May 25, 2012 | May 25, 2012 | The Arkansas Health Care Access Foundation has recognized the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) regional program in Texarkana for its outstanding personalized medical care and education outreach.

Patrick Evans, director of the UAMS Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Southwest, received the “Spirit of Service” Award 2012 during the Arkansas Medical Society’s annual meeting at the historic Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa in Hot Springs on May 5.

“This was an unexpected honor that helped us realize that others see that we are working to help those who don’t have access to medical services,” Evans said. “We are happy to be recognized and happier to have the Arkansas Health Care Access Foundation helping us fund care for the people we serve.”

Established by the Arkansas Medical Society in 1989, the foundation is a volunteer-based medical referral program whose mission is to provide donated, non-emergency medical care to Arkansas’ low-income, medically uninsured citizens.

The “Spirit of Service” Award is given annually to a doctor, clinical nurse specialist, dentist, pharmacy, or community health center that best represents the commitment of serving uninsured Arkansans experiencing financial hardship.

“We are excited about the UAMS AHEC Southwest being selected due to the large number of Arkansans served,” said Kalena Jones, executive director of the Arkansas Health Care Access Foundation.

UAMS AHEC Southwest is home to three primary care clinics, a regional cancer registry, community education programs, and the largest medical library between Dallas and Little Rock. This combination of service and education improves the health for rural Arkansans while also providing needed experience and training.

The AHEC program was started in 1973 through the efforts of then-Gov. Dale Bumpers, the Arkansas Legislature and UAMS.