Arkansas

Study: Disparities in Arkansas child health persist, especially for Black families – Arkansas Advocate

Published

2 years ago

January 15, 2024

Study: Disparities in Arkansas child health persist, especially for Black families – Arkansas Advocate

In the late 2000s, Andriana Dixon regularly drove an hour and a half one way from McGehee to Little Rock for her first child’s doctor’s appointments.

“There were no pediatricians in my area at the time, and I wonder how many parents are out there who are choosing to do that same thing,” she said.

Andriana Dixon (Courtesy of Made Essentially doula service via Facebook)

Dixon’s experience is not unique, regarding both the shortage of health care providers in rural Arkansas and the fact that Black children and families face systemic barriers to care both statewide and nationwide.

Arkansas’ Black children consistently have worse health outcomes from birth onward than children of other races, according to a study published Wednesday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

The Race for Results report collected a decade’s worth of data on child health and wellbeing and found widespread disparities between white and nonwhite children nationwide. The study analyzed data by state and race, measuring health based on 12 indicators like birth weight and enrollment in early childhood education.

On a scale of 0 to 1,000, Arkansas had the following scores for child wellbeing in each racial group:

299 for Black children, ranking 42nd out of 46 states studied
397 for Latino children, ranking 45th out of all 50 states
597 for white children, ranking 47th out of all 50 states
562 for children of two or more races, ranking 30th out of all 50 states
616 for American Indian or Alaska Native children, ranking 5th out of 31 states
624 for Asian and Pacific Islander children, ranking 42nd out of 45 states

Black maternal mortality in Arkansas rose 110% in two decades, study shows

Nationally, Black children scored lower than any other group at 386, while Asian and Pacific Islander children and white children scored highest at 771 and 697, respectively.

Arkansas has the nation’s highest maternal mortality rate and the third highest infant mortality rate regardless of race, according to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, which launched a project in 2022 to raise awareness about the issue.

Additionally, the rate at which Black women in Arkansas die during childbirth or within a year of giving birth more than doubled from 1999 to 2019, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dr. Eduardo Ochoa, pediatrician (Courtesy of University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences)

Dixon, who now lives in White Hall, has been a special education teacher for children from preschool to 12th grade since 2016, and she has been a doula since 2020, working with families from Little Rock to the Delta. The racial gaps in children’s health and education shown in the Race for Results report line up with what she has observed in both of her careers, she said.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital are working together to address racial disparities in health outcomes, said Dr. Eduardo Ochoa, vice chair of diversity and health equity with UAMS pediatrics.

“We know that there are other factors like food insecurity and care deserts [that determine health], so we try to address as many of those non-medical factors as we can,” Ochoa said.

AECF_2024RaceForResults_EMBARGOED

Addressing barriers to care

Some of Arkansas’ 75 counties do not have hospitals, according to the state Department of Health. Many had very few full-time primary care physicians per 10,000 residents in 2020, according to ACHI data, and medical professionals in specialized disciplines, like pediatrics, are few and far between outside populous areas.

Arkansas Children’s has the state’s only accredited neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and the hospital’s Nursery Alliance brings neonatal care providers to hospitals throughout the state, both in person and virtually.

Dr. Ashley Ross, neonatologist (Courtesy of University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences)

“Our tele-NICU program is kind of in its infancy, no pun intended, but we’re trying to build our telehealth system in Arkansas, which is really robust,” said Dr. Ashley Ross, the neonatology section chief at UAMS and Arkansas Children’s, who runs the Nursery Alliance.

Ross said one of the biggest barriers to neonatal care in rural Arkansas is reliable transportation, especially with great distances between homes and hospitals.

He added that the Alliance focuses on underserved regions and communities, such as South Arkansas, and works to ensure that Arkansans carry their pregnancies to term and deliver babies with healthy birth weights.

According to Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, 9.5% of all babies in Arkansas were born with low birth weights in 2021, and 17% of Black infants had low birth weights.

