Little Rock, Ark. - On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Minority Health Commission will host its 9th Biennial Minority Health Summit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Little Rock Event Center, 120 N. Main Street. This year's theme is "A Bridge to Care: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Heart Health in Minority Arkansans," featuring a lineup of local, state, and national leaders. The event will commemorate National Minority Health Month and the commission's 35th anniversary.

The event's keynote speaker is Dr. Anthony Fletcher, M.D., an Interventional Cardiologist with CHI St. Vincent Medical Group and President of the Association of Black Cardiologists. His address will be followed by a Fireside Chat moderated by Walter Harris, the retired CEO of the Heartland Whole Health Institute. Additionally, a special panel will discuss multidisciplinary approaches to care, featuring Dr. Lanita White, CEO, Community Health Centers of Arkansas, Troy Wells, CEO, Baptist Health, Dr. Lowry Barnes, Chancellor, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Bruce Murphy, CEO, Arkansas Heart Hospital, and Nikki Smith, Executive Director, American Heart Association.

Other scheduled sessions will cover the impact of heart disease on maternal health, the effects of tobacco and nutrition on the heart, the link between oral and cardiac health, and the personal journey of two brothers living with heart disease. Both in-person and livestream options are available. Attendees can secure their spot by registering here.

Click here to view in Spanish.