Building a village of support

Val Morris is a community health specialist at IU Health Arnett, concentrating on infant and maternal health. Through the Maternal Care Connections program, Morris has helped at least 700 patients in the past year get the support they need by removing barriers, providing critical supplies and connecting them to local resources.

A calling to serve

“I first became involved in this work about seven years ago while working in food service in a hospital,” says Morris.

“I often found myself listening to patients share concerns that went far beyond what my role allowed me to address,” she says. “I understood their needs. I had lived similar experiences, but I didn’t have the tools or authority to truly help. Those moments stayed with me.”

Morris joined IU Health two years ago and found purpose in the Maternal Care Connections program.

“The program has given me the opportunity to do what I feel I was meant to do, which is advocate for patients,” says Morris.

“I strive to offer guidance, solutions, resources, support and reassurance. I want people to know they are not alone, that help exists and that there is still a village to support them.”

Breaking down barriers

Some of the biggest challenges mothers face include lack of reliable transportation, limited access to resources beyond hospital walls, food insecurity, inadequate breastfeeding support and unmanaged health conditions, says Morris. Through Maternal Care Connections, Morris and the team work to bridge these gaps so families receive the care and resources they need to thrive.

For example, when a patient reported struggling to pay her bills and to secure convenient transportation to her medical appointments, Morris helped connect her with local agencies that provide assistance in these areas.

Likewise, when a patient called stating she was down to her last diaper for her baby and couldn’t make it through the day, Morris immediately dropped off an emergency supply of diapers at the patient’s home.

“One of the most fulfilling moments is hearing patients exhale in relief when a need is met, whether it's finding a specific item they need or helping remove a stressor they've been carrying,” says Morris. “Those moments of relief remind me why this work matters and affirms the impact we have on the families we serve.”

Collaboration for impact

This work is important, and Morris doesn’t do it alone.

“Providers, nurses, social workers, medical assistants, patient representatives and leadership work closely together with a shared commitment to ensuring patients receive the care and support they need,” says Morris.

“This work is the culmination of an eighteen-month effort to drive practice change in the care of pregnant patients. By integrating social determinants of health (SDoH) screenings into our standard workflow, we have shown the community our true commitment to their health. [Morris] has been integral in building a robust safety net, ensuring that no patient falls through the cracks when they need assistance,” says Faihza Hill, MD, MPH, MS, medical director of Health Impact.

Join us in transforming pregnancy care by making a donation to support the Maternal Care Connections program. For more information, contact Ashley Pleasant at the IU Health Foundation.