Arkansas Center for Health Improvement

06/15/2026

We explore the role of well-child visits and other efforts to improve infant health outcomes in Arkansas in episode nine of the Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast. Thanks to guests:
→Dr. Natalie Burr of the Little Rock Pediatric Clinic
→Anna Strong with the Arkansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
→Ashley Bearden Campbell with Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health
→Cara Osborne on behalf of Ingeborg Initiatives and Healthy Moms Healthy Babies America

Listen here: https://achi.net/birthingjourney/well-child-visits/

06/08/2026

In the eighth episode of our Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast, we explore the role of postpartum care in improving maternal and infant health outcomes for new moms in Arkansas. Host Sandra McGrew speaks with:
→ Nirvana Manning of the Arkansas Center for Women and Infants' Health at UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
→ Liyah Marie Wasson of the Doula Alliance of Arkansas.
→ Craig Wilson of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement.

Listen here: https://achi.net/birthingjourney/postpartum-visits/

06/05/2026

Arkansas' healthcare workforce, medical residency slots, and preventive medicine. ACHI's Craig Wilson sits down with Dr. Bala Simon in the latest Wonks at Work podcast to discuss the new Dr. Joseph H. Bates Preventive Medicine Program at UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Listen here: https://achi.net/wonksatwork/bala-simon/

05/28/2026

We were honored to welcome Dr. Jefferson onto our Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast to discuss mental health treatment options and other resources for moms.

Becoming a mom is one of the most significant transitions a woman can experience, and for many, it comes with mental health challenges that go unrecognized and untreated.

Dr. Erin Jefferson from PRI's Women's Mental Health UAMS Northwest Regional Campus - Fayetteville Program recently joined the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast to discuss exactly that. In Episode 6, she talks through the importance of depression screening during pregnancy and the postpartum period, what treatment options look like, and where Arkansas moms can turn for support.

🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, or here: https://achi.net/birthingjourney/depression-screening/
Know a mom who needs this? Share it with her.

05/27/2026

In the seventh episode of the Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast, we learn how home visiting programs and local community health workers can help improve maternal and infant health outcomes in Arkansas. Host Sandra McGrew welcomes guests:

→Tyra Greenwood with Arkansas Children's.
→Dr. Kalena Jones with Baptist Health.
→Dr. Pearl McElfish with UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Listen to the episode: https://achi.net/birthingjourney/the-healthy-birthing-journey-podcast-home-visits/

05/19/2026

In the sixth episode of the Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast, we discuss depression screening and other mental health resources that can support Arkansas moms through pregnancy and the postpartum period. Host Sandra McGrew speaks with:

→Izzy Montgomery and Sarah Crawford with ACHI.
→Dr. Erin Jefferson with UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
→Dr. Tamara Glover with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Listen to the episode: https://achi.net/birthingjourney/depression-screening/

05/19/2026

ACHI's Michelle Kitchens and Jennifer Wessel were on hand today for the grand opening of a new lobby and gallery space at Arkansas Children's. The new features at the hospital are part of an ongoing $371 million construction project aimed at improving patient care and the overall experience for children and families.

05/12/2026

In the fifth episode of the Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast, we discuss the maternal and infant health impacts of family support and bonding following the birth of a child. Host Sandra McGrew welcomes guests:

→Arkansas Sen. Missy Irvin.
→Mary Kate Moore with Arvest Bank.
→Dr. Shannon Case with Johnson Regional Medical Center.
→Cassie Cochran with the Arkansas Department of Health.

Listen to the episode: https://achi.net/birthingjourney/family-support-and-bonding/

05/06/2026

In the fourth episode of the Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast, we discuss the birth of a child, including factors that determine the safest method of delivery. Host Sandra McGrew is joined by:

→ACHI Director of Health Policy Jennifer Wessel and Assistant Director of Data Visualization and Quality Cain Farnam.
→Dr. Mary Pat Hardman with HerHealth Clinic at Washington Regional Medical Center.
→Arkansas Rep. Lee Johnson.

Listen to the episode: https://achi.net/birthingjourney/the-healthy-birthing-journey-podcast-safest-method-of-delivery/

05/06/2026

We're attending the Arkansas Department of Health's third annual Month of May (MOM) Block Party, which continues until 1 p.m. at the War Memorial Stadium Concourse. At the event this morning, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the launch of "Claim Your Care," an awareness campaign on maternal health resources focused on local health units. Details: https://lnkd.in/gadmj-Gu

For more on the campaign, listen to our Healthy Birthing Journey Podcast episode featuring the Health Department's Cassie Cochran: https://lnkd.in/gPyN7sHm