. It is currently open to all staff of the Hot Springs School District three nights a week.

How do you increase physical activity when there is no time in the school day and it’s not feasible to hire another physical education teacher?

Gardner Elementary found the solution with Classercise DVDs, a fun, physical workshop that can be used in the classroom. The workouts enhance the children’s endurance, flexibility, balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. They also receive healthy fitness area inside school lifestyle messages on ways to replenish their bodies with nutritious foods and beverages. With the Classercise DVDs, teachers can schedule an activity break time anywhere in their schedule providing the students a great transition from classroom studies while giving them much needed physical exercise.

Focusing on nutrition and physical activity, Oaklawn Elementary created Individual Wellness Plans (IWP) for their students. Each student was taught how to use the plan and then asked to record at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity, listing the activities and requiring a parent’s signature. At Oaklawn, at least 65% of the students participated in the IWP. As a result, more students became involved in community programs such as the Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA. Many parents expressed excitement about the program because it required the child to be accountable and provided for family involvement in making smart and healthy decisions. Overall, an increase in families participating in physical activity was noticed.

Hot Springs Middle School incorporated the Presidential Physical Fitness Test to address their students’ poor nutritional habits and declining physical fitness levels. Prior to the test, class discussions, computer labs, and DVDs were utilized to educate the students on the importance of healthy eating and exercise. Then all 6th-8th grade students were given the test. This test is comprised of 5 specific tests (curl-ups, shuttle run, endurance run/walk, pull-ups and V-sit and reach). These tests measure specific fitness components: agility, flexibility, endurance, and strength. One student earned the Presidential Physical Fitness Award and 12 others earned the National Physical Fitness Award.

The high school physical education teacher and consumer science teacher taught a unit on the importance of nutrition and exercise for a healthy body. After participating in the unit, one Junior lost 87.4 pounds and showed a 36% decrease in her body mass. She said her motivation was the physical education and nutrition classes and the support she received from the teachers. Now that she has reached her goal, she plans to maintain her weight and begin toning.

Funding Opportunities

School Food Support Initiative

Applications due 11/30, informational webinar 11/2 at 4pm ET.

The program is currently in its second round of grant funding (from now until November 30) and its goal is to provide up to seven school districts with technical assistance, strategic planning and funding opportunities to improve operations. You can find more details about program services and eligibility criteria, as well as a link to the online application on the School Food Support Initiative Webpage. For more information, there will be an informational webinar on Wednesday November 2 at 4 p.m. EST to learn about how the program works and the impact it’s currently having in school districts.

USDA Farm to School Grant Program RFA Now Available

Grant applications due December 8.

USDA released the Fiscal year 2017 Farm to School Grant Program Request for Applications for up to $5 million in grant funds to further USDA efforts to increase locally sourced foods in America’s school meals. Annually, USDA awards up to $5 million in competitive grants for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens, developing partnerships, and implementing farm to school programs.

Click here for more information.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. The FFVP also encourages schools to develop partnerships at the State and local level for support in implementing and operating the program.

Click here for more information.

Joint Use Agreement Grant

The Arkansas Joint Use Agreement (JUA) Grant is a competitive application process made possible and supported by Arkansas’ governor and the Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax. These funds help schools adopt and implement joint use policy which allows schools to form community partnerships to maximize resources while increasing opportunities for physical activity. Funds are available each fiscal year based on Tobacco Excise Tax appropriations or until funds are expended.

Click here for more information.

Coordinated School Health Data

It is crucial to school health improvement to self-evaluate your progress. This allows each school to analyze their school quantitatively through gathered data and qualitatively through student and staff feedback. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) School Health Assessment site lists three helpful ways to track your progress and data along with providing information about each program and frequently asked questions.

Along with this, schools should submit data to the Arkansas School Health Services Office and especially stay current with their Arkansas Consolidated School Improvement Plan (ACSIP) which helps to provide and report beneficial information. This allows the School Health Services Office to analyze the statewide data on the health of the students in the schools and the programs being utilized to teach and improve student health.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) will help Arkansas identify public school students' current health and safety habits so that improvements can be made where needed. Healthy lifestyles for Arkansas students mean longer, more productive lives for the states' young people, as well as improved learning in the classroom. These behaviors, often established during childhood and early adolescence, include:

Tobacco Use
Unhealthy Dietary Behaviors
Inadequate Physical Activity
Alcohol and Other Drug Use
Sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV infection
Behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence

Arkansas YRBS Results

School Health Profiles

The school health profiles assist state and local education and health agencies in monitoring and assessing characteristics of and trends in school health education; physical education; asthma management activities; school health policies related to HIV/AIDS prevention, tobacco-use prevention, violence prevention, physical activity, and nutrition; food service; and family and community involvement in school health programs. Data from Profiles can be used to improve school heath programs. Two questionnaires are used to collect data--one for school principals and one for lead health education teachers. Results from the principal and lead health education surveys represent participating selected schools, grades 6 through 12. The results are weighted and are representative of all regular secondary schools in Arkansas having at least one of grades 6 through 12. The Profiles questionnaires were developed by the Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH), National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with representatives of state, local, and territorial departments of health and education.

School Health Profiles Report

CSH Plan Schools

The schools that follow the Coordinated School Health Plan have been actively involved in developing an infrastructure at their schools, along with a work plan containing goals, objectives and outcomes. In addition, the coordinator at each school has attended a Coordinators' Meeting held quarterly in Little Rock with Coordinated School Health staff from the Arkansas Department of Education. The school districts are listed along with the administrator's name, coordinator's name, and contact information. These schools welcome inquiries as to their successes and challenges.

The Map shows all of the schools in the state that are a part of the School Health Services Office (when printing, you may need to select "Document and Markups" for the numbers to print on the document).
A list of the Schools shows which ones in the state follow the Coordinated School Health Plan utilized by the School Health Services.

Components of WSCC

Components of Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child (WSCC)

Health Education

Formal, structured health education consists of any combination of planned learning experiences that provide the opportunity to acquire information and the skills students need to make quality health decisions. When provided by qualified, trained teachers, health education helps students acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need for making health-promoting decisions, achieving health literacy, adopting health-enhancing behaviors, and promoting the health of others. Comprehensive school health education includes curricula and instruction for students in pre-K through grade 12 that address a variety of topics such as alcohol and other drug use and abuse, healthy eating/nutrition, mental and emotional health, personal health and wellness, physical activity, safety and injury prevention, sexual health, tobacco use, and violence prevention. Health education curricula and instruction should address the National Health Education Standards (NHES) and incorporate the characteristics of an effective health education curriculum.

Health education, based on an assessment of student health needs and planned in collaboration with the community, ensures reinforcement of health messages that are relevant for students and meet community needs. Students might also acquire health information through education that occurs as part of a patient visit with a school nurse, through posters or public service announcements, or through conversations with family and peers.

Arkansas Physical Education and Health Education Curriculum Frameworks Revised 2011.

Nutrition Environment and Services

The school nutrition environment provides students with opportunities to learn about and practice healthy eating through available foods and beverages, nutrition education, and messages about food in the cafeteria and throughout the school campus. Students may have access to foods and beverages in a variety of venues at school including the cafeteria, vending machines, grab ‘n’ go kiosks, schools stores, concession stands, classroom rewards, classroom parties, school celebrations, and fundraisers.

School nutrition services provide meals that meet federal nutrition standards for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, accommodate the health and nutrition needs of all students, and help ensure that foods and beverages sold outside of the school meal programs (i.e., competitive foods) meet Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. School nutrition professionals should meet minimum education requirements and receive annual professional development and training to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to provide these services. All individuals in the school community support a healthy school nutrition environment by marketing and promoting healthier foods and beverages, encouraging participation in the school meal programs, role-modeling healthy eating behaviors, and ensuring that students have access to free drinking water throughout the school day.

Healthy eating has been linked in studies to improved learning outcomes and helps ensure that students are able to reach their potential.

SY 2012 - 2013 Allowable Competitive Foods/Beverages and Maximum Portion Size List has been released through Commissioner's Memo FIN-11-083.
For more information on nutrition in the schools, visit the Arkansas Department of Education Child Nutrition Unit website

Employee Wellness

Schools are not only places of learning, but they are also worksites. Fostering school employees’ physical and mental health protects school staff, and by doing so, helps to support students’ health and academic success. Healthy school employees—including teachers, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria and custodial staff, and contractors—are more productive and less likely to be absent. They serve as powerful role models for students and may increase their attention to students’ health. Schools can create work environments that support healthy eating, adopt active lifestyles, be tobacco free, manage stress, and avoid injury and exposure to hazards (e.g., mold, asbestos). A comprehensive school employee wellness approach is a coordinated set of programs, policies, benefits, and environmental supports designed to address multiple risk factors (e.g., lack of physical activity, tobacco use) and health conditions (e.g., diabetes, depression) to meet the health and safety needs of all employees. Partnerships between school districts and their health insurance providers can help offer resources, including personalized health assessments and flu vaccinations. Employee wellness programs and healthy work environments can improve a district’s bottom line by decreasing employee health insurance premiums, reducing employee turnover, and cutting costs of substitutes.

School Wellness Guide: A Guide for Protecting the Assets of Our Nation's Schools is a comprehensive guide that provides information, practical tools and resources for school employee wellness programs.

