Community of Hope
Presentation Abstract
Midwifery in a Federally Qualified Health Center Birth Center Model Utilizing a Reproductive Justice Framework
Community of Hope is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that includes the District’s only freestanding birthing center. This option remains one of three FQHCs left in the country that have a birth center. This unique model of care incorporates CenteringPregnancy group education, care coordination, reproductive health counseling, integrated emotional wellness services, home visiting, lactation promotion, parenting support and option for out of hospital birth. This model brings to life the reproductive justice framework in approaches that are practical, meaningful and impactful for the families served. This session will discuss systemic barriers, which deepen the disparities in maternal and child health outcomes for families in Wards 5, 7 and 8 of Washington, DC and ideas for how to change this trajectory.
Objectives
- Understand the value of adding reproductive justice framework to perinatal care and its opportunity to improve maternal health outcomes.
- Understand the impact of cultural awareness in the provision of perinatal services with focus on cultural congruency.
- Name at least three structural and systemic inequities that contribute to poor maternal and child health outcomes for families in Wards 5, 7, and 8 of Washington, DC.
About Ms. Marcelle
Ms. Marcelle did not disclose any conflicts of interest for this workshop.