Latest news with #UAMS
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Report shows 15 Arkansas counties at high risk for maternal mental health
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A newly updated report by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health shows that 20% of the state is at high risk for maternal mental health. According to the report, 15 counties in Arkansas are at high risk. The initial report was published in 2023, providing an analysis of county-level mental health disorders and the availability of maternal mental health providers and programs. UAMS launches pilot program for statewide initiative to support mothers, infants after childbirth In an update, the following Arkansas counties are listed at high risk: Ashley County Bradley County Chicot County Cross County Desha County Garland County Hempstead County Howard County Jackson County Jefferson County Lafayette County Lee County Monroe County Ouachita County Sevier County Key report findings highlight that the risk for maternal mental health disorders is rising in the U.S. and 84% of birthing-aged women live in maternal mental health professional shortage areas. The report said county-level maternal health risk was assessed by using Census data and predictors of maternal mental health, like intimate partner violence and poor mental health days. 'This analysis is critical for those aiming to target support in the most high-need areas of their states, and for national leaders to understand the states with the greatest need,' Joy Burkhard, CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, said. 'Specifically, the report highlights the states with the highest risk: Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Alaska, while highly populated counties in Texas, California, and New York face the largest provider shortages.' AIM releases maternal health guides for Arkansas moms and families States with the highest risk and largest provider gaps are Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee and are considered 'dark zones,' according to the report. The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health collaborated with George Washington University for the 2025 report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Arkansas emergency medicine study at UAMS includes a Pennsylvania university
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is partnering with the University of Pittsburgh to study changes in the early treatment of emergency trauma patients. UAMS officials said the study is to determine if early intervention in patients with traumatic injury with blood loss by using calcium and vasopressin can improve outcomes. They added that the study will include approximately 1,050 people aged 18 to 90 years old. UAMS receives $1.9 million from Department of Justice to help Little Rock schools with emergency response Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) will have participating emergency response crews applying the therapy. The therapy can also be applied after a patient arrives at UAMS. Officials said the trials, labeled CAVALIER for CAlcium and VAsopressin following Injury Early Resuscitation, are a change from the standard procedure of blood transfusions & blood clotting medication and surgery to stop bleeding. UAMS officials said even with these treatments, up to 30% of patients suffering significant blood loss can die. 'We are committed at UAMS to helping improve survival rates of these severely injured patients,' trauma surgeon and the UAMS principal investigator on the study, Dr. Joseph Margolick, said. 'We think early treatment with calcium and vasopressin in trauma patients may improve outcomes.' Officials said CAVALIER is an Exception from Informed Consent trial, meaning that the trial requires performing a potentially life-saving treatment on people who are too injured to give permission UAMS launches pilot program for statewide initiative to support mothers, infants after childbirth The study is supported by a Department of Defense contract and by the UAMS Translational Research Institute. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Surgeon General candidate with Northwest Arkansas ties nomination revoked
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — President Donald Trump has revoked the nomination of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a New York doctor with Northwest Arkansas ties, for U.S. Surgeon General. Nominated in November 2024, Nesheiwat's Senate confirmation was set for May 8. Northwest Arkansas ties News Nation reported the former Fox News contributor graduated from the American University of the Caribbean, not the University of Arkansas as stated in her nomination announcement. FILE – Janette Nesheiwat arrives at the Fox Nation's Patriot Awards, Nov. 16, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File) 'Dr. Nesheiwat completed her medical residency at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, UAMS,' according to Nesheiwat's website. A 2010 report from UAMS says Nesheiwat was a 2009 graduate of their Family Medicine Residency Program. Nesheiwat's other Northwest Arkansas connections including working as a physician at Washington Regional Medical Center and at Northwest Medical Hospital, according to a 2020 Fox News Channel news release. According to the Associated Press, Nesheiwat encouraged COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic and called them 'a gift from God' in a 2021 opinion piece for Fox News. Northwest Arkansas flower shops face tariffs impact around Mother's Day Dr. Casey Means nominated President Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means shortly after revoking Nesheiwat's nomination via Truth Social on May 7. Means, a Stanford graduate, co-founded Levels, a health tech company that tracks health data using devices like continuous glucose monitors. 'I am pleased to announce that Dr. Casey Means, will be nominated as our next Surgeon General of the United States of America. Casey has impeccable 'MAHA' credentials, and will work closely with our wonderful Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to ensure a successful implementation of our Agenda in order to reverse the Chronic Disease Epidemic, and ensure Great Health, in the future, for ALL Americans,' President Trump said in the post. The President also wrote that Nesheiwat would work 'in another capacity at HHS.' The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Arkansas takes powerful steps to change dismal health outcomes with mobile health units
