Women / Maternal Health

Annual Report Year FY2024

The following section outlines strategies and activities to be implemented between 10/1/2023 to 9/30/2024 to meet the objectives and show improvements on the measures related to women/maternal health.

 

PRIORITY: Access to Care (Women, Children, Adolescents, and Families)

 

Objective: By September 30, 2025, increase the number of family planning users within MSDH clinics by 5% (from 20,839 to 21,880)

 

Objective: By September 30, 2025, increase the number of Family Planning Waiver beneficiaries receiving family planning services within MSDH clinics by 5% (from 4,254 to 4,467)

 

Strategy: Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop promotional strategies to increase family planning users.

 

Activity: Train all MSDH clerical and clinical staff who support family planning users on the “Operation Going Gold” project to increase the number of Family Planning Waiver (FPW) beneficiaries accessing services. 

 

Due to the unwinding of Medicaid coverage during 2023, many Mississippians who were able to maintain care previously would be losing their coverage. In June 2023, the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) began its first round disenrollments. By February 2024, over 116,705 people had been disenrolled from Mississippi Medicaid.

 

The MCH programs partnered with the DOM to assist with the dissemination of information about recertification of benefits. Care Coordinators, Service Coordinators, Case Managers, and Public Health Social Workers supported and assisted families with completing paperwork involved with MCH programs, as well as engaged their extended community connections to ensure consistent messages were offered about changes, the recertification process, and how to access services to mitigate any challenges and prevent service interruption. MSDH Coined this process “Operation Going Gold”.

 

“Operation Going Gold” included enrollment of clients on FPW. MSDH clinic staff screened clients for FPW eligibility at each visit, educated clients on FPW benefits (gave a brochure), assisted clients with completing FPW application and faxed/mailed completed application to the local Medicaid office. Each health department, through “Operation Going Gold” project, continued to notify beneficiaries when it was time to renew their FPW eligibility via reminder system in place. A notification letter was mailed along with a copy of FPW Fact Sheet to the beneficiaries 2-3 months before their eligibility expired as a reminder to complete a new application to continue eligibility for the FPW program. During CY2023, a total number of 6,907 FPW applications statewide were submitted to the Division of Medicaid under the “Operation Going Gold” project; 27% (1,885) of the submitted applications were approved. During CY2024, a total of 7,949 FPW applications statewide were submitted to the Division of Medicaid reflecting an increase and 27% (2,126) of the submitted applications were approved (Source: MSDH County Health Department (CHD) District Monthly Progress Reports).

 

Activity: Optimize telehealth visits to provide family planning visits to MSDH patients.

 

The clinic-based FP telehealth services progressed across CY2023 and CY2024. The agency continued to collaborate with UMMC to increase services via telehealth, and with MSDH Information Technology and Health Informatics to improve telehealth infrastructure and broadband with the goal of expanding the provision of telehealth services in the health department clinics. The first family planning telehealth visits across eight (8) locations were scheduled and completed in June 2023. Thirty clinics were planned for activation by September 2023. As of May 2024, MSDH had equipped and empowered all 86 county locations with capabilities to complete telehealth services through clinic-based access.  Any client with a pay source qualifies, including those with private insurance, Medicaid, Medicaid Family Planning Waiver, or self-pay.

The FP telehealth process follows: 1)Client arrives in person at a CHD anywhere in the state to be connected with a provider in a remote location. 2)A CHD nurse evaluates and connects the client to a remote provider with the use of an iPad. and 3)The remote provider uses Extended Care software integrated through the agency electronic health record, Epic to connect.  Back-up source for connections include Zoom and/or phone.

 

Family planning services available through this telehealth approach include contraceptive resupplies, Depo-Provera administration, STD testing and treatment, birth control problems or method changes, syphilis treatment, and pregnancy testing.  Annual well-woman exams may be provided via telehealth to younger aged women with no risk factors in accordance with ACOG guidelines and under the agency Gynecological MD consultant. A sexual history, pelvic and breast assessment screening tool must be completed to assist with any clinical concerns that may arise requiring an immediate hands-on exam for those in the above classification, in which case the next open appointment is scheduled. It is also required that said screeners be completed every 6 -12 months with an interim review of the questions upon every visit understanding MSDH serves a population who may not recognize a gynecological problem needing attention by a clinician without a targeted, health-literacy-appropriate screening tool.

 

Activity: Collaborate with other health systems on referrals for patients needing family planning services.

 

MSDH worked to improve the overall management and administration of the FP services aimed at improving community engagement and expanding the reach of FP services. Access has been improved through telehealth services, outreach and educational promotions, and the distribution of brochures and pamphlets. MSDH in collaboration with internal and external partners, designed posters for clinic displays and flyers featuring a QR code for clients’ easy access to FP services when services are not rendered at MSDH. This design project was complete with all ordering finalized in mid-August 2024. For the reporting period, a total of 500 'Access Family Planning Services Today' flyers and 200 posters were produced and distributed to districts and health departments to assist clients in accessing these family planning services.

 

The Regional MCH Nurses support the needs of the family planning program.  They work the LEEP clinics from arranging appointments, meeting the clients, and following up on results.  They schedule the follow-ups, send out letters, work to outreach all missed appointments, and educate the client on importance of appointment compliance for those with abnormal pap results.

 

Nurses and clinicians who provide services to FP clients through CHDs, used the One Key Question (“Would you like to become pregnant in the next year?”) to understand client’s pregnancy intentions. The responses can be categorized as follows: I do not want to become pregnant; I want to become pregnant; I am okay either way; and I am unsure. Nurses and clinicians counseled and educated clients based on their responses. Clients who did not want to become pregnant received counselling and education on birth control method including information and guidance on various contraceptive options, and safe sexual practices including education on how to prevent sexual transmitted infectious (STIs), HIV, and maintain sexual health.

 

Healthy Start works to increase the number of family planning users within CHD through targeted outreach and enhanced referral processes. The program connects participants with a Nurse Practitioner who provides individualized consultations and guidance on birth control methods, reproductive health, and pregnancy planning. The Healthy Start program staff work closely with participants to assess their needs, discuss available contraceptive options, and facilitate appointments with the Nurse Practitioner for further evaluation and medical recommendations.

