The University of New Mexico College of Nursing has received a grant to improve the collaboration between nurse-midwives and traditional birth workers, according to an announcement by UNM Health Sciences. The funding, amounting to $200,000 annually over two years, is supplemented by a new monthly initiative under UNM's telehealth program known as Project ECHO.
Felina Ortiz, a faculty member of UNM's Nurse-Midwifery program, secured the funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The aim of the grant is to establish an inclusive pathway for New Mexico birthworkers through peer support, training, and mentorship. According to a press release by UNM Health Sciences, Ortiz intends to set up a community mentorship program that will connect approximately 75 individuals involved in various aspects of birthwork. This is aimed at fostering cross-collaborative practices.
Ortiz stated in the press release that "this grant will help nurse-midwives and midwifery educators be more inclusive in our activities to New Mexico’s birthworkers." She further explained that birthwork involves anyone working with maternal child health. This includes doulas, lactation consultants, midwives, pre-med students interested in obstetrical care and other students aspiring to become home-visiting nurses for newborns or labor and delivery nurses; all these professions have a wide scope influenced by significant cultural practices within many communities in the state.
Ortiz also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity provided by the grant: "I very much appreciate the opportunity to support maternal child health, to help support the growing diversity within midwifery’s workforce – all for the sake of maternal child health in New Mexico."
The UNM College of Nursing holds a prestigious position among 115 Carnegie Classified R1 universities nationwide and ranks as the top nursing school in New Mexico. With an enrollment of 1,185 nursing students, it awards over $850,000 in scholarships, as stated on the About webpage provided by UNM College of Nursing.
