LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A new statewide program is aiming to improve maternal and infant health in Arkansas, one of the states with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the country.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has launched a three-tiered initiative through its new program, Arkansas Center for Women & Infants’ Health.

It offers vital resources to new mothers and babies during the critical postpartum period.

“We received this grant as a congressional earmark from Senator Boozman, who really wanted to help move the statistics,” said Dr. Nirvana Manning, executive director of the center.

The program’s first tier is focused on equity in education. UAMS is standardizing postpartum education across the state to ensure that families in every corner of Arkansas receive the same high-quality information about caring for both mother and baby.

“We don’t want someone in one part of the state to get more or different or better information than another part of the state,” Manning explained.

The second tier provides families with infant supply kits packed with essentials to help ease the transition from hospital to home.

“It just kind of helps with those immediate postpartum needs, navigating some of the unexpected things that you may need,” said Manning.

Included in the kits are bright “I Gave Birth” bracelets—more than just a keepsake. These bracelets serve as visual alerts to healthcare providers and emergency responders, signaling that the wearer recently gave birth and may still be at risk for complications.

A QR code on the bracelet links to a digital resource hub accessible to both patients and their families.

The third tier of the initiative is perhaps the most proactive: a postpartum call center.

Instead of waiting for families to seek help, UAMS providers will reach out to check in on physical health, mental wellbeing, and access to basic necessities.

“We’re going through some health care things, but also social determinants of health,” Manning said. “Do you need diapers? Do you need mental health care? Do we need help reapplying for insurance?”

The goal is to “wrap around these moms and patients where they need it most,” she added.

The pilot program has already launched at UAMS in Little Rock, with plans to expand to all 33 birthing centers across the state by the end of summer.

Organizers say they will tailor efforts to meet the unique needs of each community, particularly in healthcare deserts where access to maternal services is limited.

To learn more about resources or the new initiative, visit MyArkansasBirth.org.

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