Social and Emotional School Climate

Social and Emotional School Climate refers to the psychosocial aspects of students’ educational experience that influence their social and emotional development. The social and emotional climate of a school can impact student engagement in school activities; relationships with other students, staff, family, and community; and academic performance. A positive social and emotional school climate is conducive to effective teaching and learning. Such climates promote health, growth, and development by providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

Physical Environment

A healthy and safe school environment includes the physical and aesthetic surroundings and the psychosocial climate and culture of the school. Factors that influence the physical environment include the school building and the area surrounding it, any biological or chemical agents that are detrimental to health, and physical conditions such as temperature, noise, and lighting. The psychosocial environment includes the physical, emotional, and social conditions that affect the well-being of students and staff.

Health Services

School health services intervene with actual and potential health problems, including providing first aid, emergency care and assessment and planning for the management of chronic conditions (such as asthma or diabetes). In addition, wellness promotion, preventive services and staff, student and parent education complement the provision of care coordination services. These services are also designed to ensure access and/or referrals to the medical home or private healthcare provider. Health services connect school staff, students, families, community and healthcare providers to promote the health care of students and a healthy and safe school environment. School health services actively collaborate with school and community support services to increase the ability of students and families to adapt to health and social stressors, such as chronic health conditions or social and economic barriers to health, and to be able to manage these stressors and advocate for their own health and learning needs. Qualified professionals such as school nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists, health educators, physicians, physician assistants and allied health personnel provide these services.

By promoting health in all facets, the state of Arkansas hopes to diminish chronic diseases, eliminate drug and alcohol abuse, address mental health issues, inspire a positive self-image, and teach students good healthcare habits as they grow from adolescence to young adulthood. The Arkansas Department of Health, along with its other partners, wish to enable students and the community to become informed about their health and teach them to be proactive in disease prevention.

These services are designed to ensure access or referral to primary health care services or both, foster appropriate use of primary health care services, prevent and control communicable disease and other health problems, provide emergency care for illness or injury, promote and provide optimum sanitary conditions for a safe school facility and school environment, and provide educational and counseling opportunities for promoting and maintaining individual, family, and community health. Qualified professionals such as physicians, nurses, dentists, health educators, and other allied health personnel provide these services. In many schools the School-Based Health Centers have been instrumental in helping students, the school faculty, the students family, and the community with mental and physical health needs.

Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services

These prevention and intervention services support the mental, behavioral, and social-emotional health of students and promote success in the learning process. Services include psychological, psychoeducational, and psychosocial assessments; direct and indirect interventions to address psychological, academic, and social barriers to learning, such as individual or group counseling and consultation; and referrals to school and community support services as needed. Additionally, systems-level assessment, prevention, intervention, and program design by school-employed mental health professionals contribute to the mental and behavioral health of students as well as to the health of the school environment. These can be done through resource identification and needs assessments, school-community-family collaboration, and ongoing participation in school safety and crisis response efforts. Additionally, school-employed professionals can provide skilled consultation with other school staff and community resources and community providers. School-employed mental health professionals ensure that services provided in school reinforce learning and help to align interventions provided by community providers with the school environment. Professionals such as certified school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers provide these services.

Act 1593 and Systems of Care - Updated 1/08
REPORT: Arkansas Mental Health System For Children A Family Perspective
Arkansas Systems of Care - PPT
Arkansas Counseling Association
Arkansas School Counselor Association
- The Arkansas School Counselor Association (ArSCA) initiates and supports the improvement of school counseling programs through information, research, legislation, professional development and ethical standards, while upholding and encouraging continued improvements in standards for education.
School-Based Health Centers (SBHC)
School-Based Health Alliance
SBMH Manual and application (Revised 2012)

Community Involvement

Community groups, organizations, and local businesses create partnerships with schools, share resources, and volunteer to support student learning, development, and health-related activities. The school, its students, and their families benefit when leaders and staff at the district or school solicits and coordinates information, resources, and services available from community-based organizations, businesses, cultural and civic organizations, social service agencies, faith-based organizations, health clinics, colleges and universities, and other community groups. Schools, students, and their families can contribute to the community through service-learning opportunities and by sharing school facilities with community members (e.g., school-based community health centers and fitness facilities).

Family Engagement

Families and school staff work together to support and improve the learning, development, and health of students. Family engagement with schools is a shared responsibility of both school staff and families. School staff are committed to making families feel welcomed, engaging families in a variety of meaningful ways, and sustaining family engagement. Families are committed to actively supporting their child’s learning and development. This relationship between school staff and families cuts across and reinforces student health and learning in multiple settings—at home, in school, in out-of-school programs, and in the community. Family engagement should be continuous across a child’s life and requires an ongoing commitment as children mature into young adulthood.

Parent Engagement: Strategies for Involving Parents in School Health - Describes strategies and actions schools can take to increase parent engagement in promoting positive health behaviors among students.

Physical Education and Physical Activity

Physical education is a school-based instructional opportunity for students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for lifelong healthy habits. Physical education is characterized by a planned, sequential K-12 curriculum that provides cognitive content and learning experiences in a variety of activity areas. Quality physical education programs assist students in achieving the national standards for K-12 physical education.

The outcome of a quality physical education program is a physically educated person who has the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. Arkansas requires that all physical education teachers be qualified and trained professionals so as to properly teach healthy exercise habits to the students. A good resource for physical education is the Arkansas Department of Education, which provides curriculums and links for parents, students, and teachers alike to many helpful sites and programs.

There have been numerous acts and standards created by the state of Arkansas in order to stimulate health and physical wellbeing in schools. The goal of this is to ensure healthy habits in the students and thus leading to a healthy community. One of the most recent standards updated in 2016 is the Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Nutrition and Physical Activity Standards and Body Mass Index for Age Assessment Protocols on Arkansas Public Schools. These standards are founded upon past physical education and health acts, utilize the Body Mass Index as a data gathering resource, and provide explicit information pertaining to healthy eating and exercise.

Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT).

Rubeolla (Measles)

Flu (Influenza)

Coordinated School Health

Whole School, Whole Community, and Whole Child

Over the past few years, Arkansas has emerged as a leader in implementing Coordinated School Health programs. Across the state Coordinated School Health is growing and districts are building school level health teams. With the help of ACT 1220 of 2003, community support image district wellness committees are required to assess at the building and district level utilizing the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's School Health Index. The School Health Index results are used to implement the Wellness Priority within their Arkansas Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (ACSIP).

Establishing healthy behaviors during childhood is easier and more effective than trying to change unhealthy behaviors during adulthood. Schools play a critical role in promoting the health and safety of young people and helping them establish lifelong healthy behavior patterns. Research shows a link between the health outcomes of young people and their academic success. To have the most positive impact on the health outcomes of young people, government agencies, community organizations, schools, and other community members must work together through a collaborative and comprehensive approach.

The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model expands on the eight elements of CDC’s coordinated school health approach and is combined with the whole child framework, which is an effort to transition from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the long-term development and success of all children.

You can review data regarding the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and School Health Profiles for Arkansas students by clicking here.

School Nurses

Download the Arkansas State Board of Nursing School Nurse Roles & Responsibilities Practice Guidelines here.

Screenings in Schools

Vision

Notice to Parents of need for an Eye and Vision Examination (English)
Notice to Parents of need for an Eye and Vision Examination (Spanish)
Vision Screening Training (PowerPoint)
Vision Screening Summary Form To be used by those schools who do NOT use APSCN

Hearing

Hearing Screening Record Sheet
Hearing Rescreening/Follow-up Record
Hearing Screening Training August 2012 (PowerPoint)
Hearing Screening Summary Form To be used by those schools who do not use APSCN

Scholiosis

Scoliosis Screening Training (PowerPoint)
Scoliosis Screening Summary Form To be used by those schools who do not use APSCN

Height and Weight Measurement (BMI)

School Nurse Survey

Act 935 of 2015 requires all districts to complete and submit the School Nurse Survey. This survey is in two parts. This data will also provide you the information that Act 935 requires you to report to your school board.

Special Health Care Needs Module for Special Education

This module is part of the Core Curriculum for Special Education Paraprofessionals. At least one Registered Nurse (RN) from each school district should receive Facilitator Training from the Community Health Nurse Specialist in the Educational Cooperative serving your school district. Once the RN has completed this training, then they are able to provide the Special Health Care Needs training for their district's special education paraprofessionals.

The Paraprofessional Training PowerPoint is to be presented in its entirety. Then the RN will be able to provide student-specific training of the procedures specific to the school's student population.

Asthma Resources

Asthma Basics Online Training – Great for school staff development training.
Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative toolkit
Asthma Clinical Research Centers: Major Findings and Studies Underway
American Lung Association Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative Success Stories
American Lung Association Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative Brochure
Open Airways for Schools Training (PowerPoint)
Open Airways for Schools Brochure

Child Health Advisory Committee

ACT 1220 of 2003 created the Child Health Advisory Committee to address childhood obesity and develop statewide nutrition and physical activity standards. The Committee meets monthly and will make policy recommendations to the State Board of Education and the State Board of Health.

Major tasks mandated by the Act include:

Removing elementary school student in- school access to vending machines offering food and beverages.
Developing recommendations to ensure that nutrition and physical activity standards are implemented to provide students with the skills, opportunities and encouragement to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Requiring schools to include as part of the annual report to parents and the community the amounts and sources of funds received from competitive food and beverage contracts.
Requiring schools to include as part of each student's health report to parents an annual body mass index (BMI) percentile.
Requiring schools to annually provide parents an explanation of the possible health effects of body mass index, nutrition and physical activity.

The Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Education in partnership with the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) are developing a statewide plan to assist schools in the implementation and reporting of the Body Mass Index to parents.

Committee Information

Minutes
02.15.18
01.18.18
11.16.17
10.19.17
09.21.17
08.17.17
06.15.17
03.16.17

Meeting Dates & Times

Dates	Time	Location
n/a	n/a	n/a

Committee Members

Members	Contact Numbers
Brett Stone, M.Ed., M.P.H. - Chairman AR Association of Health Physical Education, Recreation & Dance	Phone: 479-979-1474 Fax: 479-979-1328
Rosemary Rodibaugh, PhD, RD, LD – Co-Chairman University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service	Phone: 501-671-2111 Fax: 501-671-2294
Jerri Clark Arkansas Department of Education	Phone: 501-682-4240
Dolores Sutterfield, CDM, CFPP Arkansas School Nutrition Association	Phone: 870-578-2416 Fax: 870-578-9366
Dave Oberembt, Arkansas Government Relations Director Arkansas Heart Association, American Cancer Society & American Lung Association	Phone: 501-707-6589 Fax: 501-526-2252
Suzanne Bailey, Superintendent Lonoke School District AR Association of Educational Administrators	Phone: 501-676-2042
Shakia Jackson, MEd Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities Arkansas Department of Health	Phone: 501-671-1572 Fax: 501-661-2414
Martha Phillips, PhD, MPH, MBA Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health - University of Arkansas Medical Sciences	Phone: 501-526-6413 Fax: 501-686-5845
Lucas Harder, BS, JD Arkansas School Boards Association	Phone: 501-372-1415 1-800-482-1212
Alan D. Mease, MD, FAAP American Academy of Pediatrics	Phone: 501-280-4761
Tamara Baker RN, MPH Arkansas Department of Health	Phone: 501-246-1093 Fax: 501-683-5602
Vacant AR Association of School Business Officials	n/a
Pamela Dixon Arkansas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development	Phone: 479-968-0419 Fax: 479-498-6075
Cheria Lindsey, RN Arkansas School Nurse Association	Phone: 501-683-3604
Elton Cleveland, MD Arkansas Chapter of American Academy of Physicians	Phone: 501-364-1849 Fax: 501-364-6728
Don Johnson Arkansas Parent Teacher Association	Cell: 479-236-4720
Carole B. Garner, MPH, RD, LD Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics	Phone: 501-526-2318 Fax: 501-526-2252
Michele Brown, BSPE Classroom Teachers	Phone: 479-774-9529
Micheal Knox, MS, MPH, DRPH Candidate Arkansas Center for Health Improvement	Phone: 501-526-2263 Fax: 501-526-2252

Guide for Schools, Parents, and Communities

This guide provides information and guidance in developing a local school Nutrition and Physical Activity Advisory Committee. Included is a membership grid, sample invitation letter and sample agenda. Names and contact information of local resources who can assist in developing the local committees are included. State and National resource links are also listed in the guide. These resources provide information on obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and children's health.

Downloads

ACT 1220 of 2003

School-Based Health Centers

Vision: Arkansas students will have quality, integrated school health services that improve health, optimize academic achievement and enhance well-being, allowing all students to reach their full potential.

School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) provide basic physical, mental, dental or other services as needed. The health center provides services beyond the scope of the school nurse practice and is not intended to replace the school nurse. The school-based health center is required to maintain a working relationship with the physician of a child's medical home, to ensure that individual patient health plans are executed effectively and efficiently. Students can apply for ARKids and local resources connected to the health center for students and family convenience. The intent is for the center to act as a resource center for wellness and prevention. Typical characteristics of a SBHC are as follows:

Located in the school or on school grounds.
Work cooperatively within the school to become an integral part of the school.
Provide a comprehensive range of services that meet the specific physical and behavioral health needs of the young people in the community.
Employ a multidisciplinary team of providers to care for the students: nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physician assistants, social workers, physicians, alcohol and drug counselors, and other health professionals.
Provide clinical services through a qualified health provider such as a hospital, health department, or medical practice.
Require parents to sign written consents for their children to receive the full scope of services provided at the SBHC.
Have an advisory board consisting of community representatives, parents, youth, and family organizations, to provide planning and oversight.

(courtesy of National Assembly on School-Based Health Care)

Arkansas' School-Based Health Center Grant Funding

The Arkansas School-Based Health Center Grant is a competitive application process made possible and supported by Arkansas' Governor Mike Beebe and the Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax created by Arkansas Act 180 of 2009. The funds are to be used to promote health, wellness, and academic achievement in Arkansas' public schools. The program is a collaboration of the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).

Eligible Applicants

All Arkansas public and charter schools are eligible to apply, unless the district is a current school-based health center funding recipient. Only one school-based health center per district may be funded by the ADE during a five year funding cycle.

Grant/Award Guidelines

Applicants intending to create a new health center on school campuses may apply for up to $150,000. The SBHC grant recipients will receive an annual distribution of funds for a five year period, with decreasing amounts each year. Annual renewal is based on a review of annual progress and appropriation of Tobacco Excise Tax funding.

Applicants should carefully read the guidelines for the grant. Grantees must adhere to the SBHC grant guidelines, the ARSBHC standards and the Arkansas School Based Mental Health manual. See the National Center for Educational Facilities at http://www.ncef.org/content/school-health-centers for facility guidance.

Prerequisite of Funding

A full-time equivalent registered nurse employed by the chool district (school nurse)

The Arkansas School-Based Health Center Grant request for proposals is released by ADE via Commissioners’ Memo each January if funds are available.

For more information, please contact:

Arkansas Department of Health, School Health Services
501-280-4783

Arkansas Department of Education, School Health Services
501-683-3604

Family Planning Resources

Resources and Helpful Links for Teens and Young Adults

Arkansas Coalition against Sexual Assault (ACASA) – Toll-Free:1-800-977-5776;This organization provides information, support, and help for victims of sexual violence.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
Birth Control Explorer
Stayteen.org - Provides information to teens about abstinence, sex, love, and healthy relationships.
Women's Health Week
Healthy Families Website
Community Health Centers of Arkansas Brochure
Teen Pregnancy Data Deck

WIC Eligibility

Pregnancy

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

For patient look-up requests (query users), please visit: https://arkansas.pmpaware.net.
Prescription Data submissions (uploaders) will be accepted through the Appriss Clearinghouse at https://pmpclearinghouse.net.

County Maps

2016 County Map Data

2015 County Map Data

2014 County Map Data

Quarterly Reports

October - December 2017

July - September 2017

April - June 2017

January - March 2017

October - December 2016

July - September 2016

April - June 2016

January - March 2016

Annual Reports

2016 (updated 2/7/18)

2015

Mortality Reports

2000 - 2016

2000 - 2015

Other Reports

Hospitalization Data

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Milk Program

Milk Program

The Milk Program of the Arkansas Department of Health conducts monthly inspections of dairy farms, milk plants, single service plants and ice cream plants. There are various permits issued annually as well as sampling and lab analysis (bacteriological) for milk, and aflatoxin content. This program also provides technical training for field staff and the industry.

Educational Information

Publications

Rules, Regulations, and Laws

Pasteurized Milk Ordinance 2015

Downloads

Contact

**Please provide contact information in your e-mail response to our Office

Office	Address	Phone	Fax
Environmental Health	4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 46 Little Rock, AR 72205	501-661-2171	501-661-2572

Milk and Water Testing

Milk Laboratory

The Arkansas Department of Health is authorized by state law to certify/approve industry milk laboratories and analysts for drug residue testing. The industry laboratories must follow state and FDA guidelines for drug residue testing.

For details about the milk industry laboratory certification/approval process contact the state Laboratory Evaluation Officer at 501 661-2049 or adh.lab@arkansas.gov.

Water Testing

Most of the testing done in the Water Microbiology Laboratory is for regulated public water supplies. The laboratory is certified by the EPA which is required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Water Microbiology Laboratory must use the standards specified in the Act. The Safe Drinking Water Act also outlines the standards for the bacterial quality of public drinking water. The Water Microbiology Laboratory at ADH tests for total coliform bacteria and E. coli , which are the indicator organisms for bacterial contamination specified in the Safe Drinking Water Act. In addition, the ADH offers laboratory certification in microbiology for public water utility laboratories that meet state and Environmental Protection Agency criteria for laboratory certification. For more information contact the Water Microbiology Laboratory at ADH at 501-661-2218 or e-mail adh.lab@arkansas.gov.

An additional function of the water Microbiology Laboratory is to provide water testing for private individuals. Since private water sources are not regulated the same as public water systems, we hope that the information provided will be of help to citizen who rely on private sources for their drinking water.

Additional information may be found at safewater@arkansas.gov.

Private/Well Water Testing

The laboratory also tests private drinking water samples. However, since private water sources are not regulated, there are no standards for the bacterial quality of these samples. Private citizens can only submit samples from their wells, springs, cisterns, etc. to be tested for total coliforms and E. coli, which are indicators of bacterial contamination in drinking water. Samples will not be tested for minerals, parasites, or chemicals. For these tests consult a private laboratory. If you have a public health concern (such as an illness), consult your county environmental specialist or the ADH division of engineering for assistance.

