The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is partnering with the Mississippi Public Health Institute to establish the center for optimizing maternal outcomes. The initiative aims to address Mississippi’s maternal health crisis and improve outcomes for mothers throughout the state.

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker secured $1 million in funding for the one-year project, which is scheduled to launch next month. The center will consolidate health care data to analyze contributors to maternal mortality and identify methods for health care providers and community partners to improve outcomes.

The program will deploy resources and identify needs in 30 counties across Southern Mississippi by bringing together researchers, physicians, and community leaders. The initiative's scope includes:

• Pregnancy-related care
• Chronic conditions
• Mental health
• Social support

The long-term goal of the project is to reduce maternal mortality and address structural barriers that prevent women from receiving necessary care and support.