Introducing Healthy Mamas ATL: A New Era for Maternal Care in Atlanta
Atlanta — HEALing Community Health (HEAL) proudly announces the launch of Healthy Mamas ATL, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming maternal healthcare in Atlanta. This new program seeks to address the critical disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly for African American women, with a fresh, holistic approach that is affordable for all.
Addressing Metro Atlanta’s Maternal Health Crisis
In Georgia, maternal health disparities are a significant concern. African American women face a maternal mortality rate that is three times higher than that of white women in the United States. Moreover, Georgia frequently ranks among the states with the highest maternal mortality rates. In Atlanta, these disparities are further intensified due to poverty and limited access to quality healthcare.
Innovative Features of Healthy Mamas ATL
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasizes the importance of wraparound prenatal care in reducing risks such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Healthy Mamas ATL offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy experience:
- Wraparound Services: From transportation assistance for medical appointments to nutritional guidance and mental health counseling, Healthy Mamas ATL ensures holistic care for every expectant mother.
- Management of Chronic Conditions: Many women of color enter pregnancy with preexisting conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The CDC highlights the importance of managing these conditions to improve maternal and newborn outcomes.
- Accessibility and Affordability: HEAL accepts Medicaid and all commercial insurance, with a sliding scale fee for uninsured individuals to ensure no financial barriers to care.
- Community-Focused Support: HEAL CEO, Dr. Verneda Bachus Curry, emphasizes, “Our patients have access to nurse midwives and doulas, along with our OBGYN physicians, which has been proven to improve pregnancy outcomes. Our staff includes a community outreach professional who understands patients’ needs and can help them find needed resources. Healthy Mamas ATL supports mothers from the time of a positive pregnancy test through their baby’s first steps.”
The Power of Wraparound Prenatal Care
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), wraparound prenatal care has been shown to enhance maternal and newborn health outcomes significantly. Benefits include:
- Lower rates of preterm birth and low birth weight
- Better detection and management of maternal mental health concerns
- Increased likelihood of full-term, healthy births
By addressing the social determinants of health, Healthy Mamas ATL amplifies these benefits, providing essential support such as transportation, food security, and emotional well-being.
Committed to Community Collaboration
Healthy Mamas ATL is actively collaborating with other community-led efforts in Atlanta to emphasize the importance of equity-focused maternal care. This initiative is dedicated to ensuring that every mother receives high-quality, respectful, and personalized care.