The University of Michigan School of Public Health has secured a $1.8 million, five-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau. This funding will establish the Center of Excellence for Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health, focusing specifically on addressing critical gaps in the maternal health workforce and improving outcomes for women and families.
Associate Professor Kendrin Sonneville, the project’s principal investigator, highlighted the school’s commitment to combating maternal health disparities that have become a national crisis. “We are dedicated to developing new leaders in maternal health who will tackle urgent challenges, including racial disparities and high maternal mortality rates,” Sonneville said.
Maternal Health Challenges Facing Women in the U.S. and Michigan
The United States endures the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women suffering disproportionately from preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Rural women also face significant barriers to accessing quality prenatal and postpartum care.
In Michigan, several concerning trends demand urgent attention:
High Cesarean Section Rates: Low-risk first-time mothers undergo cesarean deliveries at rates higher than recommended, which increases risks for both mother and infant and contributes to longer recovery times and complications.
Racial Disparities in Prenatal Care: Black women experience significant gaps in preventive dental care during pregnancy, which research links to adverse birth outcomes like preterm birth and low birth weight.
Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Black infants in Michigan face elevated rates of sleep-related mortality, a tragic issue tied to social determinants of health, housing insecurity, and limited access to safe sleep education.
Innovative Training to Equip Maternal Health Leaders
Launching this fall, Michigan Public Health will offer an interdisciplinary Certificate in Maternal Child Health designed to prepare graduate students with the skills to address these maternal health disparities. The program integrates academic coursework with real-world training through partnerships with local health departments and state agencies.
Trainees will participate in hands-on internships and research projects focused on maternal health issues such as improving prenatal care access, reducing cesarean rates, and promoting infant safe sleep practices. Special emphasis will be placed on supporting students from underrepresented groups through financial aid, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
Strengthening Community and Policy Impact
The new Center will foster stronger collaboration between academic experts and maternal health service providers, partnering with at least 10 agencies to apply research findings to improve maternal health policies and programs.
Laura Power, director of Public Health Practice, noted, “These partnerships allow students to engage directly with communities disproportionately affected by maternal health inequities, ensuring their training translates into meaningful improvements.”
Harnessing Expertise for Maternal Health Equity
Faculty leaders across the School of Public Health bring expertise in nutrition, behavioral health, environmental influences, and health disparities. Their collective efforts will guide curriculum development and mentorship to cultivate a new generation of maternal health professionals committed to equity and innovation.
Professor Karen Peterson emphasized, “Our faculty’s longstanding work addressing the root causes of maternal health inequities positions us uniquely to train future leaders who can transform care for women and families.”
Aiming for Long-Term Change
The Center will monitor graduates’ career trajectories to assess impact and sustainability while sharing lessons and models nationally. This initiative aligns Michigan Public Health with leading institutions working to resolve America’s maternal health crisis.
The grant will fund efforts through 2030, marking a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of women, children, and families across Michigan and beyond.
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