Ascension Health System Improves Maternal Outcomes Through Proactive Care and Community Collaboration

Ascension, a large U.S. Healthcare system, is achieving notable success in improving maternal health outcomes, particularly in reducing disparities for Black patients. Through a combination of system-wide clinical goals, community-based programs and innovative digital tools, Ascension is demonstrating a commitment to proactive and equitable maternal care.

Lowering Maternal Morbidity Rates

Ascension has achieved maternal morbidity rates 20% below the national average for all patients and 32% below the national average for Black patients. This success is attributed to a sustained focus on maternal care as a primary organizational priority.

A System-Wide Approach to Maternal Health

Improving maternal health is not treated as a standalone initiative at Ascension, but rather is integrated into the broader quality and safety infrastructure. Dedicated committees track outcomes, monitor disparities, and oversee interventions. The health system holds each market accountable for progress, reporting results to the board to enhance organizational accountability and mission alignment.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Ascension recognizes the significant impact of social determinants of health on maternal outcomes. The system combines data from social determinants of health screenings and community health needs assessments with direct community input to identify gaps in access and tailor interventions accordingly.

Maternal Health Navigation Program

A cornerstone of Ascension’s strategy is its maternal health navigation program. This program employs community health workers embedded in local markets to connect patients with resources for transportation, food access, and other social needs. Navigators similarly serve as trusted educators on prenatal and postpartum care.

Patients are referred to the program when they miss prenatal appointments or through clinician referrals. The system also proactively identifies patients living in areas with higher social vulnerability.

Data shows that patients in medium to high-risk communities participating in the navigation program are nearly twice as likely to receive adequate prenatal care compared to similar patients not enrolled, with significantly higher completion rates of eight or more prenatal visits. Postpartum visit completion is also approximately 1.6 times higher for patients engaged with a navigator.

Digital Engagement for Postpartum Care

Ascension is expanding a digital initiative designed to maintain connection with new mothers in the first 30 days after discharge, a critical period for identifying and addressing postpartum complications. The opt-in program sends 12 text messages over 30 days, prompting mothers to reflect on their well-being, recognize warning signs, and follow up with their care team.

Implementation of this program in Pensacola, Florida, resulted in a 3.5% increase in postpartum follow-up visits for all patients and a 10.4% increase for Black patients. The program is now being expanded to all Ascension markets.

Adapting to a Changing Healthcare Landscape

Ascension is proactively addressing potential disruptions to care access due to changes in Medicaid funding and the expiration of ACA subsidies. The health system has launched a broader transformation initiative focused on Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured populations, emphasizing population health management and collaboration with federally qualified health centers and community organizations.

“We cannot do this alone,” said Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, chief community impact officer at Ascension. “The community is the center, and we all have to wrap our resources around it to ensure that patients have access to care.”