Maternal Mortality

Introduction

Maternal mortality is a serious public health concern in the United States, with rates that are disproportionately higher among Black and Hispanic women compared to their white counterparts. According to recent data, the U.S. maternal mortality rate is one of the highest among developed nations, reflecting significant systemic healthcare inequities (Njoku et al., 2023). The leading causes of maternal deaths include complications related to chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as mental health issues like postpartum depression. These challenges are compounded by limited access to high-quality prenatal and postpartum care, especially in underserved and rural communities (Shah et al., 2021).

A community health intervention is needed to address these disparities and improve maternal health outcomes. This proposal focuses on expanding access to care by extending nationwide Medicaid postpartum coverage to one year, implementing better chronic condition management, and integrating more comprehensive mental health services. The goal is to have continuous care and early intervention so as to prevent complications that cause maternal fatalities.

To support this intervention, local health department statistics will provide an overview of maternal health trends and highlight areas with the greatest need. Community assessments and surveys will provide qualitative insights into the lived experiences of pregnant and postpartum women, so as to show where barriers to care exist and what the cultural and socioeconomic factors are that affect maternal health. Secondary analysis of data from sources like the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) will give evidence of the impact of current healthcare policies.

Statement of the Problem

The high maternal mortality rate in the United States, which is made worse by disparities in healthcare access and quality, requires a strong intervention. This intervention means to reduce preventable maternal deaths and promote equitable health outcomes for all mothers by addressing systemic barriers to care and meeting the needs of marginalized communities.

Annotated Bibliography

Cohen, J. L., & Daw, J. R. (2021). Postpartum cliffsmissed opportunities to promote

maternal health in the United States. JAMA Health Forum.

This article identifies systemic gaps in postpartum healthcare in the United States, such as insufficient insurance coverage, cost-sharing barriers, and inadequate patient-provider transitions. The authors recommend solutions like extending Medicaid postpartum coverage and establishing comprehensive quality measures to improve outcomes. This study is helpful for highlighting specific policy shortcomings and will be used to support the intervention proposal advocating for extended Medicaid coverage to mitigate postpartum health risks.

Cross-Barnet, C., Courtot, B., Benatar, S., & Hill, I. (2020). Preeclampsia risk and

prevention among pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 31(4), 1634-1647.

This mixed-methods study evaluates the use of low-dose aspirin (LDA) to prevent preeclampsia in Medicaid populations. Findings indicate...

The research underscores the need for standardized protocols and integrated care teams to address preeclampsia risks among vulnerable populations. This source will inform the chronic condition management aspect of the intervention by emphasizing gaps in current practice and opportunities for improvement.

Haley, J. M., Hinojosa, S., Lacy, L., & Willis, C. (2022). Advancing Maternal Health Equity

in Southern States.

This qualitative study examines how Medicaid policies can reduce racial disparities in maternal health across Southern U.S. states. Expert testimony is used to identify areas of need, such as the expansion of postpartum Medicaid coverage. The study shows the importance of using data to evaluate policy effectiveness. This article will support the intervention by providing evidence of regional disparities and strategies for addressing them, and for reinforcing the argument for policy change as a means to promote health equity.

Pedersen, S., Zapata, D., & Jones, C. (2023). The Role of Medicaid...

…populations such as Black and Hispanic women. The extension of Medicaid postpartum coverage, chronic condition management, and mental health support exemplifies a strategy that provides critical healthcare services to at-risk groups, ensuring accessibility and continuity of care??.

Additionally, the intervention embodies Essential Service #3: Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues. Through comprehensive education initiatives aimed at healthcare providers and community members, the intervention empowers people with knowledge about maternal health risks and available support services. The implementation of culturally competent care and community-based mental health programs also emphasizes the importance of education and prevention??.

The intervention supports positive social change by addressing and mitigating systemic health disparities that have long affected marginalized communities. Extending Medicaid coverage and integrating mental health services help create an equitable healthcare environment, ensuring that all mothers, regardless of socioeconomic status or race, have access to lifesaving medical and psychological care. Lfting up communities and building trust through culturally relevant interventions are big steps: by taking them, the program aims to improve maternal health. Ultimately, this initiative means to reduce maternal mortality, promote health equity, and set a precedent for community-supported public health strategies.

References

Cohen, J. L., & Daw, J. R. (2021). Postpartum cliffsmissed opportunities to promote maternal health in the United States. JAMA Health Forum,

Cross-Barnet, C., Courtot, B., Benatar, S., & Hill, I. (2020). Preeclampsia risk and prevention among pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 31(4), 1634-1647.

Haley, J. M., Hinojosa, S., Lacy, L., & Willis, C. (2022). Advancing Maternal Health Equity in Southern States.

Njoku, A., Evans, M., Nimo-Sefah, L., & Bailey, J. (2023, February 3).Listen to the Whispers

before They Become Screams: Addressing Black Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the United States. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9914526/

Pedersen, S., Zapata, D., & Jones, C. (2023). The Role of Medicaid Policy in Reducing Racial Disparities…