Improving maternal health care access for women in Louisiana's rural areas
Official title: RP2_Harville
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10908671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to improve health care for pregnant women in rural Louisiana, especially in areas where it's hard to find doctors, by creating new ways to provide care from home, like checking blood pressure and weight, to help keep moms and their babies healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $862,832 |
| NIH project number | 5U54HD113159-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women or new mothers living in rural Louisiana, particularly those from Black communities or areas with limited access to maternal care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who live in urban areas with adequate access to maternal health services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing maternal health care for women living in rural Louisiana, particularly in areas known as 'maternity care deserts' where access to obstetric services is severely limited. The project aims to develop innovative remote care models that prioritize community needs and context, thereby reducing the risks associated with pregnancy and postpartum care. By implementing programs like at-home monitoring for blood pressure and weight, the research seeks to identify health issues earlier and improve outcomes for mothers, especially among Black and rural populations who face higher risks. The study will be conducted in two phases, starting with assessing community needs and building necessary infrastructure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce maternal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for women in underserved areas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous initiatives, such as Ochsner’s Connected MOM program, have shown success in improving maternal health outcomes through remote care, although disparities in benefits among different demographics have been noted.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harville, Emily Wheeler — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Harville, Emily Wheeler
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.