U54HD113408

Addressing Key Social-Structural Risk Factors for Racial Disparities in Maternal Morbidity in Southeastern Wisconsin (ASCEND WI) - Project Summary/Abstract:

Overall Component
There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality in the US. Social determinants of health and social risk factors have a central role in maternal health disparities, with structural racism reinforcing inequitable exposure to social risk factors in inner city environments.

Our team provides healthcare services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of the five most segregated cities in the US. The adverse health effects associated with residential segregation, concentrated poverty, and neighborhood conditions result in perpetuated racial disparities in all health outcomes in Southeastern WI, including maternal health outcomes.

In this proposal, we aim to address key social-structural risk factors for racial disparities in maternal morbidity in Southeastern Wisconsin identified by our research community and community partners. These risk factors include housing instability, medical mistrust, and fragmented access to preventative care postpartum.

We plan to address these risk factors with three research projects involving community stakeholders in housing (Research Project 1), community-based doulas (Research Project 2), and community health workers and postpartum telemonitoring (Research Project 3). The three projects were conceptualized and developed in collaboration with community partners with synergy of addressing maternal health inequities throughout the continuum of preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum.

The MCW Center’s theme is addressing key social-structural risk factors for racial disparities in maternal morbidity in Southeastern Wisconsin - ASCEND WI. ASCEND WI has four overarching aims: 1) partner with community organizations to mitigate the impact of social-structural risk factors on maternal health, 2) develop and evaluate interventions to address social-structural risk factors for racial disparities in maternal health, 3) disseminate findings to relevant stakeholders and policymakers, and 4) train a diverse group of early-stage scientists in maternal health equity research.

The ASCEND WI team utilizes innovative approaches, equitable collaborations, and skilled academic and community-based partners to create sustainable change and will work effectively to eradicate maternal health disparities in Southeastern Wisconsin and beyond.

The Medical College Of Wisconsin

TO CONDUCT AND SUPPORT LABORATORY RESEARCH, CLINICAL TRIALS, AND STUDIES WITH PEOPLE THAT EXPLORE HEALTH PROCESSES. NICHD RESEARCHERS EXAMINE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, BIOLOGIC AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS, BEHAVIOR PATTERNS, AND POPULATION DYNAMICS TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF ALL PEOPLE. TO EXAMINE THE IMPACT OF DISABILITIES, DISEASES, AND DEFECTS ON THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS. WITH THIS INFORMATION, THE NICHD HOPES TO RESTORE, INCREASE, AND MAXIMIZE THE CAPABILITIES OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY DISEASE AND INJURY. TO SPONSOR TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR SCIENTISTS, DOCTORS, AND RESEARCHERS TO ENSURE THAT NICHD RESEARCH CAN CONTINUE. BY TRAINING THESE PROFESSIONALS IN THE LATEST RESEARCH METHODS AND TECHNOLOGIES, THE NICHD WILL BE ABLE TO CONDUCT ITS RESEARCH AND MAKE HEALTH RESEARCH PROGRESS UNTIL ALL CHILDREN, ADULTS, FAMILIES, AND POPULATIONS ENJOY GOOD HEALTH. THE MISSION OF THE NICHD IS TO ENSURE THAT EVERY PERSON IS BORN HEALTHY AND WANTED, THAT WOMEN SUFFER NO HARMFUL EFFECTS FROM REPRODUCTIVE PROCESSES, AND THAT ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE CHANCE TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL FOR HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES, FREE FROM DISEASE OR DISABILITY, AND TO ENSURE THE HEALTH, PRODUCTIVITY, INDEPENDENCE, AND WELL-BEING OF ALL PEOPLE THROUGH OPTIMAL REHABILITATION.

93.865 - Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) [HHS - NIH]

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226 United States

Single Zip Code

Maternal Health Research Centers of Excellence (U54 Clinical Trial Optional) (RFA-HD-23-035)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 244% from $1,261,247 to $4,340,780.