The U.S. has the highest perinatal mortality rate of any developed country. This rate continues to increase through 2023.

Ariana McGee found herself in the E.R. on the verge of losing her child. Luckily her and her family avoided tragedy, but the same can’t be said for mother’s across the U.S.

1,205 mothers died during and after childbirth in 2021. This is the problem that Navigate Maternity is out to solve.

Ariana McGee is the founder and CEO of Navigate Maternity. A company using both hardware and software to create an equitable & culturally competent journey for all mothers.

Navigate Maternity has been building some serious momentum in 2023. Ariana and her team won the Delta Red Tank pitch competition and the grand prize of $25,000, they were invited to pitch at the innovation showcase and were selected to participate in the Executive Women of Color Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Be sure to check out these great clips from the show:

• [2:12] The challenges faced by mothers during the prenatal and postpartum periods
• [10:45] Approaching launch and the founding team.
• [18:02] Current gaps in standard of care.
• [32:37] Finding support and overcoming obstacles in entrepreneurship.

Get IN. is the show focused on the unfolding stories and most extraordinary innovations happening in the heartland today. Get IN. is brought to you by Powderkeg and Elevate Ventures.

In our conversation with Ariana, you will learn about:

• The Maternal Health Crisis: Ariana shed light on the alarming maternal health crisis in the United States, particularly in Indiana. She emphasized the urgent need for solutions, especially for black women who are disproportionately affected.
•  The Tech Solution: Navigate Maternity has developed a Bluetooth blood pressure cuff, a class two device for use in pregnant women with conditions like pre-eclampsia. Their goal is to enhance the existing healthcare system.
• The Journey: Ariana shared the support she received from the Fort Wayne community and the importance of tapping into available resources and networks. She also emphasized the need for grit and determination in the face of adversity.

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Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Companies and organizations: 

• Navigate Maternity
• Verizon Forward for Good Accelerator
• Stanford Biodesign
• Kelley School of Business – Indiana University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• Purdue University
• University of Notre Dame
• IU Ventures
• TechPoint
• Indiana Economic Development Corporation
• Vera Bradley

People:

• Ariana McGee
• Theadora James, MHA
• Dr. Elicia Harris, MD, MBA
• Kelli N. Jones
• Oscar Moralez
• Lindsay Tjepkema 
• Nate Spangle
• Matt Hunckler

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