Newswise — Washington, D.C., June 25, 2024 — MedStar Washington Hospital Center has received national recognition as the 2024 Gage Award Winner for Population Health from America’s Essential Hospitals.
It was recognized for its work to address social determinants of health and improve birth equity in Washington, D.C.’s underserved neighborhoods, specifically in Wards 7 and 8.
Maternal and infant mortality rates in D.C. are some of the highest in the nation.
Through MedStar Health’s D.C. Safe Babies Safe Moms initiative, which aims to create positive and sustainable change in maternal and infant health, MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Women’s and Infants’ Services team launched interventions to increase birth equity in D.
C.’s Black-majority Wards 7 and 8, where infant mortality rates are twice the city's average. Preconception health assessments flag individuals with chronic diseases who may be at risk for poor maternal health outcomes.
Prenatal social needs screenings connect patients with needed resources, such as housing, food, transportation, and legal assistance. The aim of the efforts was three-fold: Increase access to prenatal and postpartum care, and early interventions for adverse social determinants of health. Decrease the number of patients experiencing birthing complications.
Mitigate risk factors associated with higher mortality rates in D.C. As a result of these interventions, MedStar Washington Hospital Center has seen a clear increase in .