The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences will receive $40 million in congressional appropriations to support a wide range of programs, including several aimed at reducing Arkansas’ high rates of infant and maternal mortality.
The funding was included in appropriations legislation signed into law Feb. 3 by President Donald Trump and was championed by U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas.
“This funding is critical to advancing UAMS’ mission to improve the health and well-being of Arkansans, including more positive outcomes for moms, babies and families,” Boozman said in a statement.
UAMS Chancellor Dr. C. Lowry Barnes thanked Boozman for his support, saying the investments will help the state’s only health sciences university expand care, research and education efforts.
Among the initiatives receiving funding are the Arkansas Center for Women and Infants’ Health, renovations to create a low-intervention birthing center, expansion of maternal and infant education services, upgrades to the UAMS Milk Bank, and improved facilities for student and employee health and wellness. The funding also includes new equipment for mobile vision screening and maternal care training, additional patient transport vans, and renovations to support translational research.
UAMS operates a main campus in Little Rock, a regional campus in Northwest Arkansas, a statewide network of campuses and institutes, and is home to the state’s only adult Level 1 trauma center. It serves as Arkansas’ largest public employer, with about 12,000 employees and more than 3,500 students.
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