New Virginia Department of Health website centralizes maternal health resources

RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) - The Southwestern Health Region has announced a new Maternal Health website that provides resources and information for mothers, families, providers and organizations. 

According to officials, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) created the comprehensive site in compliance with Executive Directive 11. The project is part of a statewide effort to improve maternal health, and the centralized hub combines maternal health resources from across state agencies and maternal health partners.

"This enhanced website, informed by mothers, doctors, doulas, midwives, and others in our community and around the Commonwealth who serve pregnant women, mothers, and families, provides important information about the state of maternal health in Virginia," said Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH, the regional director for Southwestern Health Region. "We hope to empower our mothers and families with resources and information to assist them with healthy birth outcomes." 

Officials say the new Maternal Health website includes resources for:

• Community Organizations
• Pregnant and Postpartum Women
• Families and Partners
• Healthcare Providers

According to VDH, from 2019 to 2023, there were 26 maternal deaths and 62,022 live births among residents of the Southwestern Health Region. Resulting in a maternal mortality rate of 41.9 per 100,000 live births, compared to a state average of 34.5 during this time period. Preliminary numbers for 2024 show 15 maternal deaths in Virginia due to natural causes, a decrease since the peak in 2021.

VDH officials say some areas are more impacted by poor maternal health outcomes, such as rural and underserved communities. Maternal Mortality data rates for Black and Hispanic women are more than double those of non-Hispanic White women. According to officials, statistics show unequal access to critical care and support before, during, and after pregnancy has created poorer outcomes.

"More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. In Virginia, we have the expertise, resources, and tools to support women as they navigate the experiences of pregnancy," said Office of Family Health Services Director Vanessa Walker Harris, MD. "The VDH Maternal Health website can change families' lives by making information and help readily available."

VDH says some of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths involve cardiac conditions, mental health challenges, and substance abuse, and many of the deaths are medically preventable. The Maternal Health website addresses some barriers and provides resources that support quality health care and wraparound supports for women.

For more information on maternal health resources, contact your local health department.