As a result of a landmark Heartland Forward report entitled: "Health Care Access in the Heartland: How to Improve Services in Rural America", we have launched the Heartland Health Caucus to bring together the top public policy decision makers focused on health care in eight states – Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
The Caucus serves as a forum to exchange new ideas in addressing pressing health issues and accelerating new and consistent policy approaches across states.
Focus areas include: maternal health, mental health and health care workforce shortages
Maternal and Child Health Center for Policy and Practice (MCH CPP)
Heartland Forward’s Maternal and Child Health Center for Policy and Practice (MCH CPP) advances research, shapes policy and delivers practical solutions to improve maternal health across the heartland.
Guided by the National Governors Association’s proven playbook and building on The Economic Case for Investing in Maternal Health, the MCH CPP partners with policymakers, providers and community organizations to drive lasting improvements in care and support for moms at every step—because strong, healthy mothers build strong, healthy communities.
Nursing Career Pathways
Through a federal grant, Heartland Forward and its local partners in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, are building a program for secondary students to pursue careers in nursing as well as seek job apprenticeships.
This is specifically targeting low-income, first-generation students in rural areas.