Morehead-Cain Scholars Complete Summer Civic Collaboration Program

A Summer of Inquiry, Innovation, and Impact 

This summer, Heartland Whole Health Institute welcomed a dynamic team of Morehead-Cain Scholars from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for an immersive eight-week Civic Collaboration Program. From May 27 to July 18, 2025, the Scholars brought fresh perspectives and innovative thinking to the challenge of advancing whole person health in rural communities across Northwest Arkansas. 

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is a prestigious full-ride award that covers tuition, room, board, books, fees, and even a laptop, empowering students to pursue transformative experiences like this one. At Heartland Whole Health Institute, the Scholars applied their talents to real-world fieldwork, exploring how whole person health frameworks can better serve rural populations. 

Weeks 1–3: Groundwork and Discovery
The Scholars began with a deep dive into rural health literature and whole person care models. They met with key internal and external stakeholders and conducted independent research to understand the landscape. By Week 3, they had developed an integrative interview framework – a creative approach that went beyond traditional question-and-answer format. Scholars created unique tools like a health care priorities bingo board, spatial mapping exercises, and wellbeing recipe cards to help participants articulate their health experiences and needs in more engaging and meaningful ways. 

Week 4: Community Immersion 

Scholars volunteered at a local food bank and began tabling at the Samaritan Center and Bentonville Public Library to connect directly with community members. They conducted interviews using their interactive tools to gather insights from individuals accessing services and needs. 

Weeks 5–6: Clinical Engagement and Creative Outreach
The Scholars visited rural clinics in West Fork, Elkins, and Pea Ridge, interviewing both clinicians and patients—with full consent and sensitivity to privacy. They also participated in an arts-and-medicine experience with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Their outreach continued through tabling events at the Samaritan Center and NWA Food Bank, and even at Bentonville’s First Friday, where they partnered with Crystal Bridges’ Mobile Art Lab to engage attendees in health conversations. By the end of Week 6, the team had conducted 90 verbal interviews, plus 46 patient interactions with the visual aids. 

Week 7: Designing Solutions 
With a wealth of insights in hand, the Scholars narrowed their focus to actionable interventions. They evaluated feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with rural values and systems. Their goal: to propose solutions that are innovative, financially viable, and responsive to both clinical and lifestyle health needs.  

Week 8: Final Deliverables
The Scholars presented their findings and proposed a visionary concept called the Wellness Habitat, composed of three interconnected initiatives: 

• Wellness on Wheels: A mobile unit bringing whole health services directly to rural communities. 
• Wellness Vending Machine: A self-service station offering wellness tools and resources across mental and physical health. 
• Wellness Box: A curated kit delivered to individuals, containing items that support lifestyle medicine and holistic wellbeing. 

Their final presentation showcased not only their research and creativity but also their commitment to equity, empathy, and innovation in rural health care. 

My eight weeks at the Heartland Whole Health Institute was a whirlwind of learning experiences, transformative friendships, and professional development. It was an absolute privilege to spend my summer working alongside such incredible groups, and I will be forever thankful for such a joyous, enriching, and memorable experience.

-Gabriella Del Rio (’28)

“Leading the Morehead-Cain Scholars this year has been one of the most fulfilling opportunities in my career thus far. The Civic Collaboration Program is not only transformative for the scholars, but for every host organization that has the opportunity to address community needs through the eyes of the future generation of leaders.”

– Kenny Vermilion, Community Engagement Coordinator, Heartland Whole Health Institute