Kaiser Permanente continues to support the work of improving maternal health outcomes and addressing conditions of maternal mortality in Georgia. The $1.75M in grant funding will be provided to two organizations to support their work in providing equitable maternal care. Grant funding is supported through the Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fund at East Bay Community Foundation.

Morehouse School of Medicine, Inc. ($1,000,000)

The Morehouse School of Medicine will use funds to educate the public on the complications that can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy through their “maternal near miss study.” The study is a collection of stories from U.S. birthing persons of color who experienced a maternal near death and explores impacts among support persons, health care providers, families, and communities. Study results will be used to influence clinical practice, inform policy and advocacy, and advance health care strategies for birthing persons of color.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, Inc. ($750,000)

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA) will work to address maternal and infant health resource and care gaps in Georgia through the expansion of its Building Perinatal Professionals (BPSP) program and Perinatal Care Package (PCP) project. Each program is designed to expand free, accessible perinatal support and/or resources to low income, racial minorities, and other populations experiencing the most significant health inequities during the pregnancy and postpartum period. Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia’s mission is to improve maternal and infant health through advocacy, education, and access to vital resources.

“The profound impact of maternal near-miss events on families, healthcare providers and the larger community underscores a critical area demanding urgent attention. Real progress in maternal health can only be achieved by not only reducing maternal mortality but also by diminishing the occurrence of severe complications during pregnancy,” said Natalie D. Hernandez-Green PhD, MPH, executive director of Morehouse School of Medicine’s Center for Maternal Health Equity. “Our collaboration with Kaiser Permanente signifies our commitment to amplifying the voices of the community, fostering community education on maternal near misses and severe maternal morbidity, developing and implementing insightful case studies for healthcare professionals, launching impactful public health awareness campaigns, and influencing policy strategies. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that women and their families receive the indispensable support and resources needed for not just survival, but for thriving in every aspect of their lives."

“We are truly honored to work alongside Kaiser Permanente in prioritizing the health and well-being of women and birthing people across Georgia.  When families have access to the education, resources, and support to make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their little ones, we all win,” said Ky Lindberg, chief executive officer for Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia. “Expanding the perinatal workforce is critical not only in reducing access barriers and supporting families but also in providing economic pathways for people to support the communities in which they live and love.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Many factors contribute to this disparity, including socioeconomic conditions, variations in care, underlying chronic health issues, and structural racism. A lack of access to screenings and treatment amplifies the problem, especially for Black women who are disproportionately affected by these conditions.

“Kaiser Permanente is continuously searching for innovative ways to eradicate health disparities and improve maternal health outcomes in Georgia,” said Pam Shipley, regional president for Kaiser Permanente Georgia. “Strategic partnerships coupled with advanced health care strategies like our Cocoon Pregnancy Care Model, are examples of our ongoing commitment to better meet the needs of expectant mothers.”

In 2022, Kaiser Permanente provided $200k in grant funding to community partners to help enhance prenatal and postnatal care, reduce the rate of low birthweight births and infant mortality, and address disparities in maternal care. Visit georgia.kaiserpermanente.org/community/  to learn more about Kaiser Permanente’s work in the community.