Since 2016, WIN Network: Detroit has provided an enhanced model of group prenatal care in a shared space at Henry Ford Medical Center – New Center One. This program for prenatal care unites Community Health Workers, Certified Nurse Midwives, and Medical Assistants to attend to moms’ clinical and social needs. We are proud to announce the relaunch of in-person group prenatal care (after providing virtual care at the height of the pandemic) in our new Group Prenatal Care Center – a dedicated space reserved for WIN Network: Detroit at Henry Ford Medical Center – New Center One.  

The Group Prenatal Care Center is decorated with a Winnie mural.

On October 24th, 2022 WIN Network: Detroit held a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Group Prenatal Care Center. The event hosted United States Department of Health and Human Services representatives, White House Officials, and key local leaders such as Senator Debbie Stabenow, Detroit’s Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and more. The event was also attended by Henry Ford Health leaders in maternal-child health, including Dr. Richard Leach and Dr. D’Angela Pitts. The event began with an impactful discussion on “Strengthening Maternal Health” in Detroit. Topics such as policy changes, addressing systemic racism within institutions, and increasing implicit bias training for medical and community staff were discussed. 

Courtney Latimer, WIN Network: Detroit’s Program Manager, explains that the dedicated space will improve our program. “It gives us the freedom to schedule groups more frequently. Previously, we had a shared conference room so we were limited in the number of groups we could schedule. Now, we can schedule groups that will fit into moms’ schedules better to allow more flexibility. We can also hold other programming in the space if we need to, such as orientations.”  

“Now, we can enroll at least 250 or more women per year at this site,” says Director Jaye Clement. “We only want to see this program continue to grow and see more families and babies thrive.” 

Courtney Anderson and Essie Boatwright, sisters and WIN Network: Detroit mothers, spoke at the ribbon-cutting press conference about the life-changing benefits they received by participating in WIN Network: Detroit’s group prenatal care. Courtney and Essie explained that because of WIN Network: Detroit, they had no hassle with appointment wait times and benefitted from extended one-on-one time with their Certified Nurse Midwife. If work conflicts with group sessions were an issue for Courtney and Essie, childcare assistance and transportation were provided. They shared that in groups, each expecting mother bonds with one another, learning the information for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. They enjoy the sense of community each time they participate in group prenatal care, building relationships with the other mothers and Community Health Workers through the years. For Courtney, the Community Health Worker follow up with each family until the baby’s first birthday “was very helpful due to mental health during the postpartum period.”  

Essie Boatwright and Courtney Anderson speak at the ribbon cutting.

WIN Network Detroit’s focus is to provide the Detroit community with access to quality services that prioritize the prenatal health of the most vulnerable residents to improve maternal and infant health. WIN Network hopes to show health systems the value of an alternative approach to maternal and infant health that centers the needs of Black mothers and families.   

Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom speaks at the ribbon cutting.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact winnetworkdetroit@hfhs.org.