Spectrum Health Awarded $25,000 Grant from March of Dimes

CenteringPregnancy® to offer new option for prenatal care in West Michigan

The Michigan State Chapter of the March of Dimes will support first-year funding for CenteringPregnancy® at Spectrum Health.

In CenteringPregnancy, pregnant women with similar due dates join together in a group setting with their health care provider. The goal is to offer essential prenatal care in an environment that is supportive, encourages conversation and fosters the sharing of experiences. Group members receive all components of prenatal care, including health assessments, education and support. There is a facilitated discussion of pregnancy, birth and newborn care as well as overall health, stress management and other prenatal topics.

“We are excited to partner with the March of Dimes to transform the model of prenatal care for women in our community,” stated Julian Schink, MD, department chief, obstetrics, gynecology and women’s health, Spectrum Health Medical Group. “The option of receiving care through the Centering® model will begin at the Grand Rapids residency office in December and may be extended to other Spectrum Health offices in the future.”

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 450,000 babies were born prematurely in the United States. According to Centering Healthcare Institute, the Centering model of care reduces preterm birth by 33 percent compared to traditional care. Centering Healthcare Institute also shares that other studies have shown Centering care increases breastfeeding rates and duration of breastfeeding, with higher patient satisfaction rates compared to traditional care.

“CenteringPregnancy provides a built in support group for expecting moms during what can be an intimidating life change,” said Melinda Johnson, MD, obstetrics and gynecology, Spectrum Health Medical Group. “Spectrum Health continues to anticipate the needs of our community and we are excited to offer this new health care option.”

Spectrum Health is applying for second-year funding through a grant with the March of Dimes.

About March of Dimes

The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs.

For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. To participate in our annual signature fundraising event, visit marchforbabies.org. If you have been affected by prematurity or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find comfort and support. For detailed national, state and local perinatal statistics, visit persistats.org. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

About Spectrum Health

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 12 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 183 ambulatory and service sites; 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, including 1,100 members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a health plan with about 653,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer, with 23,100 employees. The organization provided $283 million in community benefit during its 2015 fiscal year. Spectrum Health is the only health system in Michigan to be named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics for 2015. This is the fourth time the organization has received this recognition.