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 and advance maternal vitality across Georgia. Georgia ranks among the bottom 10 states nationally in maternal mortality, and while the state has taken significant steps toward progress, ongoing reliance on isolated programs or single-sector solutions continues to hinder improved outcomes.
The think tank, convened by Georgia Health Initiative, is designed 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 unites cross-sector leaders with a shared vision of a Georgia where every family can experience maternal vitality through healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, and dignified recovery. A focus on vitality, rather than death or near misses, conveys a commitment to building a Georgia where families thrive, not just survive. "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.
The think tank focuses on three immediate priorities: coordinated, trauma-informed care; workforce development; and aligned public and private financing for systems-level change. The MHVTT's newly launched website, MaternalVitalityGa.org, details what each of these strategic aims entails and how they work in complement with one another. The website serves as a strategic action hub housing sound research, coordinated strategy, and aligned investments for the state.
Partners in the initiative include numerous organizations working across the maternal health landscape, including the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Atlanta Birth Center, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Georgia, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Center for Black Women's Wellness, Emory University, and Morehouse School of Medicine – Center for Maternal Health Equity. United by the notion of stronger together, the MHVTT partners aim to coordinate cross-sector expertise, approaches, and passion for maternal vitality in Georgia. This initiative matters because it represents a fundamental shift from fragmented, single-sector approaches to a coordinated, systems-level strategy for addressing Georgia's maternal health crisis. By focusing on vitality rather than just mortality, the think tank emphasizes positive outcomes and thriving families, which could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges. The collaboration across healthcare, research, philanthropy, and community organizations creates a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple facets of maternal health, from clinical care to social determinants. The emphasis on trauma-informed care and culturally responsive support acknowledges the systemic inequities that contribute to poor maternal outcomes, particularly among marginalized communities. The workforce development component addresses critical shortages in maternal healthcare providers, while the financing strategy aims to create sustainable funding mechanisms for long-term change. This coordinated effort has the potential to significantly reduce maternal mortality and improve health equity across Georgia by leveraging existing resources and expertise through a unified framework.
