The Hands that Hold Arkansas Awards Dinner

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people who make a difference in Arkansas! This in-person event is all about recognizing those incredible hands that hold our community together.

Honoring the heart of birthwork across Arkansas

The Hands That Hold Arkansas Awards honor the birth workers and maternal health professionals who make Arkansas a safer, more compassionate place for families. These awards celebrate the doulas, OBGYNs, midwives, IBCLCs, CLCs, breastfeeding peer counselors, and community supporters whose hands guide families through some of life’s most transformative moments.

We invite the public to nominate individuals who demonstrate:

• Exceptional compassion and care
• Commitment to maternal health equity
• Advocacy for families and communities
• Collaboration across the birth and medical community
• Cultural humility and respect
• Dedication to improving outcomes for Arkansas families

Through these awards, we uplift the stories that often go untold — the quiet acts of courage, the steady presence in moments of vulnerability, and the skilled hands that hold families with dignity and love.

Nominations are open to all Arkansans.
Help us honor the people who help us thrive.

Enjoy good company, inspiring stories, and a night full of gratitude. Don’t miss out on this special occasion to honor true Arkansas heroes!

Nominations are open through September 11th and can be submitted via the form on our website: doulaallianceofar.org

Join us the next day for AR Doula Con 2026, Arkansas's statewide doula conference, hosted this year at the ARTSpace on Main! Purchase your ticket here.

We have a room block at the Hampton Inn & Suites PineBluff. Those interested in a room can call the hotel at 870-850-7488 and tell them you are with the Doula Alliance of Arkansas. Room reservations should be made by September 17th to take advantage of the block. Travel reimbursement scholarships are available as needed exculsively to DA-AR members.