In May 2021, the CHCC began partcipating in the Pregnancy Risk Assesment Monitoring System (PRAMS) in partnership with the Centers Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This project will allow us to do even greater things for our mothers and infants by looking at information about their prenatal, breastfeeding, and other behaviors. PRAMS uses a population–based survey designed to collect information on maternal behaviors and experiences before, during, and shortly after a woman's pregnancy.
The CDC initiated PRAMS in 1987 to reduce infant mortality and the incidence of low birth weight. PRAMS surveillance currently covers about 83% of all U.S. births. Forty-seven states, the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Health Board (CDC´s map of participating PRAMS States) currently participate in PRAMS.
We are so excited to use this evidence based surveillance system to support advancing health for women and children!
The goal of CNMI PRAMS is to improve the health of mothers and babies in CNMI by reducing the risk of adverse birth outcomes like low birthweight, preterm birth, as well as infant and maternal morbidity and mortality. CNMI PRAMS provides essential data to identify high-risk groups, select maternal and child health priorities, establish prevention programs, and inform policy changes that can improve the health of mothers and babies in CNMI.