New UMMC partnerships targets maternal health

A new initiative is aiming to address Mississippi’s maternal health crisis and improve outcomes for mothers across the state.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is partnering with the Mississippi Public Health Institute to create the center for optimizing maternal outcomes.

The center will consolidate health care data to better understand what’s contributing to maternal mortality, and identify ways health care providers and community partners can improve outcomes.

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker secured one million dollars in funding for the one-year project, which is expected to launch next month.

The initiative will bring together physicians, researchers, and community leaders to identify needs and deploy resources in 30 counties across Southern Mississippi to support expectant and new mothers.

The program will also focus on more than just pregnancy-related care: including chronic conditions, mental health, and social support.

The long-term goal is to reduce maternal mortality and address the structural barriers that can keep women from getting the care and support they need.