Bright Beginnings

According to the current Maryland Department of Vital Statistics, Prince George's County, Maryland has the highest rate of infant mortality outcomes in the State of Maryland with 622 infant deaths occurring in 24 Maryland counties, 25% occurred in the County and disproportionately among African American women. Access to Wholistic and Productive Living Institute, works on many levels to support and encourage community involvement especially in infant mortality. Our goal is to address significant disparities in prenatal health and barriers to healthcare among African Americans, uninsured/underinsured pregnant women/teens. This presentation demonstrates progress that created a shift in community involvement recruiting pregnant/women without prenatal services and community advocates for prevention/reduction of infant mortality. Data and Methods: Recruitment and empowering education provided by Community Navigators during campaigns, workshops and health-forums; using community mapping data reports- August 2009- November 2009. This report encompasses social, economic, and behavioral factors addressing community involvement in infant mortality. The report resulted in consortium of community organizations, businesses and community member's dedicated to assisting in recruiting pregnant women/teens, and advocating for improved pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: Presentation will provide the results of collected community mapping data resulting in the involvement of communities recruiting pregnant women/teens without prenatal care. Bright Beginning functions and mapping of local consortia at the neighborhood level, and results of employing lay navigators will be described. Initial findings from Bright Beginnings client's recruitment plan may be helpful to others who are attempting to increase community involvement in advocating prenatal services and recruiting pregnant women/teens without prenatal care.