UAMS College of Nursing Secures .4 Million Grant for Newborn Screening Program Enhancement
Associate Professor Laura Hays of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing has been awarded a significant federal grant totaling .4 million to expand and improve the state’s Newborn Screening Program. This four-year grant, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aims to enhance the effectiveness of the program through comprehensive education for healthcare providers and families, as well as increased community outreach and support.
Through the Arkansas Coordinated NBS Expansion through Collaboration and Technology (AR CNECT) Program, Hays and her team will leverage digital health services and partnerships with UAMS Regional Campuses and the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation to reach underserved communities. By empowering families and improving access to resources, the program aims to reduce health disparities and ensure proactive roles in newborn healthcare for all Arkansans.
Key Highlights of the AR CNECT Program
- Comprehensive education for healthcare providers and families on newborn genetic conditions
- Inclusion of a licensed social worker for direct family consultation and support
- Digital health services to reach underserved communities
- Partnerships with UAMS Regional Campuses and the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation
- Focus on reducing health disparities and improving access to newborn healthcare resources
With this new grant, Arkansas is making strides in protecting the health and well-being of its newborn population by ensuring timely detection and support for those born with genetic conditions. The AR CNECT Program is set to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these families and contribute to a healthier future for the next generation of Arkansans.
