The Maternal and Reproductive Community Health Excellence (MaRCH) Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE)

Arkansas is ranked worst for maternal mortality and fourth worst for maternal health outcomes. Arkansas is a rural state, and rural women have a higher rate of maternal mortality compared to urban counterparts. The goal of Maternal and Reproductive Community Health Excellence (MaRCH) Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase 1 is to build the infrastructure to nurture and develop new investigators, thereby creating the critical mass of researchers needed to truly make a difference in maternal and reproductive health for rural communities in Arkansas and other IDeA states. Our specific aims are: Aim 1: Build the Infrastructure for MaRCH COBRE. MaRCH COBRE will be comprised of an Administrative Core and 2 research cores—a Digital Health Core and a Stakeholder/Community Engagement and Dissemination (SUCCEED) Core. We will build upon two areas where we have established a strong foundation and leverage those strengths to develop and support a critical mass of investigators to conduct research focused on addressing maternal and reproductive health. The SUCCEED Core will focus on stakeholder engagement and dissemination, and the Digital Health Core will harness digital resources to support research in rural communities. Aim 2: Implement a Rigorous Mentoring and Faculty Development Program for Junior Faculty (Primarily Early-Stage Investigators) Focused on Maternal and Reproductive Health. The mentoring and faculty development program will include: 1) grants to Research Project Leaders and Pilot Project Investigators; 2) a formal mentoring program; 3) a training program; and 4) biostatistical and research methods navigation and support. MaRCH COBRE will support well-designed, high-impact research in maternal and reproductive health that is responsive to the needs and context of rural areas with the goal of ensuring that junior investigators transition to independent investigators, as evidenced by securing R01 or equivalent funding.