MotherNet America targets infant mortality
Helping mothers in rural areas, and the inner city
MotherNet America is the first nationally coordinated support network and technical assistance center for lay home visiting programs aimed at reducing infant mortality in areas where women encounter more barriers to care. It is a domestic program of International Medical Services for Health (INMED), a nonprofit organization that builds partnerships among public- and private-sector entities worldwide to address critical health problems.
MotherNet has two programs, one in inner-city Los Angeles and the other in rural Virginia. The MotherNet L.A. program has educated more than 400 people through its outreach and family education center, says director Maryjane Henning, MPA. Now in its second year, Henning’s program encourages mentors to emphasize a healthy lifestyle to prevent problems such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, heart disease, and aging.
In characterizing MotherNet America’s approach, Henning says, "New mothers are in crisis mode and can’t focus on their own bodies. Lay mentors help explore issues around clients’ overall health."
INMED developed a curriculum and guides for "resource mothers" to improve birth outcomes among rural women. The agency has distributed program development materials to about 500 organizations, including visiting nurse associations and public health agencies. INMED’s reference manual, curriculum, and implementation guidelines for lay home visiting programs are used nationwide.(For contact information, see box, p. 34.)
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