How the virtual ECHO model is boosting Black maternal health

Though maternal mortality rates in the United States have dropped slightly, Black birthing people are still twice as likely to die due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth as their white peers. This striking statistic underscores the need for significant improvements in maternal health equity. A program at the University of Indiana is working to achieve the needed improvements through telehealth-based medical education and clinical peer support. Called the Black Maternal Health ECHO program, it aims to bring healthcare professionals together to explore clinical best practices and advancements that can curb Black maternal morbidity and mortality. The program is an adaptation of the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model, which was developed by a University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center physician. The model was initially designed to provide virtual training and telementoring to primary care physicians using audio-visual technology, though it has been adapted in numerous ways. The Black Maternal Health ECHO program aims to utilize the model to enhance Black maternal healthcare outcomes. Since its launch in 2023, it has grown to include participants not only from Indiana but also across state lines. Understanding Black maternal health in the U.S. Addressing Black maternal health in America...