LITTLE ROCK — The Month of May (MOM) event at the Arkansas State Capitol will again kick off National Women’s Health Month with a free block party highlighting health and wellness activities.
The special event – now in its second year – will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 1 in front of the State Capitol and along Woodlane Avenue, which will be closed to traffic.
“This block party is both a celebration and a call to action,” said State Sen. Missy Irvin, who worked with Rep. Mary Bentley, Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Kay Chandler, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) to plan the event. “We look forward to recognizing National Women’s Health Month, and to continuing to emphasize our commitment to bettering the health of pregnant women, new mothers, and babies all across our state.”
The MOM event will include health screenings, women’s self-care services, informative displays from nutrition and fitness partners, and more. There will also be healthy activities for attendees to join every 30 minutes, as well as healthy food for sale from food trucks parked on Woodlane Avenue.
“This will be a truly special way to begin National Women’s Health Month,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam. “It’s an opportunity to learn more about steps you can take toward a healthier lifestyle, and to have fun at the same time.”
The University of Arkansas for Medical Services mobile breast cancer screening van will be parked at the Capitol and offering efficient and quick screening mammogram services. Other partners who will be set up with information and displays include the Arkansas Birthing Project, the DHS Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, the Be Well program, the ADH BreastCare program, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareSource, Summit Community Care, Empower, and many more.
“Our first MOM event last year was a wonderful way to promote women’s health in Arkansas, and I look forward to building on it this year,” said Renee Mallory, Secretary of Health. “I hope everyone will join us to learn more about women’s health in a fun and engaging way.”
The MOM event is part of a coordinated focus on improving the health of pregnant women, new mothers, and babies across Arkansas. Last year, Gov. Sanders signed an Executive Order to Support Moms, Protect Babies, and Improve Maternal Health, and this year she signed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act into law. The legislation includes several key reforms recommended from a committee created by the Executive Order, including increasing provider reimbursements and establishing presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women.
“There is an incredible amount of momentum around women’s health, and I am excited to celebrate and continue that momentum at the MOM event next month,” Dr. Chandler said. “This is a great opportunity to learn about resources and make a difference in the lives of Arkansas women.”
In the event of rain, the event will be moved inside the Capitol rotunda.