Water samples must be collected in an official ADH sample container. The sample bottle will have a white tablet or powder inside the sample bottle. This tablet is a chemical called sodium thiosulfate, which is necessary for the testing process. The tablet should not be removed from the sample bottle. In addition, the bottle should not be rinsed or wiped out. Once the sample is collected it must be received in time to analyze it within 48 hours of collection. The Specimen Receiving Laboratory accepts samples M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the back door of the laboratory. This is the entrance off Palm Street labeled the “Sample Receiving Dock.” The tests done at the Public Health Laboratory help determine the safety of drinking water for human consumption. The lab does not evaluate water ponds or other bodies of water to determine if the water is safe for fish or livestock to drink or for any other purpose.

The most common reason that individuals get their private drinking water sources tested is mortgage companies often require “safe” drinking water results before closing on a home mortgage. Most mortgage companies require that testing be done in an EPA-certified laboratory. We have no EPA-certified private laboratories in Arkansas, so the testing must be done at the Water Microbiology Laboratory in Little Rock or at one of the certified municipal laboratories that provides the service. Instructions for submitting a water sample may be found here. ( Link to submitting a water sample document) If a completed form does not accompany the sample, another sample with a completed sample collection report will have to be submitted. The original sample must be rejected. Without a completed sample collection report, we do not have the information needed to analyze the sample. A credit will be issued in the form of a credit letter and a new sample bottle to use to collect a new sample.

Testing of samples requires a 24 hours incubation period. Consult your public water utility or the ADH Division of Engineering if you get a report of “unsafe” on your sample.

CLIPS

Public Health Lab FAQs

If I have a concern about the clinical laboratory operations and would like to lodge a complaint who do I contact? (Examples of laboratory operations include: quality of testing, unlabeled specimens, unethical practices; e.g., record falsification, proficiency testing cheating, confidentiality of patient information.)

Call Customer Service for the Public Health Laboratory at 501-661-2363.

If I feel that my complaint was not resolved what else can I do?

You may file a complaint with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). To get information on how to file a complaint, a brochure is available on the CMS web site that gives this information. The brochure can be found here:

Rabies Laboratory Services

Rabies Laboratory

Additional information about rabies can be found at the ADH Rabies Section website.

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People should submit an animal specimen if bitten by an animal suspected of having a rabies infection such as a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote, bat, dog, cat or any mammal. It is rare for rodents such as mice and rabbits to be infected with the rabies virus. It is also possible that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into an open wound and in rare cases through the eyes, nose or mouth.

The Arkansas Department of Health - Public Health Laboratory has assembled shipping containers for packaging and transporting the specimen to the rabies laboratory. These containers are available at every local Health Unit.

The laboratory only accepts the heads, or brains, of any animal except small mammals, such as bats, mice or squirrels which may be submitted whole. It is preferable to have a veterinarian or animal control officer remove the head prior to submitting the specimen. If a citizen decides to remove the head they must use appropriate protective clothing including waterproof gloves (preferably disposable), a mask (disposable or launderable), safety glasses or goggles and coveralls and/or a waterproof apron. For larger animals, such as livestock, it is necessary to submit only the brain since transportation is too difficult with animals of this size. When submitting the brain instead of the entire head, care should be taken to ensure the brain stem is included and intact.

Remove the head of the animal without damaging the brain. Place the specimen in the large Ziploc bag provided in the shipping container and seal it shut. This bag should then be placed inside the second Ziploc bag and sealed. Chill the specimen in a refrigerator or on cold packs prior to packaging. Cold packs are provided with the shipping container, but must be frozen prior to use. It is extremely important to keep the specimen cool prior to and during shipment to retard decomposition of the specimen. Freezing the specimen is also acceptable but will delay results due to the thawing process.

For proper shipment of the specimen, place the Ziploc bag containing the animal head/brain and at least two (2) cold packs inside the Styrofoam container that is inserted in the white plastic bucket. Replace the Styrofoam lid onto the container with the specimen and cold packs inside. More than two cold packs may be necessary for larger specimens. Fill out the Rabies Examination Form (HL-12) and place the form on top of the lid of the Styrofoam container. Do not place the form inside the Styrofoam container with the specimen. Place the plastic lid on the plastic bucket and snap it shut. This may require a hammer to ensure a complete seal. Put the plastic bucket inside the cardboard box provided and tape it shut. Also, tape an envelope with the lab address on the outside of the box. Deliver the specimen as soon as possible to your nearest local health unit for delivery to the laboratory. Alternatively, the specimen may be shipped by UPS on Monday through Thursday only or brought directly to the laboratory any day of the week at the address below.

Arkansas Department of Health
Public Health Laboratory
201 South Monroe
Little Rock, AR 72205

Face-bites to a human being from a suspected infected animal are considered emergency situations and the laboratory will test the suspected animal. A family physician should be notified immediately as well as the ADH Public Health Veterinarian at 501-280-4136 for emergency situations. If bitten on the face, seek help as quickly as possible.

The Specimen Receiving Laboratory accepts samples M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the back door of the laboratory. This is the entrance off Palm Street labeled the “Sample Receiving Dock.”

If the specimen is received before 10:00 am on a given day, results should be ready by the end of the working day at 4:30 pm. If received after 10:00 am, the specimen is tested the next working day unless the situation is an emergency. If for some reason the test fails, the specimens will be retested the following day unless of an emergency.

The laboratory does not charge for the rabies virus test. It is offered as a public health service to the community. Veterinarians may charge for removal of the head and for transportation costs for submission to the rabies laboratory. Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commision also charges to remove brain tissue from large animals and for disposal of the carcass and transportation of the specimen to the laboratory. The laboratory is not responsible for any charges.

Results are called directly to the submitting facility by the laboratory’s administrative area or by the analyst conducting the test. If a result is positive, an epidemiologist or physician is notified as well as anyone with an exposure to the animal, so that proper treatment can be administered to the exposed.

Samples that are decomposed, damaged or formalinized are unsuitable for testing. Do not shoot or damage the animal head in any form. A correctly submitted specimen must also possess the three following parts of the brain tissue of the animal: brain stem, hippocampus and cerebellum.

Resources

ADH Rabies Laboratory
Rabies Microbiologist 501-661-2840
Rabies Laboratory Supervisor 501-671-1429

For questions concerning treatment, care or other related topics concerning rabies, the State Public Health Veterinarian at 501-280-4136 should be contacted at the ADH. The laboratory will answer questions only related to issues concerning laboratory testing and results.

Massage Therapy Rules & Regulations

Downloads

Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Our office is closed on all published state holidays.

Office	Address	Phone	Fax
Massage Therapy	4815 W. Markham Street, Slot #8 Little Rock, AR 72205	501-683-1448	501-682-5640

Massage Therapy Forms

Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee

Consideration

Membership by statute requires representation as follows: Six (6) Licensed Massage Therapist (only one (1) shall be an owner of a school), and one (1) public representative;
Only two members appointed from one congressional district;
Consideration was given to interest, experience, minority status, area of expertise and geographic area within the congressional district.

Interest

The Section received applications from thirty-six (36) individuals interested in serving on the Advisory Committee.
District representation for interested individuals was as follows: District 1 – (5), District 2 – (8), District 3 – (13), District 4 – (8).
Two applicants did not reside in Arkansas.
Professional representation was as follows: 13 licensed massage therapists, 4 school owners, 11 master massage therapists, 9 licensed massage instructors, and 3 public representatives.

The following individual names will be submitted to the State Board of Health during a special meeting on September 17, 2015:

District 1
Chris Lovelace	Jonesboro	Master Massage Therapist	School Owner
Stephanie Cooke	Lexa	Licensed Massage Instructor	Licensee

District 2
Jessica Tolliver	Benton	Licensed Massage Therapist	Licensee

District 3
John Brochu	Fayetteville	Massage Instructor	Licensee
Christabelle Krajewski	Harrison	Master Massage Therapist	Licensee

District 4
Vacant	Hot Springs
Alan Anderson	Fort Smith	Not Licensed	Public Member

Meeting Schedule 2018

June 11, 2018
September 10, 2018
December 10, 2018

Regular Minutes

Massage Schools & Examinations

Examination

Downloads

The Candidate Information Bulletin details the licensure application process which becomes effective Jan 1 2016. Please print and distribute to your students. This information is also available on the Arkansas Dept. Health Website. State Law examinations are now given every Tuesday at 1 p.m., at the Department, 4815 West Markham, Little Rock, AR. ( Room number will be supplied on the admissions notice.)

