In 2004 the Division of Perinatal Services at Palmetto Health Richland (PHR) in Columbia South Carolina under the leadership of the PASOs Program Director conducted a research study of the Latino population in the Midlands with regards to their maternal and child health needs. The study revealed that Latina women have limited access and information about maternal and child health resources, which puts them and their babies at risk for preterm labor and pregnancy-related complications. In addition, results showed that South Carolina’s health system needed support to increase its capacity to effectively respond to the reproductive health needs of its growing Latino communities.
In response to these findings, in June of 2005, the Division of Women’s and Neonatology Services of Palmetto Health Richland established the PASOs Program, formerly known as the Latino Perinatal Outreach Program. The PASOs program began with a small grant from the March of Dimes community grants division.
In August 2008, the PASOs program initiated a partnership with the South Carolina Public Health Institute (SCPHI) and the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health through receipt of a grant from The Duke Endowment. Staff of SCPHI provides support and technical assistance as PASOs continues to develop and expand into other communities across South Carolina.
Why is PASOs important?
South Carolina is home to a fast-growing Latino population that is young, generally healthy and has a high birth rate. Research has shown that the longer Latinos live in our country, the worse their maternal and child health outcomes get if support is not provided. Already, Latina women in our state have many challenges accessing prenatal care, and they have higher rates of birth defects and pregnancy complications. South Carolina’s health system needs support in order to increase its capacity to effectively respond to the reproductive health needs of Latino mothers and babies.
The PASOs Program respects Latino cultural values and provides information in a way that can be understood, supported, and adopted by the community. The program is well-known in the local Latino community in areas where it exists, and is considered a trusted source for information on reproductive health and for referrals to health resources.
The PASOs program is also considered an expert source of information for maternal and child health providers throughout our state, and is often sought out for knowledge on how to successfully provide services to the Latino community. In 2008 the program received the “Pat on the Back Award” from the South Carolina Perinatal Association.
