Bridging the gap in maternal care: the role of community-based workers in preventing maternal mortality
- 1Address: 110 Benefit St. Unit 3, Providence, RI 02903, United States.
Abstract
The United States continues to face a persistent maternal mortality crisis, underscoring the need to explore innovative approaches to prevention that extend beyond traditional clinical care. Mental health and substance use disorders are among the leading causes of preventable maternal deaths, particularly during the postpartum period when clinical perinatal care ends. Community-based workers—including community health workers, doulas, peer support specialists, and patient navigators—may address gaps in maternal healthcare by responding to social determinants of health, connecting patients with community resources, and supporting engagement with healthcare and behavioral health services. This commentary explores opportunities to integrate community-based workers into perinatal care and highlights their potential roles in addressing mental health and substance use, navigating social and structural barriers, and strengthening continuity of support throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. The commentary also highlights the importance of investing in the community-based workforce and developing partnerships between community-based workers and perinatal providers. Rather than replacing physicians, community-based workers may complement clinical care by addressing needs that extend beyond the traditional scope of medical practice and expanding the reach of maternal healthcare.
Related
- Multifactorial and multiple component interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community
- The effect of indomethacin and bone wax on preventing bony bridging after growth plate injury
- Bridging the knowledge-to-practice gap in G6PD deficiency: Implications for maternal and child health in the Philippines
- Stiripentol in Dravet syndrome: preventing prolonged seizures, reducing mortality, and improving value in care
- Bridging the Gap: A Quality Improvement Project Improving Communication Between Community-Based Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatric Providers
BibTeX
@article{kruzan2026bridging,
title = {{Bridging the gap in maternal care: the role of community-based workers in preventing maternal mortality}},
author = {Morgan Kruzan},
journal = {Preventive Medicine Reports},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103663},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103663},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Bridging the gap in maternal care: the role of community-based workers in preventing maternal mortality
AU - Morgan Kruzan
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Preventive Medicine Reports
DO - 10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103663
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103663
AB - The United States continues to face a persistent maternal mortality crisis, underscoring the need to explore innovative approaches to prevention that extend beyond traditional clinical care. Mental health and substance use disorders are among the leading causes of preventable maternal deaths, particularly during the postpartum period when clinical perinatal care ends. Community-based workers—including community health workers, doulas, peer support specialists, and patient navigators—may address gaps in maternal healthcare by responding to social determinants of health, connecting patients with community resources, and supporting engagement with healthcare and behavioral health services. This commentary explores opportunities to integrate community-based workers into perinatal care and highlights their potential roles in addressing mental health and substance use, navigating social and structural barriers, and strengthening continuity of support throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. The commentary also highlights the importance of investing in the community-based workforce and developing partnerships between community-based workers and perinatal providers. Rather than replacing physicians, community-based workers may complement clinical care by addressing needs that extend beyond the traditional scope of medical practice and expanding the reach of maternal healthcare.
SN - 2211-3355
ER -