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. Background: 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.
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:
1. Cardiac Conditions in Obstetric Care 2. Doulas & Care Access 3. Maternal Mental Health 4. Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) & Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Data 5. Advocacy & Respectful Care
The Maternal Health Task Force members meet quarterly to discuss strategies in these focus areas.
The Georgia Maternal Health Task Force (MHTF) has a 5-year Strategic Plan.
