Kaiser Permanente continues to support improving maternal health outcomes and addressing conditions of maternal mortality in Georgia. The $1.75M in grant funding will be provided to the Morehouse School of Medicine and Health Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia to support their work in providing equitable maternal care. Grant funding is supported through the Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fund at East Bay Community Foundation.
Morehouse School of Medicine, Inc. Receives $1M
The Morehouse School of Medicine will use funds to educate the public on the complications that can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy through their “maternal near miss study.” The study is a collection of stories from U.S. birthing persons of color who experienced a maternal near death and explores impacts among support persons, health care providers, families, and communities. Study results will be used to influence clinical practice, inform policy and advocacy, and advance healthcare strategies for birthing persons of color.
“The profound impact of maternal near-miss events on families, healthcare providers and the larger community underscores a critical area demanding urgent attention. Real progress in maternal health can only be achieved by not only reducing maternal mortality but also by diminishing the occurrence of severe complications during pregnancy,” said Natalie D. Hernandez-Green PhD, MPH, executive director of Morehouse School of Medicine’s Center for Maternal Health Equity.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, Inc. Receives $750,000
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA) will work to address maternal and infant health resource and care gaps in Georgia through the expansion of its Building Perinatal Professionals (BPSP) program and Perinatal Care Package (PCP) project. Each program is designed to expand free, accessible perinatal support and/or resources to low-income, racial minorities, and other populations experiencing the most significant health inequities during the pregnancy and postpartum period. Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia’s mission is to improve maternal and infant health through advocacy, education, and access to vital resources.
“When families have access to the education, resources, and support to make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their little ones, we all win,” said Ky Lindberg, chief executive officer for Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia. “Expanding the perinatal workforce is critical not only in reducing access barriers and supporting families but also in providing economic pathways for people to support the communities in which they live and love.”