Being born at less than 5.5 pounds, often caused by premature birth, creates health risks for children not only in infancy but throughout childhood and even into adulthood, according to the Race for Results report.

“Between 2016 and 2021, the percentage of babies born at a healthy birth weight stayed the same for white children (93.0%) and declined slightly among other racial and ethnic groups, with the largest drops for Asian and Pacific Islander and Black babies,” the report states.

Those groups also saw the largest decreases in enrollment in early childhood education between 2007–11 and 2017–21, the report states.

It wasn’t a piecemeal approach that got us here. It was a full-on targeting of Black people, Indigenous people and other people of color.

– Maricella Garcia, Race Equity Director of Advocacy at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families

Access to education is one of the many social determinants of health, Ochoa said. His work includes making early childhood education more accessible for immigrant and non-English-speaking families in Southwest Little Rock, which has a large Hispanic and Latino population.

UAMS is the grantee for the federal Head Start program, and enrollment has only recently returned to where it was before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in 2020, Ochoa said.

“Anything that can help children in the first three years of life is very important to their success in school and after school and employment and things like that, because the first three years are so important to brain development,” he said.

Policy solutions and public awareness

In the report, the Casey Foundation recommends several widespread policy measures to improve children’s health and wellbeing. The report acknowledges that “universal policies are important but insufficient for continued progress” and encourages states to create programs that specifically aid people of color.

The foundation’s proposed solutions include expanding the federal child tax credit and the earned income tax credit. Ochoa said implementing these policies on the state level “would really go a long way in improving the health of children” in Arkansas.

Arkansas Legislature saw wide range of maternal and reproductive health legislation in 2023

AACF supports requiring presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant Arkansans and extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months after birth. State Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, sponsored bills during the 2023 legislative session that would have created both policies.

Neither bill advanced because of cost concerns, Pilkington said last year, and he plans to reintroduce them in a future session.

These changes to state Medicaid policy would give mothers and babies more timely prenatal and postpartum care, which would reduce maternal and infant mortality, said Maricella Garcia, AACF’s Race Equity Director for Advocacy.

Maricella Garcia (Courtesy of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families)

“Moms are going to put their kids and family first, and if they don’t have access to health care, they’re unlikely to go to the doctor because they can’t afford it, so they’ll push off whatever feelings they have that something is wrong with them,” she said.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data released in December shows 78,506 fewer Arkansas children were enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in September than in March of 2023, an 18% enrollment decrease.

Systemic barriers to health and education, as the Race for Results report outlined, must be addressed with systemic solutions, not piecemeal ones, Garcia said.

“It wasn’t a piecemeal approach that got us here,” she said. “It was a full-on targeting of Black people, Indigenous people and other people of color.”

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Arkansas

Stetson shuts down Arkansas baseball, wins 4-1 in third game of series | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Published

9 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Stetson shuts down Arkansas baseball, wins 4-1 in third game of series | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

FAYETTEVILLE — The ninth-ranked Arkansas baseball offense was tamed Sunday by Stetson junior right-hander Trace Hartman.

Hartman allowed a run in the first inning but held down the Razorbacks for the rest of his 6 2/3-inning start, and the Hatters won 4-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas (12-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped.

The Razorbacks had chances against Hartman. They put the leadoff batter on base against him in the first, second, third, fifth and seventh innings, but they could not come through with the big hit. Arkansas finished the game 1 for 16 with runners on base and 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

“Hartman just kept finding a way,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “He’d get behind in the count and he’d come back — 3-2, 3-1 and he’d get you out. He just pitched. Give credit to him. He did a good job.”

Stetson (6-10) snapped its three-game losing streak and gave itself a chance to split the series with a win in Monday’s series finale. First pitch is scheduled for noon.

Hartman, a former NCAA Division II standout at University of Charleston (W. Va.) who entered the game with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, scattered 5 hits and 4 walks, and struck out 3 during his 101-pitch outing.

