Welcome to the DePaul Infant Equity Education Project (DIEEP), a pioneering initiative by DePaul Community Health Centers (DCHC) dedicated to promoting maternal and infant health equity in the greater New Orleans area. Our mission is to address social determinants of health (SDOH) and reduce health disparities in infant nutrition, maternal and paternal mental health, and promote maternal health equity to ensure that every family has access to the resources and support necessary for optimal health outcomes.
Our Vision
At DIEEP, we envision a world where everyone has an equitable opportunity to attain their best health outcomes. We are committed to eliminating systemic social barriers and circumstances that hinder health, also known as health inequities. By focusing on maternal and infant health, we strive to create a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support and educate community members, businesses, and families, particularly those in underserved and vulnerable communities, to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. DIEEP aims to:.jpeg)
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Conduct fun and engaging outreach events for community members and families seeking DIEEP resources and health and social services information.
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Educate the public about the Providing Urgent Maternal Protection for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act).
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Support businesses in complying with the PUMP Act.
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Provide mental health support and resources for both maternal and paternal postpartum depression (PPD), as well as other maternal mental health concerns.
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Collaborate with local maternal and child health-related organizations and agencies to address SDOH and health inequities.
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Conduct educational initiatives to raise community awareness about health equity, cultural sensitivity, and maternal and infant health.
Our Programs and Initiatives
1. Infant Nutrition & Breastfeeding Support and Education: Breastfeeding is the most effective method for providing infants with essential nutrients and immune support for proper development. Our breastfeeding initiatives reflect the significance of breastfeeding by promoting breastfeeding justice and workplace equity, providing breastfeeding education and training, and disseminating breastfeeding support resources to improve infant nutrition. Furthermore, our initiatives include educating the community and businesses about the PUMP Act, which mandates accessible and non-penalizing means for breastfeeding in the workplace, and providing nutritious food resources for families in need. Want to learn more? Click here!
2. Maternal Mental Health Support: Mental health conditions are one of the most common complications in pregnancy and childbirth; they affect at least 1 in 5 birthing individuals each year in the United States, including their families. DIEEP addresses this alarming statistic through our maternal mental health initiatives in the New Orleans area. More specifically, we address maternal mental health via postpartum depression (PPD) support and resources for childbearing people and their families. Through community education on the signs and symptoms of PPD, and the promotion of mental health resources, and conducting community outreach events supporting positive mental health, we aim to reduce the prevalence of PPD and other maternal mental health concerns, and improve overall perinatal mental health. Want to learn more? Click here!
3. Health Equity Education: Health equity is the state where everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their best health outcomes. Attaining this state requires recognizing and addressing the systemic social barriers and circumstances that hinder health outcomes, known as health inequities. DIEEP works to advance health equity and address these systemic barriers by educating the community and local businesses about the importance of health equity, the significance of cultural competence in medicine, and the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on health outcomes. Furthermore, the dynamic DIEEP Community Health Workers work tirelessly to recognize and specially target the social factors that affect our maternal patient population to improve overall maternal and infant mental and physical health. Want to learn more? Click here.
Our Impact
Since our inception, DIEEP has achieved significant milestones in protecting vulnerable populations from health inequities and improving maternal health outcomes. Our efforts have marked the beginning of a journey towards reducing infant food insecurity, enhancing awareness of maternal and paternal mental health, and promoting maternal health equity throughout the Greater New Orleans area.
Join us in Health Equity!
We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthier, more equitable future for all families. Whether through volunteering, partnering with us, or participating in our programs, your support can make a difference. Together, we can bridge the gap in maternal and infant health, ensuring that every family has the opportunity to thrive.
For more information or to get involved, please submit any questions here and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for program updates! Or, contact a DIEEP Catalyst staff member at (504) 482-2080 and follow us on social media.
