An innovative method used to improve birh disparities among women of color

According to 2003 national vital statistics, approximately 12.3% of all deliveries in the United States are premature. According to vital statistics data for the State of Texas, Houston has 9.3% premature deliveries; however, African Americans and Hispanics comprise over 11% of premature deliveries. These groups are disproportionately overrepresented, which indicates a need for community based innovative supports.

Centering Health Care Institute (formerly known as CenteringPregnancy and Parenting Initiative) is an evidence based practice used to address issues associated with premature birth rates and inadequate prenatal care. Centering utilizes a facilitative leadership style. The core components of Centering are assessment, support and education. Preliminary research with the CenteringPregnancy model has demonstrated reduction of low birth weight, especially among preterm infants and an increase in gestational age for those mothers who participate in CenteringPregnancy group for prenatal care.

To address such issues with mothers of color in Houston, the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) has implemented CenteringPregnancy:

• as an option for prenatal care for low income pregnant mothers, especially those of color;

• to address the high rate of infant mortality, low birth weight and inadequate access to quality prenatal care.

The purpose of this presentation is to introduce Centering as an innovative prenatal care model which will:

• demonstrate a reduction of low birth weight among preterm infants

• increase gestational age at delivery

• decrease the rate of premature births among women of color

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