Maternal Health Resources

According to data from the March of Dimes, a nonprofit focused on improving pregnancy outcomes, nearly half of Arkansas’s counties are maternity care deserts, or areas that do not have access to pregnancy or medical centers.

Unfortunately, The Natural State has the highest maternal mortality rate and the third-highest infant mortality rate in the nation, but efforts across the public and private sectors are underway to improve the health of moms and newborns. 

In Congress, there is bipartisan support for the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023. I’m proud to champion this legislation that would reauthorize critical research, education and intervention activities to reduce pre-mature birth and infant mortality.

Investments in research and education programs are helping provide positive outcomes, but there is more work to do. In 2021 in Arkansas, 12 percent of babies were born preterm. That’s why we need to advance policies like the PREEMIE Act that will increase opportunities for children to lead long and healthy lives.

We're working on a comprehensive solution to improved care for babies and mothers while ensuring families are aware of resources available to help provide a health start in life.

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Key Resources to help babies, moms and families

  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA): From the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), this 24/7 phone and text hotline provides free and confidential mental health support for pregnant and new moms, and referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups. Assistance is available in multiple languages. 

  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a comprehensive list of resources for free or reduced prenatal care and other healthy pregnancy resources. The personnel can connect callers with local resources. Call 1-800-311-BABY; or Spanish speakers can call 1-800-504-7081. 
     
  • Arkansas State hotline 800-235-0002 can help with information and assistance with health services for pregnant women, maternal health, infants and children.
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Family Assistance: This website includes a directory of state “General Benefits” centralized benefit portals.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is designed to safeguard the health of vulnerable low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women and children five and younger who face inadequate nutrition.

Arkansas WIC provides information about the state's WIC program, including eligibility and application information; the state’s WIC approved foods list; and information on the related federal program for WIC participants, the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP)

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP) “supports street outreach, emergency shelters and longer-term transitional living and maternity group home programs to serve and protect” vulnerable youth. 

The Maternity Group Homes for Pregnant and Parenting Youth (MGH) Program within RHYP “supports homeless pregnant and/or parenting young people, as well as their dependent children.”

MGH Fact Sheet

Arkansas RHYP grants

Early Learning

Head Start programs support children's growth from birth to age five through services centered around early learning and development, health and family well-being. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes.

Head Start services are available at no cost to children ages birth to five in eligible families. Head Start preschool services work with children ages three to give and their families. Early Head Start services work with families that have children ages birth to 3, and many also serve expectant families. Many programs operate both Head Start preschool and Early Head Start services. Programs deliver child development services in center-based, home-based, or family childcare settings.


Services for Children with Special Needs 

The (IDEA) Part C program is a federal resource that promotes development in infants and toddlers with delays or disabilities to improve the outcomes for these children.

Arkansas Department of Human Services, Services For Children With DD/ID Needs

Pregnancy & Parenting Resources

The Arkansas Department of Health hotline 855-275-6667 (ARK MOMS) has staff available to discuss specific situations and can refer parents to the most appropriate local programs, organizations and resources. The website also includes support for various services including housing assistance and mental health. 

Click here to find resources available in every Arkansas county.