Faith-Based Pregnancy Center Education Bridges the Maternal Health Gap

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Routine prenatal care in the US has failed to decrease maternal mortality and preterm birth rates.
• Significant disparities persist, particularly affecting non-Hispanic Black women and minority groups facing socioeconomic challenges.
• Vulnerable populations often lack resources for essential preconception and early prenatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an evidence-based prenatal education and social support program.
• To equip personnel at faith-based pregnancy resource centers with tools to address maternal health disparities.
• To improve maternal health outcomes, focusing on reducing mortality and preterm birth rates.

Main Methods:

• Program development based on existing evidence.
• Focus on education and social support strategies.
• Targeted training for staff at pregnancy resource centers.

Main Results:

• The program is designed to be evidence-based.
• It aims to provide practical tools for resource center staff.
• Anticipated outcome is improved maternal health indicators.

Conclusions:

• Faith-based pregnancy resource centers can play a crucial role in mitigating maternal health disparities.
• The developed program offers a scalable model for enhancing prenatal care access and quality.
• Addressing socioeconomic and resource barriers is key to improving maternal and infant outcomes.