DP24-004, PRC, Core: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers

PROJECT SUMMARY Maternal mortality rates are increasing in the United States and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal death. Women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have increased risk of adverse fetal and maternal outcomes, developing chronic hypertension, and developing earlier onset of cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiovascular events after pregnancy. Arkansas’ rurality and health disparities underscore the need for innovative strategies to address growing adverse health outcomes in the population. The overall mission of the Arkansas Center for Women’s Health (ACWH) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is to develop research and educational programs to enhance public health practice to reduce risk for hypertension, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and maternal mortality, among the state’s highest risk women who have limited resources and health care access, with a long-term goal of eliminating chronic disease health disparities. Through its networks and partnerships, the ACWH will conduct a scalability assessment to rigorously assess the implementation outcomes (e.g., adoption, reach, acceptability, and facilitators), cost, and scalability. With Arkansas’ current context of leadership in healthcare reform and healthcare delivery, implementation of a statewide initiative (Healthy Active Arkansas), and a multidisciplinary team of investigators with more than 30 years of experience in community-engaged, applied public health research and expertise in women’s health, the ACWH is well-positioned to tackle this critically important public health issue among women in rural areas of the state.