Behavioral Health 2025 Champions — recognized Arkansas legislators: Rep. Brendon Achor, Rep. Brian Evans, Rep. Carlton Wing, Rep. Jason Nazarenko, Rep. Julie Mayberry, Rep. Karilyn Brown, Rep. Les Eaves, Rep. Mark Perry, Rep. Matthew Brown, Rep. Rick Beck, Rep. Roger Lynch, Rep. Stan Berry, Rep. Stephen Magie, Rep. Jamie Scott, Rep. Mary Bentley, Sen. Jonathon Dismang, Sen. Breanne Davis, Sen. Jane English, Sen. Mark Johnson, Sen. Missy Irvin, Rep. Joey L. Carr, Rep. Francis Cavenaugh, Rep. Jessie McGruder, Rep. Jim Wooten, Rep. Johnny Rye, Rep. Lincoln Barnett, Rep. Steve Hollowel, Rep. Trey Steimel, Rep. Dwight Tosh, Rep. Jeremy Wooldridge, Rep. Jimmy Gazaway, Rep. Jon Milligan, Sen. Ronald Murdock, Sen. Blake Johnson, Sen. Dan Sullivan, Sen. Jonathon Dismang, Sen. Ron Caldwell, Rep. James Eaton, Rep. Randy Torres, Rep. Ron McNair, Rep. David Whitaker, Rep. Denise Garner, Rep. Harlan Breaux, Rep. John P. Carr, Rep. Kendra Moore, Rep. Nicole Clowney, Rep. R. Scott Richardson, Rep. Stetson Painter, Rep. Steve Unger, Sen. Bart Hester, Sen. Greg Leding, Sen. Scott Flippo, Rep. Rebecca Burkes, Rep. Nick Burkes, Rep. Jack Ladyman, Rep. Robin Lundstrum, Rep. Shad Pearce, Rep. Bart Schulz, Rep. Stephen Walker, Sen. Dave Wallace, Rep. David Whitaker, Rep. Diana Gonzales-Worthen, Sen. Dave Wallace, Rep. Terry Rice, Rep. Jim Petty, Rep. Brad Hall.

The Arkansas Council for Behavioral Health is honoring Arkansas Legislators in the Arisa Health coverage area that are Behavioral Health Champions for 2025. These legislators were instrumental in getting the following legislation passed as they supported each of the bills which are now law:

• HB1559 ACT 632 (McGrew)- An Act to provide coverage for Inpatient Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
• HB1171 ACT 625 (K Moore/ Irvin)- An Act to modify the Independent Assessment tool
• HB1622 ACT 635 (Gramlich)- An Act to make Rule Enforcement Actions Appealable
• HB1256 ACT 231- (Wooldridge) An Act to create a provisional license for Counselors
• SB554 ACT 1022 (Tucker)- An Act to create a program that would fund BH Workforce Development

Event: Arisa Health — Fall Family Festival. Date: Monday, October 27, 2025. Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Location: 110 Skyline Drive, Russellville, AR (Arisa Health). Activities: Trunk or Treat, music, games. Cost: Free and open to everyone. Note: Water filling station available—bring reusable water bottles. Contact: Anna — This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Event: Aiming for Arisa — Trap Shoot Tournament benefitting behavioral health, presented by Signature Bank. Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025. Location: Jonesboro Shooting Sports Complex, 3702 Moore Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401. Prizes: Individual shooter 1st prize $100. Team prizes: 1st $500, 2nd $250, 3rd $125. Entry: $1,000 for a team of 5. Safety sponsorships available for $250. Format: 2 rounds of trap, 50 shots total. 12- or 20-gauge allowed. Contact: Anna — This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 479-750-2020 ext. 7224 for sponsorship or event questions.

Graphic announcing the Arkansas Council for Behavioral Health’s ‘Kathleen Peek Lifetime Achievement Award’ for Dr. Laura H. Tyler, LPC, Ph.D. Text states: ‘We are beyond proud to share that our CEO, Laura H. Tyler, LPC, Ph.D., was honored with the Kathleen Peek Community and Advocacy Life Achievement Award at this year’s Arkansas Behavioral Health Institute. This award recognizes Dr. Tyler’s unwavering dedication to advancing behavioral health care, championing access, and leading with compassion across our 41-county service area. Congratulations, Dr. Tyler! Your vision and heart continue to inspire us all.’ Small caption: ‘Arisa Chief Clinical Officer Brian Davis introduced and presented Dr. Tyler with the award.’ On the right, a photo shows Brian Davis and Dr. Tyler; Dr. Tyler holds a clear glass award.

