About Us- CHNS and CHPS
The goal of the Community Health Nurse Specialist (CHNS) and Community Health Promotion Specialist (CHPS)is to provide schools and communities with assistance and resources that will improve the health of students as well as the community as a whole in Arkansas. The CHNS primary focus is on the school nurse and the CHPS primary focus is on wellness committees. We strive to provide technical assistance to school staff as well to the community as a whole.
Who We Are |
The Community Health Nurse Specialist (CHNS) and the Community Health Promotion Specialist (CHPS) are employees of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) but contracted and housed in the education cooperative. The CHNS and CHPS are under the direction of ADH and adhere to policies and procedures of ADH. The CHNS and CHPS are under the supervision of the co-op they are housed with and the CHNS/CHPS Supervisor for ADH. The education cooperative provides administrative support and housing.
The CHNS and CHPS works with schools, wellness committees, day cares, community coalitions, health care providers, and local health unit administrators in the counties the co-op serves to improve the health of the community. |
Our History |
The Community Health Nurse Specialist was originally created in 2002 with the Master Tobacco Settlement. Since 2002, the CHNS position has evolved into a well rounded position who serves the community as a whole.
The Community Promotions Specialist was created and funded through Act 1220. Just like the CHNS position, the CHPS position has evolved from just nutrition and physical activity to the community as a whole. Our focus remains the same: Best practices for nutrition, physical activity, and no tobacco. |