Haslyn E. R. Hunte, MPH, MPIA, School of Public Health, Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, 109 Observatory St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-883-3184, hhunte@umich.edu, E. Yvonne Lewis, BS, Faith Access to Ccommunity Economic Development, 310 E. Third St. ~ 5th Floor, Flint, MI 48502, and Tonya Turner, BBA, Genesee County Health Department, 630 Saginaw Street, Flint, MI 48502.

This presentation concerns the Maternal and Infant Health Advocate Service intervention (MIHAS), one of thirteen interventions from the Genesee County REACH 2010 project, and provides highlights from a recent birth records comparison analysis activity. Approximately seventy-six percent (114/150) of the birth records that were available were successfully retrieved. The comparison group is a uniform probability sample drawn from a database of all known births in Genesee County during the first six months of 2003 whose mothers resided in the same areas as MIHAS clients at the time of birth. This analysis of risk factors and some birth outcomes provides several insights into the MIHAS program. The MIHAS intervention has enrolled and served a disadvantaged, high-risk population, even when compared to other low-income African American mothers in the REACH zip codes areas. Although MIHAS clients are a significantly disadvantaged group, they are more likely than other African American mothers in Flint to receive first-trimester prenatal care are. In terms of birth outcomes, it was also shown that MIHAS clients are less likely to require NICU care.

MIHAS clients however do show higher smoking prevalence than other African American mothers in Flint. This is a challenge and an opportunity, given the significant but preventable health problems associated with smoking.

In addition, some discussion will be provided about identified barriers and solutions to prenatal care by low-income African American women as provided by the advocates.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant/learner in this session will be able to

• Identify risk factors related to low birth weight.
• Identify factors related to the barriers of low income African American women seeking prenatal care.
• Evaluate interventions ability to address barriers faced by low income Arican American women seeking prenatal care.

Keywords: Infant Mortality, Access to Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.