Founded in 2019 by philanthropist Alice Walton, the non-profit Institute addresses physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being by working with health systems, partners, employers, and communities to:
> Build innovative approaches to care.
> Amplify research and best practices.
> Advocate for policies and models that allow whole health approaches to be financially sustainable.
> Create and test novel solutions designed to scale
> Design an integrated whole health strategy in the community to serve as a model for other regions
> Curate innovations and best practices developed worldwide
> Convene thought leaders to exchange ideas and problem-solve
> Conduct and support research
> Drive partners to improve payment models, coverage, and benefits design
> Provide input to policy making
> Legitimize and ground whole health approaches with clarity and evidence
The Institute considers whole health to be the flourishing of the mind, body, and spirit nurtured by personal choices consistent with what creates purpose, meaning, and belonging.
Walton’s deep commitment to building a holistic approach to health care includes a partnership with Cleveland Clinic and the Washington Regional Medical System to create a transformative health care system. As part of this effort, the Institute will assess, develop, and integrate whole health practices and services across the continuum of care for the new health system, while the School of Medicine will help establish a regional academic health system in Northwest Arkansas.
Construction of the Whole Health Institute facility is underway with the goal of opening in 2024. The 75,000 square-foot building includes office space and community gathering areas designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects. Whole Health Institute will be located on the campus of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
A sister, non-profit organization, Whole Health School of Medicine was announced in 2021 as a medical degree-granting school also based in Bentonville. The curriculum will combine conventional medicine with integrative techniques based on whole health principles. The School of Medicine will be a national medical school and is currently seeking programmatic and institutional accreditation with the goal of welcoming its inaugural class in 2025. Learn more at wholehealthmed.org
