The Women-Inspired Neighborhood (WIN) Network: Detroit is an effort launched and expanded at Henry Ford Health, under the leadership of Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom as Principal Investigator (PI). WIN Network: Detroit was born as a result of a collaborative effort of health systems, community and academic partners of the Detroit Regional Infant Mortality Reduction Task Force (The Task Force) supported by a plethora of funders. The Task Force has been chaired by Dr. Wisdom since its inception in 2008 after the CEOs of the four major health systems serving Detroit (Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health, Oakwood Healthcare – now Beaumont, and St. John Providence Health System – now Ascension St. John), alarmed by persistently high infant mortality rates and unacceptable health disparities,  committed their organizations to find lasting, collaborative solutions.

THE INSPIRATION

Improve infant mortality rates for African American families in Detroit

We empower mothers and their support partners (significant others, grandparents, sisters and friends) to help babies thrive beyond first birthdays. Using innovative strategies, Community Health Workers (CHWs) guide new and expecting mothers through a safety net of social, emotional and clinical supports.

INSPIRE HEALTHY BIRTHS

Improve equity in birth outcomes

We are the nation’s first program to pilot an enhanced model of group prenatal care where Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Certified Nurse Midwives are co-facilitators. In groups clustered by gestational age, participants learn the CenteringPregnancy® curriculum with an added focus on social determinants of health. CHWs conduct home visits through babies’ first birthdays, and continuously guide women to resources.

INSPIRE CONNECTIONS

Link women to resources using high touch & high-tech strategies

We support pregnant and non-pregnant women in their communities and online. CHWs guide expecting moms, promote health via social media, host events and facilitate educational sessions to share information about pre- and interconception health, healthy living, social needs and more.

INSPIRE LEARNING

Promote equity & cultural competency in health care

As part of the Detroit Regional Infant Mortality Reduction Task Force, we are a learning collaborative. With formal healthcare equity training at our foundation, data and participant stories are discussed regularly at quarterly meetings and during other outlets. CHWs inspire understanding between patients and providers by helping women improve their health literacy and consumption. Most recently, our focus is honed on recognizing and reducing the impact of unconscious bias in care.