The Magnolia Project is a Healthy Start program that provides prenatal and interconception care and case management services to eligible women in five Jacksonville Florida zip codes; most residents of these zip codes are black. Services include case management, family planning, group based health education, clinical services, and community outreach.
Expected Beneficial Outcomes (Rated)
Improved birth outcomes
Other Potential Beneficial Outcomes
Reduced incidence of STIs
Increased use of contraception
Evidence of Effectiveness
The Magnolia Project is a suggested strategy to improve birth outcomes (March of Dimes-Pregnancy). Available evidence suggests that participation by high-risk women in the case management program may lower the incidence of infant mortality (Brady 2014, Livingood 2010*, Will 2005) and low birthweight babies (Livingood 2010*, Will 2005). Participants appear to have fewer repeat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (Biermann 2006, Livingood 2010*), and may make greater use of family planning methods than before participating in the program (Biermann 2006). Additional evidence is needed to confirm effects.
Impact on Disparities
Implementation Examples
As of July 2013, the Magnolia Project is only in Jacksonville, Florida.
Citations - Evidence
* Journal subscription may be required for access.
March of Dimes-Pregnancy - March of Dimes. Toward improving the outcome of pregnancy III.
Brady 2014 - Brady C, Johnson F. Integrating the life course into MCH service delivery: From theory to practice. Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2014;18(2):380-8.
Livingood 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.
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).
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.
Related What Works for Health Strategies
To see citations and implementation resources for this strategy, visit:
countyhealthrankings.org/take-action-to-improve-health/what-works-for-health/strategies/magnolia-project
To see all strategies:
countyhealthrankings.org/whatworks