Mahoning Valley Pathways HUB
Quick Links:
- What is the HUB
- What are “Pathways”
- Why use Community Health Workers
- Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services
- Who is eligible for HUB
- How Can You Connect With the HUB
- Resources
“Your Connection to a Healthy Pregnancy”
What is the HUB?
The HUB reduces barriers that can prevent women in the Mahoning Valley who are at risk of poor birth outcomes from having healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. It partners with local care coordination agencies to connect women to resources and services that can benefit them and their baby throughout pregnancy.
The HUB coordinates and monitors services through a community-wide strategy. This team approach uses a web-based data entry and reporting system to reach those at greatest need while reducing duplication of services. Through the implementation of Pathways and its Network of Care, the HUB confirms that clients are connected to evidence-based care and best practices and it measures the results.
What are “Pathways”?
Pathways are used to address identified risk factors or barriers. The Pathway then tracks and documents each critical step, ending with ensuring the risk factor has been addressed. The Pathway is complete when a final outcome is achieved. There are 20 standardized Pathways that are used to address the client’s needs and improve health outcomes.
African American women are more than twice as likely to deliver a low birth weight baby compared to Caucasian women. There has been a dramatic improvement in the birth outcomes of at-risk pregnant women who have participated in the HUB in other counties. For example, in 2013 and 2014, African American women in Lucas County that were enrolled in Pathways had a low birth rate of 9.5%, much lower than the overall rates for African Americans in Lucas County (13.2% in 2013) and statewide (13.4% in 2013).
Why use Community Health Workers?
Each care coordination agency employs principal care coordinators (community health workers, home visitors, etc.) who find women that are most at risk. Principal care coordinators are trained professionals that have a connection to the communities that they serve and are relatable to their clients. They partner with clients by providing health education, connecting them to medical care, and by removing social barriers through regular home visits. They help pregnant women with securing medical insurance, navigating the healthcare system and meeting basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter and transportation. They support, advocate for, and encourage each client during pregnancy and after delivery.
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS):
One of the goals of the HUB is to reduce the gap in disparities and improve health equity by providing services that take into account the diverse backgrounds of our clients. Health outcomes can be improved when providers make efforts to respect clients’ beliefs, practices, and culture through positive engagement. All HUB staff members are trained to provide services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
In addition, the HUB engages the services of a linguistics translator to eliminate any barriers in providing comprehensive services to any clients participating in any of the HUB Pathways.
Who is eligible for the HUB?
The HUB serves clients that can benefit from effective and intentional care coordination. HUB clients:
- Are pregnant
- Want to have a healthy pregnancy and baby
- Need help with resources
- Live anywhere in Mahoning or Trumbull County
How can you connect with the HUB?
There are several ways to connect with the HUB:
- Call the Mahoning Valley Pathways HUB at 330-270-2855 ext. 174
- Email the Mahoning Valley Pathways HUB at hub@mahoninghealth.org
Resources:
The Mahoning Valley Pathways HUB was funded by a grant from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health & The Ohio Department of Medicaid.