A pregnant woman undergoes an ultrasound examination. (Getty Images) Far too many women and children have lost their lives due to the maternal health crisis in our state. In 2022, Arkansas had one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the country and the third-highest infant mortality rate in the nation. In a groundbreaking approach to improving care access, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) operates mobile health units that serve as direct access points for women's health, maternal care and contraceptive services across rural Arkansas. By taking these resources directly to patients, mobile health units eliminate common barriers such as distance, cost and availability, creating a bridge to necessary services. Rural and low-income communities across Arkansas face a unique health care crisis. Due to limited access to health care facilities, particularly for women's health services like pap smears, breast exams and access to contraceptives, many women in these rural areas are not receiving preventive care, reproductive health guidance or family planning resources. Similarly, parental care is not available in more than half of the counties in Arkansas that are identified as maternal deserts. Obstacles like transportation, language and high costs perpetuate health disparities for many Arkansans. The accessibility of mobile health units yields measurable results. Data from a 20-year study shows that patients who initially receive care through mobile clinics report greater confidence in navigating medical systems, often resulting in more consistent follow-ups and a proactive approach to personal health management. UAMS' mobile health units provide an invaluable service to these communities and offer a unique opportunity to expand Arkansas' reach to some of its most underserved residents. This is a life-changing service for many who live miles away from the nearest clinic and a critical means of improving health outcomes for women statewide. Every woman's health visit at UAMS begins with a fundamental question known as the 'One Key Question': 'Do you plan to get pregnant within a year?' Part of a nationwide protocol, this question encourages open dialogue about reproductive health needs, allowing health care providers to tailor care based on the patient's immediate needs. UAMS is in the process of deploying units to underserved areas across the state to offer a full range of contraceptives directly on-site, increasing the likelihood of patients accessing and continuing their contraceptive method of choice. With more than half of all maternal deaths considered preventable, we owe it to our communities to eliminate obstacles to women's health services. But the work doesn't stop there. Training regional resident doctors is essential for sustaining these services long-term. UAMS trains family medicine residents annually with patient-centered counseling skills in all FDA-approved contraceptive methods and clinical training in Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) insertion and the 'One Key Question' protocol. These tools are invaluable for new physicians who will continue to offer these critical services, especially in Arkansas' underserved areas. Additionally, training in obstetrics and pediatric rotations will help ensure residents are well-prepared to integrate these practices into their medical careers. As Dr. Kay Chandler, Arkansas' surgeon general and a practicing OB-GYN, recently emphasized, a focus on obstetrics care, contraceptive access and women's health is crucial for our state to thrive. Ensuring women have the resources they need to safely carry their pregnancy to term, plan their families thoughtfully and receive essential preventive care is a crucial step toward addressing the glaring health disparities that persist across Arkansas. Over the last few months, Arkansas has made real progress in addressing these disparities through the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, the Arkansas Community Health Worker Act, and other new laws that expand coverage for women during and after pregnancy. At the Institute for Community Health Innovation, we're proud to be a part of these initiatives and to reach women where they are through our mobile health programs. Our mobile health initiative embodies a vision of health care for all by delivering services, building trust and setting the groundwork for healthier families and communities. These mobile clinics are not just treating patients; they're connecting rural women to life-saving resources and helping Arkansas take a definitive step toward better maternal health outcomes. With more than half of all maternal deaths considered preventable, we owe it to our communities to eliminate obstacles to women's health services. By bringing resources directly to women, enhancing prenatal and obstetric care in rural areas and educating women about reproductive health, Arkansas is taking a powerful step toward changing its dismal maternal health outcomes. These efforts lay a critical foundation for healthier families, more equitable health care access and a future where Arkansas is known for its commitment to the well-being of all its residents. Visit to see when a mobile health unit will be in your area.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
UAMS launches pilot program for statewide initiative to support mothers, infants after childbirth
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A new statewide program is aiming to improve maternal and infant health in Arkansas, one of the states with the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the country. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has launched a three-tiered initiative through its new program, Arkansas Center for Women & Infants' Health. It offers vital resources to new mothers and babies during the critical postpartum period. Arkansas Department of Health, nonprofit react to 'F' on March of Dimes report for infant, maternal health 'We received this grant as a congressional earmark from Senator Boozman, who really wanted to help move the statistics,' said Dr. Nirvana Manning, executive director of the center. The program's first tier is focused on equity in education. UAMS is standardizing postpartum education across the state to ensure that families in every corner of Arkansas receive the same high-quality information about caring for both mother and baby. 'We don't want someone in one part of the state to get more or different or better information than another part of the state,' Manning explained. The second tier provides families with infant supply kits packed with essentials to help ease the transition from hospital to home. Federal grant gives Arkansas $17 million to support maternal health 'It just kind of helps with those immediate postpartum needs, navigating some of the unexpected things that you may need,' said Manning. Included in the kits are bright 'I Gave Birth' bracelets—more than just a keepsake. These bracelets serve as visual alerts to healthcare providers and emergency responders, signaling that the wearer recently gave birth and may still be at risk for complications. A QR code on the bracelet links to a digital resource hub accessible to both patients and their families. The third tier of the initiative is perhaps the most proactive: a postpartum call center. US maternal death rate rose slightly last year, health officials say Instead of waiting for families to seek help, UAMS providers will reach out to check in on physical health, mental wellbeing, and access to basic necessities. 'We're going through some health care things, but also social determinants of health,' Manning said. 'Do you need diapers? Do you need mental health care? Do we need help reapplying for insurance?' The goal is to 'wrap around these moms and patients where they need it most,' she added. The pilot program has already launched at UAMS in Little Rock, with plans to expand to all 33 birthing centers across the state by the end of summer. Organizers say they will tailor efforts to meet the unique needs of each community, particularly in healthcare deserts where access to maternal services is limited. To learn more about resources or the new initiative, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT -
