Farm Bureau commits $500,000 to UAMS programs

The Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation recently pledged $500,000 to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to mark the 35th anniversary of the Medical Applications of Science for Health, creating the Arkansas Farm Bureau Annual Fund for Excellence.

The MASH program is a free two-week summer enrichment camp allowing high school students to learn more about health career options. Students engage in team-building exercises, go on local field trips, and attend workshops and shadow healthcare professionals. Activities include CPR training and a heart disease and suturing workshop.

Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation’s gift is proof of is steadfast commitment to health care in Arkansas, and we are grateful that we can count on them as partners,” says Dr. Richard Turnage, vice chancellor for UAMS Regional Campuses. “I would also like to acknowledge Arkansas Farm Bureau’s longtime support of programs like MASH, which are integral pieces in the Regional Campuses’ pipeline-to-practice strategy in creating the state’s next generation of health care professionals.”

Students must own a 2.75 GPA or higher and have completed at least one biology class to be considered for the camp. Letters of recommendation, extra-curricular activities, leadership, awards, and an essay describing the student’s desire to attend the program and pursue a career in healthcare are used in selecting participants.

Hosted by one of UAMS’ Regional Campuses and/or a community partner, the summer camp introduces about 600 students entering grades 11 and 12 to health care careers, including physicians, nurses, physician assistants, medical and radiologic technologists, respiratory therapist, pharmacists, and dieticians.

“For 30 years, we have helped underwrite camps at locations throughout Arkansas, which are designed to expose students to health care professions,” says sixthgeneration farmer and Arkansas Farm Bureau president Rich Hillman. “This commitment will grow that mission further and improve rural health care, which means Arkansas’ communities are strengthened.”

MASH was piloted in Pine Bluff in 1988 and has since expanded to 34 locations across Arkansas and been replicated in other states. •