Five-year outcomes of a CHW-driven maternal-infant health model through a county health department in a medically underserved region

The Pre to 3 Program in Vanderburgh County, Indiana (United States) was designed to affect maternal-infant health in medically underserved populations through community health worker (CHW) led initiatives. This program provides free, hands-on support for infants, parents, and families from the first trimester of pregnancy until the child's third birthday. The CHW-driven Pre to 3 Program demonstrates improved outcomes in breastfeeding initiation, safe sleep practices, adequate prenatal care, child vaccination rates, food security, housing stability, and employment status. The Vanderburgh County Health Department Pre to 3 Program presents the state of Indiana, and similarly medically underserved counties, the opportunity to improve maternal-infant health through expanded implementation. With increased financial resources, and subsequently more program personnel, there is significant potential for positive impact on the health outcomes of high-risk communities.