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BACK TO OFFICE OF WOMEN'S HEALTH

ABOUT US

Michigan’s leading doctors and health systems have come together to take action.

The top doctors from major universities and healthcare systems across Michigan are frustrated with endless discussions and reports. We know the best practices to prevent preterm birth and maternal mortality, and we are implementing them statewide.

We understand the barriers preventing pregnant women from receiving care, and it’s time to take meaningful action to address them.

In November of 2023, the March of Dimes assigned the State of Michigan a failing D+ grade for its efforts to safeguard the health and lives of pregnant women and infants. Despite medical advances nationally, in Michigan the outcomes for our pregnant moms and newborns are only getting worse.

Key Statistics:

  • Preterm Birth Rate: Michigan’s preterm birth rate in 2023 was 10.4%, which is significantly higher than any other developed nation.
  • Maternal Mortality: In 2022, nearly 100 mothers died from childbirth-related complications, a 30% increase over the past five years.
  • Infant Mortality Rate: In 2021, Michigan’s infant mortality rate stood at 6.2 per 1,000 live births, substantially above the national average.

The Synergy Of Scholars for Maternal and Infant Health Equity (SOS MATERNITY) Network, coordinated by the Office of Women’s Health (OWH) at Wayne State University, is a pioneering coalition of 14 institutions across Michigan dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly among the state’s most vulnerable populations. The SOS MATERNITY Network enhances prenatal care and outcomes through innovative, bundled interventions that include medical and structural strategies.

The SOS MATERNITY Network unites Michigan's top health systems, universities, and community organizations to provide moms with best practice medical tests and treatments, transportation to and from pregnancy related appointments, and the continuous support of an SOS patient navigator. Our mission is to combat maternal and infant mortality through promoting access to evidence based medical services and support.

Key Components of SOS MATERNITY:

  • Medical Interventions: The network implements evidence-based practices within clinical settings, such as screenings to detect early signs of health conditions impacting mothers and infants.
  • Structural Interventions: Beyond clinical care, SOS MATERNITY addresses social determinants of health through providing free transportation to prenatal appointments and offering financial incentives for milestone visits.
  • Comprehensive Support: Each site features a Clinical Navigator who enrolls participants, records data, and connects patients to local resources, guided by the network’s coordinating center.
  • Collaborative Approach: SOS MATERNITY partners closely with regional organizations, leveraging their expertise and community relationships. These collaborations unite healthcare professionals, community organizations, families, state agencies, and other stakeholders to promote health equity.

The Office of Women’s Health at Wayne State University plays a pivotal role as the coordinating center for SOS MATERNITY. Founded to improve the health of women over the lifespan, OWH partners with local organizations and hospital networks throughout Michigan to identify and address racial and ethnic disparities in women’s healthcare. OWH’s mission extends beyond maternal and infant health to create a broad movement aimed at securing optimal well-being and health for all women and girls, maximizing opportunities for families and communities to thrive through its extensive collaborative care networks.