CIMISS is inspired by my mother.

My late mother, a South Sudanese woman served as a midwife during times of civil war, assisting mothers during childbirth. It was her passion and selflessness that inspired my career path. In remembrance of her, I wish to continue her legacy of serving her community by contributing to solutions that address the global issue of perinatal morbidity and maternal mortality.

Smiling woman in front of green foliage.

CIMISS focuses on care that truly understands and respects diverse cultures, building strong partnerships within communities, and working together across healthcare, government, and community groups. Our work across these segments of the populace is a powerful way to close the unfair gaps in health outcomes for mothers and babies of color.

We offer practical solutions for leaders, hospitals, and local organizations to make healthcare fair and effective for all women, particularly those who have faced unequal treatment in the past.

Summary of Thesis

A Systematic Qualitative Review: Improving Perinatal Health Outcomes in Communities of Color

A thesis presented by: Amelia Abiem

In the dissertation “A Systematic Qualitative Review: Improving Perinatal Health Outcomes in Communities of Color,” Amelia Abiem presents a study that explored existing literature on strategies used by community-based perinatal organizations (CBPOs) to address high rates of perinatal morbidity and maternal mortality in communities of color.

The review involved analyzing 20 studies published in the United States between 2014 and 2024, focusing on:

  • Strategies employed by CBPOs: The research aimed to identify effective approaches taken by these organizations to improve perinatal health outcomes.
  • Impact of culturally congruent healthcare workers: The dissertation investigated how healthcare professionals with cultural competence and alignment can contribute to better perinatal care and reduced inequalities within communities of color.

Key findings

  • Investment in doulas and midwives of color: This was identified as a crucial strategy for improving perinatal outcomes.
  • Cultural-congruence and anti-discrimination training for healthcare professionals: The review highlighted the importance of equipping healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally sensitive and equitable care.

This dissertation highlights the potential benefits of CBPOs and culturally congruent care in addressing perinatal health disparities. It also suggests the need for further research using mixed methods to assess the effectiveness of CBPOs and the benefits of providing culturally congruent healthcare within communities of color.

Below is a link to the full article

“A Systematic Qualitative Review: Improving Perinatal Health Outcomes i” by Amelia Abiem