Eliminating racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity by addressing hypertension in the year after delivery

July 2022 - June 2027

National Institutes of Health

Alongside our partners, Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation and the University of Pittsburgh, we are exploring evidence-based approaches to improve the blood pressure profile among Black women after diagnosis with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and to eliminate racial disparities in hypertension, maternal morbidity, and cardiovascular disease. This single site, parallel randomized control trial investigates the impact of one-on-one postpartum doula services and doula- and CBT clinician-moderated peer support groups, along with home blood pressure and weight monitoring, on reducing racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity.

Healthy Start’s role in this project includes the co-development of study design and protocols and the employment and management of the doulas who are providing the study intervention.