DCPCA
DC Primary Care Association (DCPCA) works in partnership with the District’s community health centers to build healthier communities through advocacy and the development of a high quality, equitable, integrated health care system that gives every DC resident a fair shot at a full and healthy life.
An integrated health system:
- Respects and embraces people throughout the continuum of care;
- Empowers patients to fully engage in their health and well-being;
- Is value-based and patient-centered;
- Commits to achieving equity and optimal levels of health for all.
Maternal Health Equity Action Lab (M-HEAL)
In 2018, following the closure of obstetrical services at United Medical Center and the closure of Providence Hospital, DCPCA initiated a project to identify unmet reproductive and maternal health needs of low-income women of color in the District. After more than 30 in-depth interviews with women and providers, DCPCA issued a report - Human-Centered Solutions to Improve Reproductive and Maternal Health Outcomes in Washington, D.C. – containing 12 actionable and costed initiatives that can be pursued to improve the health and well-being of women and their families.
In 2019, in partnership with the Institute for Health Improvement (IHI) , DCPCA launched our Maternal Health Equity Action Lab. The Lab provides a platform for partnership and innovation between women most impacted by maternal health inequity in the District’s health system and providers of care within that system. We convene a shared table of content and context experts to design and test potential tools, interventions, campaigns, and supports to improve maternal health outcomes for women of color in DC.
Maternal Health Report
Human-Centered Solutions to Improve Reproductive and Maternal Health Outcomes in Washington, D.C.
For information about the Maternal Health Lab or to participate in a test of M-HEAL’s Respectful Care Toolkit, please contact Patricia Quinn pquinn@dcpca.org.
