March 4, 2020

Detroit Clinic Launches Mobile Antenatal Testing Pilot with Blue Cross Grant

The Luke Project 52 Clinic expands its services to Michigan moms and families, with a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The Detroit-based non-profit clinic is led by medical director Katherine J. Gold, with support from many U-M Family Medicine colleagues.

inside the luke project 52 clinic prenatal mobile testing unit with medical staff and patients
Take a look inside the The Luke Project 52 Clinic's new mobile antenatal testing unit. A gift from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will allow the clinic to expand their services to Detroit and Flint area families. Pictured here are Michigan Medicine health care providers, including Christine Polley (far left), Tiffany Burrell (far right), and Katherine Gold, M.D., M.S.W., M.S., associate professor of family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology, who serves as the non-profit clinic's medical director.
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Read the original press release from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

This week, the Luke Project 52 Clinic and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan launch the Mobile Antenatal Testing Pilot program to provide free weekly antenatal testing in vulnerable patients’ homes in Detroit in order to increase compliance, achieve better outcomes and lower costs.

The Luke Project 52 Clinic was awarded $75,000 by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to expand the mobile maternal and infant health program in Detroit by adding an outreach vehicle and the equipment necessary to provide antenatal testing to pregnant women. The funding was provided through Blue Cross’ Strengthening the Safety Net program, which has helped local safety net providers offer free or low-cost medical, dental and mental health care service to uninsured and underinsured Michigan residents.

“The infant mortality rate in Detroit (13.1) is significantly higher than the national average (5.6) and is even higher among African American women (14.1)” said Rev. Brad Garrison RPh, Executive Director of the Luke Project 52 Clinic.

Founded in 2016, The Luke Project 52 Clinic provides free prenatal and infant care to the uninsured and underinsured in Detroit. The company offers a wide range of services in addition to medical care such as child-care, immunizations, social services, assistance in obtaining insurance, counseling, food, reading glasses, prenatal education, etc. to carry out the mission of “saving babies, changing lives, and building community.”

Katherine J Gold MD MSW MS
Katherine J. Gold, M.D., M.S.W., M.S., associate professor of family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology

Katherine J. Gold, M.D., M.S.W., M.S., associate professor of family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology, serves as the Luke Project 52 Clinic's medical director.

“By offering access to quality care, this clinic is empowering vulnerable individuals and families in the community to improve their health,” said Kimberly Kratz, senior health care analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “We at Blue Cross are proud to support their efforts and to have donated more than $15 million to safety net organizations for 15 consecutive years.”

luke project mobile testing unit
The Luke Project 52 Clinic's new mobile antenatal testing unit

This award will enable the Luke Project 52 Clinic to routinely offer ultrasound, vital sign and weight measurement, non-stress test, and mood and safety assessments to at risk mothers. The pilot project will provide at least 150 testing visits during the first year of operation.To learn more about the pilot, visit: thelukeproject52clinic.org.