Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Honors Two Leaders

The board recognizes Terry Fiddler and Suzanne McCarthy for their significant contributions to state public health.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy

Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Honors Two Leaders

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The Arkansas Center for Health Improvement has presented the Dr. Tom Bruce Arkansas Health Impact Award to Terry Fiddler and Suzanne McCarthy. The honor acknowledges their dedication to improving the health outcomes of residents across the state.

Why it matters

This award highlights individuals whose long-term efforts provide essential health services to underserved populations. Recognizing such contributions underscores the critical role of philanthropic initiatives in maintaining public health standards.

The Arkansas Mission of Mercy has delivered $25 million in dental services to nearly 30,000 patients. Terry Fiddler has been involved with the organization for 20 years and has served as executive director since 2013.

The players

Arkansas Center for Health Improvement

This independent, nonpartisan organization is dedicated to improving the health of Arkansans through research and policy analysis.

Terry Fiddler

He is the executive director of the Arkansas Mission of Mercy and has been a central figure in the organization for two decades.

Suzanne McCarthy

She was honored alongside Fiddler for her significant impact on the health of the community.

Arkansas Mission of Mercy

This program provides essential dental services to underserved residents through large-scale annual clinics.

The details

The Arkansas Mission of Mercy utilizes annual clinics to deliver free dental care to underserved Arkansans. This model has served as a cornerstone for addressing oral health disparities throughout the state.

Terry Fiddler began his involvement with the Arkansas Mission of Mercy in 2006.
Fiddler assumed the role of executive director in 2013.
The board presented the award on October 27, 2026.

Market Landscape

The presentation of the Dr. Tom Bruce Arkansas Health Impact Award continues a tradition of recognizing leaders who strengthen the state's health infrastructure. This acknowledgment reinforces the sector's reliance on private leadership to supplement public health efforts.

The continued success of the Arkansas Mission of Mercy ensures that thousands of residents receive necessary dental care at no cost. This provides essential support for low-income families who might otherwise struggle to access basic healthcare services.

The takeaway

Philanthropic initiatives like the Arkansas Mission of Mercy demonstrate the significant impact that community-focused medical organizations have on state health. Residents can support these efforts by participating in or volunteering at regional health clinics.