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Community Births – A Solution to Maternity Care Deserts

Archived Webinar
March 3, 2026
WATCH WEBINAR

According to the March of Dimes 2024 report, "Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the United States," 1,104 counties, or about 35% of the nation’s 3,142 counties, are designated as Maternity Care Deserts.

These areas lack any birthing facilities or obstetric clinicians, affecting over 2.3 million birthing individuals. As a result, 1 in 10 birthing people must travel outside their communities for essential maternity care, leading to less prenatal care and higher preterm birth rates.

Between 2020 and 2022, over 10,000 babies were born prematurely in these deserts. Establishing a Community Birth Ecosystem, which offers both clinical and non-clinical support, can help improve access to necessary care and ensure healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies.

A vibrant panel discussion, facilitated by Andrea Palmer, of the Pritzker Children’s Initiative, and panelists:

▪️Dr. Cristina Alonso Lord, Director of Pregnancy, Infancy, and Early Childhood at the MA Department of Public Health
▪️Indra Lusero, Founder/Executive Director, Elephant Circle
▪️Ebony Marcelle, Director of Midwifery, Community of Hope (FQHC)

Slide Deck

Presenter Resources

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