Oct, 15, 2021

Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal and Child Health Through Home Visiting Programs

Systemic racism within health care and other social institutions has led to large racial and ethnic disparities in access to health care, poor health outcomes, and high mortality rates for women and children of color. Evidence-based home visiting programs can help reduce racial and ethnic health disparities by providing mothers with screenings, case management, family support, and referrals that address a family’s physical, mental, and health-related social needs. The Center for Health Care Strategies published a new issue brief, made possible by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, that explores strategies used by state Medicaid and health agencies in New York, Minnesota, and Vermont to improve equitable health and well-being outcomes through their home visiting programs. Using culturally responsive, community-driven, and anti-racist approaches to support under-resourced communities can help home visiting programs increase opportunities to identify and address racial inequities and disparities, as well as improve maternal and early childhood outcomes.