Muskegon Area Pregnancy Pathways Program Published: Tuesday August 30, 2011, 1:00 pm, by Eric Justian The Muskegon Area Pregnancy Pathways Program coordinates educational and material resources for low income women with high-risk pregnancies. The goal is to reduce the number of low birth weight babies born in the Muskegon area through healthier mothers and pregnancies. In the long run, reducing low birth weight in infants reduces health and behavioral problems in adults, with an estimated $25,000 to $40,000 cost savings to the community per child. The Muskegon Area Pregnancy Pathways Program follows the successful, evidence based “Pathways” model pioneered in Richland County, Ohio over the last decade. The model promotes timely, efficient care coordination and prevents service duplication through a network of agencies. Mothers are usually referred to the Muskegon Area Pregnancy Pathways Program through community organizations such as the Teen Health Center. First, a community health worker will assess a woman’s personal needs and goals, then will coordinate the social services required to meet those needs. The Pathways model follows an orderly, eight part assessment and remedial process: Confirm the pregnancy Help the mother sign up for a health insurance policy or for Medicaid if she has no insurance. Establish a pre-natal care provider. Establish a primary care provider. Make sure the mother has reliable, safe housing. Get a medical referral to determine additional needs: mental health issues, substance abuse, etc. Coordinate medication assistance, if needed. Establish social service needs: teen parent education, domestic violence intervention, transportation needs, smoking cessation, etc. The Pathways model is made possible through the successful coordination of public services. Therefore, it is important to have a reliable network of active community partners as a means to reach out to and serve the target individuals. Key community partners for the Muskegon Area Pregnancy Pathways Program include: Every Woman’s Place/Webster House Muskegon Family Care Hackley Community Care The Teen Health Center Catholic Charities West Michigan Orchard View Public Schools Oakridge Public Schools Grand Valley State University Muskegon Community Health Project, the Community Benefit Office of Mercy Health Partners was awarded a grant from the March of Dimes Michigan Chapter to move forward with the Muskegon Area Pregnancy Pathways Program. Together, the organizations are working to address the needs of low income women with high risk pregnancies in the Muskegon area. • by: Muskegon Community Health Project/by Eric Justian Date:30-August-2011