Transforming Maternal Healthcare Nationwide
The Centering Healthcare Institute (CHI) is excited to unveil its new Strategic Plan, designed to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes uniquely and effectively. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and equity, setting the stage for transformative improvements in the healthcare system over the next few years.
Innovative Centering Model for Prenatal Care
For over twenty years, CHI has redefined care delivery through its groundbreaking Centering model. This approach integrates medical care, education, and peer support, allowing patients to take an active role in their wellness. One of the most impactful aspects of this initiative is the CenteringPregnancy® program, which transforms traditional prenatal care into an empowering group experience. Studies indicate that this model can reduce preterm birth rates dramatically and has positively influenced the health outcomes of more than 500,000 patients across the country.
Blueprint for Expanding CenteringPregnancy
CHI's Strategic Plan outlines a clear pathway to broaden the reach and efficacy of CenteringPregnancy. Targeted strategies include enhancing support for healthcare providers, fostering partnerships, and optimizing implementation processes. The aim is to create sustainable access to high-quality healthcare for every birthing individual, with a keen focus on supporting Black birthing individuals and patients qualifying for Medicaid, who face significant disparities in maternal health.
Four Priorities Driving the Initiative
According to Tammea Tyler, CEO of CHI, this is a crucial moment in the evolution of maternal healthcare. The Strategic Plan focuses on four core priorities to strengthen this initiative:
1. Model and Services for Scale
Adapting resources to assist healthcare settings in implementing and maintaining CenteringPregnancy effectively.
2. Channels for Scale
Building system-level partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and large health systems, particularly to enhance support for Black birthing individuals and those eligible for Medicaid.
3. Learning and Innovation
Creating a data-driven culture that supports informed decision-making and exploration of effective healthcare solutions.
4. Sustainable Organization
Commitment to equity-focused practices and diversification of funding sources for long-term sustainability.
By 2027, CHI plans to solidify partnerships with key healthcare institutions to broaden access to the CenteringPregnancy model. The goal is to provide increased support specifically for Black birthing individuals and Medicaid-qualifying patients while also enhancing service offerings to foster sustainability and improve patient outcomes.
About Centering Healthcare Institute
As a nationally recognized non-profit organization, CHI is dedicated to enhancing healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes. With its innovative Centering model being implemented across nearly 600 clinical sites, CHI serves over half a million patients. The Centering approach effectively merges health assessment, engaging learning, and community support to foster positive health behaviors. Furthermore, CenteringPregnancy® and CenteringParenting® ensure comprehensive care to families from pregnancy through their children's early years. The organization is also extending its model to address various health issues, demonstrating versatility in its project approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Centering Healthcare Institute’s Strategic Plan?
The Strategic Plan is CHI's initiative aimed at enhancing maternal and infant health outcomes through equity and collaboration over three years.
How does the Centering model work?
The Centering model integrates medical care, education, and peer support in a communal setting to empower patients in their health journey.
Why is the focus on Black birthing individuals and Medicaid patients?
These communities experience significant disparities in maternal health, and improved support is crucial to achieving equitable healthcare outcomes.
What are the core priorities of CHI’s Strategic Plan?
The priorities include scaling models and services, forging partnerships, fostering innovation, and ensuring organizational sustainability.
How does CHI plan to expand its reach by 2027?
CHI aims to build partnerships with healthcare systems to increase access and support for targeted populations and enhance patient outcomes.
