UAMS collaborates with local organizations to tackle maternal mortality in Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas – A significant grant is on the horizon, poised to tackle a persistent challenge in Arkansas.

Arkansas stands out as one of the states with the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation, yet community organizations and grant funding are actively working to uncover effective solutions.

“It’s widely recognized that pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby can significantly heighten feelings of depression and anxiety,” stated UAMS Associate Professor Jessica Coker.
UAMS is dedicated to prioritizing not just the physical health of mothers, but also their mental well-being.

The Arkansas Attorney General’s Office is contributing with a generous $600,000 grant.

“We will utilize it to enhance the training of psychiatrists in reproductive psychiatry, which addresses psychiatric disorders that arise during pregnancy and the postpartum period,” Coker stated. “Focusing on depression, anxiety, opiate use disorder, and other drug use disorders.”

UAMS reports that the state currently has just three psychiatrists specializing in women’s health.

However, Coker believes this funding will lead to significant improvements.

“We will have the opportunity to train over the next few years,” Coker stated. Currently, we are focusing on training one individual each year due to the significant effort and time involved. We aspire to grow our capacity to train two individuals each year moving forward.

UAMS is not only focused on training more psychiatrists but is also collaborating with external organizations to enhance the training of doulas.

A recent UAMS study revealed that the state has a growing need for more doulas.

In Arkansas, there are fewer than 50 trained doulas, making it one of only nine states in the U.S. that lacks a doula certification program.

“There is a pressing need for more doulas in our state, especially given the significant disparities we face. Additionally, it’s been quite some time since Arkansas has had a nurse-midwifery program,” stated UAMS Northwest Nursing Associate Professor Britni Ayers.

Ayers expressed confidence that changes are on the horizon and is optimistic that they will bring about positive outcomes.

“The College of Nursing is set to launch a nurse-midwifery program in 2026, a fantastic development for the state,” stated Ayers.

UAMS is collaborating with Ujima Maternity Network to enhance doula training, with Executive Director Nicolle Fletcher aiming to create a significant impact.

“In 2025, we aim to train 60 doulas across the state of Arkansas,” stated Fletcher. “We require increased community-driven, grassroots support to deliver education and emotional assistance throughout the journey.”

Thanks to the collaboration with UAMS and the support of grant funding, Ujima is proud to offer complimentary doula training for all interested women.