Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families

“The need to improve maternal health care in Arkansas is clear, and this has been highlighted by many state leaders and health care professionals this year,” said Quinn. “Our NIH-funded collaboration is an opportunity to apply state-of-the-art data science approaches to gain a better understanding of how we can improve the health of mothers and their children in Arkansas.”

NIH funding to help collect, analyze Arkansas maternal health data - Talk Business & Politics Arkansas is receiving $310,000 from the National Institutes of Health as part of a larger program to support the collection of maternal health data being collected by the University of...

Election season is heating up, and it's a great time to visit with candidates to learn what kinds of policies they'd have in mind if they're elected. Because kids can't vote, and they don't tend to make campaign contributions, it's up to the adults to select the candidates who will promote the well-being of Arkansas's children. Our 2024 Voters' Guide can help you ask critical questions to evaluate your local candidates. Download it here: https://bit.ly/48Fe4Gj

"Childhood hunger has been shown to cause long-term effects, including learning loss and health complications as adults. It also has been shown to have correlating effects to poverty, especially as grocery prices continue to rise, said Maricella Garcia, race equity director for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families."

Inaugural food assistance program offers grocery relief to Arkansas families By Mary Hennigan, Arkansas Advocate Fruits, fresh vegetables, ground beef, and yogurt were among the first things Nedra Gaines bought when she received her three children’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer cards at the end of June. A

"Cyndi says Jeremiah’s coverage was eventually restored without an explanation from DHS, but showed KNWA/FOX24 documents revealing this process took three months.

'The current situation isn’t working,' says Cyndi. 'And if it’s not working for myself, there’s lots of others out there that it’s not working for either.'”

Arkansas Medicaid unrolling disabled adults Arkansas parents of kids with Down syndrome and their providers say they’re concerned by unexplained gaps in Medicaid coverage.

As we approach the back-to-school season, ALICE children and families are on our minds. The availability of internet access and devices for education has become increasingly essential for young people, yet the digital divide by income and race/ethnicity persists.

In Arkansas, children below the ALICE Threshold were less likely to have home internet access than those above the Threshold (88% vs. 96%) and considerably less likely to have high-speed internet, which is often essential for work and online learning (57% vs. 74%).

There’s a lot more to be done to change the trajectory for ALICE children. Visit aliceinar.org to learn more, then share this data with stakeholders in your community.

If you're not yet familiar with Kevin Shalin of The Mighty Rib, this is an excellent article on Do South Magazine about his love of food, community, and Arkansas. We're absolutely thrilled to have him as a co-chair for our 2025 AACF Soup Sunday in Central Arkansas.

The Do-Good Foodie | Do South Magazine On a Saturday when the temperature will reach triple digits, food blogger Kevin Shalin is up early. Already, he’s posted about Benton’s Front Porch Market, ...

Increasing opportunity for young people in Arkansas means tackling the state’s teen birth rate, which has been far too high for far too long. A hodgepodge of local policies and inequitable education is getting in our way. Lowering the teen birth rate is one of smartest things we can do to secure our state’s future. We know from research that addressing this problem will boost high school graduation rates, lead to better physical and mental health outcomes and improve economic security.

The good news is we know what to do and a new coalition of partners is pointing the way. The Sexual Health Education Coalition is a diverse group that represents parents, health providers, abuse prevention experts, and advocates for marginalized groups, who all came together to make recommendations that form a blueprint for a better way.

Check out the report and coalition blueprint here: https://bit.ly/4d5wF0y

Today we celebrate the 59th anniversary of Medicaid's enactment. This day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the vital role the program plays in the lives of Arkansas families. No Arkansan should have to choose between getting the healthcare they need and paying for rent, gas, or groceries because of high costs. Medicaid provides peace of mind to Arkansans and their families and allows them to get the care they need without the fear of catastrophic bills and medical debt. Our Medicaid program, ARHOME, removes barriers to accessing the affordable healthcare that Arkansas families need.

Undocumented immigrants contributed $96.7 billion in taxes in 2022. That’s greater than the entire budget of every state except New York and California. It’s also more than the budgets of NASA, EPA, and the State Dept. See what this means in Arkansas:

Undocumented Immigrants Contribute Nearly $200 Million in Arkansas Taxes a Year The mission of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is to ensure that all children and their families have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives and to realize their full potential. We serve as a voice for children at the Arkansas State Capitol and in Washingto...

Just a few reasons you should consider joining the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition during our summer membership drive! Join today: https://bit.ly/3RE3au3

✨ “As a lifelong advocate for children, I believe every child is just one caring adult away from a success story. I love being a voice for children and their families as a member of the Arkansas Kids Count Steering Committee. I am that one caring adult, and you can be too!” Tomekia Moore, Arkansas Kids Count Coalition Steering Committee
➡️
✨ “The Kids Count Coalition empowers me by serving with like-minded individuals who have passion to advocate for the children and families of our state, and I feel hope that change is possible through organization and education!” David Kuchinski, Arkansas Kids Count Coalition Steering Committee Chair
➡️
✨ “Being a Kids Count Coalition member gives me easy access to updates and resources to be a better advocate for children and families in Arkansas. Join today and be part of shaping the future for our kids!” Jasmine Zandi, Arkansas Kids Count Coalition Steering Committee

“Being a Kids Count Coalition member gives me easy access to updates and resources to be a better advocate for children and families in Arkansas. Join today and be part of shaping the future for our kids!” Jasmine Zandi, Arkansas Kids Count Coalition Steering Committee

Over the next several months, Arkansas Advocates will share the stories of individuals with experience with the Arkansas Medicaid program in our new series, “The Medicaid Minute.” Up first, meet Maya: https://bit.ly/4cXtec3

Join our team! Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is hiring an Education Policy Director. Find information and how to apply here:

AACF Seeks Education Policy Director The mission of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is to ensure that all children and their families have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives and to realize their full potential. We serve as a voice for children at the Arkansas State Capitol and in Washingto...

“The Kids Count Coalition empowers me by serving with like-minded individuals who have passion to advocate for the children and families of our state, and I feel hope that change is possible through organization and education!” David Kuchinski, Arkansas Kids Count Coalition Steering Committee Chair https://bit.ly/3RE3au3