Georgia Launches Think Tank to Combat Maternal Mortality Crisis

In response to Georgia's alarming maternal mortality rates, which rank among the worst in the nation, a powerful coalition of healthcare providers, public health leaders, researchers, philanthropists, and community organizations has launched the Maternal Health Vitality Think Tank (MHVTT). Convened by the Georgia Health Initiative, this groundbreaking collaborative aims to move beyond isolated programs and create coordinated, systems-level solutions to advance maternal vitality across the state. The initiative unites a diverse array of key players, including the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Emory University, the Georgia Hospital Association, and the Morehouse School of Medicine's Center for Maternal Health Equity, among many others. Their shared vision is a Georgia where every family can experience healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, and dignified recovery, shifting the focus from merely preventing death to ensuring families truly thrive.

As emphasized by Kristy Klein Davis of the Georgia Health Initiative, the MHVTT is not about creating another standalone program but about building the essential infrastructure to connect existing efforts. The think tank will serve as a strategic hub to understand the full landscape of maternal health in Georgia, identify what's working, and foster more effective collaboration for lasting, statewide impact. Alison Rodden of HCN Global, the multicultural social impact firm providing strategic communications support, highlighted the importance of elevating diverse community perspectives to drive real systems change. The MHVTT has launched its central online resource at MaternalVitalityGa.org, which will house research, strategy, and information on aligned investments, making it a vital action hub for the state.

The MHVTT's strategy is centered on three immediate and interconnected priorities: establishing coordinated, trauma-informed care pathways; developing a robust and culturally competent maternal health workforce; and aligning public and private financing to support these systems-level changes. By focusing on these core areas, the think tank seeks to bridge critical gaps across organizations and sectors, thereby strengthening Georgia's entire maternal health ecosystem. This collaborative effort, grounded in the principle of being 'stronger together,' represents a significant and hopeful step toward transforming outcomes for mothers and families across Georgia, leveraging the collective expertise and passion of its numerous partners to ensure every mother and baby in the state can not just survive, but thrive.