New report aims to improve maternal and infant health across South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) —  The South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health has released an action plan aimed at improving maternal and infant health, specifically for rural areas.

Currently, SC ranks 8th highest in maternal mortality, 8th highest in the number of pre-term births, and 10th highest in infant mortality.

And these poor outcomes are costly, says Executive Director Maya Pack.

“The average hospital charge for deliveries involving severe maternal morbidity is over $109,000 while a normal delivery costs about $35,000,” says Pack.

Created by a taskforce of nearly 60 medical professionals, the report called “Improving Maternal and Infant Health: Increasing Access to Care in Rural South Carolina” provides 12 recommendations surrounding access to care, workforce needs, training and education, and other challenges faced by new and expecting moms – including transportation.

“One of the main factors for poor health outcomes is the health of the mother at the time of conception. And so if we can promote healthier lifestyles and healthier communities throughout our state at all times, then women who are going to become pregnant will have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby,” says Pack.

Dr. Lisa Waddell believes local lawmakers can help make these recommendations a reality.

“It’s a great opportunity for policymakers and a variety of different partners to really come together here in our state. This is a great state to live in, but we need to ensure that our mothers are safe. That our infants are surviving. And anything less than that is not okay,” says Waddell.

Specifically for women of color in rural areas of SC, who are being most heavily impacted by health disparities.

“I am really optimistic and grateful that we had so many people come together to work on this issue and I know that if we truly take action, and we act on the recommendations, then SC’s numbers will continue to improve,” says Waddell.

To view the full report, click here.