ANPA Member Spotlight: Crystal Marcussen, APRN

Today we’re proud to shine a light on ANPA member Crystal Marcussen.  She received the Heartland Whole Health Institute Bridge Award for her extraordinary leadership in transforming prenatal care access for women in rural East Arkansas.   

 

Crystal is an obstetrics and gynecology nurse practitioner with the UAMS Health Women and Infants Service Line, has taken on a groundbreaking role leading the Mobile Health Unit serving Helena and surrounding communities. Thanks to her dedication, women who once faced four-hour round trips, missed work, and costly childcare now receive the same high‑quality prenatal care offered in Little Rock—right in their own communities.

In just over a year, Crystal has supported numerous high‑risk pregnancies, ensuring women receive earlier and more consistent prenatal services that improve outcomes for both mothers and babies. Her close collaboration with Dr. Nirvana Manning and the UAMS high‑risk pregnancy team has created seamless pathways to specialty care when needed, effectively bridging the gap between rural communities and advanced medical support.

Under Crystal’s leadership, the Mobile Health Unit has grown into far more than a clinical space. It has become a trusted community hub, connecting patients with transportation, prenatal vitamins, nutritious food, and essential local resources that support healthy pregnancies.

Demand for services has increased so much that Crystal has doubled the number of days dedicated to East Arkansas. Women return not only for the care, but for the dignity, trust, and compassion she brings to every encounter.

Krista Langston, Executive Director at UAMS, shared it best:

“Crystal represents the very best of what health care should be. Her courage, expertise, and commitment have transformed access to prenatal care for women who had been without it—changing lives for mothers and infants in underserved communities.”

Crystal’s work truly embodies the spirit of the Bridge Award—meeting people where they are, removing barriers to care, and building lasting pathways to better health for Arkansas families.

Congratulations Crystal!

****Do you know a ANPA  who should be featured or do you want to be featured on our page? Follow this link to help us celebrate the great Nurse Practitioners across Arkansas by sharing the link to complete an interview.

Also, we’d love to hear about NPs making an impact in your area! Share their recognition with us at webmaster@anpassociation.org so we can help shine a spotlight on their incredible achievements