Perinatal Periods of Risk model celebrates 15 years

The Perinatal Periods of Risk model, a tool used in urban communities to address high infant mortality rates and disparities,  celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. The Coalition was an early implementer of the model, which led to a focus on preconception health and the implementation of the Magnolia Project.

PPOR was based on a model used by the World Health Organization and adapted by CityMatCH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for use in urban U.S. communities. The analysis includes a map that divides fetal and infant deaths into four periods of risk based on birth weight and age at death. Mortality rates in each of the areas are compared to a reference rate to determine which areas may have excess mortality. Each of the periods of risk is linked to potential intervention strategies.

CityMatCH focused on the anniversary in their fall newsletter, CityLights, including a feature on the use of PPOR by the Coalition. In Northeast Florida, the PPOR process helped in the Coalition identify pre- and inter-conception health as key areas of focus to improve birth outcomes. That led the Coalition to submit a proposal to the federal Healthy Start program and the eventual inception of the Magnolia Project.

The six stages of PPOR are:

  • Assure Analytic and Community Readiness
  • Conduct Analytic Phases of PPOR
  • Develop Strategic Actions for Targeted Prevention
  • Strengthen Existing and/or Launch New Prevention Initiatives
  • Monitor and Evaluate Approach
  • Sustain Stakeholder Investment and Political Will