Since 2017, the Washington, D.C. Department of Health (DC Health) has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Bloustein Center for Survey Research of Rutgers University on the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) surveillance project. PRAMS is an ongoing, population-based survey of residents who delivered a live-born infant. PRAMS collects data on maternal behaviors and experiences from preconception to the postpartum period.

 

Each month, close to 100 women who recently gave birth are chosen at random from the DC birth certificate registry to receive the survey. If selected, the survey will be mailed to the mother along with a $5 incentive. Upon survey completion, an additional gift of $20 will be mailed to the participant. All responses will be returned to the District of Columbia Department of Health and will be kept confidential.

 

PRAMS data are used to identify groups of women and infants at high risk for health problems, to monitor changes in health status, and to measure progress towards improving maternal and child health. PRAMS data allow DC Health to analyze population-level trends alongside stakeholders to coordinate efforts and improve health outcomes. Better understanding of maternal attitudes and experiences before, during and shortly after pregnancy allows DC Health to focus efforts on evidence-based approaches to support programs and policies. The continued monitoring and evaluation of maternal and child health indicators also play an important role in ensuring a more equitable District.

 

 

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Center for Policy, Planning and Evaluation (CPPE), Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

Pamela Oandasan

DC PRAMS Coordinator

 

 

855-PRAMSDC or (855) 772-6732

 

711

Office Hours: 
Monday through Friday 8:15 am – 4:45 pm

899 North Capitol Street, NE

Washington, DC 20002