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PASOs (Perinatal Awareness for Successful Outcomes)

The PASOs (Perinatal Awareness for Successful Outcomes) program, pioneered in Columbia, S.C., is designed to provide Latina women with the educational programs and resources needed to ensure successful pregnancies and healthy babies.

With birth rates that double that of African-Americans and Caucasians, South Carolina has one of the nation’s fastest growing Latino populations. In response to this increase, Julie Smithwick-Leone, Program Director for PASOs, secured a $25,000 grant from the March of Dimes. The purpose of this funding is to provide prenatal education, in Spanish, to small groups of Latina women in the Midlands region of South Carolina.

In discussion of the program's benefits, Margarita Franco, Program Coordinator for PASOs in Richland and Lexington counties, noted that the PASOs curriculum covers topics that are pertinent to the mother's overall health and nutrition. Over the course of 14 hours of class time, women receive educational resources and tips on breastfeeding, labor and delivery, infant care and navigating the U.S. healthcare system.

Franco also advised that families are invited to attend the classes, and fathers often come to learn how they can play a role in their infant's care. In addition, women are afforded the opportunity to establish bonds and form social networks. Further, the theme of family and inclusion is helpful in drawing many participants out of isolated situations. The program is tailored to meet the specific needs of the Latino community and focuses on empowering the total woman, in addition to the core maternal component.

PASOs takes its messages and informational materials to the heart of the community. The local PASOs coordinator and volunteers distribute folic acid vitamins, provide private consultations and register pregnant women for the prenatal course.  In the past year, PASOs outreach initiatives have positively impacted the lives of 298 Latina women, reached 2,310 people at outreach events and provided 2,611 individual interventions for Latina women and their families.

For more information, contact Karen Petit, Director of External Affairs and Public Information at 803.777.5037.