MDMOM HOSPITAL EQUITY INITIATIVE
Mothers are dying of preventable causes in Maryland.
- In Maryland, maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity are consistently higher than national averages.
- Each year, approximately 1,500 mothers experience a life-threatening pregnancy or delivery complication.
- Unintentional drug overdose has been the leading cause of death in the year following pregnancy for five consecutive years.
- Over 80% of maternal deaths are preventable or potentially preventable.
Significant racial, ethnic, and nativity disparities exist.
- Non-Hispanic Black birthing people experience pregnancy-related mortality at 2.6 times the rate of non-Hispanic White birthing people.
- Non-Hispanic Black birthing people and Hispanic birthing people experience severe maternal morbidity at disproportionately high rates.
- These disparities are the result of differences in opportunity and care and are not attributable to biological causes.
THE HOSPITAL EQUITY INITIATIVE SUPPORTS INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE SYSTEMS OF CARE AND ELIMINATE MATERNAL HEALTH INEQUITIES.
CURRENT OFFERINGS
MDMOM Maternal Health Equity Toolkit and Community of Learning
The MDMOM Maternal Health Equity Toolkit presents recommended strategies, change ideas, and practical resources to support Maryland hospital maternal health leaders to pursue their equity goals. In 2023, MDMOM launched its first community of learning to facilitate toolkit implementation.
Managing Bias in the Care of Pregnant and Parenting People with Substance Use Disorder
Overdose has been the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in Maryland for over a decade. This training includes lessons on addiction in pregnancy, stigma and bias, and supportive care practices that can contribute to averting this preventable cause of mortality. Though tailored for the hospital setting, it contains relevant guidance for anyone who cares for pregnant and parenting people who use substances.
Implicit Bias Skill Building Train-the-Trainer
To further support clinical practices that promote equity and safety, MDMOM developed interactive skill-building sessions that teach Maryland healthcare professionals actionable strategies to mitigate the effects of bias on patient care. Next, MDMOM will offer a train-the-trainer program to support hospitals and schools of nursing to deliver skill-building content.
Hospital Equity Initiative Timeline
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