The Georgia Maternal Health Task force is made up of key stakeholders from research, the state health department, hospitals, payors, academia, and the community who are dedicated to improving maternal health in Georgia.
During the first year of the program, Maternal Health Task Force (MHTF) members self-selected into areas of expertise and experience around maternal health policy; maternal health data; clinical care coordination and resource alignment; and community education and engagement. At its 2023 retreat, MHTF members brainstormed, discussed and found consensus on trends, root causes of the problem, and strategies to reduce or eliminate the problems standing in the way of healthy outcomes and positive birthing experiences.
In FY24, HOPE for Georgia Moms grouped strategies around five focus areas that would allow them to prioritize and implement specific strategies.
The Focus Areas are
- Cardiac Conditions in Obstetric Care
- Doulas & Care Access
- Maternal Mental Health
- Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) & Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)
- Self-advocacy & Respectful Care
The Maternal Health Task Force members meet quarterly to discuss strategies in these focus areas.
The Maternal Health Task Force was established in January of 2023, when HOPE for Georgia Moms began its search for experts and leaders in state and community organizations, professional organizations serving the perinatal population, and individuals presenting to the community. HOPE for Georgia Moms is recruiting passionate people for its Maternal Health Task Force and embraces the participation of persons with lived experience.
The Georgia Maternal Health Task Force (MHTF) has prioritized four areas for strategic action. These areas include Maternal Health Policy, Maternal Health Data, Education and Community Engagement, and Care Coordination and Resource Alignment. Strategies addressed in each of these action priority areas aim to eliminate disparities and achieve healthy outcomes and positive experiences for all pregnant persons. The strategic plan has been consolidated into five focus areas for year two:
1) Self-Advocacy/Respectful Care,
2) Maternal Cardiac,
3) Doulas/Care Access,
4) Maternal Mental Health,
5) Data.
The goal is to ensure equitable outcomes, accessible care, and thriving moms.
Task Force Members
Hannah Cooper
Miriam Goodfriend
Teresa Byrd
