SAMARIS ORELISSE VEGA

Mrs. SAMARIS ORELISSE VEGA


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Edna Acosta-PérezEdna Acosta-Pérez
Edna Acosta-Pérez
CDCristina Diaz
Cristina Diaz
AGAtisha Gómez-Reyes
Atisha Gómez-Reyes
SAMARIS ORELISSE VEGASAMARIS ORELISSE VEGA
SAMARIS ORELISSE VEGA
CNCarlamarie Noboa
Carlamarie Noboa
Marizaida Sanchez-CesareoMarizaida Sanchez-Cesareo
Marizaida Sanchez-Cesareo
Background: Maternal and newborn health disparities remain a challenge in Puerto Rico, especially in underserved communities. Comienzo Saludable Puerto Rico, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy Start Initiative (HRSA), addresses these gaps through an integrated Networks of Care model known as Cuidado Compartido. Comienzo Saludable Puerto Rico is a maternal, paternal, and child health program aimed at improving the health and well-being of pregnant women, mothers, fathers, newborns, and children in Puerto Rico, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. Methods: This paper presents the Comienzo Saludable Puerto Rico program’s Cuidado Compartido model to integrate a network of healthcare providers and services across hospitals, community organizations, and families. This model aims to improve maternal and newborn/child health outcomes by focusing on the importance of integrated, hospital-community-based care networks. Results: Participants experienced significant improvements in key birth outcomes: low birth weight prevalence declined by 27.2% compared to the community baseline, premature birth rates decreased by 30.9%, and infant mortality dropped by 75%, reaching 0% by 2021 and remaining there through 2023. These results were complemented by increases in maternal mental health screening, paternal involvement, and breastfeeding practices. Conclusions: The Cuidado Compartido model demonstrates a scalable, culturally responsive strategy to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes. It offers critical insights for implementation in other high-need contexts.