Holly Caroline Felix

Holly Caroline Felix is a Professor in the Department of Health Policy & Management at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Public Health. Her research focuses on health disparities, particularly among Marshallese populations, with expertise in diabetes management, obesity research, and nursing home care quality.

Dr. Felix's research interests span health policy, diabetes management, obesity research, health disparities (particularly among Marshallese populations), nursing home care, community health, and telehealth implementation. Her work often examines the intersection of food insecurity and chronic disease management, with a strong emphasis on culturally appropriate interventions for underserved populations. She employs community-based participatory research approaches to develop and evaluate interventions that address health disparities in vulnerable communities.

Her recent publications demonstrate a clear focus on diabetes management in Marshallese populations, obesity in nursing home settings, and the impact of healthcare policy changes on vulnerable populations. The research shows consistent attention to health disparities, with particular emphasis on Pacific Islander communities and rural populations in Arkansas. Her work often incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, combining health services research, epidemiology, and community engagement methods.

Dr. Felix has received significant funding as Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants, including R01DK128145 for evaluating diabetes self-management education in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and R01NR019487 for home food delivery interventions for diabetes management in rural clinics. Her collaborative research approach is evident in numerous co-investigator roles on projects addressing health disparities, Medicaid policy changes, and community health initiatives.

As a mentor, Dr. Felix has guided numerous students and early-career researchers, particularly in community-based participatory research methods. Her work with the Marshallese community in Arkansas has led to the development of culturally tailored diabetes prevention and management programs, demonstrating her commitment to addressing health disparities through sustainable, community-driven solutions.