Improving access to care in rural Iowa: Creativity and collaboration

Objective: To provide an overview of the Stork's Nest Program, which provides incentives, education and referrals to high-risk pregnant women in many rural areas of Iowa that have limited access to health care providers. The overall goals are increased prenatal care compliance and satisfaction and improved birth outcomes. Background: 63 of Iowa's 99 counties are designated health professional shortage areas. Project: Since 1991, the March of Dimes Iowa Chapter has partnered with a variety of service providers across the state to offer the Stork's Nest program. Stork's Nest, a prenatal education and incentive program, provides much needed health care coordination and maternal health education to primarily low income high risk pregnant women who do not live in urban areas with readily accessible health care professionals and services. Now offered in approximately 40 sites statewide, the Nests motivate women to get early, regular prenatal care, to avoid harmful substances/environments (almost 16% of pregnant women in Iowa smoke), and bring babies to well-baby exams. Motivation is supplied through earned incentives of needed child care items such as diapers, wipes, clothes, car seats, books and sometimes food. Each Nest site is different and serves the unique needs of its population. Results: An average of 3000 -5000 clients are served each year through Nests. Nest participants consistently show increases in knowledge about healthy pregnancy habits and proper care for themselves and their babies, as well as a high satisfaction with services offered. The presentation will discuss major successes and lessons learned.