How the Arkansas Maternal Coalition is Improving Maternal Health Outcomes: A Q&A with Kaitlyn Gardner, Founder and President
By Samantha Reaves, MA, PMH-C | Postpartum Support International
The Arkansas Maternal Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free and accessible virtual support, resources, and community to women navigating pregnancy, miscarriage, infant loss, infertility, postpartum period, and motherhood. Our mission is to improve maternal health outcomes in Arkansas by eliminating barriers to evidence-based information and empowering individuals through expressive art, personal narratives, and diverse media resources.
Tell us about the Arkansas Maternal Coalition and why your work is vitally important within your state.
Too many people in our state go through pregnancy, loss, or new motherhood feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or invisible. We want to change this with free support, real stories, and a space where women don’t have to pretend everything’s “okay.”
Maternal health in Arkansas is struggling. The numbers are heartbreaking, but so are the lived experiences behind them. We believe things can be better if we listen, share, and hold space for the hard parts like miscarriage, infertility, postpartum depression, and grief because those parts matter too.
You just hosted your launch party! Share with us the energy of that event and how it made you feel about the coming months.
The launch party was full of heart and genuine connection, with so much support from our community. There was laughter, meaningful moments, and deep conversations about why this work is so needed. Seeing people show up with open hearts made everything feel real. It reminded us that we are not alone in this mission and left us feeling hopeful, grounded, and ready to grow. The coming months feel less overwhelming now and more like a shared effort we are excited to keep building together.
What projects are coming up for the Coalition?
We’re expanding Project #IHAVETOO by collecting more powerful stories and reaching new audiences across Arkansas. This summer, we’re bringing our message into the community through pop-up art events hosted at partner facilities—think live storytelling, collaborative art walls, and creative spaces where healing and connection can happen. And starting in August, we’re launching free virtual support groups and weekly drop-in hours to give people a safe place to talk, process, and feel supported in real time. These next steps are all about showing up for people where they are—with heart, creativity, and care.
The Arkansas Maternal Coalition is committed to creating safe, intentional, and supportive spaces for mothers to connect and express themselves. Can you explain how your work improves maternal health outcomes?
We know that maternal health is not just about physical care but also emotional and mental well-being. By creating safe and supportive spaces for mothers to connect, share their stories, and access free virtual resources, we help reduce isolation, increase awareness, and encourage earlier help-seeking. Our programs make it easier for women to recognize when they need support and to find it without shame. Whether through storytelling, expressive art, or peer-led groups, we meet people where they are and help them feel seen, heard, and cared for. This kind of connection can be life changing and plays a critical role in improving maternal mental health outcomes across our state.
How can Arkansas residents, or others, get involved and support the Coalition?
There are so many ways to get involved, and every bit of support makes a difference. You can share your story through Project #IHAVETOO to help others feel seen and less alone. You can donate to support our free programs, events, and virtual resources, or offer in-kind help like Canva or Squarespace credits.
If you’re local, join us at a pop-up art event or volunteer your time. We also welcome clinicians, artists, and community partners to collaborate on creative and supportive programming.
Even something as simple as following us on Facebook or sharing a post helps us reach more families. This work is community-led, and we are so grateful for every person who chooses to be part of it.
- Arkansas is in critical need of accessible, clear, and reliable maternal health information. One of the primary barriers women face is the lack of easily accessible resources and education about their health during infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Quick Facts:
- Maternal Mortality Rate: Arkansas has a maternal mortality rate of approximately 47.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.
- Disparities in Maternal Mortality: Black women in Arkansas are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women.
- Infant Mortality Rate: Arkansas has an infant mortality rate of 7.3 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021, which is higher than the national average of 5.4 per 1,000.
- Preterm Birth Rate: Approximately 11.1% of all births in Arkansas are preterm, which is higher than the national average of around 10%.
- Medicaid Coverage: Around 45% of births in Arkansas are covered by Medicaid, reflecting the importance of Medicaid in providing essential maternal health services to low-income women.
- Postpartum Depression: Nationally, it’s estimated that 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, a condition that often goes unrecognized and untreated.
- Teen Birth Rate: Arkansas has a teen birth rate (ages 15-19) of approximately 24.5 births per 1,000 females, which is higher than the national average of 16.1 births per 1,000 females.
- Postpartum Visits: Only 60% of women in Arkansas receive a postpartum visit within the recommended 6-12 weeks after childbirth, leaving many without the critical follow-up care needed to monitor their health and recovery.
Source: arkansasmaternalcoalition.org
Learn more about the Arkansas Maternal Coalition here.
About the Author
Kaitlyn Gardner, MS, LPC, PMH-C
Kaitlyn Gardner, MS, LPC, PMH-C, is the Founder and President of the Arkansas Maternal Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes through free virtual support, education, and community engagement. Kaitlyn also serves as the Advocacy Lead for Postpartum Support International, Arkansas.
In her private practice, Kaitlyn is trained in EMDR and works with women navigating anxiety, depression, reproductive trauma, and major life transitions. Her passion for this work is both professional and deeply personal. Kaitlyn has experienced miscarriage, cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, and a hysterectomy, all of which shape her approach with empathy and authenticity. She has a special clinical interest in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and in supporting individuals and families after infant loss.
Kaitlyn currently lives in Arkansas with her husband, daughter, and two extremely entitled cats.
Kaitlyn was recently featured on PSI’s I AM ONE Podcast – Listen Now!
Perinatal Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
