UAMS Gap Services

03/16/2026

03/12/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the UAMS DFPM Research & Evaluation Division (RED)! 🎉

The journal AIDS Care: Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV recently published an article authored by Maya McBride, D**g Zhang, Courtney Hampton, and LaTunja Sockwell from the UAMS Department of Family & Preventive Medicine – Research and Evaluation Division (RED).

Their article, “The Association of Externalized HIV Stigma and the Engagement in Risky Sexual Behaviors among Young African Americans in the South,” highlights important findings showing that individuals with lower levels of HIV-related stigma were less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.

Research like this plays a critical role in helping communities better understand how stigma impacts health behaviors and informs strategies to improve HIV prevention, education, and care across the South.

👏 We are proud to see the impactful work of RED staff contributing to the advancement of public health and health equity.

📖 Read the full article here:
https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2026.2626764

02/21/2026

UAMS Gap Services on the Move!

The UAMS GAP Services Office was honored to participate in today’s Health Fair hosted at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Yorktown, AR from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The event, led by dedicated medical students from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, provided free health screenings, valuable wellness education, and important community resource information. Our GAP Services team was proud to support this effort by sharing prevention resources, offering health education materials, and connecting community members to local services.

It was truly encouraging to see such a strong turnout and engagement from the Yorktown community. Attendees enjoyed not only the helpful health information and screenings, but also fellowship and refreshments in a welcoming environment.

Thank you to the UAMS medical students and community partners who made this event a success. We are always grateful for opportunities to serve, educate, and uplift our rural communities. 💙

02/21/2026

The UAMS Gap Services team is on the move today.

Meet Courtney Hampton in Star City or LaTunja Sockwell in Arkadelphia.

We would love to see you there!

02/20/2026

🌍💜 Today we honor the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women and girls everywhere.

In celebration of International Women’s Day – March 8, 2026, UAMS GAP Services is committed to advancing health equity and improving access to care for women and girls across Arkansas and beyond.

Women’s health remains a priority in 2026. Key reminders:

❤️ Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women — know your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar).
🩺 Stay up to date on preventive screenings, including breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings.
🧠 Mental health matters — depression and anxiety disproportionately impact women. Seek support and check in on one another.
🌸 Reproductive and maternal health care access continues to be essential for women and families.
💉 Stay current on recommended vaccines, including HPV and flu protection.

When women and girls thrive, families and communities thrive.

Today and every day, we celebrate the power of women and reaffirm our commitment to improving health outcomes for all.

02/10/2026

💙 National Donor Day | February 14

February 14th is National Donor Day, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the lifesaving impact of organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelet, and marrow donation.

Established in 1998, National Donor Day focuses on education and action — encouraging individuals to register and support the Five Points of Life. One decision can save and heal countless lives.

The UAMS GAP Service Office is proud to support efforts that strengthen awareness, access, and healthier outcomes for our communities.

💙 Consider learning more about donation and how you can help give the gift of life.

02/10/2026

The UAM Gap Services team is at Philander Smith College with a host of other community providers.

Please come by between 10-2pm to access any of the free resources

02/06/2026

February 7 marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a moment to recognize the continued, disproportionate impact of HIV on Black communities across the U.S.

In 2023, Black people accounted for 38% of new HIV diagnoses and 39% of people living with HIV, despite representing just 12% of the U.S. population. Among adolescents and young adults, nearly half of all new diagnoses occurred in Black individuals, underscoring the urgency of sustained, focused action.

This , explore data and shareable resources that help deepen understanding and support progress:
https://aidsvu.org/resources/deeper-look-hiv-in-black-communities/