Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies of Mississippi Initial Provider Engagement and Student Feedback Loop Project

Authors

Corban Jackson MPH, Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies of Mississippi, Office of Women's Health, Mississippi State Department of HealthFollow
Jillian Harper-Peavy LMSW, IMH-E, Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies of Mississippi, Office of Women's Health, Mississippi State Department of HealthFollow
Starica Harper, Maternal and Infant Health Bureau, Office of Women's Health, Mississippi State Department of HealthFollow
Vernesia Wilson PhD, MPH, Maternal and Infant Health Bureau, Office of Women's Health, Mississippi State Department of HealthFollow

Keywords

Maternal Health, Perinatal Collaborations, Communication, Obstetrics, Rural Health

Document Type

Research Studies

Abstract

Background Between 2017 and 2022, 83% of maternal deaths in Mississippi were preventable. Unfortunately, there is a persistent shortage of OB-GYNs in Mississippi, feeding the rise of maternal care deserts and the lapse in collaboration between providers and state maternal health organizations. Purpose Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies of Mississippi, a care management program for high-risk mothers and infants, has partnered with the Mississippi Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health initiative (AIM) to improve maternal health outcomes through building healthcare networks with existing providers. Methods 33 medical students from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine conducted Initial Provider Engagement Outreach surveys among 112 licensed maternal health providers across Mississippi between September and December 2024. Results The 33 students had 19 (17.0%) successful outreaches among maternal health providers. 30 (90.9%) students reported experiencing challenges contacting providers, with 28 students being unable to contact 68 (60.7%) of their assigned providers. Conclusion Strengthening perinatal health collaborative networks is vital to addressing maternal and infant mortality in Mississippi. Providers who partner with state organizations would help equip mothers with the necessary tools and resources for a successful pregnancy, birthing experience, and first year of life.

Recommended Citation

Jackson, C., Harper-Peavy, J., Harper, S., & Wilson, V. (). Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies of Mississippi Initial Provider Engagement and Student Feedback Loop Project. Journal of Public Health in the Deep South, 5(2), 5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55533/2996-6833.1107