Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant Program - The proposed Regular Track project, “Maternal Outreach and Mobile Services (MOMS): Advancing Health Equity for Rural Delaware Families” incorporates evidence-based models to address maternal and infant health disparities in rural Sussex County, Delaware. The project brings together an FQHC, hospitals, community-based organizations, housing agencies, and public health experts to focus on women of childbearing age in rural Sussex County, with particular attention to Latina and Haitian communities. La Red Health Center has served the rural Sussex County, DE community for over 23 years. An effective, Board-led, infrastructure of over 160 employees at three comprehensive primary care sites is in place. Onsite behavioral health services are at all 3 locations, and dental services are at two sites. A new Mobile Health Unit team will enhance access to prenatal, preventive care, and postpartum services by taking services directly to the community. A Community Health Worker from the target area will provide culturally sensitive outreach and education, and connecting individuals to necessary services. The new multidisciplinary Mobile Unit Health Team will integrate Primary, Maternal, and Mental/Behavioral Health Care to ensure comprehensive care, addressing both physical and mental health needs, which is crucial for improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Patients will have access to state of the art services on the Health Unit and onsite at three ambulatory care sites. At the health center new services using doulas, and a Centering model of group prenatal care will be launched. These models of care are linked to improved birth outcomes, increased patient engagement, higher satisfaction rates. reduced rates of cesarean sections and improved maternal mental health. The MOMS project will address health disparities and barriers in Sussex County. By layering these five evidence-based models of care, and leveraging longstanding partnerships, the project aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, enhance access to care, and promote health equity for rural Delaware families. The project's scalability and potential for replication in other communities further strengthen its impact and sustainability. Three funding preference qualifications were determined as eligible and requested in Attachment 11; 1) Health Professional Shortage Area, 2) Medically Underserved Community/Population, and 3) Focus on Primary Care, and Wellness and Prevention Strategies.
