UAMS Receives Significant Grant to Combat Infant and Maternal Mortality
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has been awarded a substantial grant to tackle the pressing issue of infant and maternal mortality in Arkansas. The 9,887 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is part of the Community Levelations for Healthcomes Initiative and is aimed at reducing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.
The funding will be utilized to support two research projects at UAMS. The first project focuses on decreasing infant mortality rates, while the second project is centered on lowering maternal mortality. Both projects will investigate community-driven innovations designed to enhance the utilization of preventive health services, particularly among racial, ethnic, and tribal communities.
These studies will employ two crucial public health indicators: Social Determinants of Health (SDH) and Leading Health Indicators (LHI). By comparing the effects of these indicators, researchers hope to better understand how to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. The grant is part of a broader effort to bridge the significant health disparities faced by specific minority groups.
UAMS is the sole recipient of this particular HHS grant in Arkansas. The research projects are scheduled to run from September 2024 to September 2028. This significant investment is expected to have a lasting impact on infant and maternal health in Arkansas and contributes to the ongoing efforts to address the critical health disparities in the state.
The projects are leveraging UAMS’s strength in collaborating with state agencies, healthcare organizations, and community groups to ensure successful implementation. Rigorous evaluations will also be conducted to further contribute to the evidence base for reducing maternal mortality.
This grant highlights the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s maternal health crisis. As part of its broader strategy, the administration has launched the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, which includes initiatives aimed at extending Medicaid postpartum coverage and improving evidence-based home visiting programs.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has received substantial funding in the past to address maternal health issues. In 2022, UAMS secured a five-year, million grant from HHS to improve maternal healthcare in Arkansas. This funding supported numerous initiatives, including strengthening data systems, regionalizing perinatal care, and delivering evidence-based prenatal care to underserved populations.
The efforts of UAMS and the Biden-Harris administration are crucial in combatting Arkansas’ troubling maternal mortality statistics. Arkansas ranks among the worst states in the country for maternal health, with significant disparities experienced by racial and ethnic groups. The ongoing comprehensive approach to addressing these disparities promises to bring about meaningful improvements in the health outcomes for mothers and infants in Arkansas.