“I was getting the fastball across the plate,” Hartman said, “really just challenging the hitters and making them get themselves out.”

MORE FROM WHOLEHOGSPORTS: Notes, observations from 4-1 loss to Stetson

Stetson homered twice against Arkansas starting pitcher Colin Fisher in the fourth inning to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead. Left fielder Foster Apple led off the inning with a home run to left field to tie the game 1-1.

After a throwing error by Arkansas shortstop Carson Brumbaugh and a 1-out double by Stetson shortstop Landon Russell, right fielder Jayden Hylton hit a 3-run homer to left to give the Hatters the lead for good.

Stetson players celebrate with right fielder Jayden Hylton (17) after he hit a home run during a game against Arkansas on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)

It was the third home run of the season for the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Hylton, who Stetson coach Steve Trimper said before the series was likely the team’s best pro prospect.

“When Jayden gets hot he can be really good,” Trimper said. “He’s had kind of a roller coaster start to this [season]. He’s one of our better players and he just hung a breaking ball to him on that.

“Foster, he just hit a good pitch. That was a ball that the pitcher was doing a great job and he just got his hands inside the ball and was able to turn on it enough to where the wind — the only place the wind was out today, I think, was kind of down that left-field line.”

Three of the runs were earned against Fisher, who had not allowed an earned run in 22 innings prior to the fourth. It was the second-longest stretch without an earned run during Van Horn’s 24-year tenure. Barrett Astin threw 22 2/3 innings without an earned run to begin the 2012 season during the dead-bat era.

Van Horn said Fisher was not as sharp as his recent outings. He gave up leadoff singles to Juan De La Cruz in the first inning and Paul Napolitano in the third, but he worked out of the jams.

Fisher struck out Yohann Dessureault with three consecutive curveballs in the first inning, and Renzo Gonzalez hit into an inning-ending double play in the third.

“You could kind of tell early that he was either going to have to get better [and] he was going to have to recover,” Van Horn said. “We were hoping after maybe the second inning he would like make a jump and start pitching better, but it really just kind of stayed the same.”

Fisher allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 6 hits and struck out 4 during his 4-inning, 69-pitch start.

The Razorbacks plated a run quickly against Hartman in the first inning when Damian Ruiz led off with a double and scored on Camden Kozeal’s 1-out double.

But there was little pressure on Hartman from that time until he left the game with runners on the corners in the seventh. Right-hander Andrew Lepine replaced Hartman and got Ruiz to ground into a force play at second base to end the seventh.

Arkansas second baseman Camden Kozeal (8) flips to shortstop Carson Brumbaugh to start a double play during a game against Stetson on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)

Kozeal said the Razorbacks should have been more aggressive offensively.

“Maybe guys [were] taking it off a little bit 1 through 9,” Kozeal said. “We’ve got to have an aggressive lineup 1 through 9, trying to hit the ball hard.”

Lepine worked around a leadoff walk by Ryder Helfrick in the eighth and a 2-out walk by Carter Rutenbar in the ninth. His 2 1/3 innings of scoreless work Sunday followed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Razorbacks on Friday.

Trimper called Lepine “a really tricky guy” and a true submariner.

“We got our little sinker baller, sidearmer to come in and get ground balls,” Trimper said.

Stetson out-hit Arkansas 7-5. De La Cruz and Russell both had 2 hits for the Hatters, and Ruiz and Maika Niu both had 2 hits for the Razorbacks.

Cole Gibler did not allow a hit and worked around 2 walks and Brumbaugh’s second throwing error in 3 scoreless innings. Ethan McElvain pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings.

