Addressing Georgia's Maternal Health Crisis: How FQHCs Are Leading the Way

Introduction: The Urgency of the Maternal Health Crisis in Georgia

Georgia faces one of the most severe maternal health crises in the United States, with maternal mortality rates among the highest in the nation. The statistics are especially troubling for Black women, who are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. These disparities persist across income and education levels, pointing to deeper systemic issues—racial bias in healthcare, lack of access to prenatal care, and limited maternal health infrastructure in rural areas.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are responding to this crisis head-on. These centers, located in both urban hubs like Atlanta and rural towns such as Dublin and Macon, are expanding prenatal and postpartum services, integrating community-based support systems like doulas, and using innovative care models such as CenteringPregnancy. In 2024, federal grants boosted these efforts in high-need areas, reinforcing the role of FQHCs as vital players in Georgia's maternal health landscape.

By offering accessible care, early screenings for complications, and culturally competent education, FQHCs are working to make pregnancy safer and outcomes better for all mothers—particularly those most at risk.

1: Technology and Process Innovation — Centering Care Around Mothers

One of the most impactful care models implemented by FQHCs in Georgia is CenteringPregnancy—a form of group prenatal care that brings together women with similar due dates for facilitated health sessions. Clinics like East Georgia Healthcare Center and Oakhurst Medical Centers have adopted this model, reporting improved patient engagement, higher prenatal visit attendance, and stronger peer support networks.

Group prenatal care helps normalize experiences and provides a platform for women to learn from one another while receiving medical check-ups and health education in a supportive setting. Research shows that CenteringPregnancy leads to lower preterm birth rates and increased breastfeeding initiation.

In addition to group care, FQHCs are using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to identify high-risk patients early. By flagging conditions like gestational hypertension or diabetes, providers can create individualized care plans that reduce complications. Some centers are also experimenting with predictive analytics to assess social risk factors—such as housing instability or lack of transportation—that may impact maternal outcomes.

2: People Power — Doula Partnerships and Postpartum Follow-Up

Georgia’s maternal health crisis is not only a clinical issue—it’s a community issue. FQHCs have begun partnering with local doula programs and maternal health nonprofits to embed culturally competent, non-clinical birth support into care delivery.

In Macon, for example, First Choice Primary Care has partnered with Black-led doula collectives to support low-income women through labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. These doulas often share lived experiences with the patients they serve, creating a layer of trust and emotional support that improves maternal satisfaction and health outcomes.

Meanwhile, clinics like South Central Primary Care Center in Ocilla are extending postpartum care well beyond the traditional six-week window. With support from 2024 HRSA maternal health grants, these centers now offer 12-month follow-up programs that include mental health screenings, lactation consulting, and management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Frontline staff—including nurse practitioners, CHWs (community health workers), and social workers—are also being trained to recognize early warning signs of maternal complications and refer patients to hospitals or OB-GYNs when necessary. This coordination helps prevent crises and builds a safety net that follows patients from pregnancy through postpartum.

3: Real-World Impact — Programs and Metrics Across Georgia

Case Study: Marietta Health Center — Reducing Preterm Births

Marietta Health Center implemented CenteringPregnancy in 2023. In its first year:

• Preterm birth rates among participants dropped from 10% to 6%
• Over 85% of enrolled mothers attended all scheduled prenatal visits
• Patient satisfaction surveys showed a 92% positive experience rating

Case Study: Macon — Doula Integration

In Macon, First Choice Primary Care's partnership with local doulas led to:

• 300+ women receiving continuous doula support in 2023–24
• A 15% reduction in C-section rates compared to statewide averages
• Increased maternal confidence and breastfeeding initiation

Case Study: Dublin — Postpartum Outreach

In Dublin, South Central Primary Care launched an extended postpartum care initiative:

• 500+ women received mental health screening and support postpartum
• 30% of women diagnosed with postpartum depression received counseling or medication
• Hypertension management follow-up increased by 40%, reducing ER visits

These real-world examples demonstrate the tangible benefits of a community-driven, FQHC-led response to maternal health challenges.

Conclusion: A Replicable Blueprint for Maternal Health Equity

Georgia’s maternal health crisis demands bold, coordinated action—and FQHCs are proving they’re up to the challenge. From Atlanta to the smallest rural counties, these centers are not only expanding access to care but transforming how that care is delivered.

By embracing innovations like CenteringPregnancy, partnering with doulas, and extending postpartum care, FQHCs are building systems that recognize the whole person—not just the pregnancy. The early results are promising: lower preterm birth rates, fewer unnecessary C-sections, and better maternal mental health outcomes.

But sustaining and scaling these gains will require continued investment, policy support, and community engagement. Federal funding has helped launch critical programs in 2024, but long-term progress depends on integrated care networks, Medicaid reimbursement for doulas, and targeted workforce development.

FQHCs offer a replicable model for other states grappling with maternal health disparities. As Georgia continues to innovate at the intersection of policy, care delivery, and community, it’s building a future where every mother—regardless of race, income, or ZIP code—has a real chance at a safe and healthy pregnancy.

📣 Are you a maternal health advocate, FQHC leader, or public health funder? ✅ Support doula reimbursement and prenatal education programs ✅ Advocate for Medicaid expansion to cover more at-risk women ✅ Partner with local health centers to build long-term solutions

Let’s work together to end preventable maternal deaths—starting with the communities most at risk.

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