Massage Therapy Schools

School	Address	Contact
Arkansas College of Massage Therapy	502 E. Washington Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401	870-897-9283 acomt3402@yahoo.com
Arkansas School of Massage	6108 South 31st Street Fort Smith, AR 72908	479-648-0021 arkansasschoolofmassage@gmail.com
AR Therapeutic Massage Institute and Spa	853 Third Street Hot Springs, AR 71902	501-623-3888 Heartofthewheel@gmail.com
Black Brook School of Massage & Creative Healing	28 College #4 Fayetteville, AR 72703	479-856-5458 brenda@blackbrookmassage.com
Blue Cliff College	2503 Hiram Davis Place Fayetteville, AR 72703	800-960-3346 sheilag@bluecollege.com
Body Wellness Massage Academy	2401 Ferncliff Road Little Rock, AR 72223	501-315-4325 bodywellness@att.net
The Edge School of Massage	1211 W. James Street Fayetteville, AR 72703	479-443-3646 info@themassageedge.com
Healing Therapy and Education LLC	690 Tate Street Camden, AR 71701	870-231-9515 touchofhealth1@sbcglobal.net
Hot Springs School of Massage	3401 Ferncliff Road Little Rock, AR 72223	bodywellness@att.net
Life's Work School of Massage	210 S. Thompson St. Suite 4-A Springdale, AR 72764	479-365-2079 charlesdanielharper@yahoo.com.com
Massage Works School of Massage	201 West Jefferson St. # A & B PO Box 1033 Mountain View, AR 72560	870-269-6101 theannab7@gmail.com
Northwest Arkansas School of Massage (Eureka Springs)	3-A Dogwood Ridge Eureka Springs, AR 72632	479-366-3583 Jill24295@yahoo.com
Radiance School of Massage	3810 Central Avenue Suite E Hot Springs, AR 71913	501-520-0809 erportman@gmail.com
River Valley School of Massage	2003 East Parkway Drive Russellville, AR 72802	479-890-7876 info@rvsmassage.com
Touch for Health School of Massage	502 East 24th Street Texarkana, AR 71854	870-774-1000 atfhealth@aol.com
Touching America School of Massage	600 Pine Forest Drive Suite 120 Maumelle, AR 72113	501-772-1226 touchingamericaschoolofmassage@yahoo.com

Plumbing Examiner’s Committee

Download Minutes below:

March 2018

Rules & Regulations for HVAC/Plumbing

Plumbing

HVAC/R (Includes Guidelines)

HVAC & Plumbing Publications

Plumbing

HVAC/R

State of Arkansas HVAC/R Inspectors Contact Information
HVAC/R City Inspector Testing and Training 2017 Calendar
State of Arkansas HVAC/R Inspectors Coverage Map
HVAC/R Public License Search
The Arkansas Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes are copyrighted documents published by the International Code Council (ICC). You may review a non-printable version by clicking here.

Natural Gas

Liquid Propane licensing or code, contact the State of Arkansas Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board

Guidelines

For information about state contractors licensing, contact the State of Arkansas Contractor's Licensing Board.
The Arkansas Energy Code is adopted and required by the Arkansas Energy Office. This code sets minimum energy efficient buildings. For more information call 1-800- 558-2633 or visit the Arkansas Energy website.

Plumbing, Natural Gas and HVAC Resources

Plumbing and Natural Gas

Forms

Guidelines

For Liquid Propane licensing or code, contact the State of Arkansas Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board

The Arkansas Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes are copyrighted documents published by the International Code Council (ICC). You may review a non-printable version by clicking here.

For information about state contractors licensing, contact the State of Arkansas Contractor's Licensing Board.

HVAC/R

Forms

Guidelines

HVAC/R City Inspector Testing and Training 2017 Calendar

Liquid Propane licensing or code, contact the State of Arkansas Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board

For information about state contractors licensing, contact the State of Arkansas Contractor's Licensing Board.

The Arkansas Energy Code is adopted and required by the Arkansas Energy Office. This code sets minimum energy efficient buildings. For more information call 1-800- 558-2633 or visit the Arkansas Energy website.

HVAC/R Board

Member information, minutes, and other resources below.

Download Minutes below:

February 2018

HVAC/R

HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration)

The Department of Health provides consultation to local public health officials, architects, engineers, and other construction related offices regarding heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. We supervise the inspection program for newly constructed public and private facilities throughout the state for compliance of the State Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. The department provides testing for the HVAC/R contractors and the issuance of various types of HVACR licenses, and publishes codes, rules and regulation of licensing.

The Arkansas Department of Health’s State HVAC/R Board has no reciprocal licensing agreements with any other state licensing Boards for HVAC/R licensing at this time.

Arkansas Department of Health’s HVAC/R contractor examinations are proctored by Prov, a nationally recognized licensing and examination services provider. If you would like to know more about Prov you may visit their website at provexam.com.

To sit for an Arkansas Department of Health HVAC/R contractor exam, you must be pre-approved by the Board. To apply for an exam please read the HVAC/R Contractor License Rules and Regulations and mail an original notarized HVAC/R Contractor Application to our office.

Resources

Forms

Guidelines

HVAC/R City Inspector Testing and Training 2018 Calendar
Liquid Propane licensing or code, contact the State of Arkansas Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board
For information about state contractors licensing, contact the State of Arkansas Contractor's Licensing Board.
The Arkansas Energy Code is adopted and required by the Arkansas Energy Office. This code sets minimum energy efficient buildings. For more information call 1-800-558-2633 or visit the Arkansas Energy website.

Rules and Regulations

HVAC/R Contractor License Rules and Regulations

Publications

HVAC/R Law
State of Arkansas HVAC/R Inspectors Contact Information
State of Arkansas HVAC/R Inspectors Coverage Map
HVAC/R Public License Search
The Arkansas Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes are copyrighted documents published by the International Code Council (ICC). You may review a non-printable version by clicking here.

Boards and Committees

Please contact the office below for additional forms or guidelines.

**Please provide contact information in your email response to our Office. **

Office	Address	Phone	Fax
Protective Health Codes	4815 W. Markham St., Slot 24 Little Rock, AR 72205	501-661-2642	501-661-2671

Plumbing & Natural Gas

The Department of Health provides consultation to local public health officials, architects, engineers, and other construction related professions regarding sanitary plumbing and natural gas systems. We supervise the inspection program for newly constructed public and private facilities throughout the state for compliance with Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes, and provide testing and certification of various plumbing related licenses, such as Master/Journeyman, city inspectors and gas fitters. The department is responsible for publishing codes, rules and regulations for licensing, and conducts plumber and gas related training programs.

Applications for plumber's license are color coded and not available online. Please call 501-661-2642 for a plumbing licensing application. However, Plumbing Plan Review forms and guidelines, as well as applications for Assembly Repair and Assembly Testers can be located below.

The Arkansas Department of Health’s State Committee of Plumbing Examiners has no reciprocal licensing agreements with other state licensing Boards for Plumbing or Natural Gas at this time.

Resources

Forms

Guidelines

For Liquid Propane licensing or code, contact the State of Arkansas Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board

The Arkansas Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes are copyrighted documents published by the International Code Council (ICC). You may review a non-printable version by clicking here.

For information about state contractors licensing, contact the State of Arkansas Contractor's Licensing Board.

Rules and Regulations

Publications

Boards and Committees

**Please provide contact information in your email response to our Office. **

Office	Address	Phone	Fax
Protective Health Codes	4815 W. Markham St., Slot 24 Little Rock, AR 72205	501-661-2642	501-661-2671

Tattoo and Body Art Resources

Resources

Licensing, Permits and Plan Reviews

Laws

Current Body Art Laws

Tattoo and Body Art Associations

Alliance of Professional Tattooists, Inc.

Association of Professional Piercers

State Board of Private Career Education

The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals

Information for Physicians

Guidance for the Medical Marijuana Physician Certification Form

In November 2016 Arkansas voters approved medical marijuana through the passage of a constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 98, the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act of 2016. The law allows qualifying patients to purchase and use medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary if certain criteria are met. One of the requirements is a physician certification of qualifying conditions.

Q. Am I required to complete a physician certification for a patient?

No. Physicians are not required to complete and sign the certification for a patient.

Q. Am I mandated to sign this form?

Yes. If a physician is willing to complete a physician certification form for a patient to use medical marijuana obtained from a licensed dispensary, a physician must sign the form.

Q. What am I actually certifying on this form?

You are certifying that you have completed an in-person patient assessment.
That the patient DOES have one of the qualifying conditions.
That you are licensed to practice in Arkansas.
That you have a current DEA number.

Q. Is there an approved form?

Yes. There is an approved form from the Arkansas Department of Health ( ADH)
This form cannot be substituted with a letter or other type of certification
This form is available to print from the ADH website. You can make blank copies of the form.

Q. Do I need any special training or certification to sign the form?

Any medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice in Arkansas with a current DEA number is authorized to sign the form.
There is no specific medical marijuana training required by law in order to complete the form.

Q. Completing the form:

All portions of the form must be filled out completely.
Do not leave the form blank anywhere in the content areas.
Complete the patient demographic portion at the top of the form. Patient must be an Arkansas resident.
Identify if the patient is disabled or under the age of 18.
- This is necessary for determining their need for a certified caregiver who will be authorized by law to purchase and transport medical marijuana for the patient.
Check the correct time frame box for the patient. It may be up to 12 months, or less depending on your determination for the patient.
Fully fill out all physician information. Do not leave any portion blank.
The patient or patient’s guardian must also sign the form.

Q. What are the qualifying conditions?

The form has a complete list of the qualifying conditions.
No other conditions are approved at this time.(New conditions are added by rule change of the Arkansas Board of Health)
Mark the applicable condition(s) for the patient.
ADH will not accept applications that have additional write-in conditions.

Q. Will these forms be verified?

Yes, the agency may contact the physician to verify the signature.
Physician’s license & DEA number will be verified.