Box Score

Stetson 4, Arkansas 1.pdf

Highlights

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Arkansas

8 Darling Small Towns in the Ozarks

Published

21 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

The Ozark Mountains, with their beautiful forested hills and winding rivers, create a charming setting for some of the region’s most darling small towns. Eureka Springs’ artsy, colorful downtown and historic Basin Park Hotel give it a whimsical atmosphere that feels unlike anywhere else in the Ozarks. Hermann, set along the Missouri River Valley, is home to historic wineries like Hermannhof Winery, which highlights the town’s long German winemaking heritage. And Mountain View, with its live folk music and traditional crafts at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, is another star destination.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Historic downtown of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Image credit Rachael Martin via Shutterstock

Eureka Springs, a charming gem in the Ozarks, warmly welcomes visitors with its whimsical charm. This vibrant Arkansas town is a hub of artistic expression and community spirit, nestled among breathtaking mountains. It’s easy to see why—packed with outdoor adventures and beautiful viewpoints along Lake Leatherwood City Park, this city offers a ‘eureka!’ moment at every turn! The historic Basin Park Hotel, loved since 1905, features a delightful mix of shops and galleries that showcase local artists. Plus, the stunning Thorncrown Chapel is a true masterpiece of architecture, reflecting Eureka Springs’ innovative spirit. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and creative energy, Eureka Springs invites everyone to discover its wonderful surprises and inspiring atmosphere.

Hermann, Missouri

Located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley, Hermann, Missouri, is a charming spot surrounded by lush vineyards and breathtaking views that have welcomed visitors for centuries. This historic village, with its deep German roots, is lovingly nicknamed the “Napa Valley of the Midwest” thanks to its famous wineries and wine-making tradition dating all the way back to the 1800s. One lovely example among over 100 wineries is Hermannhof Winery, which has been honing its craft since 1852, offering welcoming tastings and guided tours that share the region’s rich winemaking story. The Deutschheim State Historic Site, home to two beautifully restored houses that showcase 19th-century life’s simplicity, offers even more glimpses into Hermann’s German heritage. Life in Hermann moves at a gentle pace, and the welcoming, old-world spirit of hospitality makes this quaint town a truly special place — a charming destination that continues to delight visitors to this small Ozark community.

Mountain View, Arkansas

In Mountain View, the luxurious Ozark landscape surrounds a town that embraces its heritage warmly. The nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns, a captivating natural wonder, invite explorers to discover its expansive underground chambers, which feature towering stalactites and stalagmites, delicate flowstones, and sparkling streams that shimmer in gentle light. As visitors wander through the caverns’ winding passages, they may encounter hidden pools, ancient formations, and even rare underground plants. Skilled artisans and folk musicians can be found crafting traditional goods and performing heritage music amidst the peaceful beauty of the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Tourists can also gain deeper insights into Mountain View’s history at the Stone County Courthouse, built in 1922, which serves as a center for community events and local government. Visitors to Mountain View will experience the pure beauty of the Ozarks within the spirit of a tight-knit community.

Branson, Missouri

Where the Ozark Mountains meet the sky, a shimmering hidden gem named Branson, Missouri stands out as a treasured destination for those seeking an authentic American experience. Branson is home to several landmarks, quite literally the biggest being Table Rock Lake, a massive reservoir hailed as a beloved spot for aquatic adventures, its shining waters inviting all to revel in its loveliness. At Table Rock Lake, vacationers can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing. Another popular family attraction in Branson is Silver Dollar City, a renowned theme park where large numbers of travelers are whisked away on a journey through Ozark-themed attractions, plenty of live entertainment, and artisanal demonstrations. For a glimpse into the past, The Titanic Museum stands as a poignant tribute, with its half-scale replica of the iconic ship offering an immersive encounter equal parts educational and captivating. A charming community full of activity amidst the breathtaking scenery and miles of trails and waterways, Branson is the perfect base camp for an unforgettable adventure.