Arisa Health has collaborated with Springdale Public Schools providing School Based services for over 25 years. Mr. Damon Donnell has been a key partner for much of that time. Our collaboration has led to enhanced services, supports, and access to critical needs of our clients and families. In the 2024–2025 school year we were able to serve 1,689 Springdale students on their school campus through our School Based program and 19 Springdale students in our Therapeutic Day Treatment program thanks to our work together. Mr. Donnell focuses on allowing all students to have access to the supports they need to be successful. He is dedicated to identifying any barriers or challenges, reaching out to problem-solve together, and following up to implement solutions that will have positive outcomes for all involved. Over the years, Mr. Donnell has supported our growth in expanding services, partnering on new programming, and providing behavioral health training and education to school district personnel. We are incredibly grateful for our work together to transform communities one life at a time.

Corporal Jeania Byrd has served as a deputy sheriff for nearly 20 years and has been the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator for the past four years, facilitating collaboration between law enforcement and mental health services. In this position, Deputy Byrd has become a champion of CIT and serves her community and profession with distinction. She trains officers and dispatchers in CIT and has built rapport with community members facing mental health challenges. She pioneered the Co-Responding approach, integrating therapists with law enforcement during mental health calls, and has trained multiple clinicians and intern students in this model, effectively assessing and supporting individuals in crisis rather than resorting to jail. Arisa Health presents this award recognizing Deputy Jeania Byrd for her commitment to helping vulnerable, sometimes forgotten individuals in our community and for bridging the gap between law enforcement and community mental health.

Arisa Health — RECOVERY JAMBOREE. Location: Minnie Harris Park, 401 S. Walnut St., Harrison, AR 72601. Headline: Food | Fun | Recovery. Join us to learn more about Arisa’s Recovery and Addiction Services. Date and time: 9.13.2025, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Admission: Free. Activities: Food trucks; Family fun & games; Speakers; Live entertainment; Door prizes; Resources.

Ozark Guidance/Arisa Health Psychiatrist Dr. Travis W. Jenkins will be retiring this week after 52 years of service to the organization.

Dr. Jenkins was officially hired on September 10th, 1973, as Clinical Director and was the 4th employee of Ozark Guidance. During his distinguished career, Dr. Jenkins served as the Chief Medical Officer for Ozark Guidance and worked closely with Dr. David L. Williams, the long-time CEO of the organization. Together, they built a solid foundation that has been instrumental in shaping Arisa Health into the respected and leading mental health organization it is today. In 2023, the Center for Children and Families building at Arisa Health’s headquarters campus was rededicated and renamed in honor of Dr. Jenkins.

Dr. Jenkins earned his undergraduate degree at Harding College, attended UAMS, interned in Biloxi MS, and completed his residency at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Prior to joining Ozark Guidance, Dr. Jenkins’ military career included training at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, rising to the rank of Captain. Dr. Jenkins served in the Medical Corps, assisting with Medical Evacuation Flights during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Japan during his tenure with the Air Force serving at one of Japan’s emergency defense bases.

Over the years, Dr. Jenkins has been recognized for his service, receiving the Falk Fellowship Award by the American Psychiatric Association, the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Arkansas Council of Community Mental Health Centers, and was recognized as Exemplary Psychiatrist by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Arisa Health CEO Dr. Laura Tyler said of Dr. Jenkins, “His unwavering commitment to improving the lives of countless individuals has left an indelible mark on the field of mental health and well-being. Dr. Jenkins has been a beacon of hope for those facing obstacles and barriers to living their best lives, providing care, guidance, and compassion to all those he has served. Additionally, Dr. Jenkins has been a gifted teacher and trainer to countless mental health professionals, from entry level therapists to psychiatrists.”

At a retirement ceremony on Friday, April 4, colleagues, friends, and the community celebrated Dr. Jenkins' extraordinary legacy and the positive impact he has had on countless lives.