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:

47%

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

Data attribution:

46%

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

Data attribution:

10.7%

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

Data attribution:

21%

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

Data attribution:

50%

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

Data attribution:

6.8

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

Data attribution:

29%

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

Data attribution:

OUR RESPONSE

Connecting cross-sector leaders committed to bettering maternal and infant health, together.

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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.

rural healthcare
access

Closing gaps in care for rural communities, ensuring every mother and baby has access to essential services.

public policy
optimization

Driving smarter public policy to sustain improvements in maternal and infant health statewide.