Miami’s Mobile Midwife Clinic: A Digital Catalyst for Birth Justice
- United States
- Nonprofit
Picture this: a community with the lowest maternal mortality rate and the gold standard for positive birth outcomes. Sounds feasible, right? Southern Birth Justice Network, established in 2008, serves as a lifeline for birthing families in South Florida by providing midwifery and doula care. Operating in a region marked by socio-economic disparities and limited healthcare access, the organization is dedicated to ensuring access to safe perinatal and mental health care for diverse populations, primarily communities of color. Florida's infant mortality rate is 6.0 which is higher than the national average of 5.6. In Miami-Dade County, Florida also tussles with vast differences in adverse birth outcomes which is evident in the preterm birth rate (10.6%) near the national average (10.4%) and disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among Black women. Limited access to quality healthcare perpetuates these challenges, particularly for communities facing greater social needs. Using the Miami Dade Matters Health Equity Index, we identified the following zip codes with greater socio-health needs in Miami-Dade County: 33030, 33189, 33168, 33169, 33136, 33161, and 33147 to show where we can provide viable solutions to help overcome challenges faced by certain populations. Populations that have been marginalized including women of color, low-income individuals, and first-generation immigrant communities specifically, bear the brunt of inaccessible or culturally inappropriate reproductive health services. African American birthing individuals face nearly four times the risk of pregnancy-related deaths compared to their white counterparts. The infant mortality rate in Florida remains distressingly high, further demonstrating a need for solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and drive positive change to build resilient communities. We are scaling our mobile midwifery clinic to expand access to quality, person-centered, and baby-friendly care in communities in need, aiming to prevent unnecessary deaths among mothers and babies. We desire to reach and serve not just our Miami-Dade county residents, but eventually all South Floridians by further strengthening programs in the communities we serve. Given our 16-year history in South Florida, we stand together with the state, community partners and thought leaders finding solutions to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across Florida.
In the face of alarming maternal and infant mortality rates, Southern Birth Justice Network recognizes the critical importance of protecting and expanding midwifery and doula services. These services not only improve birth outcomes but also serve as climate resilience solutions, promoting sustainable practices such as breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and community birth. In early 2023, we transformed our Midwife Clinic into a mobile health unit, extending culturally congruent perinatal care services across Miami-Dade County, Florida. Through our Mobile Midwife Clinic, we employ three key digital health solutions:
- Utilizing technology to deliver on-the-ground perinatal support to communities;
- Bridging community and medical systems to increase access to perinatal support services for birthing families; and
- Serving as an education hub for public health, medical, and nursing students to expand access to a diverse birthing workforce in communities.
Our mobile unit strategically co-locates in communities with greater social needs, often near food pantries, to ensure accessibility. This innovative approach aims to improve birth outcomes by providing comprehensive care, including chronic disease management, transportation, and housing support. The Mobile Midwife Clinic offers free prenatal checkups, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, referrals to healthcare providers, and assistance in accessing health and social services. Expecting parents can receive care from midwives and consult with doulas in the mobile clinic, which also facilitates access to home births, birth centers, and high-risk services. Our program aligns with the Birth Justice movement, established by our Executive Director, Jamarah Amani, in 2009. Through partnerships with organizations and with your company's support, we strive to increase access to midwifery and doula services, enhance maternal mental health support, and strengthen workforce capacity. The mobile unit operates three days per week with designated clinic days from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at various locations or in zip codes with greater social needs. Administrative duties and preparation are handled by our setup crew between 8:00 am and 10:00 am. Midwives, doulas, and staff support are available from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Additionally, two days a week are dedicated to telehealth and app-based services. Our mobile unit is equipped with registration and clinical technology, including eClinicalWorks for electronic health records and Verizon Connect Fleet Tracking for fleet management. Security cameras ensure patient and staff safety, while wireless WAN and jetpacks provide connectivity. Through the Mobile Midwife Clinic, we aim to address disparities, empower communities, and transform the maternal and child health landscape for the better.
Miami-Dade County, home to approximately 2.7 million residents, is a melting pot of racial and ethnic diversity, with significant representation from various backgrounds and cultures. The demographic makeup includes Black (14.8%), Hispanic (69.1%), White (26.8%), and other races (8.6%). Southern Birth Justice Network (SBJN) recognizes the importance of serving this diverse population and is committed to providing equitable care to all. SBJN serves a wide range of individuals, including Black, Brown, youth, immigrant, indigenous, LGBTQ+, and low-income persons of childbearing age (ages 12-55). In response to the unique needs of these communities, the Mobile Midwife Clinic has been established to provide services primarily to historically Black neighborhoods in Miami-Dade County.
