MedStar Washington tackles birth equity in DC’s wards with highest infant mortality by increasing access to prenatal and postpartum care, early interventions for adverse social determinants of health, and reducing birthing complications.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has been recognized for its efforts to address birth equity in Washington, D.C.’s underserved neighborhoods. The hospital received the 2024 Gage Award for Population Health from America’s Essential Hospitals for its D.C. Safe Babies Safe Moms initiative. This program aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in Wards 7 and 8, where infant mortality rates are twice the city’s average.
The initiative focuses on increasing access to prenatal and postpartum care, early interventions for adverse social determinants of health, and reducing birthing complications. Through preconception health assessments, the program identifies individuals with chronic diseases who may be at risk for poor maternal health outcomes. Prenatal social needs screenings connect patients with essential resources such as housing, food, transportation, and legal assistance.
Dr. Tamika Auguste, chair of Women’s and Infants’ Services at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, highlighted the impact of the initiative, stating, “We’ve enjoyed collaborating with our community partners to make differences in the outcome and lives of our maternal and newborn populations in the District of Columbia.” The program has led to significant improvements, including a nearly 30 percent increase in high-risk patients receiving diabetes control services and 97 percent of prenatal patients receiving breastfeeding education.
See: “MedStar Washington Hospital Center Awarded Top Population Health Honor by America’s Essential Hospitals” (June 25, 2024)