 

Office of Women’s Health (OWH) continued active outreach and educational efforts by partnering with coordinators from other Health Services programs who organized outreach events and health fairs with community partners to increase awareness and improve access to FP services. In CY2023, the office of FP mailed a total of 35,703 brochures: 13,800 FPW and 21,903 other brochures (English, Spanish and Vietnamese) to the CHD and 900 brochures to FQHCs, and FPW Fact Sheets (English, Spanish, and Vietnamese)  are on the MSDH Family Planning web site. In CY2024, total of 3,760 brochures were distributed, (1,688 FPW brochures and 2,084 brochures on other educational topics) (Source: MSDH CHD District Monthly Progress Reports).

 

Multiple outreach and promotional activities were completed by MSDH staff from the central, regional, and county levels. These activities took place at several community-level, local events such as city and mayoral council meetings, health fairs hosted by schools, faith communities, non-profits, and Greek organizations, observance days within communities, local medical clinics, community baby showers, conferences and educational summits, housing complex and multi-family units, Head Start Centers, high schools, and farmers markets. Across CY2023 and CY2024, an estimated 4,610 individuals were reached. (Source: MSDH CHD District Monthly Progress Reports).

 

MCH-serving programs partnered with the Office of Communications for social media messages and website updates. During CY2023, a total of 3,585 views were identified to the FP main page and 1,694 viewed FPW. In CY2024, the main Family Planning webpage garnered 5,144 views, while the FPW received 2,638 views (Source: MSDH Office of Communications). There was one Facebook posting which had 7,203 reaches).  A greater focus on utilizing the agency’s social media presence to promote family planning services will be prioritized for the next reporting period.

 

Other program improvement activities accomplished in the reporting period included a deep edit and update to all manuals and forms associated with family planning services, as well as public facing information on the website to remove any language consistent with the Title X services the program had been able to provide. Content regarding the Special Rate Program was added to the manual in March 2024.

 

Special Rate Program: Starting in early 2023, the OWH Director provided ongoing logistical support and facilitation of the FP Transition Workgroup. This Workgroup was comprised of individuals representing various departments of the agency, including the FP/CRH Program, Field Services, Clinical Operations, Legal, Internal Audit, Pharmacy, Revenue Cycle, Finance and Accounting, Health Data and Research, Communications, Clinical Technology Integration, MCH Block Grant Leadership, and Senior Leadership. The primary task of the Workgroup was to plan the transition of FP/CRH from being fully supported and funded by Title X to having no Title X funding and primarily relying on Family Planning Waiver earnings and other grant funding or revenue to sustain services. A major transition activity was the planning for a Special Rate Program, which would allow clients without insurance or who did not want to use their insurance to pay a deeply reduced rate for FP services available through MSDH. The Special Rate Program launched in June 2024. For the reporting period (October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, 484 distinct clients for a total of 489 visits received services under the Family Planning Special Rate Program (Source EPIC).

 

Objective: By September 30, 2025, 90% of enrolled women, actively participating in a home visiting/case management program will be screened for pregnancy intention and provided interconception care education and support to access services as needed.

 

Strategy: Work with internal and external partners to identify opportunities for collaboration in providing services geared toward improving women’s/maternal health.

 

Activity: Extend existing or select by competitive RFP, subgrantees, including health systems or community- based partners, to execute specific activities for recruitment, referral, enrollment, direct services, and participant navigation to address social conditions and policies affecting the health of MCH program participants that improve women’s/maternal health.

 

Activity: Engage with other MCH-serving programs to share lessons learned to advance program knowledge. Activities may include hosting or participating in local/regional meetings calls, participating in peer-to-peer calls, presentations delivered by webinar, mentoring other programs, technical assistance, etc.

 

Maternal and Infant Health Bureau (MIHB) partnered with the University of Mississippi to provide a “Food as Medicine” project to improve access to healthy foods for expecting and postpartum women. The initiative included a produce prescription (FoodRx) for expecting mothers with pre-eclampsia, aiming to lower hypertension rates, enhance food security, boost fruit/vegetable intake, and increase knowledge of nutrition and chronic diseases. University of Mississippi staff were able to identify a local grocer to solidify the FoodRX purchasing process. The program served 40 participants in the town of Marks, MS. Program initiation and educational materials were supplied to expecting women and their families. University of  Mississippi partnered with Delta Health Partners’ via a community baby shower to begin recruitment for a focus group to better target the program in an effort to increase participation. Assessing successful outcomes for this program are ongoing.

 

MIHB partnered with Operation Shoestring (OS), to lead Rising Together: Connecting Mothers and Maternal Health Supportive Services, a project aimed at improving maternal health for communities in Jackson, MS (Georgetown, Midtown, Mid-City, and Virden Addition). The project initiative addressed key social conditions affecting health such as poverty and food insecurity. OS and its own partners worked to enhance cardiovascular health, promote wellness activities, and reduce obstacles to maternal care. Through workshops and peer support groups, the project fostered healthier lifestyles, increased health literacy, and better access to supportive services. OS planned for a total of 80 participants for this program. During this reporting period, 24 women/families were actively enrolled in the program. Six sessions were conducted by a certified dietician and included topics on 1)kitchen safety, 2) MyPlate method, 3)identifying simple vs. complex carbohydrates; 4)cooking with healthy grains; 5)preparing healthy fruits/vegetables; and 6)hands-on cooking experiences using the knowledge obtained during the workshops. Facilitated by a licensed physiologist, participants engaged in exercise education sessions including adaptive modifications, cardiovascular health, and demonstrations utilizing various exercise equipment. Sessions incorporated support services, conducted by a licensed professional counselor, to include behavioral health support and addressed issues of social cohesion and general mental health topics. Success for these sessions were measured using a survey that was completed by each participant.

 

Healthy Start Program hosted an inaugural Baby Shower for Dads event on June 2, 2024, at the Cadence Bank Conference Center in Tupelo, MS. 140 Participants received free gift bags with items such as diapers, blankets, wipes, sleepers, and gift cards. Session topics included: Caring for New Moms and Dads; Infant Care for New Dads; Nutrition; The Milk is Free.  There was a hands-on car seat safety demonstration. Other activities resulted participants receiving additional gift giveaways, (1 Pack N’ Play, 2 Car seats, and 1 stroller). Partner organizations were onsite to share information about mental health, affordable health insurance, early childhood education, Childcare, Tobacco cessation, Healthy Nutrition, WIC services, and FSEIP.  98% of the feedback highlighted the value of the event including the importance of fathers in maternal and infant health for the improvement of health outcomes. Attendees stated they “gained new information that was helpful to their roles as fathers and that they would attend another event like this again”. news media report on the event https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdVXF2wSNKI

 

January 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, Plan A Health hosted baby showers (305 participants), facilitated infant CPR classes, offered Baby 101 classes, launched the provision of obstetric and pediatric services through its clinics, distributed free baby items to those engaged in services, and distributed 20 handgun locking safes. Plan A Health engaged approx. 680 individuals, including expecting and postpartum women, infants, and women of reproductive age. Sixty-five (65) mother-baby dyads were seen on “OB/Peds Friday.”

