The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Arkansas Center for Women and Infants’ Health has received an additional $8 million in federal funding as it expands efforts to address Arkansas’ maternal and infant mortality rates.
The money comes from a $40 million appropriation set aside in February for several programs at UAMS. The center previously received a $5 million congressional appropriation in late July 2024. U.S. Sen. John Boozman championed both appropriations, according to UAMS.
The center began implementing its plans in early 2025. Nirvana Manning, M.D., professor and chair of the UAMS Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and director of the center, said the first federal investment helped establish partnerships and develop support programs across the state.
“This second $8 million investment allows us to build on the foundation we have created over the past two years.”
Manning said the new funding will support the development of a statewide postpartum system. The center’s work is focused on connecting women and infants with information and follow-up care after delivery, including through hospitals, community health workers and local offices of the Arkansas Department of Health.
Three initiatives underway
Since its creation, the center has focused on three initiatives involving women who have recently given birth and their infants:
- Providing mother and infant supply kits to postpartum women as they leave any of the state’s 30 birthing centers.
- Distributing bright blue “I Gave Birth” bracelets that women are advised to wear for at least six weeks. The bracelets are intended to alert health care providers and emergency responders to potential complications and include a QR code linking to postpartum resources.
- Having nurses contact each postpartum woman within five to 10 days after delivery to check whether she and her baby know about and are receiving follow-up care.
At the latest count, 22 birthing centers were participating in the initiatives. The center also works with community health workers and local Health Department offices to distribute standardized education about postpartum care.
UAMS described the center as a response to national reports showing high maternal and infant mortality rates in Arkansas. The initial $5 million appropriation allowed the center to bring organizations together, establish partnerships across the state and begin developing approaches to support mothers and babies.
The additional appropriation increases the federal funding identified for the center’s work to at least $13 million. The initiatives now being carried out are intended to provide consistent information and contact for postpartum women regardless of which participating birthing center they use.
