As part of Atrium Health Navicent’s ongoing effort to improve maternal health, the health system is pleased to announce the receipt of a Healthcare Georgia Foundation grant to support high risk obstetrics patients.

The grant will support an Atrium Health Navicent Healthy Communities care coordinator who will assist high risk obstetrics patients who may face barriers to accessing health care, seeking to reduce the number of patients who fail to keep their scheduled appointments at Atrium Health Navicent WT Anderson Community Health Center High-Risk OB Clinic.

“By removing barriers and helping women receive critical prenatal care, we’re not just improving the health of the mothers in our community, but also impacting the health of the babies who benefit from that care, helping them to have a strong beginning to live healthier lives,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “Atrium Health Navicent is committed to improving health equity and bridging barriers to care. Thanks to Healthcare Georgia Foundation for helping us to impact maternal health through the addition of these new services.”

The care coordinator will conduct assessments in patients’ homes to assess social determinants of health, such as access to nutritious foods, transportation, income or social support, which may form barriers to care, and help provide assistance in bridging those barriers, including linking patients to available community resources.

The coordinator will also educate patients about the importance of prenatal visits and provide support to assist patients in keeping their appointments, or scheduling them for a virtual appointment. The coordinator will also communicate with patients’ care teams and stay in contact with patients to monitor their progress for any care plan changes.

“Georgia has the second-highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, and due to a number of factors, black women in our state are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications,” said Atrium Health Navicent Chief Medical Officer Patrice Walker. “The care coordinator will help us provide care to women who otherwise would face challenges that could prevent them from seeing a doctor during their pregnancy, allowing us to provide preventative and diagnostic services and treatment when its most effective.”

Atrium Health Navicent is also co-hosting an interactive event at Fort Valley State University on Nov. 1 to help educate the community about maternal health and racial disparities.

Walker, a board trained OB-GYN, will share information about unconscious bias and discuss community solutions. The event will also include a special viewing of the short film, “Toxic: A Black Woman’s Story” and a question-and-answer session featuring a panel of experts.

Also co-hosted by the Navicent Health Foundation and Fort Valley State University, the event will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Family Development and Quality Childcare Center Complex, 1193 Carver Drive, in Fort Valley.

To RSVP, email [email protected]. Although in-person attendance is limited, individuals can also participate virtually and a live-stream link will be available.