Community Engagement IDEA2 News

Dr. Ebony Carter and Dr. Melissa Tepe, in EleVATE, a maternal and infant health program

Cheron Phillips (left) and Richelle Smith serve on EleVATE’s curriculum committee, Photographs by Michael Thomas

Dr. Ebony Carter and Dr. Melissa Tepe, in EleVATE, a maternal and infant health program. Here, they are improving maternal health—especially for Black mothers and birthing people.

“When you spend so much time with patients, you can’t help but feel the burden of the things they’re experiencing in their lives”

Dr. Ebony Carter, Washington University School of Medicine

EleVATE takes it upon itself to aid group-based prenatal support with patients and maternal health advocates. Groups of 5-10 pregnant persons and their support (partner, friend, family) meet with an obstetric clinician and group facilitator to discuss pregnancy and birth issues.

Putting patients in a leadership role is a vital step toward reducing racial disparities in preterm birth and pregnancy complication”

Dr. Melissa Tepe, Affinia Healthcare