Our mobile unit is more than just a clinic on wheels; it represents a transformative approach to healthcare delivery that seeks to make a positive impact in the lives of birthing families and residents. One of the key strategies we employ is ensuring that the backgrounds and experiences of our organizational leaders reflect the diversity of the populations we serve. By centering and uplifting the voices of women of color and trans and gender expansive people of color in the community, we aim to create a more inclusive and responsive healthcare environment. Furthermore, we recognize the importance of our unique perspectives and experiences collectively in shaping our work to foster resilient birthing communities.
Our commitment to equity is evident in every aspect of our program. From the services we provide to the way we engage with the community, we strive to address differences in birthing outcomes and promote equitable care for all residents of Miami-Dade County. By offering comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care, including chronic disease management and various community services such as transportation and housing support, we aim to break down barriers to healthcare access and improve birth outcomes for marginalized populations.
Additionally, our mobile unit serves as a platform for education and empowerment, providing information and resources to help individuals make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Through partnerships with local organizations, colleges and universities, and community leaders, we create opportunities for skill-building, advocacy, and collective action, empowering residents to take control of their health and advocate for change in their communities. Overall, the Mobile Midwife Clinic represents a tangible manifestation of our commitment to equity and justice in healthcare. By bringing quality, person-centered care directly to the communities that need it most, we strive to create a future where every birthing person receives the support and resources they need to thrive.
Southern Birth Justice Network (SBJN) transforms maternal healthcare by integrating midwives, fostering positive collaborations, and engaging decision-makers. Our core commitment is to reshape the maternal and child health portofolio, particularly for minority communities, by prioritizing the voices of Black mamas and LGBTQ+ families. Our Mobile Midwife Clinic solution is driven by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve, ensuring that their voices are prioritized in shaping our programs and services. We employ a variety of methods to gather community input, including storytelling, education, media, and community organizing for change.
Rooted in the legacy of Black midwives' traditions and Miami-Dade's rich herstory, SBJN uses an equity lens, nurturing groups placed at higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes to improve access to safe labor, delivery, and postpartum support for families. Our Board of Directors reflects a diverse range of identities and experiences, including Black, white, LGBTQ+, non-binary, parents, and birth workers. This diversity embodies our commitment to equity and representation, ensuring that a spectrum of voices is heard. Our collective impact approach emphasizes collaboration, recognizing that the strength of our decisions lies in the collective wisdom of our varied perspectives. With a focus on birth and reproductive justice, our board takes a comprehensive view, considering the larger-scale implications of our work. Similarly, our executive team comprises individuals who identify as Black/African American, cis women, LGBTQ+, mothers, and/or birth workers. With ages ranging from 30 to 55, this team is dedicated to achieving birth justice with a broad population reach in South Florida.
To address maternal care disparities, we emphasize personalized services, community engagement and outreach, and collaboration with key partners. Our multidisciplinary team-based approach ensures a holistic approach to perinatal care, with Clinical Directors leading operations, Rotating Midwives delivering direct midwifery services, and Clinical Assistants managing admin tasks. Volunteer CAs support non-invasive medical tasks, while our Clinical Partner, the Miami Home Birth Collective, offers referrals and support for home births. Additionally, our collaboration with Mental Health Organization/ Partner provides mental health screenings, referrals, and counseling services, adopting a holistic wellness approach to perinatal care. By meaningfully engaging with the communities we serve and integrating their input into our programs and services, we ensure that our solution is tailored to meet their unique needs, ultimately striving towards equitable and inclusive perinatal care for all.
- Increase access to and quality of health services for medically underserved groups around the world (such as refugees and other displaced people, women and children, older adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals).
- 3. Good Health and Well-Being
- 5. Gender Equality
- 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- 10. Reduced Inequalities
- 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- 17. Partnerships for the Goals
- Growth
Our Mobile Midwife Clinic solution is currently in the growth stage of development, as evidenced by its pioneering initiatives and significant accomplishments to date. The Southern Birth Justice Network (SBJN) provides innovative digital health solutions to enhance the birthing experiences of Miami-Dade County residents. The Mobile Midwife Clinic is an evidence-based initiative, standing as the sole mobile unit in Florida dedicated to delivering comprehensive midwifery services, prenatal screenings, education, and doula care directly to communities. Several achievements showcase our capacity for delivering our solution agenda:
Community Service and Outreach: The Mobile Midwife Clinic has demonstrated a dedicated focus on community service and outreach by providing prenatal health care services directly to over 75 families in their neighborhoods, local parks, and community events.
Client Reach: Our unit has served over 100 women seeking fertility services, prenatal education, midwifery and doula care, mental health screenings, and referrals.
Partnership with Florida Department of Health: Midwives and care coordinators partnered with the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County to receive specialized training in prenatal risk screening. SBJN integrated the DOH screening tools into practice, effectively identifying 5% of clients at risk for adverse birth outcomes.
High Vaginal Birth Rate: In partnership with Miami Jackson Hospital, our Mobile Midwife Clinic has accomplished a 93% vaginal birth rate over its 16-year history, demonstrating dedication to improving access to quality maternal and infant health services. Additionally, through the dedicated efforts of our network of midwives and doulas over the years, SBJN has served over 250 pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals annually.
As recent court rulings and the political atmosphere nationwide surrounding reproductive care and rights pose challenges, it is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the Mobile Midwife Clinic program. Our goal is to continue facilitating success and overcoming any barriers for populations placed at a disadvantage.
Our Mobile Midwife Clinic program is powered by technology and aims to address urgent concerns related to high preterm birth rates and alarming maternal mortality data. We are applying because we share a common goal of addressing pressing community issues using digital health or technology solutions. We are seeking $150,000 in funding to sustain and expand our program by purchasing a second mobile unit vehicle, enabling us to serve an additional 100 families with greater social needs in various communities (zip codes). Over the next 2 years, we plan to allocate the funding wisely. Around 70% of the budget will go towards the purchase of the vehicle and customizing its interior to accommodate medical equipment, supplies, and provide a comfortable space for clients. This will also cover any necessary modifications to ensure the vehicle meets healthcare standards and regulations. Approximately 10% of the funds will be used for ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the mobile unit to guarantee its reliability and functionality. Another 10% will be allocated to improving data surveillance and collection for program monitoring and evaluation. We plan to purchase GIS mapping software to conduct community-level data analysis to assess birth outcomes data trends, make comparisons, and drive decision-making and policy direction. The remaining 10% of the budget will be used to expand readily available diagnostic services such as ultrasound and app-based services. We will integrate our BirthTrak App, the first pregnancy and birth preparation app, into our services. This app identifies key elements impacting birth outcomes and helps pregnant people set and obtain health and wellness goals.
- Human Capital (e.g. sourcing talent, board development)
- Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g. collecting/using data, measuring impact)
- Product / Service Distribution (e.g. delivery, logistics, expanding client base)
- Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)
- Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)
Our Mobile Midwife Clinic program solution represents a groundbreaking approach to addressing maternal and infant health disparities in Miami-Dade County, offering innovative strategies to improve access to quality perinatal care and support. It leverages technology to deliver comprehensive midwifery and doula services directly to communities with limited access to healthcare. By operating a mobile unit equipped with advanced medical equipment and telehealth capabilities, we overcome traditional barriers such as transportation and geographical distance, ensuring that pregnant individuals receive timely and culturally congruent care regardless of their location. This approach revolutionizes the delivery of perinatal services, making it more convenient, accessible, and tailored to the needs of the communities we serve.
Moreover, our program adopts a holistic approach to maternal health, addressing not only the physical aspects of pregnancy but also the emotional, social, and environmental factors that influence birth outcomes. By integrating midwifery care with doula support, we provide continuous, personalized assistance throughout the perinatal period, promoting natural childbirth, reducing the likelihood of medical interventions, and enhancing the overall birthing experience for families. This holistic model of care empowers pregnant individuals to take an active role in their health and well-being, fostering a sense of agency and confidence in their ability to navigate the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth.
Furthermore, our Mobile Midwife Clinic serves as a catalyst for broader positive impacts within the maternal health space. By demonstrating the effectiveness of midwifery-led care in improving birth outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities, we inspire other healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to reevaluate their approaches to maternal health and consider more inclusive and community-centered models of care. Our program fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among diverse stakeholders, creating opportunities for cross-sector partnerships and innovative solutions to emerge.
In addition to its direct impact on maternal and infant health, our Mobile Midwife Clinic has the potential to change the market and landscape of perinatal care in several ways. Firstly, it challenges the dominance of the medicalized model of childbirth by promoting midwifery-led care as a safe, evidence-based alternative that prioritizes the physiological needs of birthing individuals. This shift in perspective could lead to greater acceptance and integration of midwifery services within mainstream healthcare systems, ultimately improving access to midwifery care for all pregnant individuals.
Our Mobile Midwife Clinic introduces new standards of care that prioritize equity, cultural competence, and community engagement. By centering the voices and experiences of communities who are placed at a disadvantage, we challenge existing power structures and advocate for policies and practices that address the root causes of maternal health disparities. This advocacy work has the potential to drive systemic change within the healthcare system, leading to more equitable and inclusive policies and practices that benefit all birthing individuals.
Our theory of change for the Mobile Midwife Clinic program centers around the belief that by increasing access to comprehensive midwifery and doula services, we can significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates while improving birth outcomes in Miami-Dade County. At its core, our program seeks to address the root causes of poor birth outcomes, particularly among communities placed at a disadvantage, by providing culturally competent and personalized care to pregnant individuals and their families. Through our Mobile Midwife Clinic, equipped with modern technology and staffed by skilled midwives, doulas, and support personnel, we aim to intervene at multiple points along the perinatal care continuum. By integrating digital health solutions, such as our BirthTrak App and GIS mapping software for data analysis, we can better track and monitor program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately contribute to positive changes in maternal and infant health outcomes.
The first step in our theory of change is to expand access to prenatal and postpartum care services by bringing them directly to communities with limited resources and higher social needs. By operating a mobile unit, we can overcome barriers such as transportation and childcare, ensuring that pregnant individuals can receive timely and consistent care throughout their pregnancy and beyond. This increased access to care lays the foundation for improved birth outcomes by enabling early detection and management of risk factors and complications.
Next, we focus on the quality of care provided through our program. By integrating midwifery and doula care, we offer holistic and personalized support that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of pregnant individuals. Midwives play a central role in providing evidence-based care, monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby, and facilitating normal physiologic birth whenever possible. Doula support complements this care by offering continuous emotional and practical assistance during labor and birth, reducing the likelihood of medical support interventions and improving the overall birth experience. Our program emphasizes education and cultural humility as key drivers of positive outcomes. Through prenatal classes, one-on-one counseling, and community outreach, we equip pregnant individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their care and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. We also engage families and communities as partners in the birthing process, fostering a supportive environment that values the importance of maternal and infant health.
Finally, we believe that our program's impact extends beyond individual births to systemic change within the healthcare system. By demonstrating the effectiveness of midwifery-led care in reducing cesarean rates, improving breastfeeding outcomes, and promoting maternal mental health, we aim to influence policies and practices that prioritize equitable and accessible care for all birthing individuals. Through advocacy efforts and partnerships with stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels, we seek to create a healthcare system that values and supports the unique needs and experiences of every birthing person and their family.
Our impact goals for the Mobile Midwife Clinic are to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, increase access to quality perinatal care for underserved communities, and improve birth outcomes while promoting maternal well-being.
Goal 1: Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Miami-Dade County.
Indicator: Increase in the number of families served by the Mobile Midwife Clinic from 100 to 200 annually.
Indicator: Percentage of clients reporting satisfaction with the accessibility and cultural sensitivity of services provided.
Goal 2: Improve birth outcomes and promote maternal well-being.
Indicator: Increase in the percentage of vaginal births among Mobile Midwife Clinic clients from 93% to 95% by 2026.
Indicator: Improvement in maternal mental health outcomes, measured through validated screening tools (e.g., Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), with a target decrease in the prevalence of perinatal mood disorders.
Goal 3: Increase utilization of midwifery-led home or community births.
Indicator: Increase the number of midwifery-led or attended births from 20 to 40 annually.
We work to measure progress in several ways: We gather information on maternal and infant mortality rates, as well as birth outcomes and client satisfaction, using our electronic health record system. Regular analysis of this data enables us to monitor our progress towards our impact goals over time. Surveys are routinely conducted year round and interviews with clients of the Mobile Midwife Clinic to gauge their satisfaction with our services and their perceived access to quality perinatal care. This feedback is invaluable in identifying areas for improvement and refining our approach. We collaborate closely with local public health agencies to track maternal and infant health indicators at the community level. By comparing our outcomes to regional and national benchmarks, we can assess the broader impact of our program on population health. SBJN is committed to ongoing quality improvement efforts, which include regular audits and reviews to help us identify areas for enhancement and ensure that our services meet the highest standards of care.
We use secure Microsoft Office software programs, including MS Excel to track the number of families served by the clinic annually and assess client satisfaction with the accessibility and cultural sensitivity of our services through surveys and feedback. Additionally, we monitor the percentage of vaginal births and preterm births among our clients to evaluate improvements in birth outcomes. Furthermore, we measure maternal mental health outcomes using validated screening tools to decrease the prevalence of perinatal mood disorders. Through these comprehensive measurement methods and continuous quality improvement efforts, we demonstrate our commitment to creating a transformational impact on people's lives by improving maternal and infant health outcomes and promoting equitable access to perinatal care for all communities in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Our Mobile Midwife Clinic solution relies on a combination of technology to power our solution, ensuring efficient delivery of comprehensive perinatal care services. Due to current capacity, we leverage our prior knowledge and proficiencies, we utilize Microsoft Office, including MS Excel and PowerPoint, to illustrate data reports and program findings from the Mobile Midwife Clinic Intake Assessment. MS Excel allows us to organize and analyze data on client demographics, health outcomes, and satisfaction surveys, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of our services. PowerPoint helps us create visually engaging presentations to communicate our program's impact and share key findings with stakeholders.
In addition to Microsoft Office, we use Canva and Adobe products for graphic and marketing design, allowing us to create professional-quality materials for outreach and education. These tools enable us to design brochures, posters, and social media content that effectively convey information about our services and engage our target audience.
Furthermore, our mobile unit is equipped with registration and clinical technology to support the delivery of care. We utilize eClinicalWorks for electronic health records, ensuring that patient information is securely stored and easily accessible to our clinical team. This system streamlines our workflow, allowing us to efficiently document patient encounters, track health metrics, and coordinate care across multiple providers.
For fleet management, we rely on Verizon Connect Fleet Tracking, which provides real-time location tracking and monitoring of our mobile units. This technology allows us to optimize routes, schedule appointments, and ensure timely delivery of services to our clients. Additionally, security cameras installed on the exterior of the mobile unit enhance patient and staff safety, providing a layer of protection during clinic operations. To ensure connectivity while on the go, we use wireless WAN and jetpacks with HotSpot capabilities. These devices enable our team to access electronic health records, communicate with patients, and stay connected to the internet for research and resource-sharing purposes, even in remote or underserved areas.
Overall, our use of technology is essential to the success of our Mobile Midwife Clinic program. By leveraging these tools, we are able to provide high-quality, culturally competent care to pregnant individuals and their families, improve health outcomes, and promote equitable access to perinatal services in our community.
- A new application of an existing technology
- Audiovisual Media
- Imaging and Sensor Technology
- Software and Mobile Applications
- Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality
- United States
- Tanzania
Our solution team for the Mobile Midwife Clinic program consists of 21 individuals in total. Among them, 12 are full-time staff members, 4 are consultants, and the remaining 3 individuals contribute as part-time volunteers.
We have been working on our Mobile Midwife Clinic solution for three years. The Southern Birth Justice Network has been serving the community for 16 years, and the Mobile Midwife Clinic was revamped into a mobile unit in 2023 to provide comprehensive perinatal care directly to communities.
At Southern Birth Justice Network (SBJN), we cultivate a workplace culture of belonging, togetherness, and opportunity for growth among our leadership and staff team. Our executive team is diverse, consisting of individuals who identify as Black/African American, cis women, LGBTQ+, mothers, and/or birth workers, aged between 30 and 55. This team is dedicated to achieving birth justice with a broad population reach in South Florida. Our Board of Directors also reflects diversity in identities and experiences, including Black, white, LGBTQ+, non-binary individuals, parents, and birth workers. This diversity ensures equity and representation, with a spectrum of voices heard and valued. Our collective impact approach emphasizes collaboration, recognizing that the strength of our decisions lies in the collective wisdom of our varied perspectives. With a focus on birth and reproductive justice, our board takes a comprehensive view, considering the larger-scale implications of our work.
