Grassroots voices fill Arkansas Capitol urging action for new mothers
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 24, 2026 — Advocates, survivors, health professionals and community leaders from across Arkansas gathered at the state Capitol recently for the American Heart Association’s Arkansas Heart at the Capitol, urging lawmakers to advance commonsense policies that improve maternal health and save lives.
Sixty-five advocates filled a full day at the state Capitol with briefings, advocacy training and face-to-face conversations with House and Senate members, sharing firsthand perspectives on pregnancy, recovery and family health. The event concluded with coordinated lawmaker meetings aimed at elevating maternal and family health priorities during the current legislative session.
“It was one of our biggest advocacy days in Arkansas,” said Dave Oberembt, government relations director for the American Heart Association in Arkansas. “Our advocates are really motivated to improve maternal health and, in particular, extending postpartum Medicaid coverage. We are the only state in the country that has not extended insurance coverage for new moms, and we need that to change.”
Throughout the day, participants took part in issue briefings, advocacy and storytelling training, and a legislative luncheon before in-person meetings with House and Senate members. A group photo with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders capped a full day of engagement and underscored the growing momentum behind maternal health reform.
“It was an incredible experience for these empowered Arkansans to advocate for maternal health, a major need in our state. In addition, we’re so appreciative that Gov. Sanders took the time to meet with us,” said Cori Keller, member of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas board of directors.
Advocates emphasized that extending postpartum Medicaid coverage and improving access to paid family medical leave are widely supported, evidence-based solutions shown to reduce maternal mortality, improve health outcomes for infants and families, and strengthen the state’s workforce.
“It’s really exciting to see our advocates so motivated this year,” Oberembt said. “Maternal health issues like increasing access to paid family medical leave or extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to one year are really driving our advocates to act. These are some commonsense solutions that will save lives and are very popular in Arkansas.”
Recent polling highlights strong bipartisan support for these policies. One survey found that 95% of Arkansans support expanding paid family medical leave, reflecting near-universal agreement on an issue that directly impacts working families across the state.
“When was the last time 95% of people agreed on an issue?” Oberembt said.
During afternoon meetings, advocates shared personal stories with lawmakers about pregnancy complications, heart disease and stroke, which remain leading causes of maternal mortality. Health experts note that many pregnancy-related deaths occur weeks and months after delivery, making extended coverage critical for early detection, follow-up care and treatment.
The American Heart Association continues to urge Arkansas lawmakers to act during the current legislative session to close the postpartum coverage gap and strengthen protections for new mothers.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Heart Powered movement, text HEART to 46839 or visit HeartPowered.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
