News Brief: Partnering to Improve Delta Region Healthcare

Shane Speights, D.O., site dean at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State (NYITCOM at A-State), announced the formation of a new fellowship program in coordination with NYITCOM at A-State and the office of Representative Rick Crawford (AR-1).

As seen in regional news coverage, including KAIT and KASU, the program aims to improve healthcare outcomes in the Mississippi Delta region.

“We are excited to partner with Congressman Crawford’s office on this exciting endeavor,” Speights said. “This fellowship represents another step forward in bringing quality healthcare to those who need it in this region by impacting policy and ensuring federal funds are making the impact they were intended to. This is an amazing opportunity for our medical students to be on the front lines of health policy and learn firsthand how to best advocate for patients.”

Each year, one third-year medical student from NYITCOM at A-State will collaborate with Crawford’s office to identify an area of research, obtain data, and perform on-site visits to help evaluate the different funding streams provided by federal agencies that grant funding to the Mississippi Delta region. At the conclusion of the program, the student will spend time in Washington D.C., working with the representative’s office to craft potential legislation, analyze policy proposals, and leverage the resources of the office to help ensure federal funding targets needed areas.