LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – In a major push to improve maternal and pediatric health outcomes across the state, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas has announced it will distribute nearly $1 million in grants to various organizations working to address the state’s pressing health challenges.
Arkansas faces some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the U.S., ranking third in infant mortality. In response to this crisis, the Foundation aims to support efforts that target the root causes of these issues, including access to healthcare, nutrition, and education for expectant parents and children.
“From large hospitals to grassroots community initiatives, we’re all working together to improve healthy outcomes,” said Foundation President Rebecca Pittillo. “We’re grateful to be able to provide funding to organizations around the state that are educating expectant parents and providing resources before and after birth, creating healthy families and communities.”
The grant money will help fund initiatives such as nutrition programs, healthcare access for underserved populations, support groups, and educational outreach for new parents. These efforts aim to reduce barriers to care and ensure healthier outcomes for both mothers and children.
Organizations Receiving Grant Funding:
- Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families ($23,215): Focuses on creating maternal health focus groups to identify barriers facing mothers and propose solutions across the state.
- Arkansas Children’s Foundation ($103,275): Expands the Love Notes curriculum, teaching adolescents about healthy relationships and preventing dating violence in additional counties.
- Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance ($60,000): Hires a WIC program associate to collaborate with 530+ food pantries, providing education and outreach to underserved populations.
- Canopy Northwest Arkansas ($75,000): Hires a care coordinator to assist women with limited English proficiency in navigating healthcare and offers postpartum care kits and resources like car seats and strollers.
- Everyone Deserves a Doula ($26,760): Expands childbirth and postpartum education, offering Spanish-language resources and support groups for expecting parents.
- Jefferson Regional Medical Center ($186,000): Provides prenatal care coordination in the Delta region, offering insurance assistance, safe sleep education, and certifying lactation specialists.
- St. Bernards Development Foundation ($140,000): Launches the New Parent Pathways program, hiring caseworkers, offering maternal health classes, and establishing post-delivery support groups.
- Ujima Maternity Network ($100,000): Organizes postpartum peer support groups, known as Sista Circles, for women of color, offering them a space to be valued and supported.
- University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc. ($200,000): Certifies doulas and lactation counselors, focusing on providing care to rural and minority communities to address maternal health deserts.
Pittillo emphasized the importance of addressing health from all angles. “So many things contribute to our health and well-being, so it’s important that we address pediatric and maternal health from every angle,” she said.
For more information on the Blue & You Foundation and other grant recipients, click here.
