Urban Renewal sets special meeting
Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency will hold a special called board meeting at 12:15 p.m. today in the URA Board Room at 417 W. Sixth Ave., according to a news release. Details: (870) 209-0323.
2 locals among SAU Ambassadors
Southern Arkansas University at Magnolia appointed 29 students as President’s Ambassadors for the 2024-25 academic year. Two are from southeast Arkansas.
Ronald Martin is an agricultural business major from Warren and John Ellis is an engineering major from Warren, according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Local on Alabama dean’s list
Austin Miller of Pine Bluff was named to the dean’s list for summer semester 2024 at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. A total of 501 students were named to the Dean’s List with an academic record of 3.5 (or above) or the president’s list with an academic record of 4.0, according to the release.
Blue & You Foundation awards aid
The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is working to improve the health of Arkansas communities by awarding nearly $1 million to organizations working to address maternal and pediatric health, according to a news release.
Arkansas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation, according to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, and the third-highest infant mortality rate.
“From large hospitals to grassroots community initiatives, we’re all working together to improve healthy outcomes,” said Foundation President Rebecca Pittillo. “We’re grateful to be able to provide funding to organizations around the state that are educating expectant parents and providing resources before and after birth, creating healthy families and communities.”
Organizations receiving grant funding include:
Jefferson Regional Medical Center ($186,000) — JRMC will provide prenatal care coordination in the Delta region of Arkansas to support mothers with insurance assistance, referrals and community classes. JRMC will also distribute safe sleep sacks and pack-n-plays for infant injury prevention and certify 48 lactation specialists.
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families ($23,215) — The agency will create maternal health focus groups to learn about the barriers facing mothers and discuss possible solutions to be disseminated to appropriate parties around the state.
Arkansas Children’s Foundation ($103,275) — The foundation is expanding its Love Notes curriculum and adding counties to the program. Love Notes teaches adolescents and young adults about healthy relationships, dating violence and how to improve impulse control.
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance ($60,000) — The alliance will hire a WIC program associate to collaborate with more than 530 food pantries and organizations statewide, as well as provide support, education and outreach to underserved populations.
Canopy Northwest Arkansas ($75,000) — Canopy Northwest Arkansas will hire a home-visiting care coordinator to help women who speak limited English navigate doctor appointments and connect them with resources such as WIC. The organization will also provide postpartum care kits, along with pack-n-plays, car seats and strollers.
Everyone Deserves a Doula ($26,760) — The organization will offer childbirth and postpartum education classes to expecting parents, expand its support groups, and provide materials and resources in Spanish.
St. Bernards Development Foundation ($140,000) — St. Bernards’ New Parent Pathways program will hire a new parent case worker and create a lactation hotline with certified lactation counselors. Additionally, it will distribute educational materials to all new parents, offer maternal health and baby care classes, and organize post-delivery support groups.
Ujima Maternity Network ($100,000) — The Ujima Maternity Network will recruit mom advocates for postpartum peer support in monthly Sista Circles groups. These groups provide a space for women of color to be seen, heard, valued and understood.
University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc. ($200,000) — With grant funding, the foundation will certify doulas and lactation counselors and train them in coaching and mentorship. The program aims to provide care to rural and minority communities in Arkansas, decreasing maternal health deserts.
Details: blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org.