In this season finale of AIM for Safer Birth, Christie is joined again by Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell to reflect on key themes from the season, including rural maternity care, collaborative models, and the structural barriers impacting maternal health. They discuss the realities of hospital closures, the importance of integrating community birth centers, and the critical need for sustainability in quality improvement efforts. Dr. Gillispie-Bell shares insights on bridging gaps across disciplines, tackling systemic inequities, and how to keep patients' goals at the center of care. Plus, they dive into the transformative power of data and the lessons that can guide future improvements.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

In this episode, Christie explores the intersection of substance use and maternal health with innovators Dr. Nichole Nidey and Michelle Kavouras, focusing on the power of lived expertise to shape equitable, evidence-based care. Dr. Nidey, a maternal and child health epidemiologist and founder of the Empower Project, discusses how her work collaborates with individuals who use substances during pregnancy to inform meaningful research and interventions. Michelle, a peer doula and harm reduction advocate, shares her journey from lived experience to leadership in substance use advocacy, highlighting the importance of compassionate, non-stigmatizing care. This conversation challenges misconceptions, unpacks the complexity of language in healthcare, and emphasizes the need to meet pregnant people where they are.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

Christie's talking with Audra Summers and Ashley Rainey about Indiana's innovative use of the AIM Patient Safety Bundles to drive sustainable change in maternal care. Audra and Ashley share their experiences implementing and maintaining quality improvements across Indiana's 75 delivery facilities. They discuss the importance of collaboration, the integration of safety measures into daily practices, and how sustainability is achieved through data-driven methods and cultural shifts. Tune in to learn how Indiana's approach to quality improvement can inspire and inform efforts nationwide.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Carey Eppes and her colleague, CheyAnne Harris, to explore Texas's experience with implementing the Maternal Early Warning Signs (MEWS) in maternal health care. Dr. Eppes shares her background and journey into the world of maternal health, detailing the personal motivations that drive her passion for this work. She and CheyAnne delve into the reasons behind adopting MEWS, how it was implemented, and the challenges faced along the way. This episode highlights the key levers that facilitate successful implementation and reveals the one thing for healthcare providers looking to adopt MEWS in their own practice.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

In this episode, Christie talks with renowned maternal health expert Dr. Elliott Main. A pioneering figure in maternal mortality review and quality care initiatives, Dr. Main discusses the history and evolution of the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of addressing severe maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S., the early groundwork that led to AIM, and the collaborative efforts that turned ideas into actionable tools, such as life-saving AIM bundles. Dr. Main also shares his thoughts on the future of maternal health and the "one thing" he believes is critical to driving change moving forward.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

Christie is talking with Amy Romano, founder and CEO of Primary Maternity Care. Amy, a nurse midwife with an MBA, shares her experience blending clinical expertise with system-level healthcare leadership to revolutionize maternity care in rural communities. They discuss the critical role of freestanding birth centers, their capacity to offer low-risk, community-based care, and how these centers could be a key part of the solution to the growing issue of maternity deserts. Amy also dives into the challenges of regulatory barriers, the importance of risk-appropriate care, and the unique quality improvement strategies needed for safe community births. From pandemic-driven innovations to rethinking the future of rural maternity care, this episode is packed with actionable insights for improving maternal health outcomes in underserved areas.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

In this episode, Christie sits down with Dr. Andrea Greiner, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of Iowa, to discuss the unique challenges of rural maternity care. Dr. Greiner shares her experiences working at a perinatal regional center, offering insight into how larger facilities can support rural hospitals and providers. Together, they explore the importance of individualized care, the complexities of coordinating care across diverse healthcare settings, and the logistical hurdles rural patients face. Tune in for a discussion on improving access and quality of maternity care in rural America.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, Maternal and Child Health Consultant at the Indian Health Service (IHS), Christie continues to explore the ongoing transformation of maternal health care within rural communities. Dr. Pattara-Lau delves deeper into the impact of culturally responsive care, the integration of traditional practices, and the expansion of telehealth services. They further discuss the strides being made in overcoming access barriers, fostering community trust, and implementing innovative care models tailored to the unique needs of American Indian/Alaska Native populations.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

Christie is delving into the unique challenges and innovative solutions in rural and Indigenous maternal health care with Dr. Tina Pattara-Lau, Maternal and Child Health Consultant at the Indian Health Service (IHS). Dr. Pattara-Lau shares her experiences and insights on improving patient access to quality care through culturally safe practices, partnerships, and innovative models such as telehealth and community-based care. They discuss the systemic barriers, the importance of culturally safe practices, and the role of community partnerships in enhancing care for American Indian/Alaska Native populations, emphasizing the need for continuous quality improvement and sensitivity to cultural and traditional practices.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.

Christie is joined by Dr. Kristen Dillon, Chief Medical Officer at the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). With an extensive background in rural healthcare, public health, and health policy, Dr. Dillon shares her journey from an urban upbringing in the San Francisco Bay Area to a dedicated career in rural medicine, including her experience overseeing Oregon's Pandemic Response Unit and working on health policy in Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office. Dr. Dillon discusses the unique challenges and solutions in providing quality maternity care in rural areas, the importance of telehealth and collaborative networks, and the critical role of emergency care providers.

Check out the Maternal Mental Health Hotline here. 

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.