Black mothers in Shelby County most likely to lose babies amid maternal healthcare crisis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Mid-South continues to face a maternal healthcare crisis.

In Shelby County, Black mothers are more likely than any other race to lose their babies. They are also nearly three times more likely than white mothers to die during childbirth.

Having a baby can be an exciting time for a new mom, but it can also be challenging and difficult if she doesn’t have the support she needs. 

Thanks to a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Regional One Health’s ‘Healthy Start’ program aims to bring that help directly to mothers who are struggling.

“If you are having issues with food and things like that in your household, then, the likelihood of you being concerned about coming to an appointment decreases,” Angela Adair, the director of system operations for Regional One Health’s women in specialized health practices, said. 

Adair said the Healthy Start program specifically will work with black women who live in zip codes with high infant mortality rates.

“Memphis is a hard city to make it in if you don’t have the means,” Contemprist Nelson, the OBG/YN practice manager for Regional One Health, said.  

Nelson said each patient will work with a case manager and women’s health coordinator who will connect them to resources, make sure they attend appointments, have proper transportation, help them with food insecurity and more.

“This model is so unique, because it’s not just for the mom and the baby until she delivers, this, is going to extend outside of the brick and mortar of the hospital, and it’s going to transform their lives and their quality of life,” Nelson said.

Patients will be identified when they visit regional one OBG/YN clinics using a risk assessment scale.

The women enrolled will receive care and support for two years. The program is set to start July 1.