 

Beginning 2023, MSDH Office of Pharmacy piloted MS Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Program (MSUD) Program in Lauderdale, Adams, Alcorn, Pearl River, Panola, and Washington counties. By 10/2024, the program was statewide. Some patients received case at the CHD, while most care was telehealth, offering medications for outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder.  The program collaborating with the MCH Engagement and Coordination Office for PHSW support and referrals for social conditions affecting health. The Alcorn County PHSW attended regular meetings with the MSUD program staff, trained on Motivational Interviewing, SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) and assisted clients with information on local resources such as food, housing, clothing, and referrals for case management programs and/or treatment if needed.  This position was transitioned to a full-time social worker hired directly in the MSUD’s program.

 

HM/HB provided services to 674 mothers and 461 infants enrolled in the program.  Among mothers of infants enrolled, 379 out of 461(82%) reported that they have a birth control method. 295 out of 674 (44%) maternity participants reported to an HM/HB Nurse that they were on some type of birth control at and/or after the Postpartum Neonatal Assessment/Postpartum Home Visit. HM/HB program nurses provide a Postnatal Assessment/Postpartum Home Visit to assess the woman’s vital signs (weight, blood pressure), fundus, lochia, lacerations, mental health, provide nutritional guidance, health education about postnatal care, FP, breastfeeding, and newborn care. In the event further medical, psychosocial, nutritional, or other needs are identified at the home visit, the nurse will take action on referral or follow-up. If postpartum mother or the nurse identifies a risk in newborn, the infant is referred for risk screening. Other interventions include: infant safe sleep education (34), health education for families, such as the Partners for a Healthy Baby curriculum, from HM/HB and its collaborators (70), oral health education (30), depression/postpartum depression screenings (61), discussed and/or received contraceptive care options (325), reproductive life planning options (43), STI/Safer sex education (16), and referrals for nutrition services, including a lactation specialist (25).

 

HM/HB began an initiative to focus on postpartum contraceptive toolkits, Hello Options. The Nursing case management staff received training on the effective use of the toolkits as interactive educational tools. The toolkits have been ordered. This project will continue in the next reporting period.

 

HM/HB worked internally with the Office of Communications to disseminate 9 communication announcements during the reporting period on the MSDH website and social media platforms to raise awareness about various maternal and infant health topics including gestational diabetes, safe sleep campaign, toxoplasmosis, birth defects, perinatal cardiovascular health, nutrition and prenatal care, and eclampsia and preeclampsia awareness.

 

Examples of the Facebook postings include:

 

• Your blood sugar can rise to higher-than-normal levels during PREGNANCY. this can cause problems when you deliver and put you and your BABY susceptible for developing type 2 diabetes. you can avoid #gestationaldiabetes by having your blood sugar checked regularly while PREGNANT, eating right, and planning on a healthy weight before you become PREGNANT. read more about gestational diabetes and what you can do: https://www.cdc.gov/PREGNANCY/diabetes-gestational.html  you or someone you know may qualify for care management from MSDH for a healthier PREGNANCY. get in touch with our #healthyMOMshealthyBABIES program: healthyms.com/hmhb (1,677 reaches)

 

• Cats aren't always a MOM-to-be's best friend. cat droppings can spread toxoplasmosis, a bacterial infection that can cause health problems in your BABY after it's born. you can be infected when you change a litterbox or handle soil outdoors where cats live without washing your hands afterwards. PREGNANT WOMEN can then pass infection to their developing BABY, possibly causing eye and brain problems later in life. Staying safe isn't hard. you can keep your cat! but if you're PREGNANT, avoid contact with used cat litter and wash your hands immediately after working around dirt or litterboxes. (in fact, regular handwashing is recommended for all PREGNANT WOMEN to reduce the risk of a wide range of infections.) for more tips on caring for your feline friend and staying safe during  PREGNANCY, check out https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/PREGNANT.html (5,344 reaches)

 

Objective: By September 30, 2025, increase the number of pregnant/postpartum women participating in a case management/home visiting program by 30% (from 291 to 378).

 

Objective: By September 30, 2025, increase the number of outside MSDH referrals for the case management/home visiting program by 20% (from 1,266 to 1,519).

 

Strategy: Home visiting/case management programs will develop and improve relationships with internal and external partners to increase referrals to the program.

 

Activity: Identify 3-4 potential healthcare settings, community-based, faith-based, social, volunteer service organizations, homeless/domestic violence shelters, residential programs, treatment programs, housing complexes, etc. to outreach per quarter. Request opportunities to share information with “gatekeepers” of (i.e., community health workers, patient navigators, care coordinators, case managers, faith leaders, non-profit social service workers, helpers, etc.) or to the target population.

 

MSDH was awarded a 5-year grant from HRSA to develop an Enhanced Healthy Start (HSE) program in Northeast MS. This program aims to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy and reduce differences in rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes in NE MS. The Healthy Start Program has two major focal areas: 1)providing direct and enabling services (screening and referrals, case management, care coordination, health and parenting education, and linkage to clinical care) to enrolled HSE participants, who include men/women of childbearing age, expecting mothers, new fathers, fathers, infants and toddlers up to 18 months old); and 2) developing/convening Community Consortia to advise and inform healthy start activities, as well as to develop and implement action plans to improve perinatal outcomes within NE MS. The target areas for the Enhanced Healthy Start Program are Lee, Prentiss, Chickasaw, Monroe, Clay, and Lowndes counties. The period of funding is September 2023 – September 2028. This program is positioned under the OWH.

 

The Healthy Start Program experienced remarkable growth in FY25. From a beginning of 10 participants, the program expanded dramatically to serve more than 100 participants across our six target counties. During monthly case management/care coordination, families are provided health education on pregnancy and postpartum care, Count the Kicks, breastfeeding support, and mental health support. Parents received breastfeeding education and support, referral to WIC, child development education using the Milestone Moments booklets, ABC of safe sleep education, interconception care and mental health support along with referrals to community resources.