Q. Do I keep a medical record of the visit?

Yes. You should keep a record of the visit.
The physician certification form may be copied and placed in the patient’s medical record as part of your documentation.
All aspects of this process are covered by HIPAA.

Q. Am I allowed to complete a certification for a minor?

Yes. You may complete a certification for a minor who has a qualifying condition.
The parent/guardian must be present and they must sign the form.
Remember to certify that the patient is under 18 on the form.

Q. What is a designated caregiver?

A designated caregiver is a person who may purchase and transport medical marijuana from an Arkansas dispensary, for a qualified patient who is either a minor or is physically disabled.
Minors are required to have a parent/ guardian as a designated caregiver. Physically disabled patients may have one if they so choose.
Designations of age or physical disability must be marked on the certification form.
Physicians do not have to see a caregiver unless the patient is a minor, and then they must review the form with the minor patient’s parent/guardian.

Q. How does ADH get this certification?

The applicant will send the certification to ADH as part of their application. They may do this via mail, or through ADH’s online application system.

Q. When does this physician certification expire?

The physician certification is valid for 30 days.
If a patient gets a certification and fails to submit it to ADH within 30 days, they must get a new certification.
A patient’s registration identification card is valid for one year from issuance.
If you as the physician wish for the patient’s registration identification card to be valid for less than one year, please note that on the form in the area marked “issue registry card for”.

Q. What happens after I see the patient?

The patient must submit their completed application online or via mail.
The application is reviewed and it is either approved or denied.
If all requirements are met, a registry card will be issued.
The card will expire based on the date recommended on the physician certification.

NOTE: Applications are being accepted; however registry ID cards will not be available for printing until one month prior to medical marijuana availability in Arkansas dispensaries.

Downloads

Physician Written Certification Instructions

Physician Written Certification

If you have further questions, you may call Toll Free 1-833-214-8619 or 501-682-4982, or email your questions here.

Petition To Add A New Condition

Please complete each section of this Petition and attach all supportive documents. All attachments must include a title referencing the Section letter to which it responds. Any Petition that is not fully or properly completed will not be submitted for formal review. Arkansas Medical Marijuana logo

Each petition is limited to a single medical condition or disease.
Each petition must include:
- The specific name and brief description of the proposed debilitating medical condition or disease, including any applicable ICD-10 diagnostic codes.
- The extent to which the debilitating medical condition or disease itself, and/or the treatments, cause severe suffering and impair a person’s daily life.
- A description of the conventional medical therapies, other than those that cause suffering available to alleviate the suffering caused by the proposed debilitating medical condition or disease.
- A description of the proposed benefits from the medical use of marijuana specific to the proposed debilitating medical condition or disease.
- Evidence generally accepted by the medical community and other experts that the use of medical marijuana alleviates suffering caused by the debilitating medical disease and/or treatment.
- Letters of support for the use of medical marijuana from physicians and/or other licensed health care professionals knowledgeable about the condition or disease, including, if applicable, a letter from the physician with whom the petitioner has a bona-fide physician-patient relationship along with any medical, testimonial, or scientific documentation.

Upon review of the petition, the program will determine whether:

The petition does not meet the standard for submission and if so, the petition will be denied. The Department will notify the petitioner who may correct any deficiencies and resubmit the petition; or
The petition meets the standards for submission and if so, the program will accept the petition for further review.

If the petition meets all requirements, it will be referred for a public hearing. Petitioners will be notified in advance of the date, time and location of the public hearing, and will be allowed to offer verbal or written comments, as will other members of the public. Notice of the public hearing shall conform.

Petitions must be sent by U.S. mail to:

Arkansas Department of Health
Medical Marijuana Section
4815 West Markham Slot 50
Little Rock, AR 72205

Templates

Petition To Add New Condition

Petitions Submitted

Petition To Add Bipolar Affective Disorder

Public Comments from April 16, 2018 Meeting

Designated Caregiver Requirements

In order to qualify for a designated caregiver registry card to legally purchase medical marijuana for a qualified patient, you must meet the following qualifications:

Be 21 years of age or older or be a parent or a minor patient.
Have not been convicted of an excluded felony offense.
Be an Arkansas resident with proof of residency (AR Driver’s License or AR State ID card).
State law prohibits members of Arkansas National Guard and United States Military from obtaining a registry ID card.

Note: Parents or legal guardians of a minor with a qualifying condition are not required to complete Criminal History Check. Parent or guardian will still register as a caregiver and pay the registry card application fee.

Not sure if you qualify to be a designated caregiver? How long will it take for your application to be processed and/or approved? Be sure to check out these Frequently Asked Questions prepared by the Arkansas Department of Health. You can also go to the State of Arkansas website for more information.

Criminal History Check

Pay a $37 fee.

Call Toll Free 1-833-214-8619 to request a Criminal History Review Application and finger print card.

Note: Parents or legal guardians of a qualified minor are not required to complete Criminal History Check. A Parent or guardian is required to register as a caregiver and pay the registry card application fee.

If you are mailing your application, please send to:

Arkansas Department of Health
Medical Marijuana Section
4815 West Markham Slot 50
Little Rock, AR 72205

Please note that online applications are preferred. If you choose to apply online, your card will be emailed to you as soon as it is available. In addition, the renewal process will be more convenient for users with online accounts. If you wish to apply online, click here.

Forms can be downloaded here, or to request the forms to be mailed to you call 1-833-214-8619.

Qualified Patient Requirements

In order to qualify for a registry card to legally purchase medical marijuana, you must meet the following qualifications:

Be 18 years of age or older or be a minor patient with parental consent.
Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition – click here to see a list of qualifying medical conditions.
Have the official written certification from a physician.
Be an Arkansas resident with proof of residency. (AR Driver’s License or AR State ID card).
State law prohibits members of Arkansas National Guard and United States Military from obtaining a registry ID card.

Not sure if you qualify for medical marijuana? How long will it take for your application to be processed and/or approved? Be sure to check out these Frequently Asked Questions prepared by the Arkansas Department of Health. You can also go to the State of Arkansas website for more information.

If you are mailing your application, please send to:

Arkansas Department of Health
Medical Marijuana Section
4815 West Markham Slot 50
Little Rock, AR 72205

Forms can be downloaded here, or to request the forms to be mailed to you call 1-833-214-8619.

Arkansas State Athletic Commission

Welcome

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission's rules and regulations, law-definitions, and forms can be downloaded from this location. If there are any features you feel would enhance this site, please contact us by email or by phone at the numbers at the bottom of this page.

Rules and Regulation Proposal
Photo Gallery

Official Notification (effective March 13, 2018): Blood Work Requirements

Fighter Results Release Form

About Us

Mission Statement

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission is committed to maintaining the health, safety and welfare of the participants and the public as they are involved in the combative sports regulated by the Commission. The Commission remains committed to fair and even application of the governing statutes and the Rules and Regulations.

Preface

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission was formed by the Arkansas Legislature in 1927 and has evolved to cover not only professional wrestling and boxing, but elimination tournament boxing, mixed martial arts, and other forms of competition that fall under the class of "combative sports." The goal of the seven-member Commission is the enhancement of the sports' safety and to insure the public welfare, and that of the participants, be protected.

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission is a member in good standing of the ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions) and uses their national policies, safety studies, and resources to stay abreast of trends in the combative sports industry. At the 2013 ABC Conference, Arkansas' Program Manager Brandon Dawson was elected as Chair of the Social Media Committee for the ABC, and ASAC's Chair Lydia Robertson was appointed as Director of the Association of Boxing Commission's Region 2. Robertson was also elected Chair of the 2015 ABC site selection Committee.

In furtherance of the Commission's goal, the Arkansas State Athletic Commission held over 40 hours of instruction during the calendar year of 2013. Utilizing monies collected through the State's regulation of the combative sports to fund the classes, the hours were offered to those interested at either free or for a nominal $50 per day charge, approximately 50-75% lower than courses offered elsewhere around the nation. It is also worth noting the trainers (Duane Ford, Jay Nady, and "Big" John McCarthy) are considered the best in their respective fields all over the world. Please visit the site's photo gallery.

The Commission welcomes comments, suggestions and complaints from its licensed public. Those should be in writing to asac.arkansas.gov or to the address at the bottom of the website.

Event Calendar: Arkansas Athletic Commission

Click here to see list of events.

Commissioners

Brittany Dilworth - Commissioner
Daniel Dring - Commissioner Co-Chair
Bobby Edmonds - Commissioner Chair
John Erwin, M.D - Commissioner
Diana Hampo - Commissioner
Danielle Hoefer - Commissioner
Jennifer Sommer - Commissioner

Rules & Regulations

The forms below require Adobe Reader to view or print.

Statute Full 2014 - PDF

Statutory Definitions

NOTE: Chapter 1 applies to all events regulated by the Arkansas State Athletic Commission. In addition to Chapter 1 and the chapter on a specific sport, please review the immediately preceding chapter as there may be rules that also apply to your event. For example, many of the boxing rules also apply to the kickboxing section. Questions are always welcome at 501-687-1038 or email to Patrisha.Blackstock@arkansas.gov.

Rules & Regulations - PDF | Effective: 4/30/14

Forms

The forms below require Adobe Reader to view or print.

