Village Public Health and Wellness Center, owned by Quinyatta Mumford, is dedicated to addressing the health and wellness needs of individuals aged 13-24 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mumford, a seasoned public health practitioner since 2004, has transformed her passion into a mission-driven business aimed at bridging the gap between healthcare and public health.

Mumford’s journey began with federal and state government roles, where she made significant strides during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work involved setting up and training call centers, collaborating with officials and enhancing the public health response. This experience deepened her commitment to the health and well-being of young people, especially those affected by environmental exposures.

In her early career, Mumford worked with the lead poisoning prevention program, identifying a critical gap between healthcare and public health. Physicians could treat lead poisoning, but unless the source of exposure was addressed, children remained at risk. Her approach involved working with physicians to mitigate these environmental risks, educating families, and advocating for young individuals.

Her work extended to designing interventions for the Marshallese population. From tackling the 2013 Mayflower oil spill to addressing various state incidents, Mumford’s efforts consistently aimed at creating healthier communities.

In 2018, she founded Mumford & Associates, initially providing in-office health education and promotion in collaboration with physicians in Little Rock. The goal was to enhance patient adherence to medical protocols and improve overall healthcare quality. However, Mumford realized that the essence of community was missing, particularly for the youth. This realization led to the creation of the Village Public Health and Wellness Center in 2024.

Village Public Health’s approach is rooted in community-based participatory research, ensuring the target population is actively engaged. Mumford uses a peer-to-peer model to resonate with adolescents and young adults, making health education both culturally sensitive and relevant.

Before scaling her business, Mumford sought consulting to better understand her financial projections. Connecting with the Entrepreneurship Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) proved to be a turning point for her business.

She credits CU, along with Senior Management Consultant Rhett Douglas and Management Consultant Barretta Robinson, for helping her navigate the complexities of running a business. They assisted her with understanding financial statements and provided financial analysis of her contracts.

CU assigned Mumford to a Learning Management System (LMS) course to ensure she could better understand financial documents. From helping her understand financial projections to signing a lease for her new building, CU provided the support Mumford needed to sustain and grow her business. “I tell them they’re not going to get rid of me because they’re my cousins now,” she jokes, highlighting the genuine relationship they’ve built.

With a strategic growth plan and a new business name, Village Public Health and Wellness Center is set to expand its initiatives. A contract grant from the Arkansas Department of Health allows Mumford to focus on HIV education and prevention, a critical area for the 13-24 age group.

The center’s new office, opening on Aug. 1, 2024, will offer health education, promotion, coaching, life skill development, and career exploration. As the center continues to expand, the support from CU and the dedication of its founder ensures a brighter, healthier future for the youth of Little Rock.

“At the end of the day, we strive to be an integral part of the community, offering resources to bridge gaps in health and wellness. I see Communities Unlimited being a big part of our journey as we continue to expand and grow.”