Despite being named the top state to move in 2024 by Atlas, Arkansas is one of the worst places in the country to have a baby. Our maternal mortality rate ranks among the highest in the U.S., and our infant mortality rate far exceeds the national average. After years of hearing alarming statistics shared at symposiums, roundtables and health events, it is encouraging to finally see momentum toward meaningful solutions.
This year offers an opportunity to turn the corner and create real, lasting change for mothers and families across our state. During a recent statewide tour with Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health (AIM), where I serve as executive director, I witnessed innovative programs that are already making an impact and can serve as a roadmap for action.
Here’s how you can get involved with these organizations and others to support sustainable change for mothers and families:
1. Engage with your legislators.
Policy change is essential to addressing systemic issues, and as the 2025 Legislative Session is currently underway, the best time to make your voice heard is now. Contact your local representatives and senators and urge them to support extending postpartum Medicaid coverage, expanding paid maternity leave, supporting enhanced prenatal care and other maternal health initiatives.
How you can help:
» Stay informed on what’s happening at the state capitol by visiting the Arkansas State Legislature website.
» Write to your local representatives and senators, asking them to support maternal health initiatives you care about. Personal stories can be especially powerful in influencing policy decisions. Contact information for all state senators and representatives can be found here.
» Attend town halls and other forums to advocate for maternal health improvements. Watch and follow AIM on Facebook to learn more about these opportunities and others.
2. Volunteer your time and resources.
Local organizations depend on community support to continue their work. Whether you’re packing diapers, providing supplies or mentoring young mothers, your time and energy can make a significant impact.
How you can help:
» Find groups that are helping moms and families, like the Central Arkansas Diaper Bank, and consider making a donation of money, time or supplies.
» Volunteer: The Central Arkansas Diaper Bank is a nonprofit that is 100% run by volunteers, so extra hands are always needed. If you’d like to support during a distribution day, organize diapers or feel called to serve in another way, contact them at phumcdiaperbank@gmail.com.
» Donate: Donations of diapers are accepted in any size and quantity. Open packages of diapers are also accepted. Diapers can be dropped off at the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church main desk (entrance one) or the donation station outside of entrance nine off of Lee Avenue on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. You can also purchase diapers from online retailers and mail them directly to the church. Additionally, you can set up a one-time or recurring donation on their website.
» Consider donating funds or supplies to moms and families who have babies spending time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Contact the volunteer liaison at one of our local hospitals — Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent and UAMS — to find out more about the department’s greatest needs for its moms and families.
3. Donate breast milk.
If you’re a nursing mother with an oversupply, consider donating to the UAMS Milk Bank to help save lives. Donated breast milk provides lifesaving nutrition to vulnerable infants, particularly premature babies, across Arkansas. The UAMS Milk Bank, which operates under the guidelines for donor milk banks from The Human Milk Banking Association of North America, carefully collects, screens and processes milk donations to ensure it reaches the infants who need it most.
How you can help:
» Contact the UAMS Milk Bank or click here to learn about their donation process. Every ounce makes a difference in giving Arkansas’ most fragile babies a healthier start in life.
4. Provide direct support to mothers.
Sometimes, small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Whether it’s driving a friend or a mom in need to a prenatal appointment, offering childcare or simply being there to listen, direct support can make a world of difference.
How you can help:
» Partner with local community groups to identify mothers in need and consider joining mentorship programs for young or first-time mothers. For instance, the Arkansas Birthing Project has a “sister friend” mentorship program that provides vital connections and support to moms going through the pregnancy, birthing and postpartum journey.
» UAMS also has a CenteringPregnancy program that allows expecting moms to learn about their pregnancies and babies in a group setting. You can contact the program coordinator to learn about opportunities to ensure moms have transportation for appointments and access to other needed resources.
5. Educate yourself and spread awareness.
Many people remain unaware of the critical challenges facing Arkansas mothers. Making sure you know the facts and share reliable information and resources that can inspire others to act.
How you can help:
» Learn about the critical roles that doulas, certified nurse midwives and other caregivers play in maternal health care. Engage with organizations like the Doula Alliance of Arkansas to better understand how they’re making a difference and how you can support their work.
» Share this story on social media, along with details about the vital work of local maternal health organizations, upcoming events or advocacy efforts.
» Share success stories to encourage similar innovations elsewhere.
Let’s make 2025 the year of action. Improving maternal and infant health in Arkansas requires all of us — advocates, lawmakers, health care providers and communities — to step up. Together, we can transform maternal and infant health in our state.
Ashley Bearden Campbell is the executive director of Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health.
