Addressing Key Social-Structural Risk Factors for Racial Disparities in Maternal Morbidity in Southeastern Wisconsin (ASCEND WI)

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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.