PQC4ME is committed to advancing health equity for Maine infants, birthing people, and families so that all achieve optimal health and wellness.

PQC4ME’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Workgroup is supporting the development of policies and practices to:

• Advance equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in all efforts to improve perinatal outcomes in Maine; outcomes from preconception through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and the first year of life, for infants, parents, and families.
• Center diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging both within the organization, and within the communities of people and professionals with whom we engage.
  Actively recognize and openly acknowledge social disparities and elevate the voices of intentionally and historically excluded people within every aspect of the work of PQC4ME.
• Demonstrate this commitment to social justice by engaging with all professionals, families, and communities inclusive of their race, ethnicity, culture, family structure, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, beliefs, age, ability, national origin, immigration status, primary language, religion, or socio-economic status, and values this inclusion during data collection and reporting.
• Using the quality improvement process, PQC4ME strives to improve health equity in healthcare delivery and outcomes for the people of Maine through implementation of education, evaluation, practices, and policies to reduce the effects of poverty, discrimination, and other social determinants of health.

Health Equity is a Major Focus in Maine.

The COVID-19 pandemic served to shine a light on Maine’s racial, ethnic and other disparities. In 2021, Black residents of Maine had the highest rate of COVID infections in the nation – a statistic that was a wakeup call for Maine’s health care system, communities of color and advocates.

• Maine’s population demographics have changed significantly: the proportion of the state’s non-white population has grown to almost 10%, and now includes individuals and families from Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. The state’s health care system and many community-based organizations are responding with new initiatives to reduce disparities and promote health equity. These efforts augment programs and resources for marginalized populations and communities across the state impacted by rural isolation, poverty, substance use, unsafe and unaffordable housing, lack of transportation, and food insecurity.
• PQC4ME’s DEIB Toolkit contains Definitions and 5 Guiding Principles.