Camden, Arkansas

With the Ouachita Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enjoyment, Camden, Arkansas, and its surrounding area contains a lush ecosystem surrounded by a fascinating past evidenced by the many well-preserved homes and museums the town has on display. The White Oak Lake State Park, which includes many areas along the Ouachita Mountains, remains a haven for nature enthusiasts, inviting exploration of its diverse landscapes with plenty of opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. Stepping into the historic McCollum-Chidester House, visitors enjoy the grandeur of an antiquated era, gaining insight into the lives of a prominent 19th-century family. A reminder of the South’s complex past, Fort Southerland Park displays interpretive exhibits and guided tours that bring the Civil War era to life. As a result, Camden offers an enriching adventure, a distinctive pristine ambiance shaped by the town’s welcoming nature and the enduring legacy of its storied past.

Hardy, Arkansas

The Spring River flows through the town of Hardy, Arkansas, nourishing its creative spirit and infusing its surroundings with a sense of both serene reverence and excitement for adventure. This 57-mile-long river flows through the states of Arkansas and Missouri, with the South Fork of the Spring River making its way through the area. As the river winds its way through the green landscape, it invites those to discover its allure, from canoeing and kayaking to trout fishing and beyond. Hardy’s artistic heart beats strong on Main Street, where local crafts, antiques, and gifts reflect the city’s artistic community throughout its variety of boutique shops. Nearby, the Old Hardy Town Jail, dating back to the early 1900s, serves as a small but significant piece of its past, its weathered walls echoing stories long past. Adventurers can also explore the Hardy History Museum, browse the shelves at the quaint Library Park Bookstore, or take in a show at the historic Ritz Theater. A true treasure of the Ozarks, Hardy combines artistic flair, thriving beauty, and historic significance all waiting to be discovered.

Russellville, Arkansas

The majestic Lake Dardanelle reservoir reigns supreme in Russellville, Arkansas, its waters teeming with glittering fish. Russellville’s blue skies are likewise speckled with birds, and the town offers endless exploration opportunities for nature lovers and travelers seeking a relaxing retreat. With the Arkansas River winding its way gently through the landscape, it sets the stage for a charming district that seamlessly blends lasting legacy with reverence for the elegant nature that abounds in this beloved region. Downtown Russellville pulsates with warm energy, its local shops, mouthwatering restaurants, and historic Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot—now a thriving community center—showcasing the town’s renowned hospitality. The Old Post Road Recreation Area stands as a poignant reminder of the area’s significant past, its roots in the Trail of Tears route inviting contemplation, reflection, and respect for the lives lost during this tragic event. In Russellville, visitors discover a home away from home, where a welcoming spirit is always abundant.

The Ozarks leave a lasting impression, with their warmth and heritage lingering long after you leave. Eureka Springs, famous for its historic Basin Park Hotel, and Hermann, known for its centuries-old winemaking traditions, showcase this region’s respect for its natural and historical legacy while embracing the future. Like a skilled storyteller, each place weaves a story that strikes a chord—filled with scenic beauty, cultural richness, and entrepreneurial spirit. The region’s timeless charm is enhanced by the unique character of each small town—a mix of history and modern life that makes these destinations both familiar and pleasantly surprising.

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Arkansas

Bubba holds forth on Sarah’s losses in Arkansas primaries | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

1 day ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

Bubba holds forth on Sarah’s losses in Arkansas primaries | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

John Brummett

jbrummett@arkansasonline.com

John Brummett’s career in news began when he was in high school, as a part-time reporter for the Arkansas Democrat. He moved to the Arkansas Gazette in 1977.

He wrote a political column for the Gazette from 1986 to 1990. He was an editor for the Arkansas Times from 1990 to 1992.

In 1994, his book, “High Wire: From the Back Roads to the Beltway, the Education of Bill Clinton,” was published by Hyperion of New York City. He became a columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 1994. In 2000, he signed a deal with Donrey Media Group, now known as Stephens Media, and wrote for them for 11 years.

He rejoined Democrat-Gazette as a columnist on Oct. 24, 2011.

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