A statewide network of maternal health advocates is urging birthing hospitals to join a new postpartum initiative aimed at reducing maternal deaths.The Arkansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative’s CARE program, highlighted Thursday by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, will provide hospitals with free training, clinical tools and expert guidance to improve screenings and education for new mothers before discharge.
Arkansas has one of the nation’s highest maternal mortality rates and the third-highest infant mortality rate. “By proactively addressing postpartum health needs, we can prevent deaths and hospital readmissions,” said Dr. William “Sam” Greenfield, UAMS obstetrics professor and program cofounder.
Conway Regional Medical Center and 19 other hospitals were recently recognized by the collaborative for lowering cesarean section rates, which can increase postpartum risks. The honored facilities represent a majority of Arkansas’ birthing hospitals, though only 33 remain statewide, with six maternity wards closing since 2020.
Besides Conway Regional, the other hospital systems awarded the collaborative’s platinum banner are:
Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould
Baptist Health in Arkadelphia
Baptist Health in Conway
Baptist Health in Monticello
Baptist Health in Fort Smith
Baptist Health in Little Rock
Baxter Health in Mountain Home
Mercy Northwest Arkansas in Rogers
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro
St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro
UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock
White River Medical Center in Batesville
Nearly 51% of Arkansas qualifies as a maternity care desert, according to the March of Dimes.
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