In an effort to combat rising maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity rates in Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation are joining forces for a second round of funding through the Advancing Maternal Health Equity initiative. This partnership is now welcoming applications from six Michigan Regional Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (RPQC) and their partners. These grants aim to support sustainable projects that advance health equity and reduce the risks associated with maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, particularly among communities of color. Let’s delve deeper into this initiative and the critical statistics regarding maternal health disparities.
According to a Health of America report released in September 2022 by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, pregnancy and childbirth complications have increased by approximately 9% for all birthing individuals in the United States between 2018 and 2020. However, this issue is compounded by racial disparities, which persist among Black, Latina, and Asian birthing individuals when compared to their white counterparts.
Of particular concern is the alarming disparity in maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity rates among Black women. Statistics show that Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. The situation is even more dire in some regions of Michigan, as higher than the state average feto-infant mortality and maternal mortality rates have been recorded in six regions: Upper Peninsula, Northern Lower Michigan, West Michigan, Thumb, Southwest Michigan, and Southeast Michigan.
These disparities in maternal health are linked to various factors, including chronic diseases, health behaviors, early prenatal care, and maternal stress among pregnant individuals. The Perinatal Period of Risk in these regions occurs during the maternal health/prematurity period, making it crucial to address these issues comprehensively and at every stage of pregnancy and childbirth.
Advancing Maternal Health Equity Initiative
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has taken a proactive stance on this issue, committing in 2021 to reduce racial disparities in maternal health by 50% by 2026, in line with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s national efforts. The Advancing Maternal Health Equity initiative is a key component of this commitment. It provides grants of up to $50,000 to support projects that aim to advance maternal health equity and address disparity-related factors in maternal health.
These grants are not limited to addressing maternal health solely during pregnancy and childbirth. Instead, they focus on initiatives that reduce risks and improve health before pregnancy, during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. It is a holistic approach that addresses the entire reproductive journey.
The initiative is particularly interested in proposals that support women of color, individuals in underserved and marginalized communities, address implicit bias, and provide culturally relevant interventions. Collaborative efforts that bring together various stakeholders to tackle maternal health disparities are also highly encouraged.
Application and Program Details
Eligible applicants from the invited RPQC regions in Michigan must complete and submit their online applications by Monday, October 23, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Successful awardees will be announced in December 2023, and the program period is set to commence in January 2024.
The Advancing Maternal Health Equity initiative is a commendable effort by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation to combat maternal health disparities. By providing critical funding to address the root causes of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, this initiative has the potential to save lives and ensure that all birthing individuals in Michigan receive equitable and high-quality care throughout their pregnancy and childbirth journey. In doing so, it contributes to a nationwide movement to eliminate racial disparities in maternal health and ultimately build a healthier future for all.
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