Partnerships key to strengthening maternal health in Arkansas

Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of traveling across Arkansas to visit each region of the state and meet with organizations dedicated to maternal and infant health.

As the executive director of Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health (AIM), my goal was to witness firsthand the organizations available to support mothers and babies, identify gaps in care and collaborate with leaders to find solutions that meet the needs of our communities. I was blown away by the work being done across the state to care for our moms and youngest Arkansans.

During my visit to Northwest Arkansas, I was particularly inspired by the region’s innovative and inclusive approach to health care. Institutions like Mercy Hospital and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Office of Community Health and Research are setting the standard for how to adapt maternal health services to meet the unique needs of diverse populations.

Mercy Hospital has made a commitment to providing holistic care that extends beyond the hospital walls. From prenatal care to postpartum mental health support, Mercy prioritizes a continuum of care that ensures mothers and babies have the resources they need to thrive. I was especially encouraged by their patient-centered care models, which are designed to help families navigate challenges with customized solutions that are as diverse as the communities they serve.

The UAMS Office of Community Health and Research builds on this foundation by integrating maternal health into its broader community health initiatives. Their research and outreach efforts aim to identify barriers to care and develop evidence-based strategies to close gaps, especially for vulnerable populations such as rural families and immigrant communities. Their proactive approach, including the deployment of mobile health units, ensures that no mother is left behind, regardless of her background or circumstances.

The innovative initiatives by Mercy Hospital and UAMS underscore the importance of partnerships, demonstrating that when health care institutions, nonprofits and community organizations work together, they can create a system that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.

In Northeast Arkansas, several organizations stood out as models of innovation and collaboration. St. Bernards Healthcare, for example, has taken a comprehensive approach to maternal health by offering services that span prenatal care, mental health support, lactation assistance and accessible resources. Their Nurse-Family Partnership Program, which pairs first-time mothers with registered nurses, provides vital guidance and care from pregnancy through the baby’s first two years. This type of long-term support is essential, especially in a state where the maternal mortality rate is 38.3 deaths per 100,000 live-births – significantly higher than the national average.

I also had the opportunity to visit the Batesville School District’s Parent Hub, a resource center designed to connect families with the tools, education and services they need to thrive. This innovative program demonstrates the power of addressing maternal health holistically – recognizing that parenting support, health services and community connections all play a role in ensuring positive outcomes for families.

Throughout my visits, one theme became clear: Arkansas exemplifies the power of integrating healthcare and community resources. Organizations here understand that maternal health doesn’t begin and end in the delivery room – it’s a continuum of care that extends from prenatal education to postpartum support.

Still, significant barriers remain. According to the recently released March of Dimes’ 2024 Report Card, Arkansas received an F grade for the health of our mothers and babies. The Natural State has the highest infant mortality rate in the nation, which means that more Arkansas babies are dying before their first birthday than anywhere else in the U.S.

At 12.1%, Arkansas also has one of the highest preterm birth rates in the nation, outpacing the national average of 10.4%. Additionally, 56% of counties in Arkansas are classified as maternity care deserts, meaning they lack sufficient access to obstetric services. These statistics are both heartbreaking and unacceptable, and they highlight the urgency to ensure equitable access to care in both rural and urban areas.

Addressing these gaps requires sustained investment, innovative solutions and continued collaboration. AIM is committed to supporting these efforts by raising awareness, advocating for policy change and fostering connections between regions to share best practices.

As we reflect on the lessons learned during our tour, I am optimistic about the future of maternal health across the state. By building on the strengths of regional leaders and addressing areas of need, we can create a system where every mother and baby in Arkansas has the opportunity to thrive.

Editor’s note: Ashley Bearden Campbell is the executive director of Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health. The opinions expressed are those of the author.