Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Institute for Digital Health & Innovation has embarked on a significant initiative to boost safety in Little Rock schools, thanks to a substantial grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. A three-year, $1.9 million funding package will support the creation of the Little Rock Violence Intervention and Safety Innovative Outreach Network (LR VISION), a program designed to implement advanced safety measures and educational training across local educational institutions.
Courtesy of UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation FB page
LR VISION aims to utilize cutting-edge technology and strategic interventions to enhance the security and safety of school environments. Among its key features are behavioral threat assessments that will help in early identification and management of potential threats. This proactive approach is complemented by the development of campus digital mapping to improve the efficacy of emergency responses.
Furthermore, the program will introduce anonymous reporting systems. These platforms will allow students and staff to report concerns safely and confidentially, ensuring that issues can be addressed swiftly without fear of reprisal. Comprehensive site assessments will also be conducted to pinpoint and mitigate safety vulnerabilities within school infrastructures.
To bolster the effectiveness of these measures, LR VISION is set to create a digital learning platform specifically tailored for school faculty and staff. This platform will provide virtual training and education, leveraging the expertise of the UAMS Arkansas Trauma Resource Initiative for Schools to deliver trauma-informed training. This initiative recognizes the complex impact of violence and trauma on educational environments and aims to equip school personnel with the knowledge and skills to handle such challenges effectively.
An advisory council, comprising teachers, students, and community representatives from each school, will play a crucial role in guiding the program. This council will ensure that the voice of the community is integral in shaping the strategies and interventions employed by LR VISION.
The Little Rock School District, which encompasses 42 campuses serving over 20,000 students, will directly benefit from this enhanced safety framework. Key local institutions including the City of Little Rock, the Little Rock Police and Fire Departments, and Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services are collaborating to support this initiative, reflecting a comprehensive community effort to safeguard schools.
“Through LR VISION, we aim to foster a safe, nurturing educational environment that supports the well-being and academic success of all students,” said Julie Trammell Sheppard, project director for LR VISION and grant manager with the institute. “By integrating technological innovation, professional training and community involvement, we believe this project will make a lasting impact and lead to positive outcomes.”
