LITTLE ROCK, AR (KATV) — The University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAM) is preparing to enhance maternal health services in rural areas with the launch of the HEART Moms program, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The initiative, led by the UAMS Obstetrics and Gynecology Chair and grant recipient Nirvana Manning, M.D., aims to bring comprehensive, team-based care closer to home for rural women who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
“Our goal is to ensure that every woman in Arkansas can access the best maternal care, regardless of her geographic location,” Manning said.
The program will address gaps in obstetric care in areas affected by hospital closures and provider shortages, such as Ashley and Union counties.
In the grant application, it states, “The HEART Moms network was shaped by Arkansas Medicaid’s and the Arkansas Department of Health’s priorities to provide maternal support to Ashley and Union counties. Input from the Arkansas Department of Health and network partners helped create this proposal.”
The HEART Moms network includes several local health facilities and aims to expand services through mobile clinics, digital health, and workforce development.
According to a release, the project is expected to begin in 2026, following a planning phase this fall.
news/local/uams-launches-heart-moms-to-bolster-maternal-health-in-rural-arkansas-public-safety-discover-assist-help-engage-share-inform-location”>Source link