Anna Huff Davis Receives Bridge Award
On April 23, Anna Huff Davis, Community Health Worker at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), received the Heartland Whole Health Institute Bridge Award. This prestigious recognition honors individuals who exemplify what it means to bridge gaps in care — linking people, resources, and action to improve health statewide.
As one of the first Certified Community Health Workers (CHW) in the State of Arkansas, Anna has traveled nationally and internationally to advance the CHW workforce.
With more than 30 years as a health care professional in Arkansas, Anna is a trusted leader in her Arkansas Delta community. Currently, Anna serves as a Community Liaison with UAMS where she is known across the state as an expert and advocate for CHWs in Arkansas. Anna also serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Community Health Worker Association (ARCHWA), on the Arkansas CHW Certification Commission and on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW).
Anna has advanced CHWs through developing and directing many CHW programs, including overseeing the development and implementation of Arkansas’ CHW Certification Program. She also volunteers with organizations such as the Boys, Girls, Adults Community Development Center, her church, and has served as a school board member in her community in Marvell, Arkansas.
“Anna has an ability to stay positive at the most difficult times and encourage those who may be lacking hope in dire situations. She is truly a woman of determination who never gives up because she believes things will work out, that good things are always possible. She has survived cancer twice and chose to continue working throughout her treatment process of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, all while maintaining an incredibly positive attitude and sense of humor. Anna always works to raise others up, build their capacity, and affirm their knowledge and abilities and personal lived experiences.”
Judy Pile, Executive Director, Arkansas Community Health Worker Association
Each Bridge Award recipient receives $1,000 and an invitation to an annual event with the Institute’s founder, Alice Walton, to discuss Arkansas’s health care needs and shape the award’s future.
Members of the public are encouraged to nominate recipients for the Bridge Award. Those nominating an individual should include specific and inspiring examples of why they are an excellent candidate for the award.
