Improving maternal health through innovative partnerships: MEWI and MSPHI to launch CenteringPregnancy

As the Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute continues its mission to eliminate health disparities in Mississippi, a groundbreaking new partnership with the Mississippi Public Health Institute (MSPHI) is poised to transform the landscape of maternal healthcare.

Through this collaboration, a CenteringPregnancy program—an evidence-based model of group prenatal care developed by the Centering Healthcare Institute—will soon be integrated into MEWI’s comprehensive, patient-centered approach. This initiative marks a critical step in improving birth outcomes.

"CenteringPregnancy aligns perfectly with MEWI and MSPHI's shared vision of promoting health equity through collaborative, community-driven solutions," says Dr. Victoria Gholar, the project's Principal Investigator. "By encouraging expectant mothers to take an active role in their health, we can address the social determinants that contribute to poor maternal outcomes."

Through the CenteringPregnancy program, small groups of women with similar due dates will come together for two-hour sessions that combine private health assessments with interactive discussions on a wide range of pregnancy-related topics. This collaborative approach stands in contrast to the traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, fostering a supportive community where mothers-to-be can share experiences, receive guidance from healthcare providers, and feel more prepared for the journey ahead.

"CenteringPregnancy provides a holistic, patient-centered approach that truly puts the needs of the mother first," says Dr. Janice Scaggs, a certified nurse-midwife and Assistant Professor in the UMMC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who has played a key role in implementing the program. "By addressing both medical and social factors, we can empower women to advocate for their health and create better outcomes for themselves and their babies."

To ensure the successful launch of CenteringPregnancy, MEWI and MSPHI staff have undergone extensive training from the Centering Healthcare Institute. This collaborative, interdisciplinary approach will be essential as the partners work to expand access to the program and monitor its impact on maternal health metrics across the state.

"It has been very exciting for me to work with the UMMC team. This is the first time that I've had the opportunity to help start Centering in a clinic that was designed specifically to address social determinants of health," says Centering Advisor Liz Stern. "Typically, groups are facilitated by a provider (such as a midwife or MD) and a nurse or medical assistant. In this clinic, the group facilitators will also include the EversCare Social Worker or Population Health Specialist, who is able to provide additional support around social needs." 

"Utilizing Maternal Health Innovation grant funds from the Health Resources and Services Administration, MSPHI is leading initiatives to address gaps in maternal care, improve data usage for better service delivery, and implement knowledge and recommendations into practice," says MSPHI Maternal and Child Health Director Jacinda Roach. "The CenteringPregnancy model challenges the systems and structures that contribute to poor health and fosters communities where everyone has an opportunity to thrive."

MEWI and MSPHI are confident that the CenteringPregnancy program will have a meaningful and lasting impact on maternal health outcomes. As the partners continue to collaborate on this and other initiatives, they remain committed to building a healthier, more equitable future for all Mississippians.

"CenteringPregnancy is all about bringing diverse perspectives and disciplines together to support expectant mothers," explains Dr. Gholar. "When we unite our expertise and resources, we can create innovative, evidence-based solutions that truly address the unique challenges faced by Mississippi's women and families."

To learn more about CenteringPregnancy, contact EversCare@umc.edu or call 601-815-3535. Together, we can create a brighter tomorrow for mothers and babies across our state.