Reducing racial gaps in maternal health in Southeastern Wisconsin
Addressing Key Social Contributors to Disparities in MatErNal MorbiDity in Southeastern Wisconsin - ASCEND WI Center
This program partners with local families and community groups in Milwaukee to tackle housing problems, medical mistrust, and gaps in postpartum care so mothers can have safer pregnancies and recoveries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137762 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, the team will work with community organizations and families across Milwaukee to address non-medical risks like unstable housing, lack of trust in care, and poor access to postpartum services. The center supports two main projects focused on housing supports and community-based doulas, both developed with neighborhood partners. Activities span before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after birth, combining direct services, community outreach, and tracking health outcomes. You may be invited to receive supports from partner organizations and to share information about your experiences to help improve local care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people, new mothers, or those planning pregnancy who live in Milwaukee or nearby communities—especially those experiencing housing instability or limited access to care—are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not live in Southeastern Wisconsin or who are not pregnant/planning pregnancy are unlikely to be eligible or directly benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce racial disparities in severe maternal complications and improve postpartum support for mothers in Southeastern Wisconsin.
How similar studies have performed: Community-based doula programs and housing-support interventions have shown promising improvements in maternal outcomes elsewhere, but combining and testing these approaches in this specific community is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palatnik, Anna — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Palatnik, Anna
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 below.