MATERNAL & 

CHILD HEALTH

Teaching families, caregivers, and health workers to build a healthier future for every mother and child.

 ABOUT

The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health’s Maternal and Child Health Program offers practical, results-focused services that improve the well-being of mothers and children throughout Mississippi.

Mississippi faces some of the most serious maternal and infant health challenges in the country. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (2023):

  • Mississippi has a maternal mortality rate of 36.0 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is one of the highest in the United States.
  • Black women in Mississippi are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications as White women.
  • The infant mortality rate in Mississippi is 8.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the national average of 5.4.

To address these issues, the Institute has established several targeted programs to support prenatal care, help reduce preventable complications, postpartum recovery, mental health, and access to essential supplies. In addition to helping reduce preventable complications, the Institute is committed to strengthening maternal and infant health outcomes.

Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS)

The RMOMS Program improves access to maternal health care in rural communities: Bolivar, Coahoma, Issquana, Leflore, Sunflower, Sharkey, and Washington. The Institute provides financial and operational support to rural clinical sites through this program, including funding for site coordinators, patient care resources, and outreach services.

Program features include:

  • Coordinated prenatal and postpartum care
  • Transportation assistance for clinic visits
  • Access to telehealth services for maternity care
  • Community education and maternal wellness events


RMOMS aims to reduce complications during pregnancy and childbirth by ensuring consistent, quality care for women in rural areas.

UMMC-BHI Mental Health / Postpartum RESET Boxes

The Postpartum RESET Box Program, created in partnership with the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and the Behavioral Health Institute (BHI), provides mental health and recovery support to mothers during the postpartum period.

Each RESET Box includes:

  • Mental health screening tools
  • Educational materials about postpartum symptoms and care
  • Self-care items such as journals, teas, and comfort items
  • Information about available behavioral health services

Boxes are distributed through clinics and at community baby showers to support emotional well-being and early identification of postpartum depression and anxiety.

Tougaloo College Maternal Research Health Collaborative

In partnership with Tougaloo College, this program trains undergraduate students in Public Health Research with a focus on maternal and child health. Students participate in a seven-session course covering key topics such as:

  1. Maternal and Child Health in Rural Communities
  2. Social and Economic Factors Affecting Health Outcomes
  3. Using Data for Health Communication
  4. Promoting Health through Effective Messaging
  5. Building Coalitions to Support Maternal Health
  6. Community Outreach and Engagement Strategies
  7. Health Literacy and Patient Education


The collaborative partnership gives students practical experience in research, public speaking, and health program planning, while also contributing to local maternal health initiatives.

Baby Depot

The Baby Depot program supplies mothers and families with basic items needed for infant care and personal hygiene. Items are distributed quarterly and at local health events in the Mississippi Delta and Central Mississippi.


Supplies include:

  • Diapers and baby wipes
  • Infant formula and baby food
  • Bottles, pacifiers, and baby clothing
  • Women’s hygiene products


The Baby Depot helps reduce the financial burden of families during the early months of parenting and ensures that babies have what they need to thrive and be healthy.

Celebrating the Birthing Journey:

Baby Dove, Sista Midwife Productions, and BMMA


Program Objectives

  • Advocacy

    Promote policies that improve maternal and child health outcomes.

  • Community Support

    Provide resources like facilitated support groups, postpartum recovery tools, and baby supplies to underserved families.

  • Education & Empowerment

    Host programs to empower families with knowledge about prenatal, postnatal, and child care practices.

  • Research and Partnerships

    Collaborate with organizations to implement evidence-based interventions tailored to minority populations.

Learn more about Maternal and Child Health!