What is CenteringPregnancy®?
CenteringPregnancy® is a model of prenatal care that combines the three main components of prenatal care (assessment, education, support) in a group setting.  It can be implemented in a variety of sites such as:
- Community health centers, 
- Hospital and public health clinics, 
- Private offices, and
- HMOs
By enhancing the delivery of prenatal care, CenteringPregnancy® fits strategically with the March of Dimes mission.

Is CenteringPregnancy® effective?
A recent study published in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist’s Green Journal showed that the Centering model of prenatal care improved pregnancy outcomes in the area of reducing preterm births and increasing breastfeeding initiation, psychosocial function, and patient satisfaction*.

Where do I find more information about CenteringPregnancy®?
Please complete and submit this form or contact Gwen Houldsworth at the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter Office at 404.350.9800 X 218 or ghouldsworth@marchfodimes.com for an informational packet.  Additional information can be found through the Centering Healthcare Institute, Inc. (formerly the Centering Pregnancy & Parenting Association, Inc.) website: www.centeringpregnancy.com. 

What funding opportunities are available through the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter? 

Training: Per CenteringPregnancy® guidelines, all staff (patient care providers and administrative staff) involved with caring for the patient population should attend the training together.  In 2008, the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter is offering this training for providers who plan on utilizing CenteringPregnancy®.  It is anticipated the training will take place in late Fall 2008.  Please complete and submit the attached form or contact Gwen Houldsworth at 404.350.9800 X 218 or ghouldsworth@marchofdimes.com for additional information.

Implementation:  Through the chapter community grants program, the March of Dimes Chapters Georgia Chapter can provide financial support to organizations implementing this model for:
• Implementation materials (e.g. CenteringPregnancy® handbook)
• Participant educational materials (e.g. participants notebooks, March of Dimes health education materials)
• Refreshments to enhance group support activities
• Incentives for group participants
• Program supplies (e.g. postage, stationary)
• Administrative support (e.g. data entry for evaluation, scheduling)
• Site credentialing costs in year two (cost may vary from $2,500 to $3,500)
For more information about the chapter community grants program, please contact Gwen Houldsworth at 404.350.9800 X 218 or ghouldsworth@marchofdimes.com

What is the next step?
If you are interested in 1) learning more about CenteringPregnancy® 2) learning more about training opportunities, or 3) learning more about funding opportunities, please complete and submit the above form or contact Gwen Houldsworth at 404.350.9800 X 218 or ghouldsworth@marchofdimes.com.

* “Group Prenatal Care and Perinatal Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial”, The Green Journal, Vol. 100, No. 2 Part 1, August 2007.