Maternal Health
Governor Youngkin and Secretary Kelly are working collaboratively to combat maternal mortality, increase access to care, and promote engagement across diverse ethnic and socio-economic lines, bringing every initiative to the table. These efforts are supported by the reestablishment of the Task Force on Maternal Health Data and Quality Measures, as outlined in Executive Order 32, which aims to improve data collection, inform policies, and address maternal health disparities.
Key Initiatives Under Executive Order 32:
- Reestablishment of the Task Force on Maternal Health Data and Quality Measures to evaluate maternal health data and improve care quality and outcomes, with a focus on race, ethnicity, and other demographic disparities.
- Ongoing partnerships and investments to improve prenatal care and expand access to doulas, nurse midwives, and maternal health hubs, especially in underserved communities like Petersburg.
- Broadening healthcare coverage for expectant mothers and ensuring financial and legal support for families.
- Virginia’s participation in the National Governors Association’s Improving Maternal and Child Health in Rural America Learning Collaborative to implement best practices and insights for improving maternal health outcomes.
Maternal Health Data Task Force
Established under Executive Order 32 and Executive Directive 11, the Maternal Health Data Task Force will focus on utilizing data to develop meaningful priorities and strategies that ensure the safety and well-being of mothers across Virginia.
Under the direction of Governor Glenn Youngkin, the Task Force convened to implement a data-driven approach to continue to solve challenges facing pregnant moms, and announced the "Ask About Aspirin" campaign, a data-driven initiative that offers an affordable and highly effective way to save the lives of expectant mothers.
March 19, 2025 Meeting
Supporting documents:
-Maternal-Health-Legislative-update.pdf)
Maternal Health Medicaid Update
Cheryl Roberts, Director, DMAS
VHHA Maternal Health Overview
David Vaamonde, Vice President of Data Analytics, VHHA and Andre Tolleris, Director of Data Analytics, VHHA
November 8, 2024 Meeting
Supporting documents:
Maternal Health Data Task Force November 2024 Meeting Agenda
Maternal Health Lunch and Learn Series
The Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources convened another "Lunch and Learn" session, this time focusing on Maternal Cardiovascular Health. Many attendees from various stakeholder groups in the Commonwealth heard from the new Health and Human Services Secretary, Janet Kelly, and industry experts on Maternal Cardiovascular health services available in Virginia.
Maternal Health Roundtable
On February 29th 2024, the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources gathered representatives from across Virginia, including legislators, state agencies, and medical community members to discuss strategies for improving Maternal Health. The Governor delivered opening remarks and challenged attendees to establish measurable next steps that address struggling maternal health numbers in the Commonwealth. Presenters spoke to the landscape of maternal health in Virginia, Medicaid Maternity and Postpartum Care, Private Sector Care, and a community perspective reflecting best practices.
The Honorable Kay Coles James, former Secretary of the Commonwealth, led a rich open mic discussion with attendees to gather information as to what is needed to improve Virginia’s maternal health. Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne Youngkin, State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton and approximately 75 community members participated in the roundtable. The Governor and Secretary Littel will continue the work to bring every initiative to the table in a collaborative effort to combat the maternal mortality rate, increase access to care, and promote engagement across diverse ethnic and socio-economic lines.
- Dr. Karen Shelton, the State Health Commissioner, with the Virginia Department of Health, presented a look at Virginia’s Maternal Health Landscape through a data-driven lens. Attendee’s reviewed data on maternal mortality, maternal outcomes, patient engagement, linkage to care and access to care.
- Cheryl Roberts, Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) Agency Director, presented information on Medicaid Maternity and Postpartum Coverage and Services in Virginia. The presentation included a Medicaid maternal overview, maternal health levers, and current DMAS initiatives.
- Seema Sarin, MD, FACLM, presented information on Maternal Health: A Whole Health Approach. The presentation included an overview of a whole health focus, the state of maternal health, commercial industry objectives, a focus to drive better outcomes, and recommendations.
- Stephanie Spencer, Executive Director of Urban Baby Beginnings, presented a Community Provider Perspectives, Reflecting Best Practices.