 

Under OWH, MSDH was awarded a subgrant from Jackson State University (JSU) under the National Institute of Health's Centers of Excellence in Maternal Health program in late 2022. This project is a research study and is deemed a clinical trial. The initiative targets reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in the MS Delta region. The program, known as Time4Mom (T4M), received a commitment for funding for the period 8/1/2023, to 7/31/2030, contingent upon funding from NIH. T4M focuses on improving maternal health outcomes by facilitating postpartum home visits provided by nurses and community health workers, linking women with local health resources, referrals for mental health and lactation support, and providing educational support on postpartum health. There is heavy collaboration with JSW, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), and Harvard University. The majority of the reporting period of 10/1/2023 to 9/30/2024, was dedicated to hiring a Program Manager and other staff, exploring and examining other MSDH programs offering similar services, finalizing the research protocol, IRB approval through JSU, executing subaward agreements with partners, building data collection instruments within the electronic health record, finalizing common and project specific data elements, and bi-weekly meetings with project leads, and an annual site visit with NIH and other leads. Per proposed design, MSDH will receive referrals for the program directly from UMMC, who will identify eligible women immediately after delivery. As part of the project, MSDH will collaborate with Mom.Me to provide mental health services to program participants as needed. The program is aiming to begin enrolling patients starting June 2025.

 

The MSDH WIC Program provides referrals to internal programs based on the needs of WIC Program participants. The total number of referrals from WIC was 6683, including 209 to Early Intervention, 5943 to Healthy Moms Healthy Babies, 303 to Lead and Healthy Homes, 4 to MS Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Program (MSUD) Program, 209 to Oral Health, and 15 to the Safe Sleep Program.

 

MIHB, HM/HB, T4M, MS-BCCP, and other OWH staff supported the planning and execution phase of the 2024 Maternal Health Conference held on September 20, 2024, in Vicksburg, MS, hosted by MIHB. The conference attracted stakeholders from multiple communities and areas of healthcare, social services, and community practice, all concerned with maternal health. Free Continuing Education Units (CEU) were available for CHES, nurses, and social workers. Session topics included: Paradigm Shifts in Maternal Health, Patient-Developed Maternal Care, Maternal-Related Drug Abuse/Misuse, Severe Maternal Morbidity Disparities, “Hear Her” Campaign/Urgent Maternal Warning Signs, and Dads as Doulas. There were over 180 attendees, of which 23 attendance certificates were requested and the following CEU certificates were distributed: 30 CHES Certificates; 43 Social Work Certificates.

 

Approximately 90% of the evaluations were positive; however, attendees acknowledged the issues with technology and acoustics, and some were not pleased with the location.  News media report: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-health-leaders-collaborate-to-reduce-infant-maternal-mortality/

 

MCH-serving programs supported the following outreach efforts to increase program visibility, strengthened partnerships, and helped connect individuals to resources:

 

• Molina Community Baby Shower- Jackson Medical Mall; 4/25/24

• Magnolia Centene Baby Shower-Jackson Medical Mall; 5/20/24
• MOMS Tour Baby Shower on 7/7/2024 sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Baby Shower for Dads- Cadence Bank Arena, Tupelo, MS; 6/2/2024 sponsored by HSE Program and Daddy University.

Health Fairs

• Black Family Expo Health Fair; 3/16/2024 sponsored by Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center
• Music for Heart and Soul Event-Jackson Convention Center; 4/27/24
• Oak Grove M.B Church Community Health Fair-Columbus, MS; 6/22/24
• Total Health Saturday Community Health Fair; 9/28/2024 sponsored by Greater Pearlie Grove Missionary Baptist Church
• Grilling with Dads Pop-up Village event; 9/14/24 sponsored by HSE program and the Columbus Recreation Department
• NMMC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding 101-Tupelo, MS; 8/16/24

Conferences

• ACES Symposium: Strengthening Reproductive Health in America 4/18/25 in Madison, MS hosted by the Glenn Foundation
• MSDH Genetics Newborn Screening Regional Education and Skills Training Event 5/22/2024.
• MSDH Maternal Health Conference-Vicksburg, MS 9/20/25
• MSPQC Conference-Flowood, MS; 9/26/2024
• CHW Association Summit- Biloxi, MS; 6/11-13/2024 MS Gulf Coast Community College
• Maternal Health Innovation Taskforce Meeting; 7/16/2024 Hosted by MSPHI Flowood MS
• La Leche League of Starkville and Columbus; 8/14/2024
• Omega Psi Phi Maternal Health Conference 8/23-8/25 2024 Cadence Bank Arena Tupelo MS sponsored by HSE and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Omega Mu Mu Chapter.

 

WIC Events

• WIC Breastfeeding All About Love 2024; 8/16/2024
• What UNO about Breastfeeding- West Point, MS; 8/16/2024

 

Activity: Optimize MSDH electronic health record (Epic) and other platforms to create referral management processes and templates for use by external and internal referral sources to home visiting/case management programs.

 

T4M is constructing a direct referral pathway from UMMC, Labor & Delivery (L&D) to MSDH via EPIC EHR. The referral form consists of three questions: Actual Date of Delivery, Discharge Date, and Reason for Referral. UMMC’s research nurse or research coordinator will review L&D cases from the previous workday or the weekend to assess delivery cases for eligibility to the program. Completed referral forms will be sent to T4M’s Program Director via in-basket message in EPIC. To be considered for referral to T4M, patients must be over the age of 18 at delivery, current reside in Bolivar, Carroll, Humphreys, Scott, or Washington county, have given live birth, been admitted to the hospital for fewer than 10 days, and have a risk for mortality or severe maternal morbidity.

 

For further information, see Priority Access to Care in the Perinatal section.

 

Objective: By September 30, 2025, increase the number of women enrolled in the MS Breast and Cervical Cancer Program by 10% (from 3,590 to 3,949).

