This seminar will focus on the contribution of perinatal health services and policies to improving birth outcomes and maternal well-being and reducing racial/ethnic disparities. This seminar will not address the identification of underlying causes or risks for poor birth outcomes, but rather the amelioration of known risks through organized public health programs and policies. A wide range of current prenatal health initiatives will be examined, including the CDC’s preconception and health care initiatives; comprehensive prenatal care (including home visiting) and centering pregnancy initiatives; community-based Healthy Start initiatives; the March of Dimes’ prematurity prevention campaign; interconception and internatal care interventions; women’s health and MCH life-course initiatives, child and family allowances, and European reproductive health practices and policies. The special emphasis of this course will be on the practical implementation and delivery efficacious perinatal health services.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.