UAMS awarded nearly 0,000 HHS grant to reduce infant, maternal mortality due to community disparities

UAMS Receives Million Grant to Reduce Maternal Health Disparities in Arkansas

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has been awarded a significant five-year grant worth million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This substantial funding aims to improve maternal health care across rural Arkansas and address the unprecedented health disparities faced by women in these communities. The grant focuses on enhancing access to maternal and obstetric care, including the development of a state maternal health taskforce and the implementation of improved data systems for maternal health surveillance.

One of the key aspects of this project is the establishment of regionalized perinatal care networks. This includes providing evidence-based group prenatal care to underserved populations and preparing emergency providers in rural areas to respond effectively to obstetric emergencies through simulation training. Additionally, the program aims to promote patient engagement in quality improvement efforts and strengthen data systems for better health outcomes.

Arkansas ranks as one of the worst states for maternal health in the U.S., with high maternal mortality rates in rural areas compared to urban areas. Factors contributing to these disparities include high poverty rates and limited access to obstetric care in rural communities.