Perinatal Periods of Risk Approach: Reducing Black Infant Mortality in Philadelphia

Full Description:

Background: In Philadelphia, the Black infant mortality rate is almost three times the rate for White infants. To address this disparity, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) and the Philadelphia Maternal and Infant Health Community Action Network (PhillyCAN), a birth equity coalition of Philadelphian families and other MCH stakeholders, led a Black infant mortality reduction project using the Perinatal Periods of Risk Approach (PPOR). PPOR is a six-step method that brings communities together to elevate community voice and promote data-driven decision-making to reduce infant mortality. The project’s goal was to develop three infant mortality reduction initiatives. In my poster, I will describe: 1) the PPOR approach, 2) workgroup development, and 3) sharing data using infographics (presented as QR code on the poster) and literature reviews to brainstorm initiatives.

Accomplishments: Using Vital Statistics data, PDPH found that Maternal Health/Prematurity is the perinatal period of risk with the greatest opportunity for reducing racial disparities in infant mortality. Further analysis using the Philadelphia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PhillyPRAMS) and interviews with Philadelphian Black and Latine birthing people showed several risk factors associated with very low birth weight. PDPH/PhillyCAN used this data to develop statements that describe the current state of MCH in Philadelphia. PhillyCAN then created statements (critical shifts) of what the ideal future state should be. Critical shifts were prioritized based on three domains: ability to reduce infant mortality, feasibility for PhillyCAN to implement, and cross-sector importance. After prioritization, the critical shifts resulted in three workgroups: Racism, Race, and Culture; Chronic Health Conditions; and Holistic Mental Health.
To help the workgroups use data to brainstorm initiatives, we created and shared infographics and interview reports with the workgroups using data from PhillyPRAMS and the interviews. We also conducted literature reviews on other infant mortality prevention initiatives for each workgroup. The workgroups are currently working on prioritizing proposed initiative ideas. Once the initiatives are chosen, the PDPH will work with workgroup co-leads on developing an evaluation plan.

Lessons Learned: This project relates to the theme because it shows the importance of translating data into action. It acknowledges that data shows us how the past has shaped birth outcomes while developing initiatives improves the future. We learned how to better communicate data to communities and mobilize them to use data. The project is relevant to family and youth leaders because it provides a model for how they can be involved in cross-sector collaboration. The project relates to several leadership competencies including communication, family-professional partnerships, interdisciplinary team building, and working with communities and systems.

Abbreviated Description: In Philadelphia, the infant mortality rate for Black infants is almost three times the rate for White infants. To address this disparity, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) and the Philadelphia Maternal and Infant Health Community Action Network (PhillyCAN) worked on a community-driven Black infant mortality reduction project using a six-step framework that brings communities together to use data to reduce infant mortality. This poster will focus on the Perinatal Periods of Risk Approach, translating mixed methods infant mortality data into programs and policies, collaborating with lived experience experts, and data visualization and communication.