In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, which takes place from April 11-17, K8 News, based in Jonesboro, interviews ACHI President and CEO Dr. Joe Thompson to discuss the health disparities faced by Black mothers in Arkansas and the initiatives being implemented to bridge these gaps.
Reporter Macy Davis delves into Arkansas’s position as the state with the highest maternal mortality rate in the country and highlights the fact that Black women in Arkansas are twice as likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths compared to their White counterparts. She also references statistics from our 100 Arkansas Moms infographic series.
Dr. Thompson sheds light on the initiatives aimed at enhancing health outcomes for Black mothers in Arkansas, including efforts to expand access to doulas. Doulas are non-clinical caregivers who are specially trained to provide support during childbirth.
For more information on maternal and infant health in Arkansas, visit our topic page.