Sanders, Arkansas Department of Health Launch Statewide Campaign to Connect Women to Pregnancy Care

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alongside the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), today announced the launch of its first coordinated, statewide campaign to help mothers find care close to home. The campaign kicked off with the third annual Month of May (MOM) Block Party and Women's Health Expo. Hosted by Governor Sanders, ADH, and the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the free community event helped families learn about and sign up for local services and care readily available to them.

The ADH is leading the campaign with the message "Claim Your Care" to help women who are pregnant, may be pregnant, or planning for pregnancy quickly find care and support through Arkansas Health Units (AHUs) across the state.

The statewide effort officially launched on May 6 during Women's Health Month. The MOM Block Party in Little Rock was held at the same time as open house events at AHUs across the state. Attendees learned about prenatal and postpartum care, nutrition support, breastfeeding resources, immunizations, and other community-based services.

"As a mom of three kids, I know that pregnancy can be overwhelming, and that's why we are launching this campaign to help women get the care they deserve, no matter what part of Arkansas they call home," said Governor Sanders. "By reaching women early, eliminating confusion, and making the path to care easy and affordable, we will be able to improve outcomes, strengthen families, and support women and mothers. From Northwest Arkansas to the Delta and everywhere in between, Arkansas Health Units are a close, reliable place to start."

One important way to improve health outcomes is to make sure women and families know where to go for care and feel comfortable accessing it. This initiative focuses on reaching people where they are, clearly showing what services are available, and helping them get care earlier and more regularly.

"We have 92 AHUs across 75 counties providing services for mothers," said Arkansas Secretary of Health Renee Mallory. "These services include prenatal care, mental health support, follow-up care after pregnancy, and help connecting to local doctors. But services only help if women know about them. We want every woman who visits an AHU to feel supported and confident during her pregnancy. That's why this campaign's tagline is 'Claim Your Care.'"

AHUs are county-based public health clinics staffed by nurses and other healthcare professionals who help women get the care they need. Services include prenatal care, pregnancy testing, nutrition programs, breastfeeding support, postpartum care, and help finding and connecting with local providers and community health resources. While AHUs do accept insurance, if an individual does not have insurance or has a limited ability to pay, services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost.

"When mothers receive care early and feel supported during pregnancy and after delivery, outcomes improve," said Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Kay Chandler. "This effort is about making sure every mother in Arkansas knows she is not alone and that care is within reach."

The campaign's goal is to help women know their local AHU can be the first and closest door to care before, during, or after pregnancy. This early and close access to care supports the state's broader effort to improve maternal health outcomes through the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act. This law, championed by Governor Sanders last year, expands support and services for mothers and infants across Arkansas. Making care easier to access can help families get a healthier start.

"The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is proud to support this campaign to ensure that pregnant women and new mothers know about the services available to them at AHUs, as well as the care that they may be eligible to receive through Medicaid," said Arkansas Secretary of Human Services Janet Mann. "Bettering the maternal care system in our state is a top priority for our agency, and we are grateful to stand alongside Gov. Sanders, the Legislature, the ADH, and so many of our providers and partners who are all working together to advance this common cause."

Learn more about services and find the nearest AHU at ClaimYourCareAR.com.

Watch the "Be You" television advertisement here, and the "Claim Your Journey" advertisement here.

As part of her ongoing commitment to support moms in Arkansas, Governor Sanders signed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act in 2025, directing $45 million to promote maternal health. Among many other things, the legislation established Presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, offered reimbursement pathways for doulas and community health workers, and established pregnancy-related Medicaid coverage for remote ultrasounds, remote blood pressure monitoring, and continuous glucose monitoring.

About the Arkansas Health Units

Arkansas Health Units (AHUs), operated by the Arkansas Department of Health, are a statewide network of local clinics serving all 75 counties. AHUs provide accessible, community-based care for women, infants, and families before, during, and after pregnancy.

Services include prenatal and postpartum care, breastfeeding support, WIC nutrition services, immunizations, family planning, and confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. AHUs also connect patients with hospitals, specialists, and community resources to support ongoing care.

Families can find their local AHU and more resources at ClaimYourCareAR.com.