May 26, 2023
DENVER – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently awarded Denver Health more than $1.3 million to implement innovative approaches to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities for patients at highest risk. Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are two to three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than White women.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded this grant opportunity to work with our community partners to design, implement and assess effective models of care to improve health outcomes for pregnant patients with hypertension,” said Dr. Lara Penny, director of Denver Health Family Medicine.
Denver Health was one of only 35 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in the country to be awarded this grant. FQHCs serve medically underserved areas and populations, providing care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Over the next two years, Denver Health will explore new innovative approaches to treating pregnant patients with high blood pressure, which can include offering bilingual doula services, leveraging health technology to reach patients, and providing culturally aware mental and behavioral health care for pregnant women and their families.
The grant is part of HRSA’s comprehensive work to support maternal health and reduce disparities in maternal and birth outcomes, which includes support not only to health centers but to other HRSA-supported programs carried out by states, community-based organizations, and training programs.
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About Denver Health
Denver Health is a comprehensive health and hospital system that provides high-quality care for all Denver residents, regardless of their ability to pay. We deliver medical care to one-third of Denver’s population, proudly serving as the city’s safety-net hospital and providing preventive, primary and acute care services. For more than 160 years, Denver Health has been deeply rooted in the health and well-being of the community, providing high-quality clinical care, top-notch education and training for health care workers, and furthering critical research to benefit our patients. We are guided by our mission to serve our community with excellence, compassion, and stewardship as we work to ensure all people have access to the care and programs they need to be happy, healthy and successful.