LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has received a $4 million federal grant to address maternity-related health issues and reduce deaths in Ashley and Union counties.

The grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) were offered to rural and medically underserved areas affected by hospital closures, a shortage of providers, long travel distances to receive care, and a propensity for chronic conditions that increase pregnancy risks.

The funding will support a rural maternity and obstetrics management program called HEART Moms, which stands for Helping Expand Access to Rural maternal health care Transformation for Moms.

“HEART Moms will directly serve rural women who are pregnant or

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