Finalists Announced: Centering® Healthcare Institute finalist for Hearst Health Prize.

BOSTON, Feb. 9. 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Hearst Health announced that the Centering Healthcare Institute was among their top finalists for the Hearst Health Prize, awarded to an organization or individual for outstanding achievement in managing or improving population health.  The prize was created to "help promote promising new ideas in the field that will help to improve health outcomes," according to Jefferson College of Public Health, Hearst Health's partner in awarding this $100,000 prize.

Centering Healthcare Institute was chosen as one of three finalists out of 125 applicants for the innovative and evidence-based group model of prenatal care, CenteringPregnancy. In CenteringPregnancy, pregnant women with similar due dates join together in a group with their healthcare provider for prenatal care. They receive all the components of prenatal care, health assessment, interactive learning, and community building in a group setting. There is facilitated discussion of pregnancy, birth and newborn care as well as overall health. Studies in sample populations show Centering care increases breastfeeding rates and duration, decreases low birth weight and prematurity rates and increases patient and provider satisfaction.

"It is thrilling to see CenteringPregnancy recognized for the tremendous outcomes we are seeing around the country," said Angie Truesdale, CEO of Centering Healthcare Institute.  "Our patient-centered care model is successfully flattening disparities in high-risk communities through patient engagement and increased prenatal educational.  It is an honor to be among the finalists for the inaugural Hearst Health prize."

Almost 400,000 babies are born prematurely in the United States each year, an estimated lifetime cost to the healthcare system of $26 billion.  Studies have shown that CenteringPregnancy reduces the risk of premature birth by 33% to 47% compared to one-on-one care. These outcomes are even more significant for African American women.

Centering Healthcare Institute (CHI) is improving health by transforming care through Centering groups. CHI works to expand access to Centering through support of clinical practice sites that offer the CenteringPregnancy and CenteringParenting models training and implementation support, as well as advocacy. For more information visit www.centeringhealthcare.org.

Media Contact:
Shannon Sweeny
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SOURCE Centering Healthcare Institute