Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has announced a major investment that leaders say will strengthen health care services, research, and maternal care programs across the state. The institution will receive $40 million in congressional appropriations to support a range of initiatives, including several aimed at addressing Arkansas’ high infant and maternal mortality rates.
The funding was included in federal appropriations legislation signed into law by Donald Trump on Feb. 3 and was championed by Arkansas U.S. Sen. John Boozman.
“This funding is critical to advancing UAMS’ mission to improve the health and well-being for Arkansans, including more positive outcomes for Natural State moms, babies and families,” said Boozman. “I was proud to champion these investments and to expand resources for providers, encourage medical innovation through better research, and ultimately save and elevate the quality of many more lives.”
Programs aimed at mothers, infants, and statewide care
A portion of the funding will support the Arkansas Center for Women and Infints’ Health at UAMS, which operates a proactive call center coordinating efforts statewide to reduce maternal and infant deaths. The center has begun calling postpartum mothers across Arkansas to ensure both mother and baby are recovering well. It also works with hospitals statewide to provide an “I Gave Birth Bracelet,” helping medical providers quickly recognize a mother’s recent delivery in emergency situations.
Infrastructure improvements are also planned. The Shuffield Building will be renovated to become a low-intervention birthing center at the UAMS Medical Center. Meanwhile, upgrades to the Monroe Building will expand services for mothers at the UAMS Milk Bank and create a Maternal & Infant Education Center.
Student and employee wellness initiatives are included in the funding plan. The UAMS Student Wellness program will relocate to the Monroe Building to improve student mental health services. The Student & Employee Health Clinic will also be expanded and relocated, allowing for improved care and future expansion of the UAMS Simulation Center.
Expanding research, transportation, and outreach
Additional funding will enhance patient transportation and outreach. New vans will improve on-campus transportation and help transport cancer patients to the Radiation Oncology Center. The funding will also provide new equipment for mobile vision screening and advanced simulation tools to expand maternal and infant care training.
Research collaboration is another priority. Approximately 14,000 square feet in the Barton Building will be renovated to create a new Bridge to Translational Research within the Division of Research and Innovation. The goal is to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the movement of research discoveries from laboratory science to real-world clinical care.
University leaders say the funding represents a major step forward in improving health outcomes across Arkansas while strengthening medical training, research innovation, and patient care services statewide.
