Little Rock, ARK – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Institute for Digital Health & Innovation has been awarded a three-year, $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to launch an innovative emergency response program designed to bolster safety in Little Rock schools. The initiative, known as the Little Rock Violence Intervention and Safety Innovative Outreach Network (LR VISION), aims to integrate advanced safety technologies and educational programs to address growing security concerns within the Little Rock School District.
Julie Trammell Sheppard, the project director for LR VISION, underscored the program’s focus on proactive safety measures. Sheppard, a former public school educator and administrator, expressed her commitment to creating a safer learning environment where both students and staff feel secure and supported. “The goal is to create an environment where every student and staff member feels secure and cared for,” Sheppard said. “It’s exciting to be part of something that provides the district with the tools to create meaningful change and build a stronger, safer community for everyone.”
The LR VISION program will introduce a range of advanced safety measures to the district’s 42 campuses, which collectively serve over 20,000 students. Key components of the initiative include behavioral threat assessments to help identify and intervene in potential security threats early. Additionally, the program will implement digital campus mapping, confidential reporting systems, and site assessments to prioritize and address specific security concerns across school infrastructures.
“We are grateful to have been awarded these funds by the Department of Justice and look forward to improving safety infrastructure in our partner schools,” said Dr. Joseph Sanford, director of the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation. Sanford emphasized the importance of strengthening the district’s safety framework and ensuring schools are prepared to handle emergencies effectively.
The project also highlights a collaborative approach to school safety, with the Little Rock Police Department, Fire Department, and Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services playing key supporting roles. These agencies will work alongside UAMS to create a comprehensive safety network designed to respond to potential threats and emergencies across the district.
In addition to physical safety measures, the LR VISION initiative will provide trauma-informed training for school faculty and staff. The UAMS Arkansas Trauma Resource Initiative for Schools will lead these training sessions, ensuring that educators and administrators are equipped with the knowledge and tools to address the psychological and emotional needs of students. A digital learning platform will also be developed to offer virtual training, making it easier for school staff to access critical resources.
A dedicated advisory council, consisting of teachers, students, and community members from each school, will be established to provide ongoing guidance and support throughout the program. This inclusive approach ensures that the needs of all stakeholders are taken into account when implementing safety protocols and resources.
Little Rock School District Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with UAMS and the Department of Justice. “We deeply appreciate our partnership with UAMS and the support from the Department of Justice in launching LR VISION, a program that aligns seamlessly with our mission to foster safe, supportive, and nurturing environments for students,” Wright said. “By integrating advanced safety technologies and providing professional development in trauma-informed practices, this initiative will equip our staff with tools and expertise to better support our students’ needs.”
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. also voiced his support for the initiative, calling LR VISION “another critical piece to the quilt of solutions we have created through a holistic, inclusive approach to violence reduction in Arkansas’s capital city.”
As the LR VISION program gets underway, the Little Rock School District is poised to benefit from a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to school safety, ensuring that students, staff, and the wider community have the support and resources needed to face potential threats and emergencies with confidence.