Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has received a comprehensive report from the Strategic Committee on Maternal Health, detailing policy recommendations and programs aimed at improving maternal health outcomes in Arkansas. The Committee, formed through an executive order by Governor Sanders on March 6, 2024, engaged over 100 stakeholders across more than 20 meetings in a six-month period to develop these recommendations.
Governor Sanders Emphasizes Action Over Headlines
“As the first mom to lead Arkansas, maternal health is personal,” said Governor Sanders. “I’m not interested in headline-grabbing policies or duplicative government programs that don’t actually change maternal health outcomes. Instead, this Committee pursued a comprehensive, coordinated approach that will help healthier moms have healthier babies.” Sanders expressed gratitude to the stakeholders involved and emphasized the importance of turning these ideas into tangible actions.
Collaboration as the Cornerstone of Maternal Health Reform
Senator John Boozman highlighted the collaborative nature of the Committee’s work, stating, “Collaboration is key to improving the health and wellness of Natural State mothers and infants. That’s why we’ve brought together experts and advocates through roundtables and partnerships to champion solutions to Arkansas’s maternal health crisis. I am grateful for Governor Sanders’ leadership to build on this momentum and take action to better serve the prenatal and postpartum needs in our state.”
Kristi Putnam, Secretary of the Department of Human Services, praised the unity of partners in identifying obstacles to maternal care and aligning around meaningful solutions. “We will act on these changes as quickly as possible because we know they have the potential to improve the health of countless women and babies, and to save lives,” Putnam added.
Key Recommendations to Drive Change
The report includes strategies to address significant barriers to maternal and postpartum care. Arkansas Secretary of Health, Renee Mallory, underscored the importance of the collaborative process, saying, “This report is the result of many meetings and listening sessions with stakeholders across the state. While we’ve already begun this important work, we look forward to continuing to enact solutions to improve the health and well-being of moms and babies in Arkansas.”
Dr. Kay Chandler, Arkansas Surgeon General, reflected on the impact of the Committee’s discussions, stating, “As someone who has spent her career taking care of Arkansas women, I am inspired by the many conversations this committee started and the actions we will take as a result. It will take efforts from many different groups across the state to move the needle, and I believe we’ve put together a road map to make that happen.”
Medicaid Reforms to Support Maternal Health
Medicaid’s significant role in covering more than half of pregnancies in Arkansas was highlighted by Janet Mann, Deputy Secretary of Programs and State Medicaid Director. “These recommendations and changes will remove barriers, improve care, and deliver better health outcomes,” Mann emphasized.
Dr. Sam Greenfield, Chair of the Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee and Medical Director for Family Health, voiced support for the recommendations, noting that the report addresses critical findings and needs in Arkansas. “This is a significant step that addresses specific findings and needs in Arkansas. I am supportive of these recommendations and look forward to the role enactment will play in improving health outcomes for mothers in our state.”
Check the report here.
