Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut, is being recognized by The Joint Commission for its data-driven initiative reducing maternal hypertensive disparities, becoming the first Connecticut hospital featured in the Commission's resource library.
The Joint Commission, an independent organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations nationwide, selected Saint Mary's for the Survey Analysis For Evaluating Strengths (SAFEST) resource library based on its innovative approach and measurable progress advancing maternal health.
Saint Mary's implemented a strategic initiative leveraging demographic, social needs, and clinical data, establishing a multidisciplinary health equity workgroup focused on maternal hypertension among Black and Latino birthing patients. The approach includes standardized patient education on warning signs, electronic health record-based social needs screening, home blood pressure cuff distribution, and the Orange Bracelet Program, which helps providers identify recently postpartum patients at increased risk for complications.
Irina Magidina, MD, Chief, OB/GYN, Saint Mary's Hospital, said, "Improving maternal health begins with understanding the unique needs of our patients and responding with evidence-based, equitable care. By using data to identify disparities and partnering with our community, we're creating lasting improvements that help mothers receive the right care at the right time."
Saint Mary's achieved 98% race, ethnicity and language (REAL) data collection, exceeding Trinity Health's internal target of 95%. The initiative has strengthened staff-patient communication around blood pressure monitoring and follow-up care, with patients showing greater engagement in home blood pressure monitoring.
"This work is about more than meeting standards; it's about ensuring every mother has the opportunity for a safe pregnancy, delivery and postpartum recovery," said Nara Santana, MSN, RN-BC, Clinical Manager, Saint Mary's Women and Infants Center. "We're committed to continuously learning from our data, listening to our community and building a healthier future for the families we serve."
Saint Mary's Hospital will continue expanding its health equity efforts through ongoing monitoring, community partnerships, and initiatives addressing disparities across inpatient and outpatient care.
