Innovative Projects That Address Maternal Mortality and Teen Mental Health Receive $1.2 Million From Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation

The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation has made a groundbreaking announcement, awarding $1.2 million to innovative projects aimed at addressing maternal mortality and teen mental health. These initiatives are part of the foundation's commitment to advancing equitable, person-centered care through nursing-driven innovations. In this article, we delve into the specific projects receiving funding and explore how they are poised to revolutionize healthcare for marginalized populations.

Addressing Maternal Mortality

One of the key areas of focus for the Hillman Foundation is maternal health. The foundation has awarded grants to Community of Hope and Georgetown University to expand an innovative maternal health program that dramatically reimagines postpartum care. This comprehensive 12-month plan includes racially and culturally congruent care, home visitation, case management, and family focus groups specifically designed for birthing people of color living in Washington, D.C. This initiative challenges conventional services by providing a holistic approach that addresses the complex needs of new mothers, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Enhancing Group Prenatal Care

Another significant grant has been awarded to the WIN Network: Detroit, which focuses on reducing racial disparities in infant mortality through an enhanced model of group prenatal care. This program, led by Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and Community Health Workers (CHWs), brings together pregnant women from African American communities in Detroit and Dearborn, Michigan. The model includes group prenatal care sessions where participants receive both clinical care and education, preparing them for a healthy pregnancy and birth. The program also includes one-on-one home visits with CHWs until the baby turns one year old, addressing the social determinants of health that impact maternal health.

Expanding Innovative Maternal Health Programs

The Hillman Foundation's support for maternal health extends beyond group prenatal care. Community of Hope and Georgetown University are partnering to expand an innovative maternal health program that incorporates holistic care for parents dealing with the loss of their child. This project aims to broaden its reach to marginalized groups, including BIPOC populations and those with limited access to healthcare due to location or transportation challenges.

Addressing Teen Mental Health

In addition to maternal health initiatives, the Hillman Foundation has also awarded grants aimed at improving teen mental health. Specifically, the foundation is supporting projects that address the effects of historical trauma and discrimination on the mental health of Native American youth. These grants will target inequities in postpartum care for birthing people of color and aim to reduce the disproportionate harm experienced by communities of color during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting Native American Youth Mental Health

The Hillman Innovation Dissemination Program is enabling Ariadne Labs to pursue innovative strategies for maximizing the reach and impact of TeamBirth, a care process innovation that ensures people giving birth and clinicians have shared input and understanding during labor and delivery. This model uses easy-to-implement components like team huddles and patient-facing whiteboards to make labor and delivery processes more person-centered and safer. The growing demand and expanding evidence base make TeamBirth an essential tool in addressing mental health disparities among Native American youth.

Innovative Approaches to Healthcare

The Hillman Foundation's commitment to innovative, nursing-driven interventions is evident in its support for a variety of projects. These initiatives range from developing new care models for victims of law enforcement violence to integrating chatbot technology with augmented reality for promoting HIV testing among Black men who have sex with men.

Developing a Model for Victims of Law Enforcement Violence

One of the grants has been awarded to Morgan State University to develop a new care model for victims of law enforcement violence. Led by forensic nurses who are also experts in social justice and health equity, this project aims to test the feasibility of the new care model through a pilot program. The initiative also includes outlining a research agenda for implementation and investigating policy opportunities to expand program access for victims of police violence.

Promoting HIV Testing Through Technology

Another innovative project involves integrating chatbot technology with augmented reality to promote HIV testing among high-risk Black men who have sex with men. This mobile health intervention aims to address the challenges of human oversight in sustaining mHealth programs. By using artificial intelligence chatbots trained on data and augmented reality technology, this project seeks to make HIV testing more accessible and increase preventive measures among high-risk populations.

Conclusion

The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation's commitment to addressing maternal mortality and teen mental health through innovative nursing-driven interventions is a significant step towards improving healthcare equity. By supporting projects like enhanced group prenatal care, holistic maternal health programs, and technology-enhanced mental health interventions, the foundation is fostering a vibrant ecosystem of nurse innovators dedicated to building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

These initiatives not only reflect the foundation's mission but also highlight the critical role that nursing plays in pioneering efforts to advance health equity. As we continue to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare, it is essential to recognize and support innovative approaches that address the unique needs of marginalized populations.

References

1. The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation - Working with Grantees
2. WIN Network: Detroit - Hillman Innovations in Care Award
3. Community of Hope and Georgetown University - Grant Details
4. Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation Awards $250,000 in Funding - GlobeNewswire
5. Innovative Approaches to Address Maternal Mortality and Teen Mental Health - GlobeNewswire