 

Objective: By September 30, 2025, promote 15 or more health observances, activities, or educational campaigns related to women’s health via media, social media, and other public-facing platforms

 

Strategy: Collaborate on health promotion activities, health observances, and other outreach/engagement strategies to increase awareness of women’s/maternal health issues

 

OWH’s and MS-BCCP Director participated in Human Rights Watch virtual interviews 9/19/2024 and 11/24/2024, to assist in the qualitative research for a report titled “More Can Be Done” Inadequate Cervical Cancer Prevention and Care for Black Women in the MS Delta. Human Rights Watch was working on exploring the challenges in rural MS Delta women face in accessing the information and services they need to prevent and treat cervical cancer. The findings of the report are instructive for MS-BCCP and increased targeted outreach and provider engagement will be prioritized in the MS Delta counties moving forward. The full report can be accessed online via: https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/media_2025/01/wrd_mississippi0125web.pdf

MS-BCCP and its network of providers served 3,341 unduplicated participants across 14,021 encounters for enrollment, breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic services, and/or patient navigation.

 

Activity: Submit work requests to the Office of Communications to promote CDC/HRSA/other approved messaging related to women’s health issues etc. Prepare social media post schedules and templates for observance months/days.

 

MS-BCCP partnered with the Office of Communications for multiple projects. Activities included: created flyers and posters for an October 2024 screening event and coordinating media interviews for the day of the event; secured 8 billboards in 8 counties from May-December 2024, focusing on “When was your last Cervical Screening?”; and October - December 2024, the 8 billboards focused on “When was your last Breast Screening?”. MS-BCCP secured a digital media ad campaign to run on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat from May-December 2024 targeting the same 8 counties These 8 locations were chosen based on having some of the lowest MS-BCCP enrollment rates in the state that also had billboard vacancies. State and other non-federal funding supported this activity.

 

Activity: Maximize available funding and in-kind support to develop or enhance direct health education approaches for consumers of MCH-serving programs focused on improving women’s health issues (i.e., breast and cervical cancer screening, well-woman/preventive health visits [WISEWOMAN if funded])

 

MSDH, OWH was awarded funding for the MS WISEWOMAN Program in 2023. Current funding cycle, awarded under the CDC, operates from 9/30/2023, through 9/29/2028. The WISEWOMAN Program extends preventive health services to women already enrolled in the MS-BCCP, which include screenings and referrals for healthy behavior support services for cardiovascular disease, stroke risk, and diabetes. WISEWOMAN Program is limited to only specific geographic areas of the state having the highest burden of cardiovascular disease and stroke-related mortality and stationed in MS-BCCP contracted health systems (2 FQHCs in the initial year). Plans to expand sites is contingent upon funding, provider capacity, and data-driven decision making. During this period, the following was accomplished:

• A Program Manager was hired in April 2024 and immediately began working to secure partnerships with two FQHCs as implementation sites. Year 1 priority locations were: Franklin, Wilkinson, Lincoln, Amite, and Grenada counties. Sites received onboarding and training across Year 1.
• A program manual, data collection forms, and outreach materials were designed and distributed to participating sites.

The MS-BCCP data system was updated to include patient-level data variables for WISEWOMAN.  Year 1 concluded with the first participant being enrolled on 9/29/2024. As of January 2025, the program has enrolled 48 participants.

 

MS-BCCP partnered with eleven (11) health systems and two (2) community-based partners to advance its work plan activities. These subgrantees included: Delta Health Center, Delta Health System, Family Health Care Clinic, G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center, Greenwood Leflore Hospital, Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center, Mary Bird Cancer Center, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, North Sunflower Medical Center, Singing River Health System Cancer Center, and Southeast MS Rural Health Initiative, El Pueblo, and Test-Taking Solutions, LLC.  Subgrantees were selected from a competitive RFP process to execute specific activities for recruitment, referral, enrollment, increasing screening, and providing patient navigation to address conditions and policies affecting the health of participants that reduce challenges to screening.

 

MS-BCCP focused its efforts on education and outreach, attending or participating in over 25 opportunities. These includes community health fairs, conferences, activities sponsored by faith communities and Greek organizations. Some key relationships built included those with the MSDH Community Health Workers and El Pueblo, an agency that specializes in providing support to Spanish-speaking individuals.

 

MS-BCCP leveraged non-federal funding to procure outreach items for distribution at health fairs, events, and trainings. The messaging and design are cohesive, focusing on the pink and teal colors, screening and early detection. Items include a thoughtfully designed fabric backdrop, tabletop banners, outdoor tent, and outreach times (canvas tote bags with double ribbons, hand fans in the shape of a ribbon, double packs of neoprene car coasters, mini nail files, ribbon shaped jar grip openers in both pink and teal, ink pens in both pink and teal, pink and teal plastic carry bags, and pink and teal magnet chip clips).

 

In August 2024, MS-BCCP leveraged non-federal funding to purchase 5,000 pink pompoms that had MS-BCCP name and phone number on one side and “Does someone you love need a screening” on the other side of the handle. In MS during football season, high school, community colleges, and our Historically Black Colleges and Universities participate in “Pink Out Games” to recognize and support breast cancer awareness. Players wear anything from pink uniforms, cleats, gloves to helmets. Many schools recognize survivors and those that lost someone to breast cancer. Four high schools in Central MS and Jackson State University, a Historically Black College and University, were invited and selected for their willingness to participate. MS-BCCP staff volunteered to pass out the pink pompoms at the games. All 5,000 pompoms were passed out during the Fall 2024 football season. Members of the community shared their stories of being a survivors and their appreciation in MS-BCCP recognizing breast cancer. Stories of “going to pass this on” to friends, sisters, mothers, and aunts were heard multiple times.

 

PRIORITY: Maternal Morbidity and Mortality

 

Objective: By September 30, 2024, produce the annual Maternal Mortality Report inclusive of 2017-2021 maternal deaths to include recommendations for preventing maternal deaths

 

Objective: By September 30th, 2025, increase the number of birthing hospitals and other health systems implementing one or more AIMS Safety Bundles by 10% (from 41 to 46)

 

Strategy: Provide administrative support and coordination with other MSDH Offices, health facilities, state agencies, et al. for the maternal mortality review case abstraction, exploration, and determination process for all maternal deaths through the Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC)

 

MIHB continued to provide the administrative support and coordination with MSDH Offices, health facilities, and state agencies for the maternal mortality review case abstraction, exploration, and determination process for all maternal deaths through the MMRC. This work is primarily supported by a grant from the CDC, Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality (ERASE MM).

