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Health
MEI is dedicated to assisting with the many health challenges faced by our Marshallese community, particularly those rooted in the historical ramifications of nuclear testing and the persistent healthcare disparities that have emerged as a result.
MEI has worked in the health area for years with partners including the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Heartland Regional Genetics Network, and the Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). Our involvement in health intensified during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when we provided information to prevent COVID's spread and promote vaccination. Since then, MEI has branched out into areas such as disability awareness, general healthcare access, and newborn screening (NBS).
As part of a larger program that included language access, MEI partnered with the University of Arkansas's Partners and Seso, Inc., to offer an interpreter training program geared to community and education interpreting for families with a child with a disability. Funded by the Governor's Council on Disabilities, the Marshallese Interpreting for Community Interaction project was a six year program (2020-2026) that trained over 100 Marshallese interpreters, and provided workshops for Marshallese families to help them understand the types of disability and resources available. MEI has continued and expanded the program through our Bridging Worlds project.
Additionally, MEI worked extensively with Heartland Regional Genetics to help Marshallese community members access healthcare in the United States. We also partnered to educate about NBS and its benefits. In 2024, MEI began collaborating with the Marshall Islands Ministry of Health through a U.S. Department of Health grant to provide the Marshall Islands with its first NBS program. The program will help identify abnormalities not easily recognizable at birth so that families may seek treatment options to prevent chronic conditions and potentially long-term disability from developing.
From left, MEI's program coordinator Carlnis Jerry poses with attendees at a NBS educational outreach event in Majuro; the MEI team at training events held in Majuro with hospital staff. The NBS program is expected to launch in Majuro and Ebeye in late 2026.
Diabetes Self-Management
The Family Diabetes Self-Management Education program is a multiyear program led by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in partnership with MEI. This culturally tailored program addresses the high rates of type 2 diabetes within Marshallese communities. By integrating family support and community engagement, the program creates a supportive environment that enhances diabetes management and improves overall health outcomes. Participants receive educational resources and practical strategies that empower them to adopt healthier lifestyles, including nutritious eating habits and regular physical activity.
Food Security
MEI is dedicated to tackling food security as part of its broader mission to support the Marshallese community, particularly in Northwest Arkansas. MEI collaborates with local organizations, healthcare providers, and researchers to improve access to nutritious foods. Additionally, MEI partners with local food pantries and assists community members in understanding and applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). MEI also assists with Medicaid enrollment and helps community members with access to resources to improve overall health outcomes.
Disability Access
MEI's Bridging Worlds project assists Marshallese families with a child with a disability. Through support from the Arconic Foundation, MEI is providing assistance to local Marshallese families to help them better understand disability and identify resources. Due to a lack of information and resources about disability in the home Islands, many who migrate to the U.S. are often unaware of the types of disability that exist or the resources available to them. The Bridging Worlds project educates about disability and advocates for the community, assists with identifying and accessing resources, supports school to family communication, and provides professional development for school staff and educators.