Healing Communities,
Saving Mothers
to Thrive
The power is in our hands
Together, we are transforming maternal health in Arkansas, ensuring Black families not only survive but thrive through every step of pregnancy and early parenting.
Arkansas is in a Maternal healthcare crisis, but not without hope
We believe that through collective work and responsibility we can change this tragic narrative for the state of Arkansas and the BIPOC community during the childbearing years.
The CDC ranks Arkansas as the top 5 worst states or ranked 47th worst states for maternal mortality.
In Arkansas, in 2022, Black non-Hispanic women were 2.3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White non-Hispanic women, with Black women representing 29.1% of pregnancy-associated deaths, despite only representing 19.4% of births.
92% of ALL maternal deaths are preventable. Too few women have access to quality and respectable care and advocacy. We are working to change that!
what is coming with acts signed into law
Act 965
Act 965 has established that certified community-based doulas shall receive compensation for services provided from 1) the Arkansas Medicaid Program; and 2) A health benefit plan.
Breastfeeding Act 627
mandates health insurance plans to cover breastfeeding and lactation consultant services, effective January 1, 2026. This includes private insurance and state programs like Medicaid and ARKids First. The services are to be covered without deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance limits. The act aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by ensuring access to this support.
Healthy Moms Healthy Babies
The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act of Arkansas is a 2025 law that expands Medicaid and increases support for pregnant and postpartum women. It provides immediate presumptive Medicaid eligibility, increases reimbursement rates for pregnancy care, and “unbundles” payments so providers can be paid for up to 14 prenatal/postnatal visits. The Act also expands Medicaid coverage for remote monitoring and creates reimbursement pathways for doulas and community health workers. Overall, it invests more than $45 million annually to improve maternal health outcomes across the state.
Birth Centers Act 866
Act 866 (Arkansas, 2025) requires health insurance plans to cover childbirth in a licensed birthing center just like they would in a hospital — with no higher out-of-pocket costs
of ALL maternal deaths are preventable
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together. Akoma ntoaso – the Adinkra symbol of shared effort and obligation Source.
UJIMA'S MISSION
Ujima is built on connection making sure every mom, birthing person, and family has a community that truly “clicks.” Our mission is to bring people together through culturally centered care, supportive resources, and empowering education. We uplift and strengthen the doula workforce by providing training, opportunities, and community support so doulas can thrive while they serve families. By closing gaps in maternal health, empowering doulas, and strengthening networks, we ensure no one navigates pregnancy or postpartum alone. At Ujima, community is the heartbeat of everything we do and in 2026
UJIMA'S 2025 IMPACT
Doulas trained in the state of Arkansas from Northwest Arkansas, Central Arkansas, & Southeast Arkansas!
Individuals served through our Maternal Care Community Outreach!
Women gave birth with Ujima Doula Support!
Scholarships awarded in 2025!
Doulas trained in the state of Arkansas from Northwest Arkansas, Central Arkansas, & Southeast Arkansas!
Individuals served through our Maternal Care Community Outreach!
Women gave birth with Ujima Doula Support!
Nearly $10k ($9,800.00) Scholarships awarded to 17 women!
Congrats to Amanda Henderson, Shyann Anderson, Rubi Madrid, Talaya Jones, Gabrielle Wilkerson, Breauna Allen, Kristen Cole, Leann Robinson-Phillips, Liyah Wasson, Daneque Sloan, Selena Branch, Lauren Marks, Krystal Anderson, Avis Garner, Aaliyah Shelman, Chauncey Reed, & Deasarea King
Clients served at UMN Outreach Community Clinics in 2023
Births attended by UMN Apprentice Midwives in 2023
New BIPOC Doulas began doula training in 2023, now Certified Doulas!
Doula Supported Births
in 2023
Develop
Doula Professionalism
Ready to support families in a meaningful way? Our Ujima Maternity Network Doula Certification Program provides the skills and resources to confidently care for families with culturally aligned, personalized support.
We also offer the Fatherhood in Focus: Doulo Training Program, empowering fathers with the tools to nurture and strengthen their families.
Join us to gain valuable skills and be part of a movement creating healthier outcomes for families and communities. Let’s make a difference together!
Hire
a UJIMA Network Doula
We’ve got you covered! Our team of Certified Birth and Postpartum Doulas is made up of skilled Black professionals dedicated to providing personalized, culturally aligned care.
