Building strong families through the Nurturing Parenting Program in Wisconsin

For several years, the Harambee Birth & Family Center (HBFC) has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce Black infant mortality rates in Dane County, Wisconsin. Recognizing the importance of this work, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Wisconsin invested $15K in HBFC to advance maternal health equity and improve health outcomes for families.

Harambee Birth & Family Center

HBFC is a community-based maternal and infant health practice dedicated to providing safe and equitable care for families in Wisconsin. The center offers a range of services to support maternal and infant health. The Community Care Clinic provides prenatal and postpartum care delivered by midwives, nurses and physicians. The Harambee Village Community-Based Doula Program grants access to low- or no-cost doula services for families in need. Finally, the Harambee Family Resource Center offers comprehensive family support services.

UnitedHealthcare’s investment in maternal health equity

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Wisconsin’s investment in HBFC supports three initiatives developed to enhance maternal health outcomes:

• Increasing access to doula services in Dane County: Increasing access to doula care for patients who cannot afford these services.
• Lead testing educational outreach: Providing information on lead exposure and the importance of lead testing during prenatal and postpartum visits and improving awareness and prevention of lead-related health issues.
• Midwifery workforce expansion: Increasing midwifery capacity at HBFC by hosting the midwifery training. This allows for additional clinic hours and enables more families to receive timely and essential care.

These initiatives, launched in February 2024, reflect a shared commitment to improving health equity and ensuring that families in Wisconsin receive the highest standard of care.

Building a future of equitable maternal care

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Wisconsin’s collaboration with HBFC highlights the importance of addressing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Together, we are combatting the barriers and inequities that are linked to adverse birth outcomes. By supporting community-based care solutions and empowering providers to expand their reach, the health plan is helping create a healthier, more equitable future for families in Dane County and throughout Wisconsin.