Suzanne McCarthy's Legacy in Arkansas Public Health and Policy Reform

Suzanne McCarthy, a pioneering figure in Arkansas public health and cofounder of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI), passed away at age 75. McCarthy's extensive career bridged clinical nursing, public health education, and health policy advocacy, making significant contributions to Arkansas's healthcare landscape. She was instrumental in enacting key public health initiatives such as the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act, the Clean Indoor Air Act, and the establishment of the state's graduated driver’s licensing system. Her work helped direct tobacco settlement funds towards health improvement programs and supported reforms including the Arkansas Medicaid expansion program. McCarthy's leadership at ACHI, an independent health policy center, guided efforts to enhance health equity, efficiency, and transparency in healthcare in Arkansas. Her legacy endures through the programs and policies that continue to influence public health outcomes in the state.