The purpose of this program is to reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity by supporting programming that improves maternal health and addresses maternal health disparities through quality services, a skilled workforce, enhanced data quality and capacity, and innovative programming. Health status and care received by individuals before, during, and after a pregnancy are strong contributing factors to maternal mortality and morbidity. In addition to there being room for improvement in maternal health outcomes overall in Wisconsin, there are stark maternal mortality and morbidity inequities that need to be addressed. Although the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and its partners have started to address these inequities, the State Maternal Health Innovation (MHI) Program provides an opportunity to convene diverse partners to move maternal health forward in the state. The MHI Program serves as a catalyst to accelerate improvement, address inequities, and identify medical and non-medical causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. The goals of the MHI Program are: Establish a state-focused Maternal Health Task Force to create and implement a strategic plan that incorporates activities outlined in the state’s most recent State Title V Needs Assessment. Improve state-level maternal health data and surveillance. Promote and execute innovation in maternal health service delivery through addressing critical gaps in direct clinical care, workforce, maternal health data, and partnership and community engagement.
