COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nearly half a million U.S. babies are born premature. Many of these infants won't make it to see their first birthday. Research is showing race and economic status are major factors when it comes to healthy babies. African American infants are 2.5 times more likely to die than white infants. There is a new program is helping at risk moms to be get the support they need.
Today Amber Broadus has a stable job working at a bank. But when the single mom of three was pregnant with her last child, she wasn't sure she would make it.
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"I was at a point where I wanted to give up. I was at a point where I wanted to abort my third child," she said.
Then she found Moms2B. It's a program started by pediatrician Dr. Patricia Gabbe that supports women like Broadus throughout their pregnancies and their babies' first year of life.
"I've always had a heart for caring for the underserved," said Gabbe.
The women meet weekly to receive nutritional education, access to health professionals and emotional support.
"I wanted to help moms feel their pregnancy is so valuable," Gabbe said.
One of the program's main goals is to reduce premature birth rates. African American women have an especially high risk. Moms2B has enrolled over 350 women and welcomed over 150 babies.
Tanikka Price is a volunteer at Moms2B. Despite getting pregnant in college, the mom of six graduated from law school.
"You can still go to college, you can still go to law school, you can still live all of your dreams and you can be a fantastic parent while you're doing that," said Price.
It's a story that inspires women like Broadus.
"The mental support, emotional, friendships. I really thank God for that program because it saved my life," she said.
Moms2B serves the Columbus, Ohio area. Nationally, Ohio ranks 48th worst in the country for infant mortality.