Boosting Maternal Health: Top Initiatives by Arkansas Agencies

TL/DR –

Arkansas officials are working to improve women’s health care services following the governor’s directive, with a particular focus on maternal health given the state’s high mortality rate. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed an executive order that created a committee aimed at enhancing access to quality maternal health services, improving education, and improving statewide coordination for maternal health data and reporting. Initiatives include a pilot program in counties with high rates of pregnant women receiving no maternal health care and the potential placement of a Department of Human Services representative at Local Health Units to assist women in applying for Medicaid, since over half of Arkansas babies born each year are on Medicaid.

Arkansas Officials Improve Women’s Health Care Services for Maternal Health

Arkansas is making efforts to enhance women’s health care, focusing on maternal health. This follows the governor’s directive aiming to address Arkansas’s status of having the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation and third highest infant mortality rate, as reported by the 2023 legislative report.

Action Plan to Improve Maternal Health in Arkansas

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued an executive order, creating a committee to increase access to quality maternal health services and enhance maternal health education. The committee will also ensure better coordination for maternal health data and reporting across the state.

Outreach Initiatives and Stakeholder Meeting

Upcoming initiatives include a stakeholder meeting on April 22 and a women’s health event at the Arkansas Capitol on May 2. Attendees can access health screenings and resources at these events. A pilot program is also slated to launch in five counties with high rates of pregnant women receiving no maternal health care.

Review and Enhancement of Public Health Programs

Cassie Cochran, the deputy director for public health programs, mentioned a review of clinic processes and services to better align Local Health Units (LHUs). All 75 counties in Arkansas have at least one LHU, operated by the Arkansas Department of Health, offering services such as immunizations and contagious disease testing.

Combatting Chronic Conditions and Unhealthy Pregnancies

Arkansas Health Secretary Renee Mallory cited unhealthy pregnancies due to chronic conditions as a major factor contributing to the state’s high maternal mortality rate. To tackle this, the state plans to place a Department of Human Services representative at LHUs to aid women in applying for Medicaid.

Medicaid and Postpartum Care

Gov. Sanders’ executive order instructs state agencies to work on enrolling eligible Arkansans in existing health insurance programs that cover pregnancy and postpartum care. However, Arkansas remains one of three states that have not utilized the federal option to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months after birth.

Streamlining Medicaid Programs

Sen. Missy Irvin, Chair of the Public Health Committee, emphasized the necessity to understand specific Medicaid programs and streamline the enrollment process. She stressed the importance of effectively utilizing existing resources to improve women’s health care and maternal health in Arkansas.

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