Current Collaborative Projects throughout Region 8
Together we ARE making strides towards ensuring that all families in Region 8 have equitable access to perinatal care. Below you’ll find a list of collaborative projects that are currently being worked on or ongoing throughout this fiscal year.
Indigenous Doula Training- January 2026
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of The Potawatomi partnered with SWMPQIC to provide a culturally responsive doula training in the region. That training had 30 participants, 8 of which represented the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of The Potawatomi Tribe. Other tribes that were represented included the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa, Little River Band of Ottawa, Gun Lake Tribe, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi, Forest County Potawatomi, Sault Tribe of Chippewa, Sault Ste Marie, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, and Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa as well as some who were non-native. During the training, there was a lot of sharing, bonding, and healing that took place. Participants now have access to continued education, connection, and materials as part of the training. Some individuals have already begun the process of registering for Medicaid acceptance, where others requested additional support and training in this space.
Bronson Obstetrics Gynecology and Midwifery Specialists & Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ongoing
In collaboration with Bronson Obstetrics Gynecology and Midwifery Specialists, SWMPQIC is supporting an initiative to use the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) methodology, to improve processes for remote blood pressure monitoring of patients with high blood pressure or preeclampsia, through small-scale, actionable testing.
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts- book distribution to all Region 8 Birthing Hospitals, Ongoing
Through a partnership between Kristina Ledlow, Bronson Perinatal Mental Health Coordinator, and Karen Kleiman, author of the Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts, all birthing hospitals in Region 8 will be giving this book to patients after delivery. This easy to read book/journal focuses on common perinatal mental health challenges following delivery, including topics such as navigating feeding, not feeling like yourself, maintaining relationships after a baby, and when to seek support.
Twenty Hands, Safe Sleep Education and Supplies, Ongoing
This project began in FY24, with an initiative led by Twenty Hands MIHP to deliver safe sleep education, supplies (fitted sheets, a safe sleep book, and a water bottle), and pack-n-plays to families in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties without a place for baby to sleep safely. Along with the delivery of the educational materials and supplies to their home, a Community Health Worker from Twenty Hands is also providing one-on-one education with families about the importance of safe sleep.
