of babies born in Sunflower County have a low birth weight
Sunflower County, Mississippi
Mothers First Mississippi
Helping pregnant women connect early to trusted care, practical resources, and ongoing support—from the first trimester through postpartum.
Equity-centered
Community-led
Data-driven
Early care changes outcomes.
Support that meets mothers where they are.
Why this work matters
The need is urgent, local, and solvable.
preterm births per 1,000 live births in Sunflower County
infant deaths per 1,000 live births statewide in 2024
Black infant mortality rate compared with White infants
Source: Mothers First Mississippi program materials and Mississippi State Department of Health reporting.
Putting mothers first
One trusted connection can open the door to better care.
Mothers First Mississippi is designed for low-income and high-risk pregnant women in Sunflower County, with a priority on reaching women early in pregnancy.
The program brings care navigation, remote health monitoring, education, and community resources into one relationship-based support system.
Women in rural and medically underserved areas
Women with delayed or no prenatal care
Women managing hypertension, mental health needs, or pregnancy risks
Black women and families experiencing inequitable outcomes
Comprehensive support
Care for the whole journey—not just one appointment.
Four connected services help mothers move from early pregnancy through postpartum with fewer gaps and more confidence.
Community outreach
Reach women early with trusted, local connections in Sunflower County.
Education & navigation
Help families understand care options, Medicaid, WIC, appointments, and next steps.
Care coordination & RPM
Connect eligible participants to prenatal care, remote monitoring, and escalation support.
Social support & referrals
Link families to transportation, food, housing, behavioral health, and community resources.
The participant journey
A clear path from early identification to postpartum support.
Identify
Trusted outreach through clinics, community partners, and local spaces.
Enroll early
First-trimester intake, benefits navigation, and a personal care plan.
Screen
Medical and social needs, including transportation, food, housing, and mental health.
Coordinate
Prenatal care, remote monitoring, referrals, reminders, and follow-up.
Stay connected
Postpartum visits, pediatric care, and continued family support.
Local leaders supporting local families
Become a Community Health Navigator.
Community Health Navigators build trust, remove barriers, and connect expectant mothers to care and resources. No prior healthcare experience is required.
First training session
September 14–17, 2026
Training includes
- Community Health Worker core competencies
- Maternal and infant health
- Community outreach and engagement
- Care navigation and referrals
- Social determinants of health
- Trauma-informed, culturally responsive care
- Communication and professional ethics
- Documentation and confidentiality
Who should apply?
A heart for service matters most.
We welcome local people who communicate with compassion, respect family dignity, and want healthier outcomes for mothers and babies.
Passionate about serving their community
Strong communicators and compassionate listeners
Interested in maternal and infant health
Committed to dignity, respect, and trust
Goals and accountability
Community voice and measurable progress guide the work.
Expand access
Engage at-risk pregnant women early and connect them to prenatal, postpartum, and support services.
1,500 women supported by 2028Build local capacity
Train community health navigators, healthcare providers, and public health practitioners across the Delta.
150 professionals trainedCenter community voice
Use listening sessions, participant feedback, and shared data to improve services and shape lasting change.
2 listening sessions each yearView the Mothers First program model
Local framework
Mothers First Mississippi
One coordinated system around each mother and family.
Identify women early through trusted local partners and navigators.
Link prenatal care, monitoring, referrals, and social supports.
Use feedback and shared data to strengthen services.
Healthier pregnancies • fewer preventable complications • stronger families
Working together in Sunflower County
A coordinated network for healthier mothers and babies.
Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health
Delta Community Solutions
Delta Health Center
Delta Health System
Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center
RMOMS infrastructure
Funded by the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi
Frequently asked questions
Start with what you need to know.
Who can receive Mothers First support?
The initiative prioritizes low-income and high-risk pregnant women living in Sunflower County, especially women in the first trimester or early pregnancy.
What kinds of support are available?
Support may include prenatal-care linkage, care coordination, remote patient monitoring, Medicaid and WIC navigation, referrals, appointment reminders, and connections to food, housing, transportation, and behavioral health resources.
Do I need healthcare experience to become a navigator?
No. The training builds the knowledge and skills needed to serve families with dignity, respect, and cultural responsiveness.
How do I register for navigator training?
Use the registration button on this page or contact Jackie Hawkins at deltacommunitysolutions@outlook.com.
Take the next step
Every mother deserves early care, trusted support, and a healthy start.
Contact IAMH to learn about Mothers First Mississippi services, community partnerships, or program enrollment.