Wrestler's Physical - PDF
Combative Sports Bout Card Application - PDF
Combative Sports Event Permit Application - PDF
Federal Professional Boxing ID Application - PDF
Combative Sports Gross Receipts Tax Report - PDF
National ID MMA Card Application - PDF
Combative Sports Parental Consent Release - PDF
Combative Sports License Application - PDF
Combative Sports Medical Report (Pre/Post Bout) - PDF
Combative Sports Surety Bond - PDF
Combative Sports Weigh In & Inspection Report - PDF

Reports & Resources

2011 Sports Concussion Fact Sheet - PDF
2011 WADA - World Anti-Doping Agency - Full Prohibited Substances List - PDF
Anthony Jones - Preliminary Investigation Report - PDF
Concussion Fact Sheet for Young Athletes - PDF
Concussion Information for Young Athletes - PDF
Concussions - NFL Player Fact Sheet - PDF
Concussions - NFL Sideline Baseline Standardized Test - PDF
Concussions - NFL Sideline Post Injury Standardized Test - PDF
Rhabdomyolysis - University of Iowa Board of Regents Report - PDF

Sanitation Rules, Regulations and Resources

Sanitarians Registration Act (PDF)
Act 281 of 1957 as amended by Act 257 of 1977
& Act 582 of 1985
& Regulations

Forms

Guide
- Test Study Guide (PDF)

Board Members and Contacts

Links

ASBRS Board Members

Katherine E. Earlywine, R.S. Chair

P.O. Box 432
Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160
Work: (870) 673-2508
Cell: (870) 830-1876
katherineearlywine@yahoo.com

Cary Gray, R.S. Secretary/Treasurer

27 W. Township
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703
Cell:(479) 567-0945
Cary.Gray@arkansas.gov

Marie Bane, R.S. Member

14 Regency Circle
Magnolia, Arkansas 71753
Cell:(870) 904-2237
Marie.Bane@arkansas.gov

Sam Dunn, R.S. Member

799 W. River Street
Ozark, Arkansas 72949
Cell: (501) 772-8412
Sam.Dunn@arkansas.gov

Matt Morrison, R.S. Member

112 Brantly Road
Searcy, Arkansas 72143
Cell: (501) 278-6374
Office: (501) 268-6102
Matt.Morrison@arkansas.gov

Derrick L. Newby Sr. MPA, Consumer Member

2801 S. University Ave.
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
Work:(870)535-3062
Cell: (501)951-8924
dlnewby@ualr.edu

About ASBRS

The STATE OF ARKANSAS SANITARIAN REGISTRATION ACT was signed into law on March 27th, 1957. The purpose of the Act was to define Registered Sanitarians, to create the State Board of Registration for Professional Sanitarians, and to define the powers and duties of the Board. The Act was amended in 1977, and again in 1985.

The goal of the Arkansas State Board of Registered Professional Sanitarians is to protect the public health and welfare by establishing and maintaining a high standard of integrity and dignity in the profession of Sanitarian, and to provide the best qualified Registered Sanitarians for the citizens of the State of Arkansas.

The Arkansas State Board of Sanitarians provides leadership in carrying out the duties set forth by the Board. This is done by ensuring that all Registered Sanitarians meet minimum requirements in education and experience. This includes, but is not limited to, reviewing, testing, and registering individuals who meet the requirements to practice as a Sanitarian, and to review and record required continuing education units.

The Board meets the fourth Friday in January, April, July, and October. Meeting locations vary.

Anyone holding a current Registration as a Sanitarian from another State may apply for registration in Arkansas.

The Arkansas State Board of Registered Professional Sanitarians is proud of the quality and professionalism of Arkansas Registered Professional Sanitarians. If you are interested in becoming registered in Arkansas, please visit the Licensing section of our Web Page.

Arkansas State Board of Registered Sanitarians

Welcome

Welcome to the Arkansas State Board of Registered Professional Sanitarians! We have included information on how to become a Registered Sanitarian, yearly licensing, continuing education unit requirements, Board member and other contact info, and a list of web sites that may be of interest or benefit to those visiting our web page. We encourage you to become a Registered Professional Sanitarian in Arkansas! Please contact us if there are questions, and enjoy our site!

Mission Statement

To protect the public welfare by establishing and Maintaining a high standard of integrity and dignity in the profession of Sanitarian.

Continuing Education Unit Requirements

All Registered Sanitarians are required biennially to complete a continuing education program in subjects relating to practices of the profession. A minimum of 2 CEUs (continuing education units) are required every two years. One CEU is equal to 10 contact hours, actual class or training hours. A new registered Sanitarian will be required to complete a prorated number of the biennial requirements of contact hours based on the date of registration.

If a Registered Sanitarian obtains 3 or more CEUs during a biennium, one CEU may be carried over to the next biennium to meet CEU requirements.

Sanitarian's CEU Search (being updated)

Credit and non-credit college courses offered by an accredited educational institution, attendance at annual conferences, short training courses, workshops, seminars, courses offered by governmental agencies or industry are all examples of possible CEU opportunities.

The Board will review all CEU submittals to determine if they are related to the functions of a Sanitarian. Sanitarians will be notified periodically on the number of CEUs they have accumulated for the current biennium.

Continuing Education Credit Request Form (CEU - 1)

Continuing Education Credit Request Form for Group Training (CEU - 2)

Continuing Education Exemption Form

Notice of Continuing Education Requirements

Grant and Bid Opportunities

Request for Applications | Request for Qualifications | Request for Proposal/Bid | Funding Opportunities

The Procurement Branch of the Office of Finance has the primary responsibility and oversight for the agency wide procurement of commodities, technical and professional services and sub-grants.

Request for Applications

RFA-18-0001: Project Prevent Youth Coalition for Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Programs
- Addendum
RFA-18-0002: Antimicrobial Stewardship Collaborative
- Application
- Budget
RFA-18-0003: Clostridium Difficile Transitions of Care Collaborative
- Application
- Budget
RFA-18-0004: Brief Tobacco Intervention in Pediatric Hospitals
RFA-18-0005: Intervention Services to Support Initiative to Reduce the Cancer Burden in Arkansas
- Application
- Budget
RFA-18-0006: Implementation and Administration of the Arkansas Tobacco Control Coalition (ATCC)
RFA-18-0007: Assistance with Implementation and Administration of Programs that Support Arkansas Cancer Plan-Tobacco-related

Request for Qualifications

n/a

Request for Proposal/Bid

DH-18-0018: Design and development of pilot project for tobacco cessation services

Downloads

ADH Business Associate Agreement

Funding Opportunities

NOFA-18-1: Healthcare Facility Reporting of Antibiotic Use/Antibiotic Resistance Data to the CDC
Arkansas Charitable Clinic Grant Program - December 13, 2017
- PDF Version
- Budget Form
Arkansas Rural Health Services Revolving Fund
- PDF Version
- Budget Form
Mobile Mammography - NOFA-18.2

Downloads

2018

2017

2016

Resources

Contract and Grant Disclosure and Certification Form

Employment of Illegal Immigrants – Certification by Bidder/Contractor

W9 - Vendor Request

Procurement Appeal Policy

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)

Centers for Disease Control – Smoking and Tobacco Use

Office	Address	Phone	Fax
Procurement	4815 W. Markham St., Slot 58 Little Rock, AR 72205	501-280-4573	501-280-4474

Prevent Mosquito and Tick Diseases

Prevention is your best defense from becoming infected with a mosquito or tickborne disease. Preventing insect bites reduces your risk of getting West Nile Virus (WNV), Tickborne Diseases (TBD) or other diseases that insects carry.

Steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection.

Avoid Contact

Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times. Avoid tick-infested areas such as tall grass and dense vegetation. Check yourself, your children and pets often for ticks. Bathe or shower within two hours after being where ticks live to find and wash off ticks that may be crawling on you.

Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning, or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times. Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

Protective Clothing

When weather permits, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Tuck your pants into sock tops or boots and wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to find crawling ticks.

Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing. Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.

Drain Standing Water

Reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining sources of standing water. In this way, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.

Remove standing water in old tires, buckets, garbage cans, soda cans or any other containers.
Clean out gutters and unblock drainage ditches. Check flat roofs that may have poor drainage.
Cover barrels and trash containers tightly with a lid or with a fine mesh screening material.
Empty water in plant pots and plastic wading pools at least once a week. Turn over or store indoors when not in use.
Check tarps on boats, grills and other equipment that may collect water.
Change water in bird baths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
Fill in tree holes and hollow stumps that hold water.
Drill holes in tires used on playgrounds to allow them to drain.
Treat standing water with products that kill mosquito larvae. These are available at home improvement stores and garden centers.

Insect Repellents

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as those with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Even a short time being outdoors can be long enough to get a mosquito bite. Think of repellent as you would an important article of clothing, and increase your chances of avoiding weeks (or even months) of aches and fatigue that come with West Nile Virus (WNV), Tickborne Diseases (TBD),or other insect borne diseases.

Of the active ingredients registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), two have shown to work better and give longer-lasting protection than others:

DEET
Picaridin

Products containing these next two active ingredients typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection:

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD
IR3535

Protect children

Read label instructions and be sure the repellent is approved for use on children.
Do not use mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus on children less than three years of age.
Do not use DEET on children younger than two months old.
Keep infants indoors or use mosquito netting over carriers when mosquitoes are present.

