The UF Health Initiative
By Deborah Holmen, M.Ed., NBCT
The University of Florida has recently launched a groundbreaking program to support pregnant moms in need. This innovative initiative, led by UF Health, is designed to assist at-risk, low-income and underserved expectant mothers in accessing vital resources and support during their pregnancy journey.
The program, part of UF Health’s broader mission to promote maternal and child health, offers a comprehensive range of services and assistance to help pregnant moms navigate the unique challenges they face. From prenatal care and education to social support and community resources, the program aims to provide holistic and personalized support to each mother in need, ensuring that all aspects of their health and well-being are taken care of.
Adetola F. Louis-Jacques, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UF, said, “The first thing we implemented was universal screening in prenatal care at all of our UF Prenatal Clinics, focusing on food, transportation, stress, financial security and intimate partner violence. We added six fields in the questionnaire to ask patients about these needs when they come for care.”
“We have about a 20% positive response rate after assessing the impact of these needs on care. We found that about 7% of patients have at least one of these needs. We’ve been working with the UF’s AIQI program that will help support funding and effort to track this information by clinical side, race, ethnicity and other factors and regularly display it on a dashboard.”
UF’s Office of AI Applied and Innovation department provides its Artificial Intelligence/Quality Improvement Program to assist a Hyper-Social Needs Navigator, who collaborates with clinical staff to address the social needs of individuals with special requirements in a clinical setting.
Louis-Jaques said, “We are currently working with the county to recruit community health workers and are also exploring other grant opportunities. In addition, we are seeking funding for a comprehensive community health worker program through another grant, which will help address these social needs. The past eighteen months have highlighted the importance of this program, and we are now focusing on further training with our Hyper-Social Needs Navigator and our clinical partners to develop a strong community health worker program.”
One key objective of the program is to ensure that every pregnant mom, regardless of socioeconomic status, feels valued and deserving of high-quality healthcare services and support. Through partnerships with local healthcare providers and community organizations, UF Health can connect pregnant moms with the resources they need to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery, fostering a sense of inclusivity and non-discrimination.
In addition to healthcare services, the program also offers support in the form of education and counseling. Pregnant moms are provided with information on nutrition, birth planning, labor and delivery support and prenatal care, as well as guidance on managing stress and preparing for childbirth. By empowering pregnant moms with the knowledge and resources they need, UF Health is helping them make informed decisions about their health and the health of their babies.
The UF program for pregnant moms in need is truly a testament to the university’s commitment to serving the community and improving maternal and child health outcomes. With its comprehensive approach to supporting at-risk expectant mothers, UF Health is making a real difference in the lives of pregnant moms and their babies.
