politicsconservative
Arkansas Boosts Maternal Care with $40M Federal Grant
Arkansas, Little Rock, USATuesday, February 10, 2026
Advertisement
Advertisement
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has received a federal contribution of $40 million aimed at reducing the state’s alarmingly high infant and maternal death rates. The money comes from a new appropriations act approved by Congress last month and signed into law on February 3.
Key Allocation Breakdown
| Project | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shuffield Building renovation (low‑intervention birthing center) | $15 million |
| Arkansas Center for Women and Infants’ Health (statewide call center) | $8 million |
| Monroe Building upgrades (milk bank & Maternal‑Infant Education Center) | $5 million |
| Barton Building expansion (research space) | $4.5 million |
| Pediatric vision tools & telehealth cameras (diabetic eye care) | $3 million |
| Mobile vans & staff training equipment (mobile maternal‑care unit) | $2.5 million |
| Hazardous waste storage facility | $2 million |
Why It Matters
Arkansas has been among the most affected states:
- Maternal death rate (2018‑2022): 38.3 per 100,000 births – the fourth highest nationwide.
- Infant mortality rate (2023): 8.22 per 1,000 births – the second highest in the U.S.
These figures underscore the urgent need for improved maternal and infant care infrastructure across the state.
Congressional Support
The funding was championed by four Republican members of Arkansas’s congressional delegation:
- Senators: John Boozman, Tom Cotton
- Representatives: Rick Crawford, Steve Womack, Bruce Westerman, French Hill
They focused on securing earmarks for projects that directly benefit Arkansan families. Some members opposed such allocations, but the bill ultimately passed with bipartisan support.
Actions
flag content
