Utilizing Healthy People 2030

Utilizing Healthy People 2030, review the section on maternal and child care, and identify two goals and approaches that you think would help in addressing and eliminating the health disparities among birthing women.

Healthy People 2030. (2022). Pregnancy and childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth objectives (MICH‑01). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/pregnancy-and-childbirth

Full Answer Section

     
  • Approaches:
    • Increase access to care: Expand affordable and accessible prenatal care services in underserved communities, including offering extended clinic hours, transportation assistance, and culturally sensitive care providers.
    • Community outreach and education: Increase awareness of the importance of prenatal care through targeted community outreach programs and educational materials in diverse languages.
    • Reduce financial barriers: Explore policies for Medicaid expansion, insurance coverage for prenatal care, and financial assistance for low-income women.
Goal 2: Reduce Maternal Deaths (MICH-04)
  • Rationale: Maternal deaths are a tragic consequence of health disparities. Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women are disproportionately affected by maternal mortality compared to white women.
  • Approaches:
    • Implicit bias training: Implement implicit bias training for healthcare providers to address unconscious biases that may influence decision-making and care delivery.
    • Standardized protocols: Develop and implement standardized protocols for identifying and managing high-risk pregnancies to ensure consistent quality of care across all demographics.
    • Maternal mortality review committees: Establish and strengthen maternal mortality review committees to analyze deaths, identify contributing factors, and develop strategies for prevention.
Addressing these goals through the outlined approaches can help reduce health disparities among birthing women and create a more equitable healthcare system. These are just two examples of how Healthy People 2030 goals can be used to address this critical public health issue. Implementing a comprehensive approach that combines these goals with additional strategies is essential for achieving significant progress in eliminating disparities.  

Sample Answer

     

Addressing Health Disparities Among Birthing Women Using Healthy People 2030 Goals

Health disparities among birthing women are a significant public health concern. Here's how two goals and approaches from Healthy People 2030 can be used to address this issue:

Goal 1: Increase the Proportion of Women Who Receive Early and Adequate Prenatal Care (MICH-08)

  • Rationale: Early and adequate prenatal care is crucial for identifying and managing potential health risks during pregnancy, improving birth outcomes, and reducing infant mortality. Disparities exist in prenatal care access, with minority women and those in lower socioeconomic groups being less likely to receive it.