A statewide collaborative of healthcare providers, public health leaders, researchers, philanthropy, and community-based organizations has launched the Maternal Health Vitality Think Tank to coordinate systems-level solutions for maternal health across Georgia. The initiative responds to Georgia's ranking among the bottom 10 states nationally in maternal mortality, addressing what organizers describe as the limitations of isolated programs and single-sector solutions.
Convened by the Georgia Health Initiative, the think tank aims to bridge gaps across partner organizations and sectors to strengthen Georgia's maternal health ecosystem. "The Maternal Health Vitality Think Tank isn't about creating yet another program—it's about connecting what already exists," said Kristy Klein Davis, President and CEO of the Georgia Health Initiative. "It creates the infrastructure to bring existing efforts together, helping us understand the full landscape, build on what's working, and collaborate more effectively to drive lasting, statewide impact."
The MHVTT focuses on three immediate priorities: coordinated trauma-informed care, workforce development, and aligned public and private financing for systems-level change. The think tank's newly launched website, MaternalVitalityGa.org, details these strategic aims and serves as a resource hub for research, strategy, and investment alignment. The emphasis on vitality rather than mortality metrics reflects a commitment to building a Georgia where families thrive rather than just survive pregnancy and childbirth.
"As a mother here in Georgia, I know firsthand the importance of having access to coordinated, culturally responsive maternal health support," said Alison Rodden, CEO and Chief Strategist at HCN Global, which provides strategic communications support for the initiative. HCN Global's work can be explored further at hcnglobal.com. The think tank partners include diverse organizations such as the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Emory University, the Georgia Hospital Association, and the Morehouse School of Medicine's Center for Maternal Health Equity.
This collaborative approach represents a significant shift in addressing maternal health challenges in Georgia. By uniting cross-sector expertise and focusing on systemic rather than programmatic solutions, the MHVTT aims to create sustainable improvements in maternal health outcomes. The initiative's success could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar maternal health disparities, potentially influencing national approaches to reducing maternal mortality and improving pregnancy outcomes.
