LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has released a scorecard that looks to share important data that could help improve maternal health in the state.
The Arkansas Maternal Health Scorecard comes as officials and leaders work to combat Arkansas having one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the United States. From 2018 to 2021, the scorecard reports that 95% of "pregnancy-related deaths were considered preventable."
“By increasing the accessibility of maternal health data, the Arkansas Maternal Health Scorecard will raise awareness about the need for stakeholders to work together on improving maternal health in Arkansas," said Jennifer Callaghan-Koru, Ph.D., an associate professor at the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health and director of the PRIMROSE Project.
This scorecard provides the public with information and UAMS hopes it will raise awareness to improve healthcare for mothers and babies in the state. Data is collected from the Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other important sources on pregnancy.
Researchers at UAMS plan to expand the scorecard over the next three years with new features and more data. The hope is to give patients, providers, and the public with an "easy-to-read, factual account of the needs in Arkansas."
Other data on scorecard includes annual births, maternal mortality, and maternity care access.
To view the dashboard, click here.
