Preeclampsia Foundation Launches GAP—SPIRIN

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The Preeclampsia Foundation partnered with Patients & Purpose to launch GAP—SPIRIN, an educational campaign that aims to help prevent the hypertensive disorder through the use of low-dose aspirin. It also aims to close the maternal health equity gap.¹ Preeclampsia develops in 5-8% of all pregnancies, but it is 60% more likely to occur amongst Black expectant mothers. The launch announcement came on January 23^rd, Maternal Health Awareness Day.

"The stark reality is that Black women face so many barriers to a healthy pregnancy—limited access to healthcare, decreased time during doctor visits, and symptoms and concerns that often get overlooked," explained Dr. Cornelia Graves, a maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist with Tennessee Maternal Fetal Medicine and member of the Preeclampsia Foundation's Medical Advisory Board in the release. "The healthcare community must respond by making sure that Black women are heard, informed, and receive low-dose aspirin prophylaxis for preeclampsia when appropriate to improve outcomes."

"That's where an effort like GAP—SPIRIN comes in," said Dina Peck, chief creative officer of Patients & Purpose, in the press release. "We partnered with the Preeclampsia Foundation to help close the diagnosis and prevention equity gap in preeclampsia by educating healthcare providers and their patients about low-dose aspirin."

GAP—SPIRIN’s initial launch provides 100 obstetric HCPs in high-risk communities across New York City with resources and educational materials about the use of aspirin as a preventative treatment. A low-dose aspirin regimen helps reduce the risk of preeclampsia and its complications, like organ damage, HELLP syndrome, placenta abruption, stroke, preterm and still birth. The participating offices are encouraged to submit their thoughts on current practices and pledge to do their part to help close the gap in maternal health.

"The Preeclampsia Foundation is focused on promoting solutions to care for Black women affected by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, not just restating the problem," said Preeclampsia Foundation director of communications and engagement Laney Poye. "We have the power to close the gap in maternal health by taking proactive action. That's why we are taking a multi-level approach that includes national, local and individual action to address preeclampsia and its impact on Black women and birthing people."

In mid-September 2024, the Preeclampsia Foundation announced a partnership with the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine to give patients a resource to manage and reduce their long-term heart risk caused by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The updated “My Health Beyond Pregnancy” is a free downloadable worksheet where patients can organize their long-term care plan. At the time of the announcement, Preeclampsia Foundation CEO Eleni Tsigas said that patients often know about their long-term risk, but don’t know what the next steps are.

“Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can arise during and after pregnancy. It is imperative for patients to engage in dialogue with their healthcare providers regarding the factors that contribute to the risk, appropriate management strategies, and the enduring health implications. Through the employment of this tool, our objective is to assist patients in managing this critical medical issue during pregnancy, with an eye toward promoting their future well-being,” Dr. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, SMFM president, said in the release.

Sources

Preeclampsia Foundation Launches GAP--SPIRIN: a creative intervention for Black maternal health. Omnicom Health Group. January 23, 2025. Accessed January 24, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/preeclampsia-foundation-launches-gapspirin-a-creative-intervention-for-black-maternal-health-302358047.html

Preeclampsia Foundation and partners launch updated “My Health Beyond Pregnancy” resource for tracking long-term heart health impact. The Preeclampsia Foundation. September 17, 2024. Accessed January 24, 2025. https://www.preeclampsia.org/the-news/health-information/preeclampsia-foundation-and-partners-launch-updated-my-health-beyond-pregnancy-resource-for-long-term-health