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Pregnancy resource centers tell committee they fill maternal-care gaps; request clearer funding and DHS coordination
Summary
Three pregnancy resource centers described free ultrasounds, referrals, material supports and a planned nurse-staffed telehealth hotline; presenters asked the committee to streamline DFA grant access, help with Medicaid referral pathways and consider prenatal-vitamin distribution.
Representatives of three Arkansas pregnancy resource centers told the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee that their organizations provide early-pregnancy confirmation, limited OB ultrasound, STI testing and treatment, parenting education, mental-health consultation and material assistance to families.
Shelly Lewis of the Little Rock Pregnancy Resource Center (APRC) said the center offers pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound and medical referrals and contracts with social workers and mental-health counselors to help clients navigate care. "We do make medical referrals within our community," Lewis said, citing UAMS and local OBs as partners.
Donna Ezell, a registered nurse and executive director of Caring Hearts Pregnancy Center,…
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