2024 AABC Media Award Presented to Jennifer Almanza

The 2024 AABC Media Award was presented at the 2024 AABC Birth Institute to Jennifer Almanza, DNP, APRN, CNM, and her research team for their journal article: The Impact of Culturally-Centered Care on Peripartum Experiences of Autonomy and Respect in Community Birth Centers: A Comparative Study. 

The research examined the experiences of BIPOC individuals in community birth centers, revealing important insights about maternal healthcare delivery. It focused on understanding how care approaches in black-led birth centers impact patient experiences and medical outcomes.

Existing studies have shown that BIPOC individuals face significant challenges in traditional hospital settings, with these patients being two to three times more likely to experience mistreatment during childbirth. In contrast, Almanza's research demonstrated that midwifery-led care in community birth centers can create a more positive healthcare experience, leading to increased feelings of autonomy and respect among BIPOC clients.

The research demonstrated that culturally centered care approaches can improve patient interactions, reduce unnecessary medical interventions, and create a more supportive environment for birthing individuals. The work emphasized the importance of understanding cultural context in healthcare delivery, particularly for communities that have historically been marginalized.

The researchers concluded that community birth centers offer a protective environment against discrimination, providing a model for more respectful and patient-centered care. Their findings suggest that healthcare policies should consider supporting these alternative care models, especially those led by BIPOC providers.

The American Association of Birth Centers is honored to recognize Jennifer Almanza and her team for this important step in understanding and improving culturally-centered maternal healthcare.