Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health Applauds Governor's Efforts to Enhance Maternal and Infant Health Across the State

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (September 5, 2024) — Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health (AIM), a non-profit dedicated to advancing maternal health care in Arkansas, expresses strong support for the recent recommendations delivered to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders by the Strategic Committee for Maternal Health.

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"We are thrilled to see the Governor and the Strategic Committee for Maternal Health take such decisive action in response to the pressing needs of mothers and babies in our state," said Ashley Bearden Campbell, executive director of AIM. "This report lays the groundwork for meaningful changes that will have a profound impact on the health and well-being of countless Arkansas families."

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The report, which was developed by a diverse group of more than 100 stakeholders over the past six months, offers a comprehensive set of policies, programs and strategies aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. The recommendations focus on key areas such as Medicaid optimization, clinical practice improvements, education and outreach, and the expansion of healthcare access for women and babies across Arkansas.

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“AIM looks forward to supporting the implementation of these recommendations and continuing to work alongside state leaders, healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure that every mother and baby in Arkansas has the opportunity to thrive,” said Bearden Campbell.

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Key recommendations from the report include the development of a maternal health dashboard to track critical health indicators, enhancements to Medicaid reimbursement rates, the implementation of presumptive eligibility for Medicaid-eligible pregnant women, and the creation of pathways for Medicaid coverage of doulas and community health workers. These initiatives are designed to remove barriers to care and ensure that all women have access to the support they need before, during and after pregnancy.

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"We commend the collaborative effort that has gone into these recommendations," continued Bearden Campbell. "These recommendations represent a crucial step forward in addressing the challenges faced by pregnant women, new mothers and infants throughout the state.”

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To read the full report, visit https://governor.arkansas.gov/maternal-health-recommendations/