National Healthy Start Association

Did you know that according to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease remains the greatest health threat to women, and that it is the leading cause of death for women (American Heart Association, 2024)? ⚠️ High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. More than 56 million women in the United States (44.3%) have high blood pressure (defined as 130/80 mm Hg or higher) or are taking blood pressure medicine, and this includes 1 in 5 women of reproductive age (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). ⚠️ Prevention, awareness, and support are critical. To address these issues, the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Community Care Initiative (AIM CCI) has developed the maternal safety bundles Community Care to Address the Management of Chronic Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum. These bundles were developed in partnership with six pilot sites, and subject matter experts, from around the United States. ⚠️These bundles address the multifaceted challenges with diabetes, hypertension, and overweight and obesity during pregnancy and postpartum, all of which can contribute to heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). ⚠️ It also acknowledges health disparities, the need for culturally appropriate education, and shared decision-making. WATCH the video from the AIM CCI team to learn more. VISIT https://lnkd.in/eT5_v-3N and DOWNLOAD these bundles to support women and birthing people in your community. Partners who have been instrumental in piloting AIM CCI bundles include: California Health Collaborative Center for Black Women's Wellness Community Service Council, Greater Newark Health Care Coalition, Louisiana Public Health Institute, and Spectrum Health (Strong Beginnings). #americanheartmonth #breastfeeding #maternalhealth #AIMCCI

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence. NHSA AIM CCI has developed the Community Care to Address Intimate Partner Violence During and After Pregnancy Bundle, which seeks to ensure that all pregnant and postpartum women/birthing persons receive education, assessment, and support needed in response to IPV. Exposure to current or past Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is one of the leading contributors to poor maternal health outcomes, including poor pregnancy outcomes. The bundle was designed for use in non-hospital settings, such as outpatient and community-based clinical facilities, as well as by other social and supportive services agencies that may be a touchpoint during the pregnancy and postpartum journey. It provides a small set of evidence-based interventions that combines medical and improvement science to achieve improved outcomes. To view and download the bundle, visit https://lnkd.in/eT5_v-3N. For any questions, feel free to contact us at aimcci@nationalhealthystart.org.

As the observance of the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, we honor the diverse cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities among Healthy Start communities.    One of the many contributions offered by Healthy Start sites was through the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Leadership Institute (USDA FAN).   This one-year initiative brought together 15 Healthy Start sites, to address food insecurity, when individuals and families lack reliable access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food, and build leadership capacity to sustain these efforts.    The Healthy Start site in Puerto Rico, Comienzo Saludable, was part of this USDA FAN cohort, and hosted the capstone event in San Juan.  During the FAN Capstone event that brought all 15 sites together, Puerto Rico shared how they are addressing food insecurity, and how they are advancing food sovereignty, the right for people to define their own food systems.  The USDA FAN cohort also learned about the unique cultural history of Puerto Rico, and their food and nutrition influences. Guest speakers included Gabriela Tirado, LDN, RD who discussed the food aspects, while Melina Aguilar Colon discussed history. Thank you Comienzo Saludable, and all the Healthy Start sites who demonstrate how to infuse community care that is culturally resonant. #HispanicHeritageMonth 

Today, we honor and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognizing their rich cultures and histories, and acknowledging that collectively, we reside on the tribal lands of many nations. We are committed to listening, learning, and helping to amplify Indigenous voices, especially regarding root causes of systemic inequities that lead to health disparities. Tribal communities such as the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan and Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board-Northern Plains are two Healthy Start sites that address infant and maternal mortality in ways that are culturally resonant for them. We support their ongoing change movements to improve the lives of women and birthing people, babies, fathers, and families. #IndigenousPeoplesDay

Infant health and maternal health are linked. No family should suffer the heartbreaking experience of infant mortality. Infant mortality in the United States is caused by congenital disabilities, pre-term birth and low birthweight, maternal pregnancy complications, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and injuries and (such as accidental suffocation). National Vital Statistics (2022). Healthy Start works year-round to improve outcomes for babies, women and birthing people, fathers, and for the family overall to reduce infant mortality and eliminate disparities. We need you -- advocates, allies, and influencers – to help lift this importance message. Please save, share this graphic, and learn more about infant mortality by visiting our website https://lnkd.in/gNMXagiH. Reach out to us and let’s eradicate infant mortality together! #CelebrateDay366 #NIMAM24

Why is it that the United States is ramping up its healthcare expenditures while simultaneously experiencing a decline in health outcomes? A key measure of our country's health status is the infant mortality rate (IMR). In 2022, the U.S. IMR stood at 5.60, ranking it 50th out of 195 countries and territories evaluated. This figure is notably higher than that of numerous other developed nations (Commonwealth Fund, 2023). Despite Healthy Start boasting an extensive history of effectively reducing infant mortality rates, the U.S. House of Representatives has once again decided to cut funding for Healthy Start in its 2025 Appropriations. We URGE YOU to CONTACT your Congressional representatives and advocate for the restoration of funding for Healthy Start's successful initiatives aimed at lowering the infant mortality rate, ultimately protecting the lives of infants, women, and individuals giving birth. Please save and share this graphic. For more information on infant mortality, visit our website. https://lnkd.in/g6U57cfj #Celebrate366 #NIMAM24

According to provisional 2022 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, Black infants have an infant mortality rate that is 10.86, the highest among racial and ethnic groups. This disparity is largely due to factors such as higher rates of preterm births and low birth weight among Black infants. Additionally, Black women and birthing people are more likely to receive late or no prenatal care compared to White mothers. These disparities highlight the significant impact of social determinants of health and systemic inequities on infant mortality rates across different racial and ethnic groups. NHSA has worked tirelessly for decades with Healthy Start sites, currently over 115, to reduce the IMR and improve maternal health and family outcomes. Please share this graphic and learn more about infant mortality by visiting our website https://lnkd.in/g6U57cfj. #CelebrateDay366 #NIMAM

Semana de La Lactancia Latina was created in 2023 by the Union de Lideres de Lactancia Latino. The observance aims to uplift voices from the Latino/x community and celebrate the diverse cultures and resilience of Latino communities. The collective also strives to bring awareness to the unique barriers faced by these communities and advocates for language justice. For more information please visit, https://lnkd.in/gFEcibVm Source: https://lnkd.in/gktUPVkS

National Infant Mortality Awareness Month (NIMAM) is NHSA's official observance held every September, to raise awareness about the high rates of infant mortality in the United States. This month-long campaign, led by NHSA, aims to educate the public on the causes of infant mortality and in partnership with Healthy Start sites, promotes community-driven strategies to reduce it. The campaign, Celebrate Day 366...Every Baby Deserves a Chance, has a goal of ensuring that babies live beyond their first year of life, and to reduce the IMR. Healthy Start's year-round efforts focus on improving maternal health and access to healthcare and addressing socioeconomic disparities that contribute to infant mortality. Help us promote NIMAM by sharing content in our media kit. Click the link below. https://lnkd.in/ebVCnPG7 #NIMAM24 #celebrateday366

Black Breastfeeding Week was created in 2014 by a collective of Black leaders from the breastfeeding field and is celebrated annually from August 25-31. The observance was developed as a response to the high black infant mortality rate, the lack of diversity in the lactation field, and unique cultural barriers among Black women, and shines a light on efforts and initiatives that support breastfeeding among Black families. For more information, please visit https://lnkd.in/dwaM7Et. #BBW24 #WeReclaiming #blackbreastfeedingweek Source: https://lnkd.in/gktUPVkS