 

MMRC activities included:

• From 1/1/2024 – 9/30/2024, the MMRC convened 5 times to discuss 54 maternal deaths that occurred in 2021 (averaging 11 cases per meeting). 
• A state-level report was prepared and submitted to the MSi Legislature and made public-facing in December 2024; revised in April 2025. The report is accessible online at: https://msdh.ms.gov/page/resources/20860.pdf
• Spent time researching other state’s policies and procedures for MMRC, Child Death Review Panels, and FIMRs. Over the course of a near 12-month period, MIHB developed 3 distinct policy manuals, 13 standard operating procedures for MIHB staff and committee members, and 31 appendix documents (application forms, By-Laws, data dictionaries, confidentiality statements, consent forms, and interview guides). These documents are in official agency policy. This was a critical activity for the succession of these committees under future MIHB leadership. Heretofore, there were no formalized, universal procedures that anchored operations.
• The MIHB is currently developing an updated MMRIA Data Quality Assurance Plan to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of maternal mortality data management. In FY2024, as part of this initiative, a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) guide was developed and approved for use to ensure consistency in data collection and reporting. It establishes clear expectations for staff members, reinforcing their responsibility to provide the MMRC with precise and reliable data. It mandates that all data be entered into MMRIA within 30 days of review, ensuring timely and organized record keeping. 

Strategy: Work with internal and external partners (including consumers) to identify opportunities for collaboration in providing services geared toward improving maternal mortality based on MMRC recommendations.

 

Activity: Engage with other Maternal Mortality Review Committees to share lessons learned to advance program knowledge. Activities may include hosting or participating in local/regional meetings or peer-to-peer calls, presentations delivered by webinar, mentoring other programs, technical assistance, etc.

 

OWH and MIHB Directors participated in the monthly virtual calls led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of Regional Health Operations for Region IV Women’s Health Analyst and Regional Health Administrator. These calls allowed interfacing with OWH leads in other state health departments and agencies around a variety of ongoing initiatives, projects, programs, and funding opportunities. Many calls featured discussions related to congenital syphilis, Talking Postpartum Depression campaign at the federal level, perinatal regionalization, Newborn Supply Kit project, M.O.M.S. tour, and interfaces between FIMR and MMRC in the states. Having counterparts in other states who had successfully navigated processes, OWH or MIHB was not only just starting helpful, as lessons learned and technical knowledge was routinely shared both within and outside of the virtual meetings. Dr. Greene also broadcast a monthly newsletter which provided robust content on observances and awareness days/weeks/months forthcoming, links to awareness campaigns related to maternal and infant health, webinars and virtual events, resources, and funding opportunities.

 

OWH and the MIHB Directors participated in collaboration meetings with leads of the Mississippi Perinatal Quality Collaborative. The chief aim of these meetings was to identify ways we could support one another for collective impact, while avoiding duplication of effort. Specific plans for partnership included MIHB supporting MSPQC’s launch of the Postpartum Discharge Bundle across participating AIM facilities.

 

Activity: Partner with other stakeholders to promote/expand offerings of Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) and Stabilizing OB and Neonatal Patients, Training for OB/Neonatal Emergencies, Outcome Improvements, Resource Sharing, and Kind Care for Vulnerable Families (STORK) training to maternal healthcare providers.

 

Did not address this activity during the reporting period.

 

Activity: Implement a focus group project to gather impressions, perceptions, experiences of women who have given birth in Mississippi to understand drivers of maternal health outcomes and gain recommendations for improvements.

 

 

MIHB partnered with Teen Health Mississippi to conduct focus groups from March through April 2024 among women ages 14-44 years old who delivered and/or were expecting in MS from 2021-2024. Similar to prior evidence-based research, overall themes from the focus groups suggested that non-Hispanic African American women systemically face greater challenges during and after pregnancy compared to non-Hispanic women in other groups. The insight from participants highlight the urgent need for foundational reforms, more empathetic and well-trained healthcare providers, robust community support systems, and a focus on mental health and patient autonomy. The results are located at the following website address: https://msdh.ms.gov/page/resources/20749.pdf.

 

Activity: Launch maternal hypertension and gestational diabetes support program, to include education on urgent maternal and postpartum warning signs, for participants of MSDH home visiting/case management programs.

 

A Pharmacy Consultant was partially-funded by the MCH Block Grant and works under the OWH to support patients of HM/HB. She provided medication management education (focused on at-home management techniques, recognition of warning signs, and strategies for medication adherence), referrals, patient support and outreach, and health education, to and for patients with diabetes, gestational diabetes, hypertension, pregnancy induced hypertension, and preeclampsia. There were a total of 87 patient referrals for hypertension and/or diabetes support. Through a partnership with MIHB, she sent 48 blood pressure cuffs to patients who needed to self-monitor their hypertension in pregnancy and postpartum. Each patient who received a monitor was counseled on proper use, interpretation of readings, and when to seek medical attention based on their measurements.

 

The pharmacist also began “Pharmacy Corner” in summer of 2023, which provided virtual staff education, including staff from HM/HB, Healthy Start and T4M. She also provides direct oversight and leadership for the Vitamin Angels Prenatal Vitamin Distribution Project.

 

The Healthy Start program addressed hypertension, recognizing its impact on maternal and infant health. Participants receive tailored informational resources that highlight the dangers of high blood pressure during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and postpartum hypertension.  To further support participants, Healthy Start issues blood pressure monitors to those who need them, allowing for regular at-home monitoring.

 

Activity: Support the uptake/maintenance/continued implementation of AIMS Safety Bundles (i.e., severe maternal hypertension, obstetric hemorrhage, and reduction of primary caesarean births) in birthing hospitals and other health systems.

 

Activity: Support the launch/uptake of new AIMS Safety Bundles (i.e., postpartum discharge transitions, perinatal mental health) in birthing hospitals and other health systems.

Activity: Host the Annual Maternal Health Symposium to support future strategic planning on maternal health issues and mortality/morbidity prevention approaches.

 

Since October 2023, MSDH leads the implementation and operational maintenance of the Alliance for the Innovation on Maternal Health (AlM) patient safety bundles in partnership with birthing hospitals across the state. The overall mission of AIM is to support best practices that make birth safer, improve the quality of maternal health care and outcomes, and save lives. Ongoing AIM activities in MS included continuing to provide education and technical assistance to providers in relation to urgent maternal warning signs and bundle implementation. MS has adopted 4 patient safety bundles: Severe Hypertension; C-Section Reduction; Hemorrhage; and Discharge Transition.

