The SHALON Blueprint
The SHALON Blueprint is an initiative of Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project (DSMAP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating racial disparities in maternal healthcare.
Rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural competence, and systemic change, it is a guiding framework to ensure equitable, empathetic, and patient-centered care for Black women and birthing people.
What is the SHALON Blueprint?
The SHALON Blueprint is a mnemonic designed to transform and humanize clinical interactions, fostering trust, dignity, and equity in maternal care. Each pillar builds on core principles of patient-centered care:
S—See Her: Recognizing every patient’s individuality and unique needs.
H—Hear Her: Actively listening and validating her concerns to build trust.
A—Acknowledge Her: Respecting her autonomy, decisions, and lived experiences.
L—Learn Her Story: Understanding her cultural and personal background to provide informed care.
O—Own Your Bias: Challenging ourselves to reflect on and address implicit and explicit biases.
N—Never Forget Your Oath: Reinforcing the commitment to 'do no harm' and uphold ethical, compassionate care.
Together, these six pillars provide a structured approach for creating equitable and patient-centered maternal healthcare experiences.
Core Components
Mastering the Six Pillars
Practical strategies for identifying, addressing, and dismantling bias in maternal healthcare.
Implementing patient-centered techniques that foster meaningful and respectful interactions.
Exploring Real-World Case Studies
Examining systemic inequities in maternal health and their root causes.
Analyzing how implicit and explicit bias shapes patient experiences and outcomes.
Building Confidence Through Practice
Engaging in interactive exercises that challenge participants to recognize and respond to bias with empathy and clarity.
Enhancing skills to create safe, equitable, and empowering care spaces.