Angels in a Desert

Middle of Everywhere

OB deserts are a plague that seems to be infecting more and more of the United States, in rural areas in particular. If you’ve never heard of an OB desert, you’re not alone. OB deserts are counties that lack any hospital or birth center with obstetric care or any obstetric providers. The US leads among developed countries in maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and these deserts are a likely contributor. Some might say this is due to a healthcare system that caters to those with money and means. So how do we protect mothers who lack the resources to access maternal care? Mothers who, because of the way they live, may be at higher risk already?

In this episode, we’re featuring an innovative new program out of rural Indiana, that has taken steps toward decreasing the maternal and infant mortality and morbidity in their county, which has been declared an OB desert. And it’s all headed up by the fire department.

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