27 Jan 2025 Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health (AIM) Celebrates National Maternal Health Awareness Day
LITTLE ROCK — In observance of National Maternal Health Awareness Day, Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health (AIM) hosted a legislative luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 23. The event brought together Arkansas legislators and representatives from leading health- and family-focused organizations to discuss collaborative efforts to improve maternal health in Arkansas.
During the event, legislators were able to visit with representatives from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI), the Doula Alliance of Arkansas, Excel by Eight and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS.
Discussions covered the challenges facing maternal health care, including disparities in access to services, the critical need to extend Medicaid to one year postpartum and the importance of education and support for mothers and families. Representatives also shared ongoing solutions, such as expanding access to doulas, enhancing mental health services and promoting health equity in all 75 counties.
In coordination with the luncheon, Rep. Aaron Pilkington – who has filed multiple maternal health bills this session – requested a moment of privilege on the House Floor to acknowledge National Maternal Health Awareness Day and recognize maternal health partners in the gallery.
“Maternal health is an important issue in this session,” he said. “I’m very excited about the work we’ve done in the last two years through the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office, and about the improvements we’ve made and will continue to make during this session. I look forward to working with my fellow legislators and the fantastic organizations that are putting moms and babies first in Arkansas.”
“AIM was excited to see Rep. Pilkington and the House recognize National Maternal Health Awareness Day and to join our wonderful partners in amplifying our collective goals,” said AIM Executive Director Ashley Bearden Campbell. “Together, we are building a roadmap to improve maternal health outcomes across our state, and it’s very encouraging to see collaboration at this level.”
This inaugural legislative luncheon aligns with AIM’s mission to raise awareness, inspire action and advocate for meaningful policy changes that address the gaps in maternal health care. The organization remains focused on improving outcomes for mothers and infants across Arkansas through partnerships, education and advocacy efforts.
About AIM: Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health (AIM) is a non-profit organization that strives to raise public awareness, cultivate champions for change and spur action around the issue of maternal health in Arkansas. The organization advocates for policies to address existing gaps in maternal health care – before, during and after pregnancy – and create an environment where every mother and baby have the opportunity to thrive. AIM believes that strengthening maternal health care in Arkansas will have long-term benefits for Arkansas families, communities and the economy. For more information, visit AIMforArkansas.org.