 

MSDH supports participating AIM facilities in increasing the number of bundles being implemented and/or sustained by supporting the fidelity of bundle delivery, providing technical assistance, and supporting effecting data collection and reporting. The following was accomplished under the AIM grant:

• MIHB staff affiliated with the project had all separated from MSDH in the fall of 2022. A Program Specialist was hired to lead the administrative work of the project and establish new connections and partnerships with the birthing hospitals. Hired a Maternal Health Consultant, who functioned as a champion in encouraging the adoption of the AIM bundles across facilities, as well as a technical assistance lead.
• 36 birthing hospitals participated in the AIM project.
• The Mississippi Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MSPQC) seated with the Mississippi Public Health Institute led the work to adopt and launch the Postpartum Discharge Transition Bundle within birthing hospitals.

Key findings from the AIM data portal include:

• Participating AIM facilities overall recorded an increase in measure number PPDT P3 (Postpartum Visit Scheduling), which assessed “Among all maternal discharges following a live birth, whether from sample or entire population, those who had a postpartum visit scheduled before or within 24 hours of discharge from birth hospitalization.” There was a percentage increase in this measure from 80.1% in 2023 to 85.7% in 2024.
• In addition, the percentage/proportion of patients who had a hemorrhage risk assessment completed and risk level assigned at least once between admission and birth (measure number HEM P3) increased from 93.1% in October 2023 to 94.8% in September 2024.
• MSDH developed a model in which participating AIM hospitals could be paired with medical students to assist them with entering their data into the AIM data portal, as well as have the students assist with calls to patients recently discharged after giving birth. This model was developed in partnership with the Mississippi Public Health Association, who led the recruitment of medical students and partnered with MSDH to identify appropriate hospital placements.
• MIHB partnered with Mississippi State University, Social Science Research Center to complete Phase 1 of a statewide qualitative and quantitative evaluation of AIM. The SSRC developed research and evaluation methodologies, data collection instruments including questionnaires and interview questions utilizing focus group guides and processes. The evaluation was completed in August 2024.
• MIHB partnered with a Maternal Fetal Medicine consultant to launch the Severe Maternal Morbidity workgroup. This workgroup is currently comprised of 11 representatives from 10 AIM hospitals. The members are tasked with reviewing their own hospital’s cases/incidences of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and discuss any possible trends, prevention opportunities, interventions, and/or recommendations based on the review.
• MIHB provided free “Badge Buddies” to participating AIM birthing hospitals throughout the state. The badge buddies were created to support hospital staff in providing bedside education on urgent maternal warning signs. A total of 400 badge buddies were requested for the state. Of this number,328 (82%) were distributed to participating AIM hospitals, county health departments, private providers, and community-based organizations.

 

MIHB led efforts to assess the maternal health landscape and seek the learned and lived expertise of stakeholders from multiple communities and areas of practice throughout the state. As a result, the Mississippi Maternal Health Symposium Workgroups were developed in 2023 from total of 58 participants based on the following maternal health priorities: Maternal Safety/Interpersonal Violence Prevention; Preconception/ Interconception Health and Education; Postpartum/Fourth Trimester Care; Mental Health/ Substance Use Disorders; and Social Issues Impacting Health. Comprised of public health professionals, community leaders, policy makers, and clinicians who met periodically for 13 months, they developed strategies and recommendations for policy makers, healthcare providers, community leaders, and patients/families. The report can be viewed online at: https://msdh.ms.gov/page/resources/20750.pdf

 

Objective: By September 30, 2025, participate in at least 18 community outreach events to address maternal mortality differences and promote Maternal Mortality Review Committee recommendations.

 

Objective: By September 30, 2025, 10 pregnant women will have been referred to a home visiting/case management program to support syphilis treatment before delivery.

 

Strategy: Work with internal and external partners (including consumers) to identify opportunities for collaboration in providing services geared toward improving maternal mortality based on MMRC recommendations.

 

Activity: Extend existing or select by competitive RFP, subgrantees, including health systems or community- based partners, to execute specific activities for providing health promotion, health education, and health focused activities that improve maternal health (prenatal, perinatal, postpartum, and/or interconception).

 

April 2023, syphilis testing during pregnancy was made a requirement for those, who were expecting, in their first trimester, third trimester, and at delivery as a part of MS’s efforts to prevent congenital syphilis in infants and providers were informed through a Health Action Network notice. MSDH had a Syphilis Task Force that focused efforts to reduce syphilis in areas with higher disease burden, including Hinds, Rankin, Jones, DeSoto, Harrison, and Forrest counties. Some of these efforts included: point of care syphilis testing and same-day treatment within the CHD clinics, educational campaigns for providers and the public, billboards, sponsored ads on social media, digital ads, and acquiring a robust supply of medications to treat infection through the MSDH Pharmacy. MSDH partnered with hospitals, individual OB/GYNs, and community providers like federally qualified health centers and free clinics to roll out POC testing across all prenatal care settings. The effort included training clinicians and reorganizing workflows to ensure rapid testing could be completed during routine visits. Between January and February 2025, 9 cases of congenital syphilis were reported compared with 29 cases during the same period in the previous year (Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/could-rapid-syphilis-testing-turn-tide-worsening-crisis-2025a1000b1r).\

 

October 2023 to August 2024, HM/HB, received 46 maternal referrals and 34 infant referrals exposed to syphilis. These referrals are prioritized for enrollment to assure that both mother and infant receive all necessary treatments.

 

Strategy: Provide and/or partner with other stakeholders to offer educational opportunities and evidenced based trainings to birthing hospitals and other health systems on strategies to reduce severe maternal mortality and morbidity.

 

Strategy: Lead the promotion of health observances, and other outreach/engagement strategies to increase public awareness of maternal health issues.

 

Activity: Submit work requests to the Office of Communications to promote CDC/HRSA/other approved messaging related to maternal health issues (prenatal, perinatal, postpartum, and/or interconception) etc. Prepare social media post schedules and templates for observance months/days.

 

Activity: Maximize available funding and in-kind support to develop or enhance direct health education approaches for consumers of MCH-serving programs focused on improving maternal health issues.

 

June 2023, various Health Services programs partnered with the MS Attorney General’s Office to carry out the legislative mandate in SB2781SG. It charged the MS AGO to work with other state agencies, and private and faith-based partners, to create a one-stop-shop e-resource center for expecting and new mothers. The legislation charged that the Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance (MAMA) program website had to be active by 10/1/2023 and the MAMA mobile app by 1/1/2024. This partnership between MSDH and the MS AGO was overseen by the OWH Director. To view the MAMA website, visit: www.ago.state.ms.us/mama

 

As a sister state agency, MSDH was expected to help promote MAMA through its website and any other channels of public communication. MSDH began supporting MAMA on its website effective 10/2023, as well as social media. MAMA brochures were ordered and distributed across and from numerous Health Services programs, including HM/HB, MIHB, and Healthy Start.

