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Magnolia Project

Health Factors: Family & Social Support
Decision Makers: Community Organizations, Government - Local, Healthcare Organizations
Evidence Rating: Some Evidence
Population Reach: 1-9% of WI's population
Impact on Disparities: Likely to decrease disparities

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Description

The Magnolia Project is a Healthy Start program that provides prenatal and interconception care to women in five Jacksonville Florida zip codes; most residents of these zip codes are black. Services include health education, clinical services, case management, community outreach, and the Birthing Project.

Expected Beneficial Outcomes

Improved birth outcomes
Improved maternal health

Evidence of Effectiveness

There is some evidence that the Magnolia Project leads to better birth outcomes and reduced maternal risk factors (Biermann 2006, Livingwood 2010, Will 2005). The Magnolia Project is a suggested strategy to improve birth outcomes (March of Dimes 2010). However, additional evidence is needed to confirm effects.

The Magnolia Project can lower incidence of infant mortality and low birthweight babies (Livingwood 2010, Will 2005). Participants have been shown to have fewer sexually transmitted infections (Biermann 2006, Livingwood 2010), and make greater use of family planning methods (Biermann 2006). 

Implementation Examples

United States

As of March 2012, the Magnolia Project is only in Jacksonville, Florida.

Citations - Evidence

Biermann 2006 - Biermann J, Dunlop AL, Brady C, Dubin C, Brann Jr. A. Promising practices in preconception care for women at risk for poor health and pregnancy outcomes. Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2006;10(5 Suppl):S21-8. Accessed on June 20, 2012
Webpage: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1592161/pdf/10995_2006_Article_97.pdf
Livingwood 2010* - Livingood WC, Brady C, Pierce K, et al. Impact of pre-conception health care: Evaluation of a social determinants focused intervention. Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2010;14(3):382-91. Accessed on June 23, 2012
Webpage: http://www.springerlink.com/content/j02731tr5j3034t3/
March of Dimes 2010 - March of Dimes. Toward improving the outcome of pregnancy III. 2010. Accessed on June 20, 2012
Webpage: http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/medicalresources_tiop.html
Will 2005 - Will JA, Hall I, Cheney T, Driscoll M. Flower power: Assessing the impact of the Magnolia Project on reducing poor birth outcomes in an at-risk neighborhood. Journal of Applied Sociology. 2005;22(2). Accessed on June 19, 2012
Webpage: http://nefhealthystart.org/resources-research/publications/

* Journal subscription may be required for access.

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Health Factors

Health Behaviors
Tobacco Use
Diet & Exercise
Alcohol Use
Sexual Activity
 Clinical Care
Access to Care
Quality of Care
 Social & Economic Factors
Education
Employment
Income
Family & Social Support
Community Safety
 Physical Environment
Environmental Quality
Built Environment

Decision Makers

Businesses & Employers
Community Organizations
Government - Local
Government - State
Government - Federal
Healthcare Organizations
Individuals
Schools

Evidence Rating

Level of effectiveness based on a scan of academic literature and key recommendations of leading organizations.

  • Scientifically Supported Numerous studies or systematic review(s) with positive results
  • Some Evidence Research suggests positive impacts; further study may be warranted
  • Expert Opinion Recommended by credible groups*; research evidence limited
  • Insufficient Evidence Evidence limited or unavailable; further study warranted
  • Mixed Evidence Evidence mixed; further study warranted
  • Evidence of Ineffectiveness Research consistently shows program is detrimental or has no effect

Although many policies and programs are recommended by credible groups, we apply the rating ‘expert opinion’ only when policies are recommended but limited scientific evidence of effectiveness is available.

* The American Heritage Dictionary defines credible as 'capable of being believed; plausible.' and 'worthy of confidence; reliable.' To be considered an 'expert recommendation,' policies and programs must be recommended by one or more organizations that are recognized for their impartial expertise in the area of interest and have limited evidence available.

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

<1%   20-49%
1-9%   50-99%
10-19%   100%

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

<1%   20-49%
1-9%   50-99%
10-19%   100%

Potential Impact on Health Disparities

Likely impact of a given policy or program on racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic or other disparities in Wisconsin based on its characteristics (e.g., target audience, mode of delivery, etc.) and best available evidence related to disparities.

  • Likely to decrease disparities
  • No impact on disparities likely
  • Likely to increase disparities