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Maternal mortality rates are significantly higher in rural areas as women face barriers in accessing prenatal, obstetrical and postpartum care. In this virtual workshop, learn about the unique challenges encountered in rural communities from U of MN Rural Health Research Center. Additionally, hear how Lexington Regional Health Center, a rural hospital in NE, is increasing access to optimal maternal care in rural communities.

Leaders of the Black Maternal Health Caucus virtually convened the second annual Stakeholder Summit, where members of Congress and supporting organizations urged passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 6142/S. 3424) to end preventable maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, and eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Congresswomen Lauren Underwood and Alma Adams launched the Black Maternal Health Caucus to address one of the most urgent crises in the United States today. In this podcast, Priscilla Ross, senior associate director for federal relations, speaks with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, co-chair of the Caucus, about their mission to elevate the Black maternal health crisis within Congress and advancing policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and end disparities.

The causes of maternal mortality and morbidity are complex, including lack of consistent access to comprehensive care and persistent racial disparities in health and health care.

AHA issued a refresh of its COVID-19 resource on ways hospitals and health systems are caring for mothers and babies during the pandemic.

Actionable data is a key component of any successful initiative. In this virtual workshop, experts share best practices for collecting, evaluating and transforming data into action. Learn how hospitals are improving outcomes for maternal and child health through innovative, data-driven solutions, while reducing variation in care delivery.

While the COVID-19 pandemic placed a pause on routine medical visits and non-emergency procedures, people are still giving birth and in need of support from hospitals and health systems.

While COVID-19 has impacted routine medical visits and non-emergency procedures, people are still giving birth and in need of support. Across the country, hospitals and health systems are implementing COVID-19 response plans that are shaping birth plans and experiences for expectant mothers and their families.

The AHA responded to a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services request for information by offering solutions for improving maternal and child health in rural communities.

The AHA appreciates the opportunity to provide input on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Request for Information regarding maternal and infant health care in rural communities.

The CDC issued revised guidance for pediatric clinicians on caring for newborns with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 or known COVID-19 exposure, including birth to a mother with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

The CDC issued a health advisory warning of COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

A new AHA resource shares ways hospitals and health systems are caring for mothers and babies during the COVID-19 crisis.

The CDC reported a notable drop in routine childhood vaccines ordered and administered through the federal Vaccines for Children program during the COVID-19 emergency.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Keri Hanson, maternal mental health program coordinator at SCL Health/Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colo., reflects on a forced move toward virtual maternal behavioral health services because of the COVID-19 emergency. Read more.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidance for health care providers who care for breastfeeding women and infants who receive breast milk, based on what is currently known about the virus that causes COVID-19 and the transmission of other viral respiratory pathogens.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced a six-month delay in implementation of its Innovation Center Maternal Opioid Misuse (MOM) Model, due to COVID-19.

Responding to a Senate Finance Committee request for solutions to address poor maternal health outcomes, AHA suggested several specific actions that could be taken at the federal level, from expanding Medicaid in non-expansion states and extending postpartum coverage for women enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP to requiring state Medicaid programs to cover telemedicine for maternal care.

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission published a pair of reports. In its March report to Congress, MACPAC, a key congressional advisor on the Medicaid program, updated its annual analyses of disproportionate share hospitals, including national estimates of the number of these facilities, spending by state, and uncompensated care costs by hospital type.

The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee approved 13 health care bills, including legislation that would reauthorize the AHA-supported Healthy Start program and codify Medicaid coverage for non-emergency medical transportation.