Maternal Child Health Projects

This study is driven by two objectives. The first is to evaluate the integration of core competencies outlined in Arizona Senate Bill 1181 and the consideration of birth equity issues within doula training programs currently acknowledged by the Arizona Department of Health Services. The second aim is to gain insights into the advocacy and policy priorities of community-based birth workers of color. Additionally, the study aims to gauge the level of acceptance of the voluntary state certification process for doulas and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) reimbursement for doulas as a policy goal in Arizona.

This three-part project is in collaboration with 4th Trimester AZ. (1) Diversifying perinatal mental health workforce; (2) Increasing state Medicaid (AHCCCS) coverage to outpatient lactation support; (3) AHCCCS recognition of perinatal mental health providers as independent practitioners.

This study will examine the maternal health-seeking behaviors, health experiences and the unique care needs of African refugee women. The research will include participant interviews, the use of health services and perceptions of maternal health care for African refugee women who have received maternal care. The goal is to identify patterns of maternity care that will help us understand the factors informing positive maternal care experiences to advance MCH equity for refugee women.

To better understand health and wellness priorities from a youth perspective through youth listening sessions to inform the next steps to building out a health and social service safety net for adolescents in Arizona.

To better understand health and wellness priorities from a youth perspective through youth listening sessions to inform the next steps to building out a health and social service safety net for adolescents in Arizona.

An observational study to understand how sleep-wake patterns and the gut microbiome affect rapid weight gain in infancy, an early risk factor for obesity. The development of these factors will be examined in the context of feeding, maternal and environmental influences. This is a collaborative project with Valleywise Health.

This project examines (1) opioid use and nutritional social determinants of health, (2) speech-language development and oral motor feeding development over time with infants and young children with neonatal substance abuse syndrome; and (3) how opioid use disorder is operationalized in other cultures. Collaboratively conducted with Hushabye Nursery, the project aims to address these multifaceted aspects.

Implementing a health promotion program targeting families with children aged 2 to 5 years, this initiative focuses on preventing childhood obesity. The program achieves this through personalized parenting education, motivational interviewing, and facilitating connections to relevant resources.

This study aims to create an adapted intervention of the New Beginnings and Resilient Parenting for Bereaved Families that is designed specifically for caregivers of children with incarcerated parents.

Provides care coordination for children with complex health care needs.

A clinical trial of a proactive speech and language intervention that is provided to infants as young as 2 months old. The purpose is to find out if severe speech and language disorders can be prevented in children who are born with a known risk for these disorders, in this case children with a newborn diagnosis of classic galactosemia.

Working in collaboration with Valleywise Health to study COVID-19 impact on pregnant women, including identification of high-risk groups, characterizing delivery outcomes, surveying the health status of refugee populations, and understanding the effects of the pandemic on health workers.

A study to understand the attitudes and stories of low-income Arizona mothers’ experiences with feeding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.