Tuesday, November 28, 2023
11/28/2023
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 1125 N College Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72703-1908 Jennifer Callaghan-Koru, PD/PI 703-615-1723 jck@uams.edu uams.edu Total Federal Funds Requested: $ 4,997,513.00 Arkansas, a southern state with a population of 3 million, ranks as one of the worst states in America for maternal health and urgently needs further investment to improve outcomes and reduce disparities. In the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2018 comparison of 26 states with available data, Arkansas had the highest maternal mortality ratio. Multiple factors contribute to Arkansas’ poor maternal health outcomes, including relatively high rates of poverty and large rural areas with limited obstetric care. To help address the great need for maternal health improvement in Arkansas, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is applying for funding under the State Maternal Health Innovation and Data Capacity Program to conduct the PeRinatal IMpRovement of Outcomes and Safety for Everyone (PRIMROSE) Project. The PRIMROSE Project will address critical gaps in data systems, health services availability, and quality of care to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities in Arkansas. An interdisciplinary team from UAMS with expertise in clinical care, evaluation research, informatics, and health policy, will lead activities in the following areas: 1) establishing a state maternal health taskforce and strategic plan; 2) strengthening data systems for maternal health surveillance and reporting to the Alliance for Innovation in Maternal Health; 3) contributing to regionalization of perinatal care; 4) supporting patient engagement in quality improvement; 5) delivering evidence-based group prenatal care to disproportionately-impacted patients in maternity care deserts; 6) preparing emergency providers in rural areas to respond to obstetric emergencies through simulation training. To successfully complete these a ctivities, the PRIMROSE team will build on UAMS’ strength in partnering with state agencies, healthcare organizations, providers, and community-based groups across Arkansas. The PRIMROSE team will also rigorously evaluate the implementation and outcomes of innovations to contribute to the evidence base for reducing maternal mortality.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
