Working together for healthy starts

the challenge

NC's maternal mortality rate is  78% higher than the national goal.

NC’s rate of 26.7 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (March of Dimes NC data for 2018-2022) is 78% higher than the Healthy People benchmark of <15.
13.4%

of women lack a birthing hospital within 30 minutes. Distance puts mothers and babies at risk.

Data attribution: 
March of Dimes
21%

of NC counties are maternity care deserts. Thousands of families lack access to maternity care.

Data attribution: 
March of Dimes
29%

lower preterm birth risk with doula support. Doulas help more babies make it to full term.

Data attribution: 
Falconi et al.
46%

more likely to attend postpartum visits with a doula. Postpartum care saves lives.

Data attribution: 
Falconi et al.
50%

of NC births are covered by Medicaid. Policy decisions directly shape maternal health outcomes.

Data attribution: 
NCIOM
6.8

infant deaths per 1,000 live births. Too many babies don’t make it to their first birthday.

Data attribution: 
March of Dimes
10.7%

of North Carolina births are premature (a D+ grade). Too many babies are starting life in the NICU.

Data attribution: 
March of Dimes
47%

lower Cesarean risk with doula care. Doulas support healthier, safer births.

Data attribution: 
Falconi et al.
OUR RESPONSE
Connecting cross-sector leaders committed to bettering maternal and infant health, together.
steering comm
Group 33.jpgBlack.jpg
Group 16.jpgCampbell.jpg
IMC.jpgMaynard.jpg
Group 36.jpgMims.jpg
Group 43.jpgWhiteside.jpg
Group 38.jpgVan Stekelenburg.jpg
501.jpgPowell.jpg
rti.jpgGabel.jpg
Group 44.jpgDail.jpg
Group 46.jpgKennedy.jpg
sas.jpgHardin.jpg
ncha.jpgEdmonson.jpg
Group 45.jpgJaimes-Colina.jpg
PQCNC.jpgMcCaffrey.jpg
OUR APPROACH
Our three focus areas for lasting change
MATERNAL HEALTH WORKFORCE
Expanding and supporting NC’s maternal health workforce to deliver high-quality care where families need it most.
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rural healthcare
access
Closing gaps in care for rural communities, ensuring every mother and baby has access to essential services.
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public policy
optimization
Driving smarter public policy to sustain improvements in maternal and infant health statewide.
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