The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) STRIDE grant funds occupational therapy research that is aligned with their mission to “promote diversity & belonging, combat racism, heal trauma, achieve equity, and social justice” (AOTF). All researchers awarded this grant have disabilities and/or have under-represented/under-resourced backgrounds to promote the work and wisdom from these communities. 

Each recipient receives mentorship from an occupational therapist with experience in research. Leanne Yinusa-Nyahkoon, MS, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA (she/her/hers) has been Rachel’s mentor through this project (pictured here). She is an associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Boston University. Leanne specializes in pediatric practice and family-centered care. As a clinical scientist, she is passionate about examining maternal and child health disparities and identifying strategies to navigate the contributing factors. 

Liberate Pelvic Health was awarded this grant to create and complete a qualitative research study to explore the experiences of Black birthing people participating and accessing healthcare for perinatal care. Black birthing people experience higher rates of negative maternal health outcomes due to racism in the healthcare system and experience (Howell, 2018). Across the holistic spectrum of care, the quality of care received needs to be improved. In one study investigating the experiences of prenatal care for black birthing people, participants across the board identified significant gaps in mental health care (Kemet et al., 2021). Solutions to meet the needs of the black birthing community require the community’s input and experiences to be feasible. Furthermore, black birthing people’s voices deserve to be amplified and their experiences heard, believed and validated. 

Currently, in April 2024, the qualitative study has been developed and is undergoing the review process with Boston University’s Institutional Review Board. Rachel presented the progress made and the experience working with this grant at the 2024 American Occupational Therapy Association’s national conference in March. 

References:

AOTF. (n.d.). AOTF STRIDE Grants. American Occupational Therapy Foundation. https://www.aotf.org/Grants/STRIDE-OT-Research-Fund 

Howell, E. (2018). Reducing disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Clin Obstet Gynecol., 61(2), 387-399.  DOI: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000349

Kemet, S., Yang, Y., Nseyo, O., Bell, F., Yinpa-ala Gordon, A., Mays, M., Fowler, M., & Jackson, A. (2021). “When I think of mental healthcare, I think of no care.” Mental health services as a vital component of prenatal care for black women. Maternal and Child Health Journal, (26), 778-787.