Reducing Preterm Birth: States Share Interventions, Policy Efforts, & Emerging Issues

While preterm birth rates did decline nationwide and in many states between 2006 and 2014, rates in the U.S. increased throughout the span of the project. Additionally, significant disparities persisted in the preterm birth rate, with the gaps steadily widening. These disparities and widening gaps account for the increase in the overall U.S. preterm birth rate despite success in many states — and point to the critical need to address these disparities to have a meaningful impact on national rates.

Data collected as part of NICHQ’s leadership of IM CoIIN, a national initiative to improve birth outcomes and decrease infant mortality rates, coupled with contextual knowledge facilitated by strong relationships between NICHQ and state IM CoIIN teams, has enabled us to explore and document systems and infrastructures that promoted or hindered improvements in four states: Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.

After watching the webinar, viewers will be able to:

  • Share key insights from case studies, including targeted interventions and policy efforts
  • Share key insights about emerging issues identified in specific states that may apply more widely

Speakers:

  • Rachel Sisson, MS, Bureau Director at Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas
  • Dr. Charlene Collier, Physician, Researcher at University of Mississippi Medical Center, Mississippi
  • Audra Meadows, MD, MPH, FACOG, Perinatal Neonatal Quality Improvement Network of MA (PNQIN), Massachusetts
  • Becky Russell, MSPH, NICHQ Senior Director, Applied Research and Evaluation

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