The Driving Equity and Maternal Health Outcomes (DREAMH) Initiative, developed by The Kraft Center and Mass General Brigham, takes a comprehensive approach to addressing maternal health disparities. Through various programs, the initiative aims to expand access to maternal health care and related services in surrounding communities.
One key program, the Mobile Postpartum Care Unit (MPCU), focuses on reducing complications among individuals at high risk during the postpartum period. The mobile care unit, staffed by a clinical provider and a community health worker, delivers curbside care directly to patients’ homes. These visits address hypertension, diabetes, mental health care, reproductive health support, lactation support and social risk mitigation. For more information about the MPCU click here.
Another cornerstone of the DREAMH initiative is the Birth Partners Program, designed to enhance the birth experience and reduce adverse postpartum outcomes for mothers. This program provides culturally and linguistically concordant doulas, who bring extensive knowledge of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. As non-clinical “guides,” doulas play a pivotal role in supporting individuals through the childbirth process. Evidence increasingly shows that doula care can significantly improve birth and postpartum outcomes, particularly for those at higher risk.
Together, these efforts form part of a larger strategy to meet pregnant individuals and their infants where they are, striving to reduce disparities, improve access, and promote equitable maternal health outcomes.