York College Secures $10,000 Grant to Advance Healthy Pregnancy Program for the Haitian Community
Building a Better Future for Maternal Health in York’s Haitian Population
The city of York has witnessed a growing number of Haitian women entering pregnancy, but like many communities across the United States, they face disproportionate risks for low‑birth‑weight infants and other adverse outcomes. In response, York College of Pennsylvania has joined forces with Family First Health (FFH) to evaluate and strengthen one of its flagship initiatives—the Connections for a Healthy Pregnancy program—through a newly awarded $10,000 grant. This partnership underscores how academic research can translate into tangible community benefits.
Why the Connections for a Healthy Pregnancy Program Matters
The program was launched in 2017 with the explicit goal of reducing the prevalence of low‑birth‑weight babies in York by deploying Community Health Workers (CHWs). CHWs provide culturally relevant outreach, risk identification, and referrals for pregnant women who face medical or social challenges. By focusing on the Haitian community, FFH addresses a demographic that research shows experiences higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, mirroring national disparities among Black women.
Key Impact Areas of the Program
- Improved breastfeeding initiation and duration
- Higher average birth weights
- Reduced rates of pre‑term pregnancies
- Greater adherence to postpartum visits and immunization schedules
- Enhanced overall well‑being for mothers and newborns
Success in these areas not only benefits individual families but also lessens long‑term public health costs and strengthens community resilience.
The Role of York College Faculty in Program Evaluation
Associate Professor Dr. Klaudia J. Cwiekala‑Lewis and Graduate Adjunct Dr. Brandon Parkyn were selected to lead the evaluation. Dr. Cwiekala‑Lewis brings an advanced background in public health nursing and a proven track record in community health research, while Dr. Parkyn adds robust statistical expertise. Together, they crafted an assessment blueprint that will examine the program’s outcomes using both quantitative metrics and qualitative insights.
Methodology Overview
The evaluation will use a mixed‑methods approach:
- Data mining from FFH’s existing program database to track participant demographics, service utilization, and health outcomes.
- Surveys and focus groups with participants and CHWs to capture lived experiences and perceived barriers.
- Comparative analysis with similar programs in neighboring communities to contextualize findings.
This methodology ensures a comprehensive understanding of both what works and where gaps remain.
Strategic Partnerships Enable Sustainable Change
The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) at York College served as the bridge between academic resources and community needs. In a statement, Executive Director Carly Legg Wood highlighted how CCE’s coordination enabled rapid mobilization of faculty expertise. “We matched the right scholars to FFH’s grant request, setting the stage for evidence‑driven improvements,” she explained.
Such collaborations demonstrate the power of partnering academic institutions with local health agencies. By pooling data, expertise, and funding, these entities can accelerate translational research that directly benefits the people they serve.
What the Evaluation Will Achieve
By the summer of 2026, Dr. Cwiekala‑Lewis and Dr. Parkyn plan to deliver a full report highlighting:
- Statistical evidence of improved maternal and newborn outcomes
- Identification of social determinants of health that influence program success
- Recommendations for scaling up or refining program components
- Proposals for securing additional funding and resources
These findings will guide FFH’s next funding cycle, attract new partners, and inform policymakers on effective interventions for underserved and minority populations.
Implications for Future Research and Practice
The evaluation sets a precedent for how community health programs can be rigorously assessed. Scholars, clinicians, and public health officials can draw lessons from York College’s iterative model, which balances data-driven analysis with community‑centered perspectives. Moreover, the success of the Connections for a Healthy Pregnancy program may serve as a case study for universities seeking to support similar initiatives nationwide.
How You Can Get Involved
If your organization or practice works with expectant mothers from marginalized communities, consider partnering with local academic institutions to launch evidence‑based programs. In many cases, grants from foundations, state agencies, or health departments provide seed funding that can be matched with scholarly research. Here’s how you can start:
- Reach out to regional universities to explore collaborative research proposals.
- Identify funding opportunities that specifically target maternal‑child health disparities.
- Develop a project framework that incorporates ongoing evaluation to ensure continuous improvement.
By bridging academia and community practice, you can create sustainable solutions that empower those most in need.
Next Steps and Key Takeaways
The partnership between York College, FFH, and the CCE exemplifies a model for impactful community health research. Key takeaways for practitioners and researchers include:
- Prioritize culturally tailored outreach when addressing specific populations.
- Combine quantitative data with qualitative narratives for richer insights.
- Leverage institutional partnerships to access expertise, data, and potential funding.
- Plan for data dissemination that informs program upgrades and policy debates.
As York College advances its evaluation work, the community will benefit from a stronger, data‑driven approach to improving maternal health outcomes for the Haitian population in York.
For more information on how to engage in community health research or apply for similar grants, consider the following next steps:
