# Addressing Key Social-Structural Risk Factors for Racial Disparities in Maternal Morbidity in Southeastern Wisconsin (ASCEND WI)

> **NIH NIH U54** · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · 2024 · $1,542,406

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: OVERALL COMPONENT
There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality in the US. Social
determinants of health and social risk factors have a central role in maternal health disparities, with structural
racism reinforcing inequitable exposure to social risk factors in inner city environments. Our team provides
healthcare services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of the five most segregated cities in the US. The adverse
health effects associated with residential segregation, concentrated poverty, and neighborhood
conditions result in perpetuated racial disparities in all health outcomes in Southeastern WI, including maternal
health outcomes. In this proposal, we aim to address key social-structural risk factors for racial disparities in
maternal morbidity in Southeastern Wisconsin identified by our research community and community partners.
These risk factors include housing instability, medical mistrust, and fragmented access to preventative
care postpartum. We plan to address these risk factors with three research projects involving community
stakeholders in housing (research project 1), community-based doulas (research project 2), and community
health workers and postpartum telemonitoring (research project 3). The three projects were conceptualized
and developed in collaboration with community partners with synergy of addressing maternal health inequities
throughout the continuum of preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. The MCW Center’s theme is
Addressing Key Social-Structural Risk Factors for RaCial Disparities in MatErNal MorbiDity in Southeastern
Wisconsin - ASCEND WI. ASCEND WI has four overarching aims: 1) Partner with community organizations to
mitigate the impact of social-structural risk factors on maternal health, 2) Develop and evaluate interventions to
address social-structural risk factors for racial disparities in maternal health, 3) Disseminate findings to relevant
stakeholders and policymakers, and 4) Train a diverse group of early-stage scientists in maternal health equity
research. The ASCEND WI team utilizes innovative approaches, equitable collaborations, and skilled
academic and community-based partners to create sustainable change and will work effectively to eradicate
maternal health disparities in Southeastern Wisconsin and beyond.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10908679
- **Project number:** 5U54HD113408-02
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- **Principal Investigator:** Julia B Dickson-Gomez
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,542,406
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-17 → 2030-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10908679

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10908679, Addressing Key Social-Structural Risk Factors for Racial Disparities in Maternal Morbidity in Southeastern Wisconsin (ASCEND WI) (5U54HD113408-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10908679. Licensed CC0.

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