When a pregnant woman with nowhere to go arrives at the hospital, what happens after she gives birth? For hundreds of women in Boston, Dr. Rosanna Means and her groundbreaking Bridges to Moms program create a lifeline that extends far beyond traditional medical care.

Our conversation with Dr. Means unveils the remarkable journey of a trained physician who abandoned a prestigious cardiology path after witnessing the resilience of Cambodian refugees. This transformative experience led her to create Healthcare Without Walls and eventually Bridges to Moms - programs that provide comprehensive support for pregnant women experiencing homelessness.

The statistics Dr. Means shares are both heartbreaking and hopeful. While women of color face maternal mortality rates three to five times higher than the general population, her program has maintained zero maternal deaths across nearly 900 participants. Every mother receives housing placement, transportation to medical appointments, food assistance, safety intervention when needed, and continued support through their baby's first year.

What truly distinguishes this work is understanding the human stories behind homelessness. Dr. Means dispels common misconceptions, explaining that many participants work full-time jobs but cannot afford housing in expensive urban areas. Others have been abandoned by partners upon announcing pregnancy or have made perilous immigration journeys seeking safety. The program responds with dignity rather than judgment, creating community through events like Day of Beauty and Career Day where women connect with resources and each other.

Perhaps most moving is Dr. Means' commitment to mothers with babies in neonatal intensive care. Her program provides daily transportation from shelters across Massachusetts, ensuring these vulnerable infants receive the proven benefits of maternal bonding during critical developmental periods.

Want to support this life-changing work? Visit bwhgiving.org/bridges to learn more and donate. 

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Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481
Editing by Team A-J
Host, Carmen Lezeth


DISCLAIMER: As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast. Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.