State Health Department Strategies to Improve Birth Outcomes: An Analysis of 13 State Plans

Background: In January 2012, HRSA hosted an Infant Mortality Summit for HHS Regions IV and VI. The summit facilitated teams of 6-7 participants, including the state health officer, MCH director, and Medicaid director for each state. Teams developed strategies to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality from each of the 13 South Eastern states. Purpose: Analyze similarities and differences in state health department strategies to improve birth outcomes; give attendees information on how to increase collaboration across multiple departments and organizations; and identify promising practices in improving birth outcomes in states. Methodology: Analysis of 13 state action plans, follow up with each state, and legislative tracking to find common themes and identify promising practices. Findings: State strategies towards improving birth outcomes and reducing infant mortality included implementing state policies to eliminate elective C-sections and inductions prior to 39 week gestation; developing a regional campaign to address life course health, smoking cessation, chronic conditions, and influenza immunizations; and implementing safe sleep campaigns. Conclusions: While states selected similar action plans to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality, their strategies varied between hospital policies, payment mechanisms, multi-sector collaboration, and individual and provider education.