Veronica Gunn, M.D., M.P.H.
Vine Hill launches Centering Pregnancy program
Pregnant Somalian and Hispanic clients at Vine Hill Community Clinic will soon have a new resource for prenatal care.
The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Nurse-Midwifery Faculty Practice was recently awarded a grant from the Tennessee Chapter of the March of Dimes to launch a Centering Pregnancy program, a model of care that brings women out of exam rooms and into a group setting with women of similar gestational age.
This educational model of care has been proven in reducing preterm birth rates and increasing compliance with prenatal care. The School of Nursing's nurse-midwifery practice at West End Women's Health Center has offered the Centering Pregnancy model for several years, with both providers and clients highly satisfied with the group approach.
Bess Greevy, C.N.M., who joined the School of Nursing faculty practice last May and serves as a National Health Service Corps Scholar, spearheaded the grant effort.
“Centering Pregnancy provides a forum for prenatal care that incorporates culture and social group support; issues that can be difficult for immigrant families to maintain in the United States,” said Greevy.
“We want to encourage women to be active participants in their prenatal care and empower them to better care for themselves and their families.”
The March of Dimes grant of $19,957 is renewable for up to three years.
The funds will allow for additional staff and provide training as well as the purchase of equipment and educational materials for use in the group setting. Somali and Spanish translators will also be hired to serve as co-facilitators of the Centering Pregnancy groups.