We believe in the power of representation—ensuring families receive care from doulas who understand their experiences and reflect their community. By connecting with a Ujima Network Doula, you’re not only receiving exceptional support but also contributing to reducing maternal mortality rates and fostering healthier outcomes.
Find
Community Support
At Ujima Maternity Network, we’re dedicated to uplifting families and strengthening communities by addressing the unique needs of women and families of color.
MCCO: Maternal Care Community Outreach
Our MCCO: Maternal Care Community Outreach program connects underserved communities with vital resources and compassionate care, ensuring no one is left behind. Learn more.
Sista Circle
We also offer Sista Circle, a safe and supportive space where Black women can come together to share, heal, and grow. Through connection, advocacy, and education, we’re building brighter futures for families across Arkansas—one community at a time. Learn More.
Mom Advocates
Our Mom Advocates program brings trained community leaders directly to families, offering culturally centered support where it’s needed most. These advocates lead Sista Circles and provide postpartum peer support for up to 12 months after childbirth, ensuring mothers feel seen, supported, and never alone. Learn more.
Join
the UJIMA Community Membership
We’re building a community dedicated to improving maternal health for Black women in Arkansas, and we’d love for you to join us. By becoming a UJIMA member, you’ll play an essential role in expanding access for training BIPOC birth professionals, supporting outreach programs, and advocating for equitable, compassionate care.
Whether you’re a doula, supporter, or partner, your membership helps create safer, stronger, and more supportive communities for families. Together, we can make a lasting difference in our Arkansas community—join us today!
In the News
ABC7: Doulas advocate for better maternal care in Arkansas amid rising health concerns. Watch Full Video.
ABC7: Arkansas embraces doulas: New bill could boost maternal care access. Watch Full Video.
ABC7: $250,000 grant kickstarts Doula Alliance to boost Arkansas maternal care. Watch Full Video.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Opinion | Nicholle Fletcher: Survival a low bar. Doulas ensure moms, babies thrive. Read Article.
The Kulture Kolumn: Expecting Change: Maternal Healthcare in Arkansas. Watch Full Video
The Pine Bluff Commercial: UAMS researchers cite need for doulas Read Article
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Doulas, midwives in Arkansas assist women in autonomous birthing experiences Read Article
Arkansas Community Foundation: From Crisis to Collective Action
Read Article
Arkansas Advocate: Black maternal mortality in Arkansas rose 110% in two decades, study shows
Read Article
Camden News: Doulas, midwives in Arkansas assist women in autonomous birthing experiences
Read Article
Urbane Magazine: Arkansas’ Maternal Health Crisis: What You Need to Know Before Giving Birth in Arkansas
Read Article
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette: State’s maternal hazards probed. Worst-in-the-nation ranking inspires documentary film.
Read Article
5News: Arkansas ranks number one in the nation for maternal mortality. On Thursday, her panel released a maternal health report that lists solutions for the issue.
Read Article
THV11: Gov. Sarah Sanders, other officials discuss maternal health in Arkansas
Read Article
Arkansas Community Foundation: Doula Alliance of Arkansas Announces Its Formation, Seeks Executive Director
Read Article
AFMC TV Episode 142 – Nicolle Fletcher – Ujima Maternity Network
Watch Video
Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas: Maternal and Pediatric Health
Read Article
Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy: Birthing With Dignity and Facing the Disparities: My Black Maternal Health Week Reflections
Read Article
AFMC: A Rise in Cesarean Births Affirms Arkansas’ Need for Doulas
Read Article
5News: UAMS, Ujima Maternity Network conduct doula training in efforts to reduce Arkansas’s high maternal mortality rate
Read Article
Arkansas Times: Danger grows for pregnant Black women
THV11: Ujima Maternity Network builds community with doulas to help reduce stress during the pregnancy process
Read Article
AMP Arkansas Money & Politics: UAMS Launches Doula Training Program to Boost Maternal Health
Read Article
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Arkansas needs more doulas with more diversity, UAMS study finds
Read Article
The Kulture Kolumn: My Sister’s Keeper: A Mission to Save Lives Amid Arkansas’ Maternal Health Crisis by The Kulture Kolumn. Read more.
Arkansas Times: Black Maternal Mortality in Arkansas by Arkansas Times. Read more.
ABC7: Community Connections: Ujima Maternity Network 2022 KARK. Read more.
Every Mother Counts: New Film Documentary. Read more.