The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has been awarded a federal grant totaling $1.475 million aimed at reducing maternal mortality in the state. This funding, which amounts to $295,000 annually over five years, will support the efforts of the DOH and the Hawaiʻi Maternal Mortality Review Committee (HMMRC). The committee is responsible for identifying and reviewing pregnancy-related deaths and exploring prevention opportunities.
Statistics from Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) across the United States show that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths can be prevented. In Hawaiʻi alone, approximately 10 to 12 women die each year due to pregnancy or related complications.
Sunny Chen, executive director of Hawaiʻi Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and a member of HMMRC, emphasized the importance of the committee's work: “The HMMRC is essential to safeguarding the health and well-being of pregnant individuals, mothers and babies across our islands.” She highlighted unique challenges faced by Hawaiʻi, including geographic isolation and historical impacts like colonialism as well as ongoing health equity issues.
Established by the state Legislature in 2016, HMMRC aims to identify root causes of pregnancy-associated deaths and pinpoint intervention opportunities. The committee places significant emphasis on social determinants of health such as access disparities; specific needs within Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations; and complications arising from substance use disorder, mental health issues, and adverse childhood events.
Efforts targeting NHPI communities are crucial for improving perinatal care in Hawaiʻi. These initiatives include supporting behavioral health services to prevent maternal deaths related to mood disorders or substance use; providing mobile clinics for underinsured individuals with limited prenatal care access; and launching social media campaigns to raise awareness about pregnancy-related complications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funds MMRCs in 46 states along with six U.S. territories or freely associated states.
Further information about MCHB can be found at their website. Additional resources for healthcare providers are available on the Maternal Warning Signs & Symptoms webpage.