Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that Dawn Stehle, Arkansas Department of Human Services Deputy Director for Health and Medicaid Director, is one of six Medicaid directors chosen to participate in the Medicaid Leadership Institute (MLI), a national initiative led by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and made possible by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The program offers a unique opportunity for Medicaid directors and their key staff from across the U.S. to enhance the skills necessary to successfully lead their state programs, impact health outcomes, and advance health equity.
“I am honored to participate in the Medicaid Leadership Institute,” Stehle said. “This program has a strong track record of helping Medicaid directors positively impact the health of those enrolled in Medicaid. It is an exciting opportunity to further strengthen our Medicaid program.”
Stehle was competitively selected to participate in the leadership development program along with five additional Medicaid directors from California, Connecticut, Idaho, South Dakota, and Utah.
“Medicaid directors and their staff have an incredible opportunity to ensure people who use Medicaid can easily access and obtain quality healthcare and related services,” said Marjorie Paloma, MPH, interim vice president, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “Medicaid plays a vital role for those facing some of the greatest social and economic inequities, and our commitment to leadership development for these state officials helps promote innovative thinking to address social and economic factors, engage with communities, and collaborate with public health and community organizations.”
During the 10-month-long program, fellows will gain skills in critical areas, including fostering delivery system innovation, leading effective multi-sector collaboration, advancing health equity for Medicaid enrollees, engaging key stakeholders, communicating the impact of their programs, and developing leaders of the future.