Certain products that contain permethrin can be used on clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear. Permethrin is highly effective as an insecticide and as a repellent. Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes and other insects and retains this effect after repeated laundering. Reapply permethrin insecticide according to the label instructions. Some commercial products are available pretreated with permethrin. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

Use repellents safely

Apply just enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Do not use under clothing.
Most insect repellents made for humans do not work on lice or fleas.
Store insect repellents safely out of the reach of children, in a locked utility cabinet or garden shed.
Do not spray directly into face; spray on hands first and then apply to face. Do not apply near eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears.
Avoid breathing a spray product.
Never use repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
Do not spray in enclosed areas or near food.
Wash treated skin and clothes with soap and water after returning indoors.
Use only products made for humans on humans.
Use only products made for pets or other animals on pets or other animals.

Preventing Ticks in your Yard

You can reduce tick populations in your yard by:

Remove leaf litter.
Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edge of lawns.
Place a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick migration into recreational areas.
Mow the lawn frequently.
Stack wood neatly and in a dry area (discourages rodents).
Keep playground equipment, decks, and patios away from yard edges and trees.
Discourage unwelcome animals (such as deer, raccoons, and stray dogs) from entering your yard.
Remove old furniture, mattresses, or trash from the yard that may give ticks a place to hide.

For more information, see the CDC's guidelines or EPA guidelines.

You may also visit our Tickborne Disease in Arkansas page on this website.

Seasonal Flu

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

Children, the elderly, health care workers and others prone to getting the flu should get their flu vaccine every year.
For extra safety, people you live with or spend a lot of time with should also get a flu vaccine. You are less likely to get the flu if the people around you don't have it.
Flu vaccine helps your body fight the flu during the height of the flu season, which is generally December through March.

Flu vaccine is available through your local health unit.

Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Seasonal flu is a disease that causes mild to severe illness and is easily spread. Each year in the United States, 25-50 million infections are reported, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 23,600 die due to seasonal flu.
The seasonal flu virus is spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching a hard surface with the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth.
Flu vaccine will not give you the flu! The shot is a vaccine that helps protect you against the seasonal flu virus.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine each year. The vaccine takes one to two weeks to start working and is 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing the seasonal flu.

The Importance of Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Children can catch the flu more often than adults but they usually aren’t as sick. Parents should keep their sick children at home so they do not spread the flu to others.
For older adults and others who are at risk of complications, flu vaccine can reduce hospitalizations by as much as 70 percent and deaths by 85 percent.
The best way to protect yourself, your family.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a very contagious disease that is most serious for babies. People with whooping cough usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others. Parents, older siblings, or other caregivers can give Mother and baby whooping cough to babies without even knowing they have the disease. Vaccination against Pertussis remains the strongest prevention against this disease. Immunization during the last trimester of pregnancy, as well as current vaccination of the individuals who will be in contact with an infant, are vital health protection measures for infants during the time they are too young to receive vaccination.

Resources

Immunization Fact Sheet Whooping Cough

Norovirus

Noroviruses are a group of related viruses that can cause gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This leads to cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Common symptoms include cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus spreads quickly. It is found in the vomit and stool of infected people. You can get it by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects with norovirus on them and then putting your hand or fingers in your mouth. You can also contract Norovirus by having direct contact with a person who is infected, such as caring for someone with norovirus or sharing foods or eating utensils with them.

How you get norovirus from people and surfaces

Resources

Mumps Laboratory Instructions

Mumps

Mumps is a viral illness that is transmitted by direct contact with respiratory droplets or saliva from an infected person. It is best known for painful, swollen salivary glands that show up as puffy cheeks and swollen jaw. Boys may also have painful, swollen child with mumps testicles. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscles aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. There is no treatment, and symptoms usually resolve themselves within a few weeks. Mumps is usually a mild disease in children, but adults may have more serious disease with complications. Vaccination against Mumps is available with MMR vaccine.

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has been investigating outbreaks of Mumps in Arkansas since August 15, 2016.

Current Case Count:

Total Cases Under Investigation With Confirmed or Probable Status as of 7/11/2017: 2,951*

Throughout this outbreak, 90% to 95% of school-aged children and 30% to 40% of adults involved in the outbreak have been fully immunized. The vaccine is not perfect. Two doses of the MMR shot are about 88% effective at preventing the mumps. That means that if you have 100 people who are fully vaccinated, 88 of them will be fully protected. The remaining 12 will still be vulnerable to mumps. If it were not for the vaccine, however, we would be seeing many, many more cases of the mumps. Also, we have only seen a few cases with complications, like swelling of the brain or testicles. Normally, we would expect to see many more persons with complications. This tells us that even though some vaccinated individuals are still getting the mumps, they are experiencing mild disease. The vaccine remains the best protection we have against the mumps.

Mumps Update Report

Mumps Report Q&A

In response to the outbreak, ADH is requiring students in the same school with vaccine exemptions for the MMR (Mumps, Measles, and Rubella) vaccine to be excluded from school for 26 days from the date of exposure and until the outbreak has ended. Students with non-medical exemptions, who receive the recommended doses of MMR vaccine, may return to school immediately. Right now, this outbreak affects schools in the Huntsville, Rogers, and Springdale School Districts. ADH is working with people who have potentially been exposed and contacting area clinics and hospitals to make sure they are aware that they may see cases of Mumps.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mumps is a viral illness that is transmitted by direct contact with respiratory droplets or saliva from an infected person. It is best known for painful, swollen salivary glands that show up as puffy cheeks and swollen jaw. Boys may also have painful, swollen testicles. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscles aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite. There is no treatment, and symptoms usually resolve themselves within a few weeks. Mumps is usually a mild disease in children, but adults may have more serious disease with complications.

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine is 88 percent effective in preventing mumps. It is a live virus vaccine and is not recommended for pregnant women or patients with a weakened immune system. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered to be immune to mumps and do not need to receive the MMR vaccine.

The current CDC recommendations for MMR vaccination are as follows:

For children younger than 6 years of age, one dose of MMR vaccine or MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella) vaccine at age 12-15 months, followed by a second dose of either MMR vaccine or MMRV vaccine at age 4-6 years.
For children age 7 through 18 years not previously vaccinated, one dose of MMR vaccine or MMRV vaccine, followed by a second dose of either MMR vaccine or MMRV vaccine at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
For adults born in 1957 or later and not previously vaccinated, one dose of MMR vaccine.
A second dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for adults born in 1957 or later, who are students in a post-secondary educational institution, work in a health care facility, or plan to travel internationally.The second dose should be administered a minimum of 28 days after the first dose.

MMR vaccines are available at the Local Health Unit in your county, and may also be available at your doctor’s office or your local pharmacy.

Mumps Facts | Espanol | Marshallese

Current List of Schools Affected

The Arkansas Department of Health is currently responding to an active outbreak of Mumps that currently is affecting areas of NW Arkansas. The list below includes schools that have confirmed cases of mumps. It does not include schools that only have suspect cases or cases actively being investigated.

It is important to understand that the list may expand if new cases are identified. Schools will also be removed from the list when the 26 day exclusion period is reached with no additional cases identified in that setting. Any reporting or redistribution of the list should include the report date. The most effective course of action to protect against the spread of the Mumps is to make sure you and your family members are up-to-date on the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

No Schools Affected.

For Healthcare Professionals

ER Mumps Signs

Symptoms ER Sign in English

Symptoms ER Sign in Spanish

Resources

Immunization Fact Sheet Mumps

Meningitis

Meningococcal disease refers to any illness that is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. The two most severe and common illnesses caused by these bacteria include infections of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia). woman with headache

Symptoms of meningococcal disease may include sudden onset of a high fever, headache, or stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to influenza (flu), and will often also cause nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, rash, and confusion. If you think you or your child has any of these symptoms, call the doctor right away.

Resources

Immunizations Fact Sheets Meningitis

Measles (Rubeola)

Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles virus is highly contagious virus and spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. Make sure you and your child are protected with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Measles can be dangerous especially for babies and young children

Resources

Mandatory Reportable Disease list

Immunization Fact Sheet MMR

Ebola

blood sample Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus species. Ebola can cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Ebola viruses are found in several African countries. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa.

Symptoms include:

Fever
Severe headache
Muscle pain
Weakness
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal (stomach) pain
Unexplained hemorrhage (bleeding or bruising)

Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to Ebola, but the average is 8 to 10 days.

Recovery from Ebola depends on good supportive clinical care and the patient’s immune response. People who recover from Ebola infection develop antibodies that last for at least 10 years.

Resources

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Chicken Pox (Varicella)

Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever. The rash appears first on the stomach, back and face and can spread over the entire body causing between 250 and 500 itchy blisters. Chickenpox can be serious, especially in babies, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Dad taking child's temperature

What are the symptoms?

Itchy rash of blisters
Fever
Headache
Feeling tired

Resources

ADH Immunizations Varicella (Chicken Pox) Fact Sheet

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Communicable Diseases

Baby's doctor visit

An infectious disease capable of being transmitted from one person or species to another is referred to as a “Communicable Disease”. For more information, or to report a communicable disease, click on the links provided or contact the Department of Health.

Ebola

Flu (Influenza)

Haemophilus (HIB)

Hepatitis (A, B, C, D)

Influenza (Flu)

Measles Rubella (3 Day)

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Resources

Weekly Flu Report

Flu Surveillance and Reporting

Reportable Disease Rules and Regulations

Mandatory Reportable Disease list