Strong Beginnings Program at Spectrum Reduces Infant Mortality

Peggy Vander Meulen, Program Director Strong Beginnings – Healthy Start, Spectrum Health. Strong Beginnings is a partnership of eight agencies working to improve the health and well-being of African American and Latin families during pregnancy and early childhood and to eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes in Kent County, Michigan. The program provides in-home family support services, education, referrals, and mental health counseling. And it strives to improve the overall system of care through a community consortium of ninety members. The holistic approach addresses the many social determinants that impact maternal and child health with a special focus on dismantling racism and promoting racial equity.