 

The Region MCH Nurses collaborated with the various programs around the state to provide community outreach.  Partnering with the Community Health Workers, they provide health literature for community health fairs and events and attend baby showers. One such shower focused solely on dads.

• 10/11-10/12/2023- Community Health Fair- Mental Health Awareness and Teen Empowerment Summit- Discussed services provided at the CHD (FPW applications and handouts given, BCCP brochure), HPV vaccines, and EPSDT. around 100 attended.
• 10/18/2023-Community Health at Columbus Housing Authority- Discussed services provided at the CHD, around 75 attended.
• 11/29/2023- Visited 2 clinics in Oktibbeha County- reviewed with staff their services provided at the CHD, immunization schedule, and discussed assisting with family planning waiver applications
• 12/8/2023-Healthy Heart Ambassador Program - Self Monitored Blood Pressure & Nutrition Education in Aberdeen MS- discussed services provided at the CHD; about 100 attended
• 1/18/2024- North Forest Housing Complex (Monroe County)- Discussed services provided at CHD (FPW applications and handouts given, BCCP brochure).
• 2/2/2024- Community Counseling Youth (Winston County)- Discussed HPV vaccine and handouts given. Family planning brochures given.
• 3/21/2024- Workshop at Prairie Opportunity in Clay county- Family planning and BCCP brochures given as well as FP waiver applications- about 75 attended
• 7/26/2024-Health Fair at Christian Hill Church- Family planning brochures, HM/HB handouts, and BCCP brochures provided; about 50 attended.
• 8/22/2024- Health Fair at Sportsplex in Starkville, MS- Family planning and BCCP brochures given; about 150 attended
• 9/14/2024- Health Fair in Lowndes County- Family planning, immunization schedule, BCCP brochures given; about 200 attended.
• 9/25/2024- Health Fair in Winston County- Family planning, immunization schedule, BCCP brochures given; about 100 attended.

 

HM/HB developed three projects.

May 2024, HM/HB participated in the distribution of pregnancy journals to African American women enrolled in the program. The journal titled “A Pregnancy Journal for Black Mothers” was created by a Mississippi-based organization, Six Dimensions, LLC., to help expectant African American mothers document their emotional experiences, medical milestones, and any questions or concerns they had during the pregnancy and postpartum period. The project was to be evaluated to determine whether the journals were helpful to participants, improved participant engagement with HM/HB staff, and whether the project contributed to improved maternal health outcomes for the participants. Eligible clients included newly and/or currently enrolled African American women within their first or second trimester. If the participant chose to participate, the nurse case manager provided the participant a journal. An initial survey was emailed to participants 7-14 days after they received the journal to gather feedback on first impressions. A follow-up survey was emailed 4-6 weeks postpartum to collect additional insights about their experience with the journal throughout pregnancy and to inform future quality improvement efforts.

 

Birth Preparedness and Readiness Plan, a document to discuss birth preparations and the importance of planning. It is an interactive tool to discuss plans for expected and unexpected circumstances that may occur, home birth preparedness, immediate postpartum, and emergency disaster preparedness. The discussion guided by the tool allows the participant to communicate their preferences, identify any concerns, and outline important medical or personal information that can influence their care during labor, delivery, and postpartum. The Plan was sent to a printing company for production and copies and guidelines were sent to HM/HB nursing staff in 10/2024 to be implemented.

 

HM/HB Program created the Pregnancy Guide, a conversation starter and reference around important facts related to pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. It includes information on urgent maternal warning during pregnancy and postpartum, signs of labor, packing for the hospital, etc. The Guide was submitted for printing in 9/2024 and completed for dissemination 10/2024.

 

PRIORITY: Oral Health

 

Objective: By September 30, 2025, increase the percentage of women who have a preventive dental visit in pregnancy by 10%

 

Strategy: Provide education to women on the safety and importance of proper oral health during pregnancy and postpartum.

 

Activity: Implement oral health promotion and messaging through WIC Shopper app

 

Activity: Coordinate efforts with the WIC and home visiting/case management programs to improve access and utilization of dental services for WIC recipients (both children and expecting mothers)

 

1,763 expectant mothers in 16 counties received oral health education. WIC Program partnered with the Office of Oral Health, Regional Oral Health Consultants to provide oral health education and aides to WIC participants as part of the nutrition education process. A total of 3,121 contacts have been made, including 77 infants, 2,433 children, 53 expecting mothers, 134 postpartum breastfeeding women, and 424 postpartum non-breastfeeding women.  

 

Collaborating with the Office of Oral Health, HM/HB, the comprehensive assessment contains a section titled “Dental History”, including 5 questions to determine if oral health education and/or referral to the Office of Oral Health is to be made.  HM/HB completed 87 (75 maternal, 12 infant) oral health screenings among expecting and postpartum mothers and infants who had a scheduled HM/HB visit. Of those screened, 16 individuals received further assistance and education based on their screening results addressing identified oral health concerns and encouraging appropriate follow-up care. Office of Oral Health distributed 871 dental kits, comprised of oral health related supplies including, but not limited to toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss, to nurse case managers for distribution to HM/HB’s participants.

 

Healthy Start collaborates with the Office of Oral Health to provide dental kits, comprised of oral health related supplies including, but not limited to toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss, to  program participants. Healthy Start integrates WIC education into its outreach efforts, helping families understand the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood development. Healthy Start participants are referred to WIC.  Healthy Start collaborated with WIC to provide joint workshops, informational sessions, and individualized support for participants. For example, WIC staff in Lee County engaged in providing education during the June 2024 Baby Shower for Dads event and the WIC staff participated in the September 2024, Grillin’ with Dads event in Lowndes County. 

 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), neglecting oral and dental health during pregnancy does not only cause problems such as tooth decay and tooth loss, but may also lead to problems such as premature birth, low birth weight infant, and pre-eclampsia. Unfortunately, in Mississippi, once a mother has aged out of comprehensive dental coverage, age 20, if expecting, she can only receive limited exams and extractions through the Division of Medicaid.  With this program, we are identifying many women are in need of urgent dental care.