LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' Institute for Digital Health & Innovation has received a three-year $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to help reduce violent crime in and around Pine Bluff schools.
"Research tells us that better eating habits... along with exercise and a diet can reduce violence," Dr. Stanley Ellis said with UAMS.
According to Ellis, the increase in violent crime around Pine Bluff is no secret, so UAMS partnered with several organizations to help get those numbers down.
"We're working with the Pine Bluff School District [and] with Seed Digging, a trauma-informed care program," Ellis said. "We're also working with some other partners in Pine Bluff. The Hurricane House also has programs... they have different sessions for students."
Ellis said Pine Bluff is the latest school district to add the Starlite program, which is in place to empower students to overcome emotional and behavioral struggles.
"Improving their physical activity," Ellis said. "Also, ensure they're eating right... they'll be training professionals to aid them with mitigating the anger issues they may have, whether those issues are towards themselves or someone else."
One day, these kids will be adults, and Ellis said building trusted organizations in their community is a step toward saving a life.
"When the students are happier, they're not necessarily causing issues in the home, school, or community," Ellis said. "That being the case, that's less of a burden on the parents and those award caregivers of those students. In addition, it's less of a burden on the community itself."
With this grant, Ellis said, it builds a tremendous dynamic relationship with the community, the schools and the students.
"We're working with the schools to create, or help, them improve their school safety plan," Ellis said. "It's about the students, the school itself, and we're just trying to make life about the students."