Championing Women’s Health Equity at Luminis Health

March is a special time at Luminis Health as we celebrate Women’s History Month, a period dedicated to acknowledging the remarkable roles women have played through history. It’s also a chance to recognize the strides we’ve made in areas like women’s health, while acknowledging the journey ahead. We recognize that women’s health includes improving access to quality care, addressing disparities and advocating for women’s unique healthcare needs.

Central to our efforts is Luminis Health’s Vision 2030, our strategic plan that sets forth ambitious goals aimed at improving the health and well-being of our communities, including ending infant mortality. The Vision 2030 bold goal serves as constant reminder that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive from the moment they enter this world.

Guided by our Women’s and Children’s Counter Racism Taskforce, we’ve launched several initiatives aimed at bridging health gaps and nurturing positive health outcomes for mothers and babies. One notable success has been reducing the gap in first-time C-sections by more than 10%, thanks to our tailored care approach and team education.

Our Centering Pregnancy programs offer a fresh take on prenatal care, fostering a supportive community for expectant mothers through group sessions and comprehensive care. This innovative approach has not only lessened preterm births but also built a tight-knit community among the more than 100 participants to date. Our program based in Annapolis is a fully accredited site and we are launching Centering Pregnancy in Prince George’s County, at Luminis Health Ob-Gyn in Greenbelt, later this summer.

Recognizing the critical role of cultural sensitivity in healthcare, our Women’s and Children’s teams are well-versed in culturally customized care. This includes 100% participation in implicit bias training, helping us provide care that’s respectful and inclusive of all backgrounds.

A significant milestone in our journey is the recent approval of our Certificate of Need by the Maryland Health Care Commission for the development of comprehensive obstetrics services at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. With construction scheduled to begin this spring, this milestone represents a major investment in women’s health by expanding access to high-quality maternity care closer to home. Currently, Luminis Health delivers more than 5,000 babies a year. Once our obstetrics program in Prince George’s County is fully operational, we anticipate an additional 2,000 births annually.

As we reflect on Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate women’s past and present achievements and recommit to advancing women’s health equity. Luminis Health is proud to lead in ensuring every woman enjoys a healthy, fulfilling life.

Author

Dr. Monica Jones, system chair, Luminis Health Women’s and Children’s Service Line