Maternal Morbidity and Mortality

The goal of this observational study is to create and rigorously evaluate a violence intervention and prevention corps (VIP Corps) training using a randomized controlled trial among undergraduate and professional students; and to develop a novel maternal injury surveillance system (MISS) to complement an existing maternal violent death registry in Kentucky.

Pregnant and postpartum American Indian and Alaska Native people (Native mothers) face a more than two-fold higher risk of maternal mortality compared to non-Hispanic White mothers. Deaths related to substance use (SU) and mental health conditions are a leading cause of preventable maternal mortality, including among Native mothers, making these conditions a strong target for reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study is to 1) adapt evidence-based perinatal care models that integrate pregnancy and postpartum care with SU treatment and care to meet the needs of Native mothers, and 2) assess the implementation and efficacy of that model for participants with substance use disorder who identify as Native receiving prenatal care at Sacred Circle Healthcare in Salt Lake City, Utah.