Advancing Maternal Care: Arkansas Launches New Doula Integration Toolkit

Arkansas is taking a significant step toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes with the launch of the Advancing Doulas and Perinatal Teams (ADAPT) Toolkit. Developed by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation, this new initiative provides a structured framework for integrating doulas into clinical maternity care teams.

Mercy Hospital in Rogers has been selected as the first facility to pilot this program, marking a shift in how the state approaches birth support and patient advocacy.

What is the ADAPT Toolkit?

The ADAPT Toolkit is designed to bridge the gap between clinical medical providers and doulas—trained professionals who provide continuous emotional, physical, and educational support to parents throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. By formalizing this collaboration, the toolkit aims to foster a “continuity of care” that can lead to better health outcomes for both parents and infants.

According to Hannah McHardy, senior director of programs at the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation, the goal is to bring cultural insight and trusted support into clinical environments that can often feel overwhelming for families. The toolkit provides hospitals with evidence-based models and practical resources to effectively incorporate doulas into their existing care teams.

Pilot Program at Mercy Hospital

Mercy Hospital in Rogers is currently the primary site for the program’s pilot phase. The integration process is already underway, with 45 clinical staff members having completed training on how to work alongside doulas. Preliminary data from the hospital indicates a 47% increase in staff understanding regarding the scope of a doula’s practice, suggesting that the training is successfully clarifying the roles and benefits of these birth partners.

Whitney Tolbert, vice president of patient services at the Rogers hospital, noted that doulas serve as evidence-based partners who complement the clinical team. By helping families navigate the complexities of the healthcare system with confidence, doulas are expected to improve the overall birth experience.

Addressing Maternal Health Challenges

This initiative arrives as Arkansas continues to address high maternal and infant mortality rates. The integration of doulas is part of a broader effort, supported by the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act of 2025, to make maternal healthcare more accessible and navigable for residents.

State-level measures approved last year have also paved the way for doula services to become reimbursable through Medicaid, removing a significant financial barrier for many families. While the initial implementation of these insurance policies faced challenges, the rollout of the ADAPT Toolkit represents a concerted effort to standardize care and ensure that doula support is a viable, integrated component of the Arkansas birth experience.

Key Takeaways

• Integrated Care: The ADAPT Toolkit facilitates collaboration between clinical staff and doulas to improve patient outcomes.
• Pilot Success: Mercy Hospital in Rogers is the first to implement the program, with 45 staff members trained to date.
• Evidence-Based Support: Doulas provide continuous emotional and educational support, which the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation views as a critical component of maternal health.
• Policy Alignment: The initiative aligns with recent legislative efforts, including the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act of 2025, to improve maternal health infrastructure in Arkansas.

Following the pilot at Mercy Hospital, there are plans to expand the use of the ADAPT Toolkit to other healthcare facilities throughout the state. As more hospitals adopt these models, the initiative could serve as a vital tool in creating a more supportive, informed, and equitable maternal healthcare landscape across Arkansas.