Better birth outcomes: The investment that saves lives

Karen H.  Larwin; Susan  Horne; Aimee  Budnik

doi:10.59400/ephr1927

Karen H. Larwin Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio 44555, USA
Susan Horne John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio 44118, USA
Aimee Budnik Akron Summit Community Action, Akron, Ohio 44309, USA

Article ID: 1927

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59400/ephr1927

Keywords: premature births; at-risk mothers; pathways HUB community action

Abstract

This study utilizes CDC data to analyze birth outcomes for at-risk mothers involved in the Pathways HUB Community Action (PHCA) in Summit County, Ohio. The purpose is to understand the cost savings of providing interventions that will result in positive birth outcomes. The data, compared to the Ohio Public Health Data Warehouse and March of Dimes statistics, shows similar rates of singleton births. The study adjusts for inflation using the Producer Price Index from the St. Louis Federal Reserve. Results indicate that reducing prematurity rates among HUB clients could lead to significant cost savings, totaling approximately $1.2 million between 2017 and 2022, with the greatest cost savings for Black at-risk mothers and infants. This manuscript aims to achieve two objectives: first, to highlight the benefits of addressing health disparities affecting at-risk pregnant women; and second, to demonstrate the methodology for calculating cost savings using available birth outcome data.

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