This proposal is in response to the needs highlighted by multiple agencies: the New Mexico Governor’s Women’s Health Advisory Council women’s health policy forums “Toward a Woman-Centered Model of Care;” by a Tewa Women United survey reporting on the unmet reproductive needs of indigenous women in the state; by the report Evidence-Based Maternity Care: What It Is and What It Can Achieve sponsored by Childbirth Connections under the auspices of the Milbank Fund; and of the NM House Joint Memorial passed in the current NM legislative session which charged the State Health Commission to consider the findings of the Evidence-Based Maternity Care report in planning for birthing care in New Mexico. The proposal is aimed at catalyzing a woman-centered approach to women’s health in NM, achieving community engagement in women’s individual health, strengthening NM’s system of perinatal care, and strengthening choices for NM’s young women. The 5-point model of direct service, workforce development, research, outreach/education and policy are incorporated; it also addresses underserved populations in both rural and urban areas. Lastly, it is in response to the national stimulus initiative of increasing education in healthcare, thus increasing the pool of primary healthcare providers who can serve communities throughout the state.

 

Project Overview: To establish an educational program for Licensed Midwives within the state college system of New Mexico, with simultaneous establishment of a birth center serving a medically underserved population. The birth center will serve as a clinical site for Licensed Midwifery students, thus meeting both educational and healthcare delivery site needs. The unique pairing of a midwifery program with a birth center will create a reproducible model for other sites within the state.

 

Contact Hilary Schlinger parteraproject@gmail.com