Macon, Ga. (June 12, 2025) – Patricia Prime, who lost her mother to complications from childbirth when Patricia was just three weeks old and who has gone on to champion education for expecting and new mothers, is Piedmont Macon’s newest Community Hero Award winner.
Patricia has dedicated her life to educating the public about maternal mortality, especially in the black community. To help raise awareness about the maternal health crisis, each year she hosts the “It Takes a Village Maternal Health Expo” at no cost to the public. The expo’s overall goal is to recognize disparities, dismantle health inequities and improve maternal outcomes.
According to the Center for Productive Rights, Georgia has the second-highest maternal mortality rate in the country, and black women in the state are 3.3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. That’s largely attributed to limited access to both quality prenatal care and a healthy diet during pregnancy.
“I have seen her passion in action every time we are in the presence of expecting families,” her husband, Edwin Prime, said in nominating Patricia for the award. “When it comes to pregnancy and staying safe, Patricia is relentless and serious about saving lives.”
Patricia is a certified postpartum doula, registered nurse and lactation counselor. She has worked with expecting mothers and their families since 2003 and is a highly sought-after guest speaker at maternal health events across the midstate.
Stephen J. Daughterty, CEO of Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital, said he’s honored to recognize Patricia for her tireless community efforts.
“Her passion and dedication in educating the public about maternal mortality reflects the very best of the Piedmont mission by improving lives through compassion, knowledge and advocacy,” he said. “Patricia is one of those hidden gems we don’t often hear a lot about, and she is making a real difference in the countless lives she has touched over the years.”
The Community Hero Award is presented quarterly to a deserving individual. After soliciting nominations from the community and hospital employees, Piedmont Macon’s executive leadership team selects a winner. Along with the award, the recipient will receive $500 for the charity or nonprofit organization of his or her choice. Patricia is the seventh recipient of the award.