Arkansas Tackles Maternal Mortality Rate
Concerned by Arkansas’ ranking as the state with the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health (AIM) has formed to push for policy changes that can raise the state’s standing. The organization defines maternal healthcare broadly, including prenatal care, safe delivery, and postpartum support, such as mental health services.
AIM aims to amplify stories from parents to increase public awareness and motivate action towards better maternal healthcare access, affordability, and quality. A new website, AIMforArkansas.org, launches to share these stories and connect parents with resources.
Advocacy and Policy Initiatives
AIM will support measures to address critical issues:
- Improved access: Increasing reimbursement rates for healthcare providers, including doctors and midwives, to address the current public health insurance reimbursement rates.
- Improved affordability: Extending Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year postpartum for enhanced monitoring of mothers’ physical and mental health.
- Improved quality: Increasing funding for workforce training through medical schools and expanding residency slots.
Addressing Rural Disparities
Arkansas faces significant health disparities in rural areas, where half of the state’s counties lack obstetric providers. AIM hopes to address these gaps by advocating for policy changes and partnerships.
By focusing on maternal health, AIM’s executive director, Ashley Bearden Campbell, who has experienced postpartum complications firsthand, hopes to bring attention to the pressing issue and create tangible change.
New York City Conference on Black Maternal Health
New York City has announced a conference to tackle the persistent issue of Black maternal mortality. The event aims to bring together health experts, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss concrete actions to reduce this health disparity.
Consistent data has shown that Black women face significantly higher maternal mortality rates compared to other groups, making the conference a crucial step towards improving healthcare for Black mothers and their families.
Global Conversations on Supporting Mothers and Families
A recent event in New York City brought together experts from government agencies, NGOs, and private sectors to explore innovative approaches to supporting mothers and families during pregnancy and early childhood.
The event highlighted diverse global experiences, including Sierra Leone’s impact on the development of the Cocoon Pregnancy Care Model and India’s comprehensive maternity benefits and digital mental health support programs.