Our dedicated team comprises professionals with expertise in medical, public health, executive leadership, nonprofit organizations, community health workers, and global health fields. These individuals represent diverse backgrounds, including Black, cis women, Queer/LGBTQ+, non-binary people, and mothers. Their unique experiences in birth work, combined with roles as midwives or doulas and community health advocates, enrich our organization's capacity to address multifaceted challenges in perinatal health.
Each day, our staff carries out program and project tasks aligned with our overarching mission and strategic goals using Google Workspace (e.g., calendar reminders and project management tools). This collective effort is instrumental in achieving our initial capacity for success, ensuring that we are well-equipped to make a positive impact in the communities we serve. As we provide midwifery and doula services to priority populations, centering birthing families of color, we also extend resources for additional support and social services.
Our workplace culture fosters belonging and togetherness by valuing each team member's contributions and providing opportunities for growth and development. We prioritize open communication, transparency, and inclusivity, creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to share their ideas and perspectives. Regular team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities are offered to enhance skills and knowledge.
We promote work-life balance and employee well-being, recognizing the importance of self-care and resilience in our demanding field by having scheduled mindfulness sessions. Flexible work arrangements, mental health support services, and wellness initiatives are available to support our team members' holistic wellness.
Our business model for the Mobile Midwife Clinic focuses on providing essential midwifery and doula services to communities placed at a disadvantage or zip codes with greater social needs in Miami-Dade County. We provide value to these populations by offering on-the-ground, culturally competent care, personalized support, and access to vital healthcare services that are often lacking in their communities. In terms of impact, our services have the potential to lead to improved maternal and infant health outcomes, including reduced rates of preterm birth, lower cesarean section rates or higher vaginal births, and increased breastfeeding rates. In terms of revenue, our model relies on a combination of funding sources, including grants, donations, fee-for-service payments, and partnerships. We seek grants and donations from philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and private donors who are committed to improving maternal and infant health. Understanding that our Mobile Midwife Clinic consultations are free to clients, we also generate revenue through fee-for-service payments from clients who can afford to pay for our services, while ensuring that sliding-scale fees are available for those with limited financial means. Additionally, we may partner with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and community organizations such as colleges and universities to expand our reach and access additional funding streams. Overall, our business model allows us to provide high-quality care to underserved populations while also generating revenue to sustain and grow our operations, ensuring that we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
- Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C)
Our revenue model for the Mobile Midwife Clinic is designed to ensure sustainability while maximizing our impact on the communities we serve. We utilize a diversified approach that includes various funding sources, fee-for-service payments, and strategic partnerships. We rely on grants (69%) and donations from philanthropic organizations, fundraising and sponsorships (12%), and private or individual donors (19%). These funds are essential for covering operating expenses, such as staff salaries, medical supplies, and equipment purchases. By securing grants and donations, we can keep our services affordable and accessible to all families, regardless of their ability to pay. For example, within the last 2 years, we secured funding from a state agency in the amount of $200,000 to create and implement our BirthTrak mobile phone application. Understanding that our Mobile Midwife Clinic consultations (virtual or in-person) are free to clients. We generate revenue through fee-for-service payments. While we aim to offer sliding-scale fees to ensure affordability, we also recognize the importance of generating income to sustain our operations. Clients who can afford to pay for our services contribute to the financial sustainability of the Mobile Midwife Clinic. We also explore opportunities for insurance reimbursement for eligible services, which can further support our revenue stream.
Additionally, we leverage strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders. These partnerships not only enhance the reach and impact of our services but also provide opportunities for revenue generation. For example, we may collaborate with hospitals or birthing centers to provide specialized services, such as postpartum care or lactation support, in exchange for a fee or referral agreement.
In terms of providing value to the populations we serve, our Mobile Midwife Clinic solution offers comprehensive and culturally competent care that addresses the unique needs of birthing families. We prioritize access to quality perinatal care, including prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum support, delivered by experienced midwives and doulas who understand and respect the cultural backgrounds of our clients. Our revenue model aligns with our mission to serve populations placed at a disadvantage. We prioritize accessibility and affordability, ensuring that our services are available to those who need them most, regardless of their financial circumstances. This commitment to creating a sense of togetherness and belonging strengthens our impact and builds trust within the communities we serve. Our revenue model for the Mobile Midwife Clinic has a sustainability focus, applies a social and collective impact approach, and community and partnership engagement. Through diversifying our funding sources, maintaining affordable fees, and forming strategic partnerships, we can sustainably provide valuable services, positively impacting the lives of birthing families.