Breaking Barriers: How MTM Health Addresses Maternal Health
Welcome back to our quarterly Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) series, where we showcase MTM Health’s initiatives to improve outcomes for members and clients nationwide. This edition spotlights our efforts to support mothers and advance maternal health outcomes. Our Director of Healthcare Operations Chris Jenkins shares how reliable transportation plays a critical role in maternal care—and how MTM Health is working to break down community barriers for expecting moms.
Maternal health reflects the broader healthcare system and social structures of a community. When mothers have access to quality care, safe environments, and social support, it indicates that other health and economic systems are functioning well. Poor maternal outcomes often highlight deep-rooted disparities in housing, education, income, and access to healthcare.
How Social Determinants Shape Maternal Outcomes
Factors like income, education, housing stability, access to nutritious food, and reliable transportation directly affect a healthy pregnancy and postpartum experience. For example, expectant mothers with consistent transportation are more likely to attend prenatal and postpartum visits, while those living in food deserts or without stable housing face higher risks of complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or preterm birth. Economic inequities also drive negative outcomes like preterm birth and low birth weight, as mothers may struggle to access nutritious food, prenatal education, or health insurance.
MTM Health’s Approach to Maternal Health
At MTM Health, we are working to close gaps in maternal care through wraparound support and community-based solutions. Our Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program brings care directly into homes and communities, while our Community Health Workers (CHWs) provide education, connect mothers to resources, and advocate for better outcomes. By partnering with local organizations, we’re strengthening prenatal and postpartum support in under-resourced areas.
We also address key barriers like transportation, childcare, lack of insurance, and provider shortages through mobile clinics, home visits, and virtual care platforms. Equally important, we prioritize culturally competent care to build trust and ensure mothers feel respected and heard.
Creating Healthier Futures
Improving maternal health requires more than medical care—it demands healthcare systems that support mothers holistically. From accessing nutritious food and safe housing to attending regular prenatal and postpartum appointments, every step of the maternal journey is shaped by the resources available in a mother’s community. Reliable transportation is one of the most critical factors: without it, expectant mothers may miss vital checkups, face higher risks of complications, and struggle to access pharmacies or supportive services.
At MTM Health, we’re committed to breaking down these barriers. By providing dependable, accessible transportation and addressing social determinants of health, we help mothers get the care they need—when and where they need it. Together, we can build healthier futures for mothers, infants, and the communities they call home.
