UAMS hopes new nurse midwifery program will address Arkansas maternal mortality rates

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences say they’re in the early stages of working on a new program they hope will help soon-to-be mothers and lower maternal mortality rates in the state.

Dr. Patricia Cowan, dean of the College of Nursing at UAMS, said they’re developing a master’s level nurse-midwifery program to help meet maternal-infant needs in the state.

“Nurse midwives function along with other health care providers to provide primary care for women,” Cowan said.

She said the program is vital.

“Unfortunately, according to the CDC Arkansas has the worst maternal outcomes in the nation and we also have the lowest number of midwives in the nation as well,” Cowan said.

Cowan said the nurse midwives would provide a number of things like prenatal and postpartum care.

“We know that there are an inadequate number of maternal providers in the state, but nurse midwives are one level of provider that can provide that care to pregnant women or women during childbearing years,” Cowan said.

Cowan noted that they’re working on a curriculum proposal for the two-year certified nurse-midwifery program before it goes through a state process of approval then an accrediting board for review.

“My hope with the program is that we can help build a network of health care professionals who meet the needs of Arkansas women not just in central Arkansas but throughout the state,” Cowan said.

She said although it may not be until 2026 until they can admit nursing students, they’re looking forward to bridging the gap.

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