LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Research shows that everyone's health and overall well-being begin well before the adult years and could be impacted by your health as a child— even before you were actually born.
In hopes of helping improve the health of Arkansas communities, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas announced that they are awarding nearly $1 million to organizations in Arkansas that have been working to address both maternal and pediatric health.
According to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, the Natural State has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, and the third-highest infant mortality rate.
“From large hospitals to grassroots community initiatives, we’re all working together to improve healthy outcomes,” said Foundation President Rebecca Pittillo. “We’re grateful to be able to provide funding to organizations around the state that are educating expectant parents and providing resources before and after birth, creating healthy families and communities.”
With the grant money, they will be able to provide proper access to nutrition, create support groups, and they will even be able to help families who do not have access to healthcare.
“So many things contribute to our health and well-being so it’s important that we address pediatric and maternal health from every angle, and together these organizations are doing that,” Pittillo added.
The following organizations will be receiving grant funding:
- Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families ($23,215) – Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families will create maternal health focus groups to learn about the barriers facing mothers and discuss possible solutions to be disseminated to appropriate parties around the state.
- Arkansas Children’s Foundation ($103,275) – The Arkansas Children’s Foundation is expanding its Love Notes curriculum and adding counties to the program. Love Notes teaches adolescents and young adults about healthy relationships, dating violence, and how to improve impulse control.
- Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance ($60,000) – The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance will hire a WIC program associate to collaborate with more than 530 food pantries and organizations statewide, as well as provide support, education, and outreach to underserved populations
- Canopy Northwest Arkansas ($75,000) – Canopy Northwest Arkansas will hire a home-visiting care coordinator to help women who speak limited English navigate doctor appointments and connect them with resources such as WIC. The organization will also provide postpartum care kits, along with pack-n-plays, car seats, and strollers.
- Everyone Deserves a Doula ($26,760) – Everyone Deserves a Doula will offer childbirth and postpartum education classes to expecting parents, expand its support groups, and provide materials and resources in Spanish.
- Jefferson Regional Medical Center ($186,000) – Jefferson Regional Medical Center will provide prenatal care coordination in the Delta Region of Arkansas to support mothers with insurance assistance, referrals, and community classes. Jefferson Regional will also distribute safe sleep sacks and pack-n-plays for infant injury prevention and certify 48 lactation specialists.
- St. Bernards Development Foundation ($140,000) – St. Bernards' New Parent Pathways program will hire a new parent case worker and create a lactation hotline with certified lactation counselors. Additionally, it will distribute educational materials to all new parents, offer maternal health and baby care classes, and organize post-delivery support groups
- Ujima Maternity Network ($100,000) – The Ujima Maternity Network will recruit mom advocates for postpartum peer support in monthly Sista Circles groups. These groups provide a space for women of color to be seen, heard, valued, and understood.
- University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc. ($200,000) – With grant funding, the University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc. will certify doulas and lactation counselors and train them in coaching and mentorship. The program aims to provide care to rural and minority communities in Arkansas, decreasing maternal health deserts.
To learn more about the Blue & You Foundation and other organizations in Arkansas that are receiving funding, please click here.
