UAB trying to lower maternal mortality rate through bracelet program

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The University of Alabama at Birmingham is hoping to lower the maternal mortality rate in the state through a new initiative.

The Alabama Perinatal Quality Collaborative, located in the UAB School of Public Health, started its Postpartum Awareness Bracelet pilot program in June. Women receive these bracelets after delivering babies.

Lora Ham of the UAB School of Public Health said the bracelets alert first responders that women are in their postpartum period. Ham said half of maternal deaths in Alabama happen in the first six weeks of the postpartum period.

“Alabama’s maternal mortality rate is one of the highest, if not the highest in the nation,” Ham said. “So it’s important for us to make sure that these women are identified, make sure they know what the postpartum complications are, what’s normal, what’s abnormal, when to call their doctor, when to go to the emergency room.”

Ham said seven hospitals are participating in the bracelet program.

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