Strengthening State Review of Maternal Deaths through Collaborative Learning: The AMCHP Every Mother Initiative

Background: Maternal mortality has been on the rise in the United States for three decades, and today is marked by significant disparities by race/ethnicity (CDC, 2014). The revised Title V MCH Services Block Grant guidance specifies maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity as National Outcome Measures for which MCH programs will be responsible in moving the needle. To impact these outcomes, state maternal mortality reviews (MMRs) can be instrumental in identifying the causes of maternal death and implementing solutions.

Methods: The AMCHP Every Mother Initiative helps states take specific steps to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. AMCHP engages two cohorts, six states each, in a 15-month Action Learning Collaborative (ALC): a multidisciplinary learning community that analyzes a public health problem and implements program and policy solutions. In the ALC, the MMRs work together to 1) strengthen characterization of maternal deaths and 2) implement data-informed activities. States receive virtual and in-person technical assistance and implementation funding.

Results: The first cohort (CO, DE, GA, NC, NY, OH) concluded 10/31/14. Translation projects reflected individual MMR priorities. Examples include qualitative interviews with women to understand intentional and unintentional injury deaths, and implementation of obstetric emergency simulation exercises in Level I and II facilities. States reached hundreds of health professionals and women with educational programs, making significant changes in knowledge or intent to utilize needed services.

Conclusions: The AMCHP Every Mother Initiative enabled findings from MMRs to be translated into meaningful population-based action, and the funding support it provided